April 2025
Monterey, California
I travel at least once a month for work. This last work trip found me in Monterey, California.
And it was just as enchanting as ever.
Aquarium
It is impossible to think about Monterey, and not think about the Aquarium. This is one of the fews places I can say, I have spent hours just watching. Watching the jelly fish dance through the water, long tentacles intertwined. Or sea otters floating face-up as the ocean currents gently rock their small bodies.
Contrasts
Monterey is a contradiction. Fishing, marine conservation, abandoned buildings, and BoHo Chic wrapped inside of an extremely expensive zip code.
Food
The food scene in Monterey (and Carmel) did not disappoint. For breakfast, I “discovered” a bakery that I am thankful is not just around the corner from my house! Alta Bakery had a beautiful display filled with donuts, pastries, cinnamon rolls, sausage rolls, and so much more. I walked in just expecting to enjoy avocado toast, which was delicious, and an oat milk latte. But then I eye shopped for far too long and ended up with four different treats.
For dinner, a group of us were wowed by Cella Restaurant, which boasted sea and land dishes, as well an am asking veggie pasta. Lunch brought us to Carmel, a quick 15 minute drive from Monterey, to La Bicyclette Restaurant, a cute French bistro with wood-fired pizza.
Stay
I have visited Monterey several times, but this last trip, I nailed the accommodations. I stayed at the Hotel Pacific. In a beautiful suite, with a balcony, kitchen area, separate bath tub from the shower. Breakfast was included, standard continental fare, but adequate. The location was perfect to strolling to Old Fisherman’s Wharf, downtown Monterey, or heading to the Aquarium.
JA Travels 