Monterey had been on our list for ages, and I had this picture in my head of sunshine, sparkling water, and postcard-perfect views at every turn. What we actually got… was fog. Lots of it.
And honestly? It didn’t ruin a thing.
If anything, it made the whole couple of days feel a bit more real and a lot more memorable.
Where We Stayed (and why it worked with kids)
We stayed at Stargazer's Inn, which turned out to be a really solid choice with children. Nothing fancy, but clean, easy parking (which matters more than you think when you’ve got bags, snacks, and tired kids), and a relaxed feel.
Parent tip: Don’t overthink accommodation here. You’ll be out most of the day. Prioritise somewhere easy and comfortable over “Instagram-perfect.”
Day 1: Aquarium Morning & Driving Through the Mist
We started our first full day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium—and if you’re travelling with kids, this is non-negotiable.
It’s one of those places that genuinely lives up to the hype.
We got there in the morning, which I’d 100% recommend. It gets busy, and little ones have a much better time before the crowds (and before the inevitable snack meltdowns).
Check out my blog post all about it here.
Tip for parents:
- Bring snacks—even though there are cafes, queues + hungry kids = unnecessary stress
- Let them lead a bit. We tried to “see everything” at first, then realised they were happiest just watching the same tank for ages
After lunch, we headed out to Pacific Grove and drove part of the famous coastal route (often referred to as 17-Mile Drive).
The fog definitely made an appearance—but it wasn’t constant. We’d go through little pockets where it completely cleared, and then suddenly be back in thick, can’t-see-a-thing mist again.
We actually timed the drive with the little ones’ nap, which worked perfectly—peaceful car, quiet roads, and a chance for us to properly take it all in (or at least as much as the fog allowed).
In between it all, I loved spotting the huge, beautiful houses dotted along the coast (the kind you can’t help but slow down for and have a little nose at). We did make it to the famous Lone Cypress… although, slightly hilariously, it was almost entirely hidden in fog.
Still, I’d 100% recommend doing the drive even if the weather isn’t perfect. There was something really atmospheric about it—the dramatic waves, the moody coastline, and those fleeting glimpses of sea when the fog lifted just enough.
Next stop was Carmel Beach, via a little wander through Carmel-by-the-Sea itself.
It’s such a gorgeous little place—proper storybook vibes with cute shops, pretty cottages and loads of places to stop if you had more time. That said… be warned, it’s hilly. Fine if you’re hands-free, but with small children (or a buggy), you definitely feel it.
Parking took us a while too. We did a few loops, slightly wondering if it was going to be one of those “give up and move on” situations—but we got lucky in the end and found a spot right by the beach, which felt like a small parenting win.
And yes… still fog. But again, the kids couldn’t have cared less.
We ended up spending ages just digging in the sand, which the boys absolutely loved. Sometimes it’s the simplest things, isn’t it? Meanwhile, the waves were properly crashing in—really dramatic, loud, and kind of mesmerising to watch.
Quick parent warning:
The sea here looked beautiful but was definitely not calm. The waves were strong and unpredictable, so it’s one to keep a really close eye on little ones and stay well back from the water’s edge.
Afterwards, we headed back for dinner at Hula's Island Grill, which was such a good find. There’s no set kids’ menu, but they were really accommodating and happy to adapt dishes for the boys, which makes such a difference when you’re travelling with little ones.
And the food was so good—really fresh, full of flavour, and the tacos were a definite highlight. One of those meals where everyone leaves happy (which, let’s be honest, is the real goal).
Day 2: Point Lobos & a Change of Plans
The next morning we headed to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve—and this was probably my favourite part of the whole stop.
One thing I would say straight away: get there early. We had to queue to get in, which isn’t ideal with kids in the back, and by the time we left it was really busy—people were parked up along the road outside and walking in, which looked like a long trek before you even start exploring.
Once inside though, it’s absolutely stunning—even with that lingering mist still hanging around.
We didn’t try to do loads of trails. Instead, we stopped off at one area and just took it slow. The boys had the best time clambering over the rocks (carefully, obviously), and it felt just adventurous enough without being stressful.
And one of those little unexpected highlights—we spotted a couple of seals, which was such a nice surprise and kept them completely entertained for ages.
It’s one of those places that feels wild and peaceful at the same time.
With kids:
- Pick one or two shorter walks rather than trying to see everything
- Snacks… again (honestly, always snacks)
- Let them climb, explore, and take their time—this isn’t a rushed, tick-box kind of place
From there, we carried on driving on the Big Sur, with a loose plan to go further down the coast.
We already knew about the road closures ahead, so there were no surprises—but even so, with timings and the kids, we decided to keep things simple.
We made it as far as Bixby Creek Bridge, which—even in the fog—was still pretty special to see in person.
We could have driven a bit further, but at that point it just felt like we’d seen enough for the day. Rather than pushing it (and risking tired, grumpy kids), we made the call to turn around and head back inland.
And honestly, it was the right decision.
Travel with kids has a way of reminding you that flexibility isn’t optional—it’s essential.
So we changed plans, turned back, and made our way towards San Luis Obispo instead.
Travelling Monterey with Small Children
If you’re thinking of doing this trip with little ones, here’s what actually helped:
- 100% do the Aquarium and make sure you arrive as soon as it opens
- Lower your expectations of the weather – the fog is part of the experience
- Have a loose plan, not a packed schedule
- Let go of seeing everything
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