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Travel Tips

Monterey and Big Sur in a weekend

TravelMe Editorial·Reviewed by Ryan Thayer·8/26/2026
Monterey and Big Sur in a weekend

Getting there

You can reach Monterey by car in two hours from San Francisco or five hours from Los Angeles. If you prefer to fly, direct flights are available to and from Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, Phoenix, Orange County, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, and Dallas.

Road conditions

Before you commit to the drive, verify current road conditions. You can check these updates by visiting SeeMonterey.com or using the virtual travel center app.

Day one

Spend your first day exploring the city highlights. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and walk through Cannery Row and Old Fisherman's Wharf. If you want a guided experience, there are walking tours available for these specific areas.

Day two

Use your second day to explore the coast. This is the best time for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, or whale watching. You can also book boat charters for sailing, fishing, or diving.

Planning tools

To organize your itinerary, use SeeMonterey.com. You can also download the virtual travel center app to help plan your trip.

Sources

[S1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monterey,_California, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monterey,_California [S2] https://monterey.gov/, https://monterey.gov/ [S3] https://monterey.gov/playing_here/index.php, https://monterey.gov/playing_here/index.php