Pebble Beach and Menterey- Travel fun

March 25, 2016 7:49 PM

I am working the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Shindig March 31-April 3. Looking for cool local fun.

I have some free time and haven't been in the area in 20 years. What should I do with my free time?
We are staying at the Marriott in Monterey, my co-worker has a car, and we will hang out together.
I have Friday off, fully. Saturday, we should be done by 4pm. Those are my two free days.
Top of my list is the Aquarium. GOING.
Second is Point Lobos. Never been and I want to go.

No idea what to eat, where to eat, what I'm missing or what else is out there.
I think I can expense a dinner either Friday or Saturday (like, a nice one) if there are total can't miss places.

My co-worker will have great ideas, but she's new to the area so I was hoping for a local to chime in.

Thanks in advance!

posted by metasav to Travel & Transportation around Monterey, CA (6 answers total)

Best answer: On your way down to Point Lobos, definitely stop by The Cheese Shop in Carmel for a picnic lunch. (You know to bring warm clothes because the fog and chill roll in like lightning, right?) My favorite restaurant is Passionfish in Pacific Grove, about three miles from the Marriott. Local seafood is a surprisingly hard thing to find in Monterey, and Passionfish has true catch-of-the-day specials that feature the best, as well as a stellar wine list. If you want something walking distance from the aquarium that's not the cafe, I like Vivolo’s Chowder House for chowder and beer.

The Monterey Wharf area is about the same as it was 20 years ago, very touristy, but a whale-watching tour on Princess Monterey is worth doing if there are whales to be seen (check recent sightings, the tours don't sell out).
posted by wnissen at 9:16 PM on March 25, 2016 [1 favorite]

Best answer: It's not exciting, but it's a trip back in time: the self-guided walking tour of "old" Monterey. The guiding is done by arrows in the sidewalk, but it's good to pick up a leaflet to know what's what. You can spend half an hour to do a part or several leisurely hours wandering round it all.
posted by anadem at 9:31 PM on March 25, 2016

Best answer: There is a fantastic Greek restaurant called Epsilon just off Alvarado St- you should be able to find it pretty easily. The zucchini croquettes are to die for.

If you like craft beer, I've heard good things about the Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill, although since I don't drink I can't give you any personal recommendations. Peter B's, near the wharf, is another good place for craft beer, and they have an adorable old-timey popcorn machine.

On weekends, there is a free shuttle that operates every 10-ish minutes between the Aquarium and downtown. I know you said you'll have a car, but it's super charming. The last shuttle is at 8, though, so caveat rider.
posted by Tamanna at 11:22 PM on March 25, 2016

Seconding eating at Passionfish - I still remember my meal there 5+ years ago!
posted by soleiluna at 10:13 AM on March 26, 2016 [1 favorite]

Thirding Passionfish - I had the best scallops of my life there two years ago.
posted by skycrashesdown at 10:39 AM on March 26, 2016 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Passionfish. Got it! Also, I love Greek food and old timey things and beer and public transit and whales.

I'm pretty excited about one day off, eh? I should get out more, Thanks y'all!
posted by metasav at 6:45 PM on March 29, 2016