Family Fun Itinerary
Every mom and dad wants to create an idyllic family vacation that the whole family will happily remember. But with the daily pressures of work, school and afterschool activities, it can be hard to find the time to plan an excursion everyone will love. This family itinerary is tailor-made for perfect family-bonding moments and adventures that will live forever in family lore.
Friday
6pm
You arrive at Monterey's InterContinental The Clement
on Cannery Row, a family-friendly hotel that's right in the center of this weekend's action. Once you've settled in, make sure to visit the staircase that goes from the lobby to the second floor; the light sculpture there is sure to charm both children and adults.
7pm
Head over to Old Monterey for dinner at Rosine’s Restaurant. Family-run and family-focused, Rosine’s ensures that children and adults can have a wonderful dining experience together.
Saturday
8:30am
Take a morning stroll down Cannery Row to Cafe La Strada, a perfect spot for morning pastries and coffee. Sit at an outside table with a view of both the bike path and the ocean, and divide your time between people watching and wildlife watching.
9:30am
Follow the Recreation Trail back the way you came, and it will bring you to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. You called ahead before you arrived, and arranged a 50-minute behind-the-scenes tour. Get a different perspective on the Aquarium's amazing exhibits, and learn all about the creatures that live there from the people who take care of them.
Noon
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a favorite among both children and adults, and is in a perfect location right in the middle of Cannery Row. Enjoy the seafood while you soak up the great ocean views.
1:30pm
After a morning of looking at the denizens of the ocean through glass, it's time to meet them on their own turf. Board Princess Monterey Whale Watching for a trip out to the open ocean to view orcas, dolphins, humpback whales and (depending on the season) blue or gray whales. Don't forget to read our whale watching guide before you depart for tips on what to wear and what to bring!
6pm
Carmel's The Forge in the Forest has history that can be seen in every corner. Children will love looking at the authentic forge from its previous incarnation as a blacksmith shop. Even the pickiest eater will find something to enjoy on The Forge in t wide-ranging menu.
Sunday
8:30am
A Pacific Grove family tradition, breakfast at Toasties Cafe is the perfect way to fuel up before hitting the Recreation Trail, located just a short walk away.
9:30am
Rent a surrey from Adventures by the Sea at Lovers Point, and pedal the coast as a team! Surreys are four-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicles that can carry up to six people. For a little less togetherness, you can each rent individual bikes and explore the Recreation Trail.
11:30am
Johnny Rockets on Cannery Row will transport your family to an all-American diner with a jukebox and even live song and dance numbers. Children will devour their fantastic burgers and milkshakes!
1:30pm
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! It's time to hop in a different four-wheeled vehicle — your car — for a ride out to Salinas Valley's Wild Things animal ranch before you head home. You won't just meet lions and tigers and bears but also elephants, kangaroos, porcupines and many more types of animals.
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