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InterContinental The Clement Monterey Perfect Days in Monterey
Itineraries prepared by InterContinental The Clement Monterey.
From family adventures to quiet coastal escapes, our curated itineraries capture the essence of Monterey. Every journey reveals a new way to savor the beauty and wonder of the sea.
Perfect Day for Culture Seekers
Morning | Antiquity and Education
- Breakfast at The Old Monterey Café
The oldest breakfast spot in town, serving breakfast and brunch since 1985. - Visit the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Opened in 1883 during the first wave of natural history museums in America.
Afternoon | History and Discovery
- Explore Cannery Row
Once a bustling sardine-canning center, now a vibrant shopping and dining district. - See Doc Rickett’s Lab and historic fish hoppers
A glimpse into the rich history that shaped Cannery Row. - Walk to Monterey State Historic Park
Discover historic adobes and buildings that provide insight into the city’s past.
Evening | Celebration and Serenity
- Stroll Old Fisherman’s Wharf
Experience Monterey’s fishing heritage and enjoy fresh seafood at Old Fisherman’s Grotto. - Admire the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
A remarkably productive marine environment with kelp forests, rocky shores, sandy beaches, tranquil estuaries, and deep-sea canyons.
Perfect Day for Families
Morning | Family Adventures Begin
- Breakfast at The C Restaurant and Bar
Inviting ambiance, stunning coastal views, and one of the best kids’ menus around. - Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
A unique oceanfront location with timeless galleries that bring the wonders of the ocean to life for all ages. - Visiting November-February? Check out the Monarch Grove Sanctuary in "Butterfly Town, U.S.A." as the monarch butterflies wait out the winter season in Pacific Grove.
Afternoon | Leisure and Learning
- Whale Watching with Discovery Whale Watch
Learn about marine life from expert tour guides during an unforgettable ocean adventure. - Play at Dennis the Menace Park
Designed by the creator of the Dennis the Menace comic, this expansive park features:- Play structures and a maze
- Baseball field and skate park
- Rock-climbing wall
- A lake for pedal boating
Evening | Culture and Connection
- Dinner at Gianni’s Pizza
A lively, family-owned pizzeria offering Italian favorites, homemade sausage, and delicious gelato. - Fun at Oscar’s Playground
Where nostalgia meets modern fun—arcade classics and mind-bending escape rooms for the whole family.
Perfect Day for Foodies
Morning | Artisanal Starts and Cultural Bites
- Breakfast at Paris Bakery Café
Enjoy delicious coffee and exquisite pastries to start your day. - Scenic Drive Through Big Sur
Take in the dramatic coastal landscapes along one of the world’s most iconic routes. - Hike Point Lobos State Reserve
Explore stunning trails and soak in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean coast.
Afternoon | Relaxation and Elegant Strolls
- Leisurely Walk at Monterey Museum of Art
Cultivate curiosity in the visual arts through California’s past, present, and future. - Sunset Catamaran Cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf
Blend relaxation and adventure with breathtaking views of Monterey Bay, plus a complimentary beverage.
Evening | Bold Dining and Sweet Finishes
- Wine Experience at Folktale Winery
Discover Carmel Valley’s great wines in an idyllic setting surrounded by natural beauty. - Dinner at Chez Noir
Indulge in a modern, seafood-centric Michelin One Star menu showcasing pristine local ingredients.
Perfect for Literary Enthusiasts and Lovers of Film
Monterey can be referred to as a destination shaped by epic storytelling. This route covers the walkable film & literary stops from the InterContinental The Clement Monterey
Walking Distance: 3 miles (without optional stops)
Duration: 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace
Google Maps Walking Route >
Starting Point
- Cannery Row
Step directly into the world of John Steinbeck, whose novels Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday immortalized this waterfront. The area later became the backdrop for the film Cannery Row (1982) and other classics like Clash by Night (1952). - Monterey Bay Aquarium
Walk a few minutes along Cannery Row to the Aquarium, built on the site of former sardine canneries Steinbeck once described in Cannery Row and The Log from the Sea of Cortez. On screen, the aquarium played a starring role in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, where it doubled as a futuristic marine research facility blending science fiction with Monterey’s real marine legacy. - Doc Rickett’s Pacific Biological Laboratories
Near the Aquarium site, this former lab was home to Ed Ricketts, Steinbeck’s close friend and collaborator. Their work together inspired Sea of Cortez and deeply shaped Steinbeck’s philosophy and characters. - San Carlos Beach & Breakwater
Near the Aquarium site, this former lab was home to Ed Ricketts, Steinbeck’s close friend and collaborator. Their work together inspired Sea of Cortez and deeply shaped Steinbeck’s philosophy and characters. - Old Fisherman’s Wharf
End your walk at Old Fisherman’s Wharf, a lively contrast to Steinbeck’s sardine-era Monterey but still steeped in maritime tradition. The wharf and surrounding harbor frequently appear in coastal productions and reflect the working-waterfront culture that shaped Steinbeck’s worldview in Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday.
Short Drive Add-Ons
- Pacific Grove
Often used as a stand-in for Monterey neighborhoods in Big Little Lies, Pacific Grove also connects to Steinbeck’s quieter reflections on coastal towns and everyday lives in his essays and letters. - 17-Mile Drive (Pebble Beach)
A visually iconic route featured in Vertigo (1958) and other classic films. The dramatic cliffs and lone cypress trees evoke the same sense of awe and existential beauty found in Steinbeck’s travel writing and environmental observations. - Carmel-by-the-Sea
A longtime artists’ and writers’ colony, Carmel influenced generations of authors and filmmakers. Nearby beaches and forests echo themes found in Steinbeck’s later works and have inspired modern Disney and prestige-TV productions alike. - Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
A cornerstone of Steinbeck’s literary universe, especially in The Log from the Sea of Cortez. Its raw beauty has also made it a favorite filming location.