Monterey has some of the most breathtaking views of the California coast. It’s a quick two hour drive from San Francisco which makes it a perfect weekend escape. With it’s beautiful beaches, charming shops and endless seafood options, there’s lots to do and see (and eat). Here is your weekend guide to Monterey, California (with dog-friendly travel tips!).

WHERE TO STAY:

There are a variety of amazing options to choose from along the Monterey coast. From beach front resorts to a luxe spa retreat, it all depends on what kind of weekend you are looking to have!

For a dog-friendly beach trip: My favorite place to stay when I want to spend most of my time at the beach with my dog is The Sanctuary Beach Resort. This beach-front resort is a 15 minute drive to downtown Monterey and 20 minutes to Carmel. All rooms have partial or full ocean views and there is a trail that takes you directly to the beach. Rooms start at $289/night + a $50 per pet/night pet fee. There are also a couple of pet friendly budget hotels right by if you are looking to stay in the area by the beach!

Cannery Row: Stay in the center of the historic Cannery Row where the Monterey Bay Aquarium, shops, dining and activities are all within walking distance. The Portola Hotel & Spa and Best Western Plus Victorian Inn are both pet friendly and ideally situated in Cannery Row.

For the luxe retreat: For a peaceful, luxury experience, stay at Carmel Valley Ranch (dog-friendly). The resort sits on 500 acres in Carmel Valley and there’s a spa, a golf course, 9 tennis courts, 2 outdoor saltwater pools, a gym and a business center.

What to do: My top picks for a weekend trip is to take a drive along the scenic 17-mile drive, ride along the coast to Lovers Point Beach, go whale watching boat tour (seasonal), visit the Bay Aquarium and do some shopping & dining in Cannery Row.

Where to eat: Stop by the Sardine Factory for fine dining, Old Monterey Cafe for a local cuisine, Cannery Row Brewing company for some craft brews, and the Monterey’s Fish House for highly-recommended local (and personal) favorite seafood restaurant.