Monterey Bay offers plenty of ways to spend a day, from walking through Capitola Village to exploring the Monterey waterfront. You can start with a bakery stop, spend the afternoon beneath the redwoods, and still make it to the coast before sunset.
This guide focuses on Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, the two counties bordering the bay. For anyone visiting, getting to know the area, or considering a move, these are a few good places to start.
Santa Cruz: Ocean Walks and Surf Culture
Start your Santa Cruz visit along West Cliff Drive. The coastal pathway offers ocean views, a chance to watch surfers at Steamer Lane, and a stop at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum near Lighthouse Point.
At the western end, Natural Bridges State Beach makes an easy addition to your outing. Give yourself time to enjoy the scenery instead of trying to fit every stop into one morning.
A simple plan: Take a coastal walk, watch the surfers, and finish with a visit to Natural Bridges.
Capitola and Soquel: Village Walks, Bakery Stops, and Wine Tasting
Capitola Village is a good place to explore on foot. Browse the shops, spend time by the beach, and walk along the wharf for a different view of the colorful waterfront.
For breakfast or lunch, Gayle’s Bakery offers breads, pastries, sandwiches, and other prepared food. Nearby Soquel adds antique shops and wine tasting to the day, including a stop at Bargetto Winery.
A simple plan: Start at Gayle’s, explore Capitola Village, and head into Soquel for an afternoon tasting.
Aptos: Redwoods and Beach Time
Aptos brings together two very different settings: forest trails and the coast.
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a starting point for exploring the redwoods. Afterward, head toward Seacliff or Rio Del Mar for some time by the water. Aptos Village offers another place to pause between outings.
If you’re exploring the area as a potential place to live, visit the village, coastal communities, and inland areas separately. Seeing each in person gives you a better sense of your preferences.
Monterey: A Day Along the Waterfront
For a first visit to Monterey, build your day around the waterfront and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Leave room to walk around Cannery Row rather than rushing straight to your next destination.
The aquarium can be the main activity for the day, with a waterfront stroll and a meal afterward. Check admission details and opening hours before planning your visit.
Pacific Grove: Coastal Scenery and Local History
Pacific Grove is another worthwhile stop on the Monterey Peninsula. Lovers Point and Asilomar State Beach offer places to enjoy the coastline, while the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History adds an indoor option.
For an easy outing, choose one coastal stop and one attraction. You’ll have more time to enjoy each without spending the day moving between parking spots.
More Places to Explore in Monterey County
Monterey County extends well beyond the city of Monterey. On another outing, consider Moss Landing, Marina, Seaside, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley, or Salinas.
Choose a destination based on what you want from the day, then explore that community a little more deeply. A return visit often tells you more about a place than a packed itinerary.
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Thinking About Living Around Monterey Bay?
A weekend visit is a great introduction. Choosing where to live takes a closer look at everyday routines.
Visit communities at different times, try your likely commute, and notice how close you are to groceries, outdoor spaces, and the places you regularly use.
At Loredo Group Realty, we help buyers and sellers throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Based in Capitola, our husband-and-wife team can help you explore communities and build a plan for your move.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Both counties border Monterey Bay, and this guide covers destinations in each. The broader Monterey Bay planning region also includes San Benito County.
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You can visit both, but we recommend choosing one side of the bay for a more relaxed day. Give yourself separate outings to explore Santa Cruz County and the Monterey Peninsula.
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On the Santa Cruz side, start with West Cliff Drive, Capitola Village, or Aptos. On the Monterey side, consider the Monterey waterfront and Pacific Grove.
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Start with your budget, commute, preferred setting, and daily needs. Then visit a few communities in person and compare specific neighborhoods with a local real estate agent.