Monterey Bay

A March 2001 trip to Monterey by Ethan

The Fish HopperMore Photos

A small yet quaint little town between Los Angeles and San Francisco, California. A touch of Spanish/European class, it caters love birds. Don't forget to bring your significant other to this little town. Quiet, serene yet beautiful,are common words to describe her. A great weekend getaway for the lovers.

  • 5 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
  • 7 photos

Monterey BayBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Lovers
A slow lazy walk to Cannery Row is the best bet. Look into the quaint shops for souvenirs and other trinkets. Walk back in the afternoon and stop to see the sunset. Halfway the bike path between the Wharf and Cannery Row is a large tree with a bench underneath. Sit down holding hands or cuddling with the love of your life. Watch the waves crash into the shore as the occasional Sea Otter waves at you. Notice the sunset striking the Wharf with pink, orange hues of light. Afterwards, Dinner at the Fish Hopper. Yes, the name has much to be desired, but once you sit in a booth with the wide bay windows overlooking the Bay with your significant other in hand, you'd thank me. Warm up with their famed award winning Clam Chowder and pick your choice of seafood (the Salmon is to die for). Top off the evening with a beer at the Mucky Ducks (across the street from the Marriott). A lively Irish Pub if you ever seen one and they have a Trivia game every Tuesday evenings! The Nightlife in Monterey... not much there. The town tends to shut down after 9pm.

Quick Tips:

If you choose a hotel near the Wharf or Bay then I recommend not renting a car. I chose the Marriott in Monterey. Very spacious rooms, beautiful view of the Bay on the 7th floor up. Bring a Camera and picture the sunset! It's only a 15-minute walk to Cannery Row and literally a spits throw from the Wharf. The town livens up to a small town festival every Tuesday evening (again, only a block away from the Marriott). See my tips on driving below.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking is your friend if you plan to stay in town and not go much of anywhere. The Marriott is just a 2 minute walk to the Wharf and a mile walk to Cannery Row. I rented a car but it sat in the garage for half the time I was there. Parking is expensive a day so be cautious. I recommend renting a car on the day you decide to take a drive on the 17-mile. At that point, rent a car.

Marriott MontereyBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Marriott at Monterey"

Great spacious rooms. Awesome view of the bay between the 7th and 9th floors. Amenities include an excercise room, heated outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, room service and the works.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Ethan on March 28, 2001

Marriott Monterey
350 Calle Principal Monterey 93940
(831) 649-4234

Fish HopperBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Fish Hopper"

The Fish Hopper
Try to get a table by the bay windows. You will get the most awesome view of the bay and the waves crashing into the shore. You may find a occasional sea otter swimming by. Warm-up with their award winning clam chowder followed by Grilled Salmon. Total tab, $22 and change.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Ethan on March 28, 2001

Fish Hopper
700 Cannery Row Monterey, California 93940
+1 831 372 8543

Mucky DuckBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Mucky Duck"

The Mucky Duck
The Burgers are goooooood and juicy AND HUGE. If you're with a friend or significant other, share a plate. You'll thank me for it. Top it off with your favorite Irish beer. And if you are interested, they have a trivia game every Tuesday night. The winner and their friends get a free round on the house.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Ethan on March 28, 2001

Mucky Duck
479 Alvarado St Monterey, California 93940
+1 831 655 3031

Paradiso Trattoria and Oyster BarBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Trattoria Paradiso"

Good atmosphere and fine Italian food. I had the Fetuccini with clams and it was to die for! A great selection of California wine to simply add flavor to the pasta.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Ethan on March 28, 2001

Paradiso Trattoria and Oyster Bar
654 Cannery Row Monterey, California 93940
+1 831 375 4155

Karoake City!Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Karaoke
Monterey tends to shut down after 9pm. If you are young at heart and looking for some nightlife, Monterey is not the way to go. One thing in great abundance in Monterey is Karaoke. Yes... I know it sounds nuts but every night, one bar or another will have Karaoke. Try singing you heart away at Characters Bar in the Marriott on Tuesday evenings.

About the Writer

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.