Tasked with planning your BFF’s Bachelorette Party? Consider Monterey County as your destination for a sophisticated yet sassy pre-wedding shenanigan. With a plethora of delicious wine tasting rooms, farm-to-table restaurants, adrenaline-pumping activities and relaxing spas, there’s a bachelorette party bound to fit even the pickiest bridezilla.
Where to stay
You’re going to need at least 2-3 nights to fully appreciate the sights around Monterey County and luckily there are a variety of lodging options to keep your crew comfy. Choose from an array of hotels in Monterey or cozy inns and B&Bs in Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Start with brunch
To brunch or not to brunch, is that really a question? Start off the soiree with a delectable (and probably much needed) hearty brunch. Visit our “Best Brunches in Monterey County” blog for a few ideas. Those with bottomless mimosas include Crema and The Club Room; you’re welcome.
Go on a wine tour
Let the bride un-wine’d before the big day with a jaunt through Monterey Wine Country. Purchase the Carmel Wine Walk-by-the-Sea passport to sample from over a dozen tasting rooms within a one-mile radius or immerse yourself in the vineyards along the River Road Trail with stunning views of the Salinas Valley. Carmel Valley is yet another wine lover’s paradise with tasting rooms sprinkled along Carmel Valley Road and in its quaint rustic village.
Not sure where to start? Hire one of our local guides to do the driving and planning for you, a few options include Monterey Guided Wine Tours, Behind the Scenes Wine Tours and the Wine Trolley.
Feast on local cuisine
Load up on clam chowder bowls, fried calamari and delicious cocktails on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. This row of restaurants is packed with options and incredible ocean views!
For the easiest way to taste around town, book a Carmel Food Tour or a Monterey Bay Food Tour. An ‘in-the-know’ guide will take you and your gang on a tasty tour to several sweet and savory stops.
Hit the bay
Take to the seas on a vessel, sailboat or kayak! Gather the troops for an unforgettable whale watching charter from Old Fisherman’s Wharf or make way for a relaxing sunset sail.
If you really want to test the waters, rent a kayak or SUP board from Adventures by the Sea at Lovers Point. Tour around the scenic cove while spotting sea otters, harbor seals and dolphins.
Sightsee in Big Sur
Soak in the sights along Highway 1 through Big Sur. Make sure the entire crew is camera ready as there are numerous photo ops along the way, just be sure to use one of the designated turnouts along the road.
Stop in for lunch at Big Sur River Inn or Nepenthe before embarking on a rewarding hike.
Indulge in a spa day
Take wedding planning off the bride’s mind and relax at one of Monterey’s award-winning spas. Perched on the penthouse level of Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is Vista Blue Spa overlooking the Monterey Bay. Book a spa treatment and then hang out on their oceanview sundeck complete with two whirlpool spas and a fireplace.
Or tap into your inner goddesses and head to The Spa at Pebble Beach. This Forbes Five-Star award-winning spa offers unparalleled spa services designed to reduce stress with signature massages, body scrubs, water treatments and nail care.
Squeeze in a workout
Get your Namaste on at Folktale Vineyards in Carmel Valley where they offer ‘Yoga in the Vines.’ Every Saturday a local instructor guides a yoga session in the vineyards topped off with a glass of vino at the end.
Have a nightcap
What’s a bachelorette party without a cocktail or three? Get out the sash and the matching outfits for a night out in downtown Monterey. Start off with Happy Hour at Cibo’s followed by dancing at Lollapalooza and ending the night with a glass of Monterey County's finest wines at Sovino Wine Bar.