Answers to Common Questions About Planning Your Trip to Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach, Big Sur and more

Planning a central California coastal tour can be challenging. We’ve listed some of the common questions and answers you may have about planning a trip to the Monterey area.

The short answer is whenever you can! But here’s a little more weather information. The fall months provide the warmest, sunniest weather with the least fog, fewer crowds and slightly warmer ocean water. The spring months from March through May offer pleasant weather, often with dramatic skies, and a full schedule of events. Summer of course is popular but often foggy and cooler than many visitors realize. The marine layer often obscures coastal views, though it usually burns off by afternoon. Big Sur tends to be clearer than Monterey in summer.

The Monterey Peninsula, that is Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach and Carmel are cool year-round (50s-70s°F). Always bring layers. You’ll need a light but warm jacket regardless of the season. It can be a cool 60°F with fog at the coast and just a few miles inland in Carmel Valley, there will be blue skies and bright sun and 80°F. Make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection. The always present marine layer is also always moving and changing and you’ll be surprised how often a forecasted foggy day turns sunny.

Choosing an airport for Monterey is a trade-off. Fly into Monterey (MRY) for ultimate convenience, but you’ll pay more. Located just a 10-minute drive from downtown Monterey. You’ll avoid the traffic congestion of the Bay Area and be at your hotel or exploring Cannery Row in no time. The airport is small and easy to navigate, with short lines for security and baggage claim.

San Francisco (SFO) is an international gateway and offers the widest selection of airlines and the most competitive pricing, particularly for cross-country and international flights with significant savings, especially for families or larger groups. The trade-off is the distance and potential for significant traffic delays. The drive to Monterey is around 100 miles and can take two hours in ideal conditions, but it can easily stretch to three hours or more, particularly during weekday rush hours or on weekends. San Francisco is also more prone to fog-related delays.

As the closest major airport to Monterey, San Jose (SJC) is a popular choice for many visitors. It offers a wider range of airlines and more competitive fares than Monterey. The drive to Monterey is approximately 75 miles and can take as little as an hour and 15 minutes without traffic. The airport itself is modern and generally efficient.

There are really two Montereys. The first is Old Monterey, and to the west of the tunnel and the wharves is New Monterey, also called the Lighthouse District. This district is named after Lighthouse Avenue, and its hotels are convenient to attractions like the Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Both areas have a wide range of amenities and dining options. Old Monterey, as the name indicates, is located in the historical area. The larger hotels supporting the convention center are in this district.

Pacific Grove is much quieter and less touristy than Monterey. The city is known for its wonderful Victorian architecture, with several bed and breakfast options in historical structures. It is an easy walk from any of the hotels to some of California’s most dramatic coastline along the very walkable Monterey Bay Coastal Trail.

Carmel is an upscale, romantic city with a charming, almost fairy-tale downtown that seems more European than coastal California. A short walk from the downtown area is beautiful Carmel Beach, a wide and winding shoreline bordered by magnificent Cypress trees. The town offers high-end accommodations, restaurants, and shopping. Be prepared to walk, as parking is a challenge.

You can also look at Seaside or Marina for slightly lower rates and easier access to Highway 1.

  • Designed with elegance in mind, our shuttle van offers plush leather seating, ambient lighting, and state-of-the-art entertainment services, making the journey an enjoyable experience.
  • Our luxury shuttle van can seat up to seven easily, providing enough space for a comfortable journey.
  • Our shuttle van offers state-of-the-art amenities, including a TV, surround sound system, cell phone charges on every seat, and many other features.
  • Our professional chauffeur is a local resident and knows the area.

No, it’s all inclusive. You’ll of course pay for food and drinks, event or attraction admission, and gratuity for the driver.

Yes, we are pet friendly and will work with you to make sure they are safe and secure.

You’ll find that while most all of the Monterey area is welcoming to dogs, most beaches do require they be on a leash. Carmel Beach and a part of the Spanish Bay Beach are exceptions and do allow for off leash dogs. You’ll find local residents and visitors typically are good about cleaning up after their pets and take care to keep their dogs under control.

Monterey Bay offers year-round whale watching with no true off-season. Different species of whales are either in the area during feeding season or passing through during the migration season. There are several whale watching boat tours that operate out of Monterey Harbor and nearby Moss Landing.

Pebble Beach is a private community, so you need to have reservations at one of the Pebble Beach Resort properties or reservations to play golf at one of the courses. The scenic 17-Mile Drive, requires a vehicle entrance fee which we pay for.

A hard YES.  You can and should buy tickets online in advance, and we’ll help you. Give yourself at least 3-4 hours for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. For deep-sea enthusiasts, it might just be an all-day voyage.

Pacific Grove is home to the Monarch Sanctuary and the town continues to identify itself with the butterflies. The Monarch’s overwintering season is October to February. The numbers fluctuate from year to year, but expect to find fewer butterflies than the town was historically known for. The sanctuary still is a popular stop for both locals and tourists.