We'll be staying in Monterey later this week for 2 nights- am looking for suggestions on activities and fun places to eat in both Monterey and Carmel. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas all welcomed!)

We've been before, will probably revisit the usual places, but would like to experience some new adventures too. Thanks!

just thought I'd try again...

There is so much information on this board for these towns that you can just do a search and be on overload for a year.

Point Lobos State Reserve is just a tad south of Carmel and is not to be missed if you haven't ever been there. The weather has been great but I don't know what the forecast is. You can hike and also sit on the beach here. Very very lovely and interesting.

Peppers is a fun Mexican restaurant in Pacific Grove.

Take a long walk on Carmel Beach.

Have a grand time!

thanks, cabovacation. I actually had tried searching but it mostly seemed to be car trips down the whole coast, and I didn't see too many details just for Monterey. Well, except for the question about visiting the aquarium that had over 50 replies! Well anyway...

we'll definitely be strolling on the beach in Carmel!

I can't sleep!

What kinds of restaurants? The Steinbeck Museum is nearby. Why don't you all read a Steinbeck novel - some are very very short, you know - before you come? Very evocative of the area history and geography.

Katy's is very popular in Carmel for breakfast. Do a search for carmel dinner and breakfast.

I often just take a drive up into Carmel Valley. There are a few restaurants up there, as well as resorts and wineries.

Yes! You could do a little winery tour of the area.

Have you driven to Big Sur?

Ventana?

I'm sure you will get some great ideas and better details tomorrow

The Village Inn, Carmel is one of my favorite breakfast places. Excellent quality with indoor/outdoor seating.

The aquarium should be on your to do list. Driving 17 mile drive is always spectacular.

Il Tuto Mundo is a good Italian restaurant in Carmel.

I would go for one of the waterfront restaurants in Monterey, even if you opt for a chain restaurant. Beautiful view.

Have dinner at the Mission Ranch (Clint Eastwood's) in Carmel, then hang around for the entertainment in the piano bar . Or better yet, eat in the bar so you'll have a good seat. It was so much fun!

Have lunch at Pebble Beach overlooking #18 and Stillwater Cove, then stoll through The Shops of Pebble Beach.

Lunch or Dinner at Casanova's...again in Carmel.

Eat at Christopher's in Carmel, too.

Try the Tuck Box in Carmel for a terrific English-style tea.
Definitely go to the Monterey Aquarium.

Visit Tor House in Carmel. Previous home of poet Robinson Jeffers. The tour was fascinating and the view incredible.

Some things I recommend...

Breakfast at Katy's in Carmel, as recommended above (take cash).

Breakfast or dinner at Deetjen's Big Sur Inn. If you haven't been to Big Sur yet, you should definitely consider making this beautiful drive.

A stop at Nepenthe and their Phoenix gift shop - ethnic, handmade, and unusual gifts (different from other shops around California).

A tour of the Point Sur Light Station - I am not positive they are open this time of year, but it should be easy to find info by googling.

Sea kayaking in the Monterey Bay. We did this a couple of times and saw lots of wildlife, the most amzing of which were the Rizzo's Dolphins, which were huge and they surrounded our kayaks (without causing us any trouble). If you are in reasonably good shape, this is an easy activity and you can go with or without a guide.

Have fun!