Monterey 2X

For this post, I'm combining two trips into one post. I didn't realize I would be in Monterey twice in one year and now that I'm recapping, I might as well just combine the two. My first trip (right after going to Turlock), I headed to Monterey for work and decided to make it a work/pleasure trip by taking my dog with me and making it a road trip. I checked into the Home2Suites at the Dunes of Monterey Bay for both visits. I liked it so much I came back in the Fall! 

This relatively new hotel sits next to a SpringHill Suites. Apparently, the franchisee owns both the Home2Suites and the Springhill. I opted for the Home2Suites because of the pet friendly policies. On the first trip, the hotel was still working on the outside patios and landscaping. On the second trip, the patio had the bbq grills and firepits in place and they were putting up night lights over the trellis roof. I would definitely recommend the hotel if you're in the area. 
Home2Suites at the Dunes of Monterey Bay King Room


It also helps that there is a local plaza nearby with Target, Best Buy, and smaller restaurant chains within an easy 5-minute drive.

Activities Trip 1

Pinnacles National Park - Because I had gone to Yosemite and paid for the annual national park pass, I wanted to maximize my permit and made a pit stop at Pinnacles West End. There are two sides of the park and I didn't have time to go to both sides. It was also drizzly so the motivation was low. I opted to get in the West End because it would have brought me closer to Monterey. Going to the East End appears to be the main entrace into the park where there are more facilities. When I got to the West End, the gates weren't manned and the visitor center was a small building. Dogs are allowed only on main walking paths. Due to the weather, I only stopped at the visitor center to look around and buy some souvenirs.

Pebble Beach 17 mile drive - I had heard about the 17 mile drive around the Pebble Beach area and opted to make an afternoon run with my dog. Overall, I found the drive pleasant, uncrowded (probably because it was still winter) and easy to navigate. I did make a pit stop at the Pebble Beach golf resort. If you do eat in the restaurants, your gate fee of $12 is reimbursed. If you enjoy spending time looking at the coast, I would definitely say that this could take a day to really do.
Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach

Carmel - the downtown area is super cute and most of the shops are dog friendly. I didn't spend too much time in one spot but did walk the area and did alot of window shopping.

Activities Trip 2

For the second trip, I was in the area for personal business requiring me to charter a boat. My group was able to catch whales while out to sea!

Dining Trip 1

Carmel Belle - located inside a food hall, I ordered soup and sandwich with pastries and coffee to eat outside in the patio. It hit the spot and I was able to easily eat with my dog in tow.

Blaze Pizza - For the sake of ease and quick turnaround time in town, I opted to get takeout pizza to eat back in the hotel room.

Moonscoops - In the same plaza as Blaze Pizza, I checked out this ice cream shop. The shake I ordered was good but nothing compelling to make me return. I'd rather go to Baskin Robbins.

Red House Cafe - stopped into cafe for breakfast before heading out of town. Ordered the pancake with side of eggs. Very popular and space is a little cramped. The outdoor patio would have been nice if it wasn't raining.

The Bookworks - a bookstore coffeeshop, I had wandered in for a quick coffee grab while waiting for the Red House to open up a table. Overall, the coffee and pastries offered were fine. Very popular with the locals but nothing I would want to return to.

Dining Trip 2

Crystal Fish - My group wanted to eat at their favorite sushi restaurant and so we popped in for an early dinner. Ordered an assortment of rolls and sushi and everything was good.
Crystal Fish

Crystal Fish

Alta Bakery - On our way back from the boat, we opted to pick up an assortment of pastries from downtown Monterey. The group favorite was not open but this was on the recommendation list and so an assortment of baked goods were procured. Overall, I found it fine but I would not return for seconds. Definitely not worth the wait if you see more than 5 people in line.
Alta Bakery

Red's Donuts - Down the street from Alta, Red's is one of those "long time" donut shops. Very local and homey, the doughnuts were good. I wouldn't go out of my way but if I was in the area, I might grab some doughnuts.
Red's Donuts


Ad Astra Bakery - I would definitely come back to this bakery just a block away from Red's Donuts. The garlic sourdough smelled amazing and tasted good. The koign ammans were also good.
Ad Astra Bakery



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