Besides the scenery, what are your suggestions for 2 adults for a one day trip from San
Francisco to Monterey and Carmel? I know Monetery has an aquarium. which place
should one spend the most time. I'm assuming it will take about 2 hrs. to drive there?

Thanks

Hi verareding,

I used to live in both Monterey and Carmel (am now in Menlo Park, between San Jose and San Francisco), it will take longer than 2 hours to drive there. Do yourself a favor and plan on spending more time in the area, it's one of the prettiest places in the world, with lots to see and do. The Aquarium is AMAZING, and you can easily spend a half day just touring that. Which place should you spend the most time - just depends on what you want to do, but they're right next to each other, so that's easy. Also, another charming town you might want to see is Pacific Grove - beautiful drive along the coast from Monterey into P.G. (as the locals call it).

Hope this is helpful!

Melodie

Take your time driving along the coast... It has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world... make Carmel a lunch stop and wander the village for its charm, shops and galleries and make a stop at the Monterey Pier to wander through the shops there... you can spend the late afternoon at the aquarium and grab a bite either on the pier or on the way back... chowder bread bowls and caramel corn... yum!

It really won't take much longer than 2 hours -- maybe 2-1/2 depending on the day and time of day you go. I live a little closer to San Francisco than wlz and it takes us about 1-1/4 hours.

The Aquarium is great, however, since you are two adults seeing it without children, you CAN see it in as little as a couple of hours.

I'd drive down early and spend a few hours at the Aquarium, then drive through Pacific Grove (which is adjacent to Monterey - in fact, the Aquarium is actually IN Pacific Grove, at least in part), maybe have lunch and a walk on the beach there, then go to Carmel to walk up and down the main street and drive around some of the rest of the very charming town. If you don't mind driving back to SF when it's dark, stay in Carmel or PG for dinner.

We went on a guided kayak trip of Monterey Bay that we enjoyed - got to see otters and sealions close up and personal

Point Lobos State Reserve just south of Carmel is gorgeous. (I know you said besides the scenery, but hey...).

It is a faster drive for us locals as we know where we are going and are not admiring the scenery--for example it took me 1:45 to drive from Scenic Drive in Carmel to SFO yesterday. So a 2 to 2 1/2 hour estimate is not off the mark. If it is your intention to visit Monterey/Carmel, sf7307 recommendations are very good. With only a day trip I would not take my time meandering down the coast and would follow those suggestions.

There are enough great things to do in that area to fill 2-3 days. However, if your trip must be as short as you indicated, then my top 3 not to be missed are:

Walking the trails in Point Lobos State Reserve

The aquarium

Wandering through the shops and galleries in Carmel Village.

All suggestions for things to do are good. I'd just add that we always include a walk on the path from the aquarium to Lover's Point and beyond. It's a great trail along the Monterey Bay for walking or bike riding and viewing sea otters and seals, birds and other wildlife.

Kayaking in Monterey is lots of fun, you can rent with Adventures by the Sea in Cannery Row. 17 Mile Drive is very pretty, if you spend $25 at Roy's they will re-imburse you entrance fee to the drive. Great sushi at Roys! ***kim***

In warm weather, biking along the bike path from Monterey down past Pacific Grove or up to Seaside -- with stops to see the harbor seals and other wildlife -- great fun!

http://www.mtycounty.com/pgs-parks/bike-path.html

I have yet to try the kayaking, but plan to, as friends have said how great it is in the Monterey bay.

In Carmel, window shopping and walking down to the beach is wonderful, but also consider the Carmel Mission San Carlos -- pretty cool to tour.

Take the time to drive 17 mile drive between Monterey and Carmel. One of the most beautiful spots in North America. Take your time and visit several of the overlooks.

If you can dedicate more than a day trip, it's worth it.

One day in Monterey....

I would:

-have breakfast at the Gallery in the Pebble Beach Lodge
-do the 17 mile drive. stop at one of the beaches for awhile
-end up in Carmel
-wander around the village/art gallery area there, have lunch
-next: Monterey aquarium, enjoy that
-elnap29's suggestion -- do the Lover's Point walk after walking through Cannery Row following the aquarium

would be a very enjoyable day!