We decided to do a last minute roadtrip and spend a weekend in Monterey during my third trimester, just one last trip before baby arrives. What we really wanted to do was to go to Big Sur, which holds a special place in our hearts because that was the first road trip we ever took and pretty much the first test to our relationship because we needed to be able to spend the whole day together and have enough to talk about, and second, this was where he proposed. We wanted to go back to the place where he proposed, and also take Boudin to see. Since we were in Monterey, we decided to also check out Carmel.
hotel – Hilton Garden Inn
We had points in our Hilton Honors account, so we were able to stay at this hotel free of charge, less taxes and fees. We didn’t enjoy any of the hotel amenities, just needed a place to sleep and recharge.
Food + Drink
+ The Stationaery – discovered this highly rated brunch spot in downtown Carmel. We arrived pretty early and realized there was already a line. The wait was an hour, which was perfect, we would have been eating right at lunchtime. We had great outdoor seats, and it felt super cozy because it felt like dining in Europe where all the shops and restaurants are close by, with no cars.
+ Sur at the Barnyard – this restaurant was in the cutest looking outdoor mall, had a barn theme, hence the name. It was nice to walk through and look at all the stores.
+ Revival Ice Cream – the best ice cream in Monterey.
+ Alta Bakery & Cafe – got up early to grab pastries from this bakery before heading to Big Sur. There was a short line already out the door by the time I arrived, but luckily it moved fast. So much selection of pretty looking pastries.
+ Captain + Stoker – probably the hippest coffee shop in Monterey, very industrial vibes, dogs were allowed inside which was a +++. Drinks were strong and on point. Totally recommend.
+ Big Sur Taphouse – We initially wanted to go to our favorite restaurant, Nepenthe because of their half outdoor dining and beautiful views of the ocean, but it’s not dog friendly and there weren’t many options for dog friendly restaurants in Big Sur, but this taphouse was one of them. You order your food at the counter, and then there’s a great outdoor seating area just upstairs. Food was ok, lots of pub food options.
What We Did
+ Downtown Carmel-By-the-Sea – the cutest little downtown. so many mini shops, and mini malls to walk through. The neighborhood was super dog friendly, many people walking with their dogs.
+ Lovers Point Park & Beach – another dog friendly walk. Starts at the beginning where there’s large green grasses, great for picnicking, and if you walk towards the ocean, there are a bunch of large rocks you can climb on to get a good view of the water. then the trail goes along the coastline, super scenic.
+ Old Fisherman’s Wharf – kind of similar to any wharf you see in California, but this one was pretty small
+ Bixby Bridge – one of the first destinations you see when you head into Big Sur. We stopped to get photos in front of the bridge.
+ Paddington Cove – this was where the hubby proposed, and since we had more time, we did the whole hike. the trail starts along the highway cliff and you goes down towards the ocean. at the end of the trail, you will see a bunch of rocks that you can climb and get really close to the crashing waves
+ Garrapata State Beach – This was our last stop in Big Sur, we just did a mini trail that led out to the beach. The trail was well paved, and it was really beautiful because all the wildflowers had bloomed. As we got closer to the beach, we stopped at the sand cliffs because we didn’t want to go onto the actual beach and get dirty with sand. The sand cliffs served as a fun obstacle course for a dog.