Monterey with Kids (2 Days)
2 days · Monterey
This 2-day Monterey itinerary is built from real, hand-verified listings — every restaurant, beach, trail, and view below has been checked and photographed by the MontereyBay.app team. Use it as a starting point for with kids travelers, then swap stops based on weather, season, and what's open. Use the Expedia search box to book a hotel near day one's starting point, and tap any listing on the itinerary to see its full page with hours, address, and parking notes.
Day 1 — Arrival & Iconic Sights
Morning. Start the day at **Monterey Bay Aquarium** — The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the world's finest aquariums, featuring over 35,000 animals across more than 200 exhibits. Visitors can marvel at the iconic. Arrive by 9–10am to beat parking pressure and catch the morning light along the coast.
Afternoon. Mid-day, head to **Monterey County Youth Museum** — Monterey County's hands-on children's museum (MY Museum) in downtown Monterey — eight interactive galleries spanning art, science, and imaginative play designed. Plan ~2 hours here.
Evening. End the day at **Old Fisherman's Grotto** — Old Fisherman's Grotto is a classic waterfront seafood restaurant situated on the historic Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. Known for its delicious clam chowd. Sunset on the bay is the local ritual — bring a layer.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium — The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the world's finest aquariums, featuring over 35,000 animals across more than 200 exhibits. Visitors can marvel at the iconic
- Monterey County Youth Museum — Monterey County's hands-on children's museum (MY Museum) in downtown Monterey — eight interactive galleries spanning art, science, and imaginative play designed
- Old Fisherman's Grotto — Old Fisherman's Grotto is a classic waterfront seafood restaurant situated on the historic Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. Known for its delicious clam chowd
Day 2 — Final Day & Last Stops
Morning. Start the day at **Monterey Bay Whale Watch** — Monterey Bay Whale Watch offers world-renowned whale watching excursions from Fisherman's Wharf, providing an exceptional opportunity to observe humpback, blue,. Arrive by 9–10am to beat parking pressure and catch the morning light along the coast.
Afternoon. Mid-day, head to **El Cantaro Mexican Restaurant** — El Cantaro Mexican Restaurant is a beloved vegan establishment on Cannery Row that specializes in authentic Jalisco-style cuisine. With an all plant-based menu . Plan ~2 hours here.
Evening. End the day at **Princess Monterey Whale Watching** — Princess Monterey Whale Watching offers comfortable cruises designed for family enjoyment, featuring stable and spacious vessels that allow guests to explore th. Sunset on the bay is the local ritual — bring a layer.
- Monterey Bay Whale Watch — Monterey Bay Whale Watch offers world-renowned whale watching excursions from Fisherman's Wharf, providing an exceptional opportunity to observe humpback, blue,
- El Cantaro Mexican Restaurant — El Cantaro Mexican Restaurant is a beloved vegan establishment on Cannery Row that specializes in authentic Jalisco-style cuisine. With an all plant-based menu
- Princess Monterey Whale Watching — Princess Monterey Whale Watching offers comfortable cruises designed for family enjoyment, featuring stable and spacious vessels that allow guests to explore th
What it costs
Rough per-person budget for 2 days in Monterey: • Lodging: $180–$450 per night (Big Sur and Carmel run high; book early) • Food: $60–$90/day for casual meals + one nicer dinner • Activities: free coastal stops; $40–$120 if you add the Aquarium or a tour • Parking: free at most beaches; $10–$15 at metered downtown lots Use the Expedia search above to compare hotels right now.
FAQ
What's the best time of year for this Monterey itinerary?
April–October offers the most reliable weather along the Monterey Bay coast — mornings are typically foggy, with afternoons clearing to sun. The window from mid-September to mid-October is the regional sweet spot: smaller crowds, warmer water, and clear skies. Winter trips (December–February) still work for this plan — just pack layers and treat the included hikes as rainy-day backup options.
Where should we stay for Monterey with Kids (2 Days)?
Base yourself in Monterey, CA so you're a short drive from every stop on this itinerary. Use the Expedia search above to compare hotels, vacation rentals, and inns near the day-one starting point. Most travelers find Monterey-area lodging fills up fastest on weekends — booking 3–4 weeks ahead is usually enough.
Are restrooms easy to find on this itinerary?
Every major stop in the plan above has public restrooms — beaches list them at parking lots, restaurants and the aquarium have full facilities, and state parks maintain pit toilets at trailheads. We've avoided stops with restroom-less viewpoints when kids are along.
How much should I budget for this trip?
Lodging is the largest variable: Carmel and Big Sur run $250–$450/night for a mid-tier hotel, Monterey and Santa Cruz typically $180–$300, and Pacific Grove sits in between. Food budgets land around $60–$90 per person per day for casual meals plus one nicer dinner. Most attractions on this plan are free (beaches, scenic drives, parks); the Aquarium and a whale-watching tour add roughly $50–$120 per person if you include them.