Not sure who the warning is for - the OP's list consists of Carmel Highlands, Pajaro Dunes and possibly Seaside. Staying in Monterey is not in the mix.

travelgo7: Despite Stu's caution, Cannery Row is just about a 'must' because that is where the Aquarium is located.

I would never recommend any of the places the OP is considering.

My caution is about staying in Monterey. I would rather stay in Carmel and drive to the aquarium, than stay in Monterey so I am near the aquarium - but have to experience the tackiness of Cannery Row and the Wharf. Carmel is much more charming!!!

Stu Dudley

I like Pacific Grove better than any of the options already mentioned.

Yep - I can understand that.

Stu Dudley

They haven't given a budget or more specific time frame but I would definitely plug Pacific Grove into Expedia and look at places like Sunset Inn, Andril Cottages or even Asilomar.
I would not visit Monterey Bay during the Car Week/Concourse (9-18) so that may be why their choices are so limited. Rooms prices are going to be double their normal rate, or unavailable.

This is the firm we are renting from. The link shows their Pacific Grove rentals. They are a "local" Monterey firm.
https://www.montereyrentals.com/pacific-grove

You can search other areas in the Monterey Peninsula also.

Stu Dudley

If you click during the August Concourse dates, tis a whole nuther thing.

Pacific grove is lovely and in a perfect world - sure. But the # of short term rentals allowed in the city is quite limited and in August they are definitely at a premium - not just during the concourse.

The OP has found three properties that are available, that meet their needs, and are in totally reasonable areas so maybe help them decide which of those would be better for them . . .

If you stay at Pajaro Dunes, you may be able to go to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk on your free day.

My needs are 5 - location, location, location, charm/amenities, and price.

There 37 properties in Pacific Grove that are offered on the site I recommended. All are multi-bedrooms with kitchens. It is very easy to determine price & availability. I checked the first 10, and:
#1. Avail Aug 19 & on $500/night
#2. Avail Aug 11th & on $190/night
#3 Avail all of Aug except for 4 days $300/night
#4 Not avail
#5 Avail all of Aug $200/night
#6 too expensive > $500/night
#7 Avail all of Aug $200/night
#8 Avail most of August, too expensive
#9 off market
#10 Avail most of Aug Too expensive

There are 27 more. And this is just in Pacific Grove. Carmel has 13 listings. We're staying in the last one.

Stu Dudley

I think Carmel would be a snooze fest for OP’s children under 12.

Not Carmel Beach, the shops, and the beach walk. Definitely a snooze for the artist stuff. Don't know about the Carmel Mission.

I enjoyed Carmel & surrounds when I was under 12 (65 year ago) when I went there several times with my parents & sister. Took my driver (golf club) to a vacant tee at Pebble Beach Golf Club, and when nobody was around, I "teed off". Shanked it. Did that again 12 years later on my honeymoon.

Stu Dudley

Thanks for sharing the website where you book. I did check Pacific Grove for my dates (8/10-8/13) and unfortunately it came back as no availability. Maybe your openings you found required longer stays?

I also understand your point about your location preferences and your preference for Carmel. Is there a reason you wouldn’t recommend Carmel Highlands in particular?

Yep - longer stay required. This was the least expensive of the 3 that were available

https://www.montereyrentals.com/paci...loose_search=t

I like to stay close to the center of activities, so I can walk to dinner, walk to the beach, and walk to shops. Or take a short drive to them Of the 3 you found - Carmel Highlands would be only option.

Stu Dudley

Oops - just checked again - the Hipster Vibe is only for 2 people.

Stu Dudley

travelgo7: The three areas you are considering are all totally fine. Some people's preferences are not necessarily best for everyone. That's all I'll say . . .

Of the 3 locations I'd probably choose Carmel Highlands if you're planning to spend time in Big Sur. Your particular dates won't really be affected by Car Week as it's too early in the week. The only things going on are the Pre-Reunion races at the Laguna Seca track on Saturday and Sunday which is fairly low key. I was there both days last year and it was pretty quiet overall. On Monday the main event is the Porsche Monterey Classic at the dealer in Seaside. For that one Del Monte Ave will be closed and causes a traffic back up. I haven't attended since 2021 as it's gotten a bit too busy for me but it is free. Carmel is dead now on Tuesday since we no longer have Concours on the Avenue.

Excited that our trip to CA is coming up next week but had some last minute questions that I would love to get feedback on!

1) Any recommended SF restaurants that would make both parents and kids (9 & 12) happy? In particular, it will be our wedding anniversary while we are in SF so would love suggestions. Flexible on cuisine type. We are staying by the Embarcadero.

2) Is the drive from Monterey to Big Sur and beyond open? Had heard there was construction earlier this year

3) Yosemite lodging - I have reservations at Ahwahnee and Yosemite Valley lodge. Which one should I keep? Ahwahnee is double the price so not sure it is worth it (plus was notified that construction is going on). However - love historic hotels so torn.

4) Yosemite food - is it worth to do dinner at Ahwahnee? Any other food recommendations for Yosemite? I have low expectations

Thanks!

Just quick - Its way past my bedtime The Ahwahnee if it was just the two of you celebrating your anniversary - no question. But with kids, I actually think the Lodge is the better choice. (I've stayed a both -- the Ahwahnee twice, and Yosemite Valley Lodge at least 6 or 7 times.)

You can drive from Monterey/Carmel down into the northern half of Big Sur but the road is closed at Dolan Point so you cannot drive all the way through to the southern end. You'd have to retrace your drive back north to the Monterey Peninsula.

What kind of food for San Francisco? We really like Kokkari for greek which is close to the Embarcadaro but it s hard to get a reservation. Boulevard is decent but it's gotten expensive and maybe not quite as good as in the past. Perbaco for Italian is ok. Pabu is ok. Angler is ok.