The great thing about Menlo Park is the convenience of getting to other great California destinations. It takes about an hour and 45 minutes to go from Menlo Park California to Monterey via Highway 101. You can easily add Pebble Beach and Carmel to your day trip itinerary, since both locations are near Monterey. Once you get to Monterey you'll find everything from restaurants serving authentic California cuisine to fun places to bring the family for the day.
Monterey Trips from Menlo Park - Menlo Park, California to Monterey
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA
(831) 648-4800
A two-story shark tank and kelp forest of just some of the unique features you'll find here. Kids will love the Splash Zone. Watch the penguins feed and green sea turtles swim. The aquarium even offers summer sleepovers, official tours, romantic tours and the chance to do some diving.
Old Fisherman's Wharf
This is the place to go if you want to find local restaurants and unique shops all in one place. Many of the restaurants offer samplers where you can savor a taste of some of popular menu items. The clam chowder is a must. If you look carefully, you might find the monkey that likes to greet visitors by shaking hands. He'll even pose for pictures. Consider a break for lunch at Rappa's Seafood Restaurant, a legendary restaurant located at the end of Old Fisherman's Wharf. Shops here include:
• Balesteri's Wharf Front
• Carousel Candies
• Wharf Woonka Chocolate Factory
• Ethnic Arts Gift Shop
• Pirates Cove Gifts & Things
The Grill On Ocean Avenue
Ocean Ave
Carmel-by-The-Sea, CA
(831) 624-2569
Wrap up your day with a stop at this restaurant just ten minutes away from Monterey. The decor is sophisticated yet comfortable. Kids will find plenty to like on the menu too. Ask for the fresh fish of the day or pan-roasted bluenose sea bass, either way you won't be disappointed. Grilled items such as salmon and Angus beef are also popular choices.
Cannery Row
Named in honor of John Steinbeck, this has been a main attraction in the city for more than 50 years. Aside from Monterey Bay Aquarium, you'll find restaurants, hotels, local art galleries, specialty shops, and even wine tasting rooms along the city's historic waterfront. Popular shops here include:
• American Tin Cannery
• California Classics
• Sharky's Shirts
• Sunglass Hut & Watch Station
• Simply California
Spa on the Plaza
201 Alvarado St.
Monterey, CA
(831) 647-9000
Treat your body, mind, and soul with a day of pampering. The emphasis is on a holistic approach to spa therapies. Treatments include facials and massages. Make reservations for a spa day or choose a specific spa package. This is also an excellent place to prepare for a wedding or other special event by enjoying a day of relaxation before the big event. Makeovers are also offered and a fitness center is available for guests to use.
If you want to enjoy one of the most scenic drives you'll ever experience, take the famed 17-mile drive on your way to Monterery. This is a picturesque stretch of highway between Pacific Grove and Carmel. It'll take you about 90 minutes or so to make it along this part of the highway if you include time to stop and enjoy the view or take pictures. Monterey trips from Menlo Park should start early since there will be no shortage of things to do once you arrive.