48 Hours on the Monterey Peninsula
Monterey County is home to sweeping coastal scenery, locally grown wine, fine dining, vibrant downtown areas, plenty of outdoor recreation, and so much more! With our forty years of experience on the Peninsula, we are ready to help you explore like a local with some of our favorite places to eat, drink, and play!
Day 1
Eat:
Woody's at the Airport
Just steps from your arrival at the Monterey Regional Airport, this restaurant is owned by the award-winning and locally celebrated chef Tim Wood. Look no further, this is a top-flight meal.
Tip: The sand-dabs are a must-order, and our Highland Chardonnay is a perfect pairing.
Drink:
Taste Morgan
Every good vacation starts with a tasting at Taste Morgan! This is the only place to taste our most limited releases, and on Sundays, perfectly aged wines straight from our library.
Tip: Book a reservation ahead of time and save on a seasonal cheese plate pairing.
Stay:
Mission Ranch
Owned and restored by Clint Eastwood, the Inn is a quaint and charming retreat a short distance from downtown Carmel.
Tip: You might spot the Hollywood actor and former Carmel Mayor at the bar drinking a glass of our Twelve Clones Pinot Noir, rumored to be his favorite local wine.
Day Two
Play:
Elkhorn Slough
Embark on a kayak tour through the state's largest salt marsh, with guaranteed sightings of playful sea otters and other rare plants and animals.
Tip: Plan your journey into the slough to coincide with the daily tides - it's much easier paddling with the current than against it!
Eat:
Phil's Fish Market
This local's favorite boasts some of the freshest seafood in the county, straight out of nearby Moss Landing harbor.
Tip: The line moves quickly and there's always plenty of picnic seating available. Check their live webcam for the weather before you go.
Shop:
Star Market
On your way home, stop by historic Star Market in Salinas to stock up on an expansive selection of local foods, fresh produce, and premium cuts from their in-house butcher shop.
Tip: Ask for Victor in the wine aisle. He gets some of the best wine deals in Monterey County!
We hope our tips and recommendations will help you to create a truly unforgettable trip along the California coastline. We'd love to hear about your favorites too! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, and join in by tagging us @morganwinery.