This Coastal California City Makes A Great ‘Coolcation'
We're officially at the point in summer when, across much of the United States, heat waves seem to be rolling in one after another. But for those seeking a reprieve from the triple-digit temps, a 'coolcation' is calling. Less about soaking up the summer sun, this breezy travel trend is all about cooling down mid-summer in a destination where temps hover around a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit (or even a bit more chilly, should you prefer).
The cold, nutrient-filled waters of the Pacific Ocean wash against the rocky coastline of Monterey, California. This scenic area of the west coast is home to extensive kelp forests. getty
While Americans can find a number of spots across Europe to chill out, there's also a region close to home that's perfect for a coolcation: Monterey, California. Located on California's central coast along the Monterey Bay, the cool coastal temps prevail through August. In the summer months, temperatures are in the mid-to-high 60s along the coast and warm up by 10 degrees or so when you go inland.
Here's your guide to the ultimate coolcation in Monterey, with the top things to do, plus where to stay, and where to eat and drink.
From scenic drives and hikes that show off coastal views to witnessing California's marine life with binoculars in hand, visitors will find plenty of things to do in Monterey, California.
Sea Otters floating in the water near Point Lobos Natural Reserve. getty
Pack your hiking boots and hit the coastal trails weaving through Point Lobos Natural Reserve, which is known as the 'crown jewel' of California's park system and has been a favorite of famous photographers including Ansel Adams. Trails trace shorelines, revealing beautiful and craggy coves and harbor seals sunbathing on rocks. Monterey Cypress trees and fields of wildflowers add to the beauty.
Pro tip: Dodge some of the crowds by arriving early in the morning and visiting on a weekday. Whale Watching in Monterey Bay
A humpback whale dives in Monterey Bay. getty
Monterey Bay is a top spot for whale watching, thanks to a 6,000-foot-deep submarine canyon just offshore, which is comparable in size to the Grand Canyon. This underwater canyon creates nutrient-rich cold-water upwellings that attract a wide variety of whales and seabirds, according to Monterey Bay Whale Watch, which offers a range of whale watching tours.
Summer is a great time for whale watching in Monterey, when visitors have a chance to spot blue whales in Monterey Bay from July through October. See killer whales in Monterey Bay from late August throughout October and and again in mid-April to mid-May. Humpback whale sightings are possible year-round, with peaks in mid-March to November.
Pro tips: Make reservations for tours in advance as they can book up quickly, especially during peak whale watching seasons. Take your sea sickness medication an hour prior to your journey so it's kicked in by the time you're out on the water. Dress in layers because the temperatures will drop when you venture out on the water. Drive Highway 1
Bixby Bridge along Highway One. getty
Use Monterey as your jumping off point for famously scenic drives, including the 17-mile Pebble Beach Drive that shows off forests, beaches, and famous golf courses. Or, pack and picnic and wind up Highway One to Big Sur, a cinematic drive with scenic stops like Garrapata State Park, where you can stretch your legs on coastal hiking trails and take in views of towering redwoods, and a stop to see the Bixby Bridge, the world's tallest single-span bridge that's prominently featured in the scenic opening of Big Little Lies . It's about a 30-mile drive between Monterey and Big Sur, but plan for plenty of stops (and some potential traffic). Relax at Refuge Carmel
Thanks to Monterey's cool temperatures and coastal fog, you might find yourself needing to warm up a bit during your coolcation. Just a short drive away in Carmel, Refuge Carmel offers a serene wellness retreat perfect for relaxing and recharging. Reserve a spot at the spa and enjoy amenities like a Himalayan salt wall sauna, eucalyptus steam rooms, hot pools with cascading waterfalls, and invigorating Nordic cold plunges. Refuge is designed for R&R, and, as such, phones are not allowed, and the resort maintains a silent atmosphere. Take in stunning views of the Santa Lucia Mountains as you unwind and enhance your visit with a facial or massage. Kayak in Monterey Bay
Kayaking in Monterey Bay, near Lover's Point getty
Paddle out on a guided kayak tour with Adventures By The Sea, or rent a kayak from the local outfitter and explore on your own. Kayakers get a shot at seeing sea lions, harbor seals, and California sea otters, which, once on the brink of extinction, are now thriving. See a Top Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row. getty
Cannery Row is a must-visit while in town and, along with seafood spots with live music and souvenir shops, the district is home to Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is one of the top aquariums in the United States.
Sync up your visit with the sea otter feedings, see jellyfish rhythmically pulse through the water, and witness bioluminescence displays, learning how animals make their own light.
The aquarium's outdoor deck is the perfect observation point for watching Monterey Bay's wildlife, from sea otters to humpback whales on the horizon. Where to Stay in Monterey, California
The lobby at Monterey Beach Hotel, a popular spot for watching the fog roll in in the morning and sunsets in the evening. Monterey Beach Hotel
For an enviable soundscape, check into the Monterey Beach Hotel and request a premium oceanview suite, letting the crescendo of waves crashing right outside of your door lull you to sleep. Rooms in this category are located on higher floors to improve your ocean views, which are framed by your windows. The rooms come with binoculars to encourage you to cozy up and survey the Pacific for whales, dolphins, songbirds and more.
Originally built in 1967 during the 'Summer of Love,' the Highway 1 hotel stakes its claim as the only beachfront hotel on the Monterey Peninsula. After a dramatic restoration, the 188-room hotel reopened in summer 2024 under its original name and as a part of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio.
Ocean view rooms are perched right above the waves. Monterey Beach Hotel
It's positioned just 600 linear feet from the shoreline, and the hotel proudly arranges around those views, including the lobby which becomes a convivial spot in the late afternoon when guests can pour themselves glasses of local wines and position their armchairs to the ocean to take in the views. Keep the night going by gathering around the bonfire after the sun sets or heading up to the Lantern Room, where mermaid statuettes are perched on the fireplace mantle and you can order a belly-warming bowl of Monterey Bay Black Cod Cioppino (a seafood stew) with grilled bread.
Other amenities include a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, complimentary e-bikes to take out along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, a fitness center and a grab-and-go market that's stocked with snacks and gifts from local purveyors and makers. Where to Eat and Drink in Monterey, California
The dining scene in the Monterey area ranges from Cannery Row restaurants bidding for the best bowl of clam chowder to award-winning restaurants in the county, like Aubergine in Carmel-by-the-Sea, which has earned two Michelin stars for its contemporary California tasting menus.
Start the day out right at Alta Bakery with fresh-baked pastries or something savory like a goat cheese fritta, paired with the latte of the month (think: chamomile and caramelized honey).
For a casual lunch, grab a slice or calzone at Gianni's Pizza, a nostalgic pizza shop with family recipes from Sicily.
Get a taste of the local beer scene at Alvarado Street Brewery, which has a brewpub in Monterey where you can sample West Coast IPAs, fruited sours and more.
If you're feeling snacky, grab a charcuterie board loaded with local meats and cheeses and enjoy the breeze coming off the water at Tidewater, a beachfront courtyard at Monterey Beach Hotel, a great spot for sunset viewing.
For a special dinner, sustainable seafood is on the menu at Passionfish, with dishes like scallops in a tomato-truffle butter and Alaskan halibut served with elote corn, ricotta, cilantro aioli, cherry tomatoes and a citrus vinaigrette.
When it comes time for a cocktail, head to Pearl, a bar serving classic and inventive cocktails and inspired by John Steinbeck's Cannery Row: 'It is the hour of pearl—the interval between day and night when time stops and examines itself.'
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