As a native Californian, I have fond childhood memories of visiting Monterey Bay with my family. The sparkling navy blue ocean with waves rolling in, cold wind whipping through my hair, watching seals and otters, or following my dad along a well-manicured golf course–I love what Monterey Bay has to offer.
It was a dream come true to take my own children to this memorable place and at such a special time of year. Learn more about visiting Monterey Bay here, and keep reading to learn about our amazing trip to Monterey!
Monterey Tides
We stayed at the Monterey Tides hotel, which was on the beach right next to Monterey State Beach – Seaside Beach, where we enjoyed playing. The hotel had no shortage of ocean views and it was relaxing to listen to the waves crash as we fell asleep.
Ocean view from the Monterey Tides lobby
Walking to our room
Outside of our hotel room
Enjoying beautiful Monterey State Beach – Seaside Beach
Monterey Bay Aquarium
I’m not sure who enjoyed the Monterey Bay Aquarium the most, us parents or the kids! It was incredible! The moment we walked in there were exhibits all over the place. In fact, the most difficult decision was figuring out where to go first. Many of the exhibits are interactive–I got to pet a bat ray, and my oldest son held a hermit crab. Another exhibit the whole family enjoyed was a small hallway that imitated a tide with the water rolling over the glass around you. In spite of all the amazing things to look at and learn about, my absolute favorite was the Open Sea exhibit. It’s one million gallons of water with sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, tuna, and more. 
Little E in front of the Open Sea exhibit
The Kelp Forest exhibit
G watching the fish swim by
Cannery Row
After the Monterey Bay Aquarium closed, we spent some time in Cannery Row. We visited the Cannery Row Monument in Steinbeck Plaza and took a family picture in front of the beautiful ocean view. I absolutely love Dippin’ Dots, and when I saw that I could get it in Cannery Row, I just had to! Another delicious stop in Cannery Row is El Torito, I remember eating here with my family as a kid–sitting in a booth by the window, we watched seals and sea lions as we ate.
Vizcaino Waterfront Food + Drink
This restaurant is located on the top floor of the Monterey Tides hotel. It features a rustic look, fireplace, and has an upscale yet casual atmosphere. We had breakfast here one day and loved it. It was delicious and I’d definitely recommend it.
Dennis the Menace Park
We were so excited to go to the Dennis the Menace Park with the kids, but they fell asleep on the way over there so unfortunately they didn’t get to enjoy it, but I was able to get a couple pictures of this fun park.
If We Had More Time in Monterey
I love to plan family vacations and for our trip to Monterey, I had a long list of places I wanted to take the family and not enough time for it all. So, if we had more time in Monterey here are the places we would’ve gone:
- Big Sur
- Pebble Beach
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Lovers Point Park & Beach
- Point Pinos Lighthouse
- Asilomar State Beach
- San Carlos Beach
- Del Monte Beach
As you can see, we had an amazing trip to Monterey–it’s a great travel destination for your family this spring! Learn more about visiting Monterey here, and plan your family’s getaway to Monterey here. Have you ever been to Monterey? What’s your favorite place? If not, what places would you like to see on a Monterey getaway?
Xx, Emily
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Love seeing all of these beautiful pics from your trip! Brings back so many wonderful memories from when we lived in Northern CA.
Thanks Alicia! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, it’s always fun to reminisce on old memories!
What an awesome trip y’all went on!!! I love Cali and could totally move there! Those things look like fun things to do also!!
It looks like you had an amazing time! Your pictures are beautiful. I think I need to add Monterey Bay to my list!
We love going to Monterey!! We’ll have to check out the other places you’ve mentioned. Thanks!!
It looks so beautiful here! Perfect family getaway.
Such s cute getaway with your sweet family. Thanks for sharing!
Wow that looks magical- I need a family vacation so bad
What a beautiful place! Glad you enjoyed your family time!
So much fun! What a great weekend getaway!
I grew up in the Bay Area and this was one of our favorite places!! My hubby and I even had a “mini-moon” before our official honeymoon in Monterey!!
Omg how fun!!!!
That looks like such a fun trip!!
It looks so beautiful there! What a fun trip!
The ocean is the most amazing thing. I’d love to visit Monterey. Sounds like an amazing trip, especially that you were able to keep the kiddos entertained with you.
This looks like a beautiful place!
Monterey is one of my most favorite places- being born and raised in Central CA I went there all the time! I miss it now that I live on the East Coast, might just have to take a trip there this summer when I am back visiting!
I’m so confused because I swear I already commented on this post! LOL. Anyway, I’m so glad you guys had a nice trip, it all looked awesome! We love the Monterey Bay Aquarium, so fun!
I love Monterrey! I love the weather, the pace, and everything about it. We went last year and should probably go again soon.
It looks like s great trip! It’s not far for us, I’d really love to do a long weekend trip there!
I’ve never been to Monterey, but it looks beautiful and so much fun. My kids would love that Dennis the Menace park!
I hope you get a chance to go sometime, it’s incredible and beautiful!
My dad always told me how beautiful Monterey was .. but I never took the time to look at pictures! So beautiful! What an amazing trip!
This looks like an awesome trip- my daughter would love this
I have a trip planned for Monterey Bay in October. I am so excited to head to California in the Fall.
What a beautiful trip! Looks like the perfect place to take a family!