Kara & David
Things To Do
In-N-Out Burger (FOOD/DRINK)
Did you even go to California if you didn't get In-N-Out? The most appropriate post-flight meal. Get your burger and/or fries 'animal style'. Lots of locations.
Taco Bell (FOOD/DRINK)
A Taco Bell on the beach, serving drinks. Just sayin'.
Soul Grind Coffee Roasters (FOOD/DRINK)
A hip spot with excellent food and coffee. On a nice day the parking lot will be busy with surfers and you can walk right out to the beach. If we could get coffee and breakfast/lunch here every day we would!
Gray Whale Cove Trail Parking Lot (ACTIVITY)
From here, follow the trail south for a mellow, mostly flat hike with stunning views. It can be anywhere from 20-60 minutes depending on when you decide to turn around. Hiking boots are not needed for this one.
Pie Ranch (FOOD/DRINK)
A great roadside farm stand.
Swanton Berry Farm - The Farmstand (FOOD/DRINK/ACTIVITY)
A quick stop we make along Highway 1 every time! Pick up a strawberry apple cider and a slice of pie. They also have U-Pick berries, check their website to see if the U-Pick is open.
Humble Sea Brewing Co. (FOOD/DRINK)
A favorite of David's!
Cat & Cloud Coffee (FOOD/DRINK)
Kara's favorite coffee in Santa Cruz! They have a few locations.
San Marcos Charquito Tacos y Tortas
Great tacos, CASH ONLY
Steamer Lane (ACTIVITY)
Famous surf spot with a great vantage point for viewing.
Santa Cruz Boardroom (ACTIVITY)
Where the classic Santa Cruz logo comes from.
Phil's Fish Market & Eatery (FOOD/DRINK)
There's a ton of fresh seafood in Moss Landing. If you're driving by and hungry, it's a perfect place to stop!
Navarro's Mixed Nursery & General Landscape Design (ACTIVITY)
The biggest succulents you've ever seen. Might be worth a stop if you like that kind of stuff!
Dennis The Menace Playground (ACTIVITY)
Incredible playground for kiddos!
Captain + Stoker (FOOD/DRINK)
Great coffee, nice people. Kara loves it.
Alta Bakery and Cafe (FOOD/DRINK)
Has a special place in our hearts, and the food/drinks are 100%. We stopped in for a coffee in July 2020, and while sitting in the back garden, discovered what would become our wedding venue!
Cella Bar (FOOD/DRINK)
Restaurant that recently opened right next to our wedding venue! We haven’t tried it yet but have heard great things.
Montrio Bistro (FOOD/DRINK)
This restaurant recently underwent a 2-year renovation and just re-opened with a new head chef. We can’t wait to try it and think it would be a good dinner option during your trip!
Cooper-Molera Adobe (ACTIVITY)
Garden and museum next to our venue. Free admission from 10am-4pm Sat/Sun.
Alvarado Street Brewery (FOOD/DRINK)
Casual spot, favorite place to grab a bite and a beer in Monterey. Always a long wait, but try to sit on the back patio if you can.
Carmel Surf Lessons (ACTIVITY)
We went through this company for surf lessons a couple years ago and had a blast! We noticed they’re good with kids too. They’ll take you out in Monterey or Carmel. 🏄🏻♀️🏄🏻
Lovers Point Park (ACTIVITY)
This is a nice area to visit - get a soft-serve ice cream and hang out.
17 Mile Drive (ACTIVITY)
This is a popular attraction in Monterey. There’s a fee to get in, worth it if you really want to see Pebble.
The Hay (ACTIVITY)
A par 3 golf course at Pebble created by Tiger Woods. A bit pricey and the holes are all super short even for par 3 (takes about 1 hr total) but you get the gorgeous pebble views! There’s a free putting course and bar/restaurant next to it to make the fun accessible to all - great way to spend a sunny afternoon.
The Bench (FOOD/DRINK)
Wonderful restaurant with views of the 18th hole at Pebble.
Ocean Avenue (ACTIVITY)
This is the main street in Carmel-by-the-Sea and leads down to the beach. Kara could spend a whole morning strolling it with a coffee, popping into the shops, and admiring the houses and flowers!
Scenic Road (ACTIVITY)
The road has some of the most gorgeous houses in Carmel! It’s a nice and beautiful walk along the coast.
Starlight Rooftop Lounge (FOOD/DRINK)
The only rooftop in Monterey County! Heads up, the line gets long, so get there early.
Caraccioli Cellar (FOOD/DRINK)
Carmel-by-the-Sea has a bunch of tasting rooms for the wineries in Carmel Valley. We love the wine at this place, but you really can't go wrong with a wine tasting anywhere.
La Bicyclette Restaurant (FOOD/DRINK)
David's favorite!
Mission Ranch Restaurant (FOOD/DRINK)
We adore this hotel & restaurant which is now owned and restored by Clint Eastwood. It’s a bit more remote and peaceful, with the patio overlooking fields of sheep and the ocean. It feels charming and classy without being fancy or stuffy - plus there’s live piano in the dining room!
Bird Island Trail (ACTIVITY)
Stunning little piece of the coast, we promise you won't regret making the trip. We did our engagement photos here! It might just be more beautiful than 17 mile drive. 😊
Nepenthe (FOOD/DRINK)
If you venture down to Big Sur, this is one of the most popular restaurants because of the great views. Always a long wait, but there's also a cafe on the side for quicker service.