🌟 Flights: Arrive/Depart from the Monterey Regional Airport. It is a small quaint airport, that is a quick 5 minute drive to hotels and restaurants. I found the prices to fly into MRY to be about the same as flying into Oakland or San Jose airport which is a long drive to get to Monterey. Airlines that fly to MRY include: American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Airlines and United. If you have time check out the café that overlooks the tarmac. The hassle free, non-crowded airport was a breeze to fly!

Monterey Plaza

🌟 Spa: The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa has a rooftop spa and gym. Purchase a spa treatment and plan to spend the day there so you can enjoy the facilities. One of the highlights is the outdoor co-ed Jacuzzi location. You can sit in the Jacuzzi and watch the ocean and enjoy hearing the waves crashing underneath. It is a very special experience that is not to be missed!

Carmel

🌟 Carmel by the Sea: Drive down Ocean Avenue until you reach the free parking lot at the bottom of the street next to the ocean. Park your car and enjoy the beautiful beach. Then take a walk up the street (good exercise!) to the beautiful charming town full of shops, restaurants and art galleries. Take time to wander into the stores as the shop owners have decorated the inside and outside with a special personal flair. Top off your day with lunch at the Tuck Box. A tiny cottage house that offers the most fabulous teas and scones, jams and clotted cream. There is a breakfast and lunch menu as well with plenty to choose from. Carmel by the Sea is very dog friendly so if you’re traveling with your pet, bring them along!

PB Lodge

🌟 Pebble Beach: You can enjoy an afternoon or early evening drink at the outdoor bar at the Pebble Beach Resorts Lodge overlooking the ocean and golf course. With outdoor fire pits and plenty of seating the views are breathtaking. This is indeed a five star resort and worth experiencing. Don’t forget to drive the famous 17 mile drive to observe nature at its finest. Yes it’s touristy but it’s worth it!

Post Ranch Inn

🌟 Big Sur: Whenever I am in Monterey, I always reserve a table at the Post Ranch Inn Sierra Mar restaurant and request a window seat. The restaurant design offers floor to ceiling views of Big Sur that almost seem to spectacular to be real. The restaurant is upscale chic and the food and service are always top notch. The drive to the restaurant from Monterey is a treat all on its own. Stopping to take in the views and embracing the moment just puts a cherry on top of this very special trip.

Hopefully next time you travel to Monterey Bay you will be able to use these 5 star tips to enhance your trip!

**I was not compensated in any way for this post. My opinions are completely my own based on my experiences which I paid entirely for myself.

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