Monterey County is the ideal spot to celebrate that special relationship. Imagine sunset cruises, beach bonfires, leisurely wine tastings, spa treatments followed by excellent meals or a romance tour for two at the Aquarium. These are a few options for anyone seeking a memorable trip for two!
Romantic Guide to Monterey
5 Romantic Places to Propose in Monterey County
Romance and Monterey County seem to go hand-in-hand. There is a picture perfect backdrop almost everywhere you turn and are bound to capture some incredible moments that will forever go down in your hopeful history. Here's our list of some the most romantic hot spots to pop the question that are sure to get you an enthusiastic "yes!"
1. Lovers Point, Point Pacific Grove
This choice is almost too obvious. The name alone dignifies a spot on this list but the iconic views really land Lovers Point on the map. For an early morning surprise, wake up before the sun and head down to the protected sandy cove. The unique east-facing location is one of the only spots on the West Coast where you can actually watch the sun rise over the water and you might even spot a sea otter or harbor seal down below. Afterward, stroll up to Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove for a cozy breakfast at Crema or brunch at Fandango Restaurant. Certainly, a memorable way to start the day!
2. Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach
Make your days of being "lone" over! Solidify your relationship near a tree with roots over 250 years old. Start by taking your sweetie on a scenic drive through Pebble Beach's coastal 17-Mile Drive. After daydreaming of playing "house" in one of the multi-million mansions pull off to take in the iconic sight of the Lone Cypress, also along the route. The "most photographed tree" in the world is sure to be a great snapshot in your scrapbook. Afterward, assuming the answer is "yes," celebrate with a romantic evening in front of the fire pits at The Inn at Spanish Bay. Order a cocktail and curl up with your loved one while the bagpiper plays Scottish tunes as the sun goes down.
3. Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea
What's more romantic than snuggling up to your love while enjoying a sunset? Carmel Beach's sunset show has people stopping in their tracks daily and makes for the perfect ambiance for your proposal. Grab some snacks and a bottle of wine at Salumeria Luca beforehand for the ultimate clincher!
4. Point Lobos, Carmel
Are you both the outdoorsy type? Is your idea of a romantic day hiking to the top of the peak with your special someone for a picnic? If so, look no further, Point Lobos is often called "the crown jewel of the state park system" and is the perfect spot to present an actual jewel to your Valentine. The wilderness trails and invigorating vistas of the Pacific Ocean are quite frankly unmatched. As you stare into the distance at either a playful sea otter or a spouting gray whale get down on one knee and profess your adoration.
5. Hahn Estates, Salinas Valley
Need a little liquid courage before popping the big question? Grab a glass of Hahn's award-winning Pinot Noir before strolling through their beautiful estate vineyards just up from the tasting room. The breathtaking views of the Salinas Valley won't be the only reason your sweetie won't be able to catch a breath once you're seen on a bent knee. Worst case scenario, there is plenty of wine to be had!
Romantic Ideas in Monterey
Monterey County's Romantic Natural Escapes
A romantic trip to Monterey County features Nature at its naked best. It's a potent cocktail: 99 miles of stunning Pacific surf, enchanting forests, sprawling vineyards and a bevy of blissful inns ideally suited to seduction. From roaming with wild things to romping in the redwoods, the options are endless. Add in the annual migration of whales, birds and butterflies, solitary beaches and cinematic sites and it's easy to see why Monterey County's romantic roots run deep.
A Floating Safari and Aphrodisiac Dinner
Get up close and personal with all things wild aboard Elkhorn Slough Safari's 27-foot pontoon boat. The 1,400-acre Elkhorn Slough Reserve is ripe for romantics seeking a truly natural experience, with some 400 plant species, 340 types of birds (including the Peregrine Falcon and Snowy Plover), otters, sea lions and 80 kinds of fish.
Side trip: At the Captain's Inn in Moss Landing, cozy up in a room with a roaring fire and deep soaking tub for two that overlooks the vibrant line-up of wildlife. For dinner, slip over to Phil's Fish Market for a steaming bowl of aphrodisiac-rich mussels or award-winning cioppino.
Take a Tandem Kayak Tour and Enjoy Bagpiper Bliss
Get in rhythm with a tandem kayak tour at Lovers Point. This romantic cove is the ideal launch for Adventures by the Sea's two-hour guided tour into the world of frolicking otters, harbor seals, sea lions and migratory fowl. Inland, rows of romantic Victorians line Pacific Grove's streets while lovers stroll the Point awaiting sunset.
Side trip: Continue north on Ocean View Drive, just past Asilomar State Beach and head for Pebble Beach's stunning Inn at Spanish Bay. Pop in for alfresco cocktails around the fire pits. As the sun sizzles into the sea, a resident bagpiper transcends time with a hearty march across the golf greens.
Explore a Poet's Passion and Enjoy a Beach Sunset
If a poet's love den pumps up the veins, hightail it to Carmel for a tour of Robinson Jeffers' Tor House and Hawk Tower. The romantic stone cottage and tower nestled surfside between multimillion-dollar mansions is a tour de force in both love and craftsmanship. Shimmy up its cylindrical staircase to a 40-foot perch with breathtaking views of the rugged coastline that inspired Jeffers' 400+ blank-verse poems. Inside, stone fireplaces and a classic Steinway grand piano once played by Gershwin and Chaplin take center stage.
Side trip: Surprise your lover by watching the sunset in style at Carmel Beach. Bring a bottle of wine and some snacks to fully enjoy nature's daily spectacle.
Enjoy Romance in the Redwoods and a Tub for Two
Big Sur is no novice when it comes to love, lust or spiritual renewal. This magical swath of land just 30 miles south of Carmel has transformational powers as evidenced the wealth of writers, New Age leaders and native souls who all called it home. Perhaps that's why Yahoo Travel continues to rank it as one of the country's top romantic destinations. Tapping into the Esselen and Salinan Indians, Big Sur Guides offers a love-inspiring "Walk of the Married Redwoods" hike culminating at the apex of one of the largest waterfalls on the coast. The DIY version, which is equally as stunning, includes a trek to the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park's McWay Falls via the Headlands Trail.
Side trip: Book a massage at Ventana Inn & Spa and heat things up with a dip in the clothing-optional pool and Japanese-style soaking tubs, followed by a luscious locally-produced Pinot Noir.
Ponies & Privacy
Rent out Holman Ranch for a getaway in grand style! This Carmel Valley country estate (1928) saddles up with nearly 400 acres of prime turf, a state-of-the-art equestrian facility full of steeds and plenty of space to horse around. The eight-room retreat delivers the ultimate in privacy with sprawling vineyards and olive groves for long walks, sunset horseback rides and catered meals certain to set the mood.
Side trip: Sinful and seductive, a repast at nearby Lucia at Bernardus is a sure bet for powering up the passion. The chef raises the bar for fine dining with award-winning cuisine crafted from locally sourced products, including those straight from his on-site garden.
Romance on the High Seas: Rock the Love Boat
Sail away to a lovefest at sea. As the sun sets over Monterey Bay, drift away with and Monterey Bay Boat Charters on a private dinner cruise featuring the catch of the day, a cache of local wines and iconic backdrops including Cannery Row, Pacific Grove and the stunning Pacific coastline. With the seasonal migrations of whales, birds and butterflies in full swing, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and its environs are a haven for couples seeking serenity at sea and a bit of action.
Side trip: Continue to make waves with an overnight stay at the romantic and oceanfront Spindrift Inn on Cannery Row.
Have a Wild Romp at a Safari B&B
Unleash that inner animal with a walk on the wild side at Monterey Zoo, an exotic B&B adjacent to Wild Things Animal Refuge. The refuge holds 100+ critters on 50 acres of Monterey County's Sun Belt. Couples can book a full day of play in which they can wash an African elephant, monkey around with Forest the monkey or stroll with a big exotic cat. In February the evening Mating Tour is a real roar.
Side trip: Go for the ultimate wild nights with an overnight stay in one of the authentic safari tents. Clock out to the sounds of roaring lions and trumpeting elephants against the sweeping savanna; in the morning, wake up to a continental breakfast delivered by an elephant.
Seaside Seduction
Nature lovers can tap into nirvana at Marina Dunes Natural Preserve. This sprawling 170-acre expanse of protected dunes and the adjacent Marina State Beach delivers a surreal lunar seascape punctuated with surfers and seabirds. Pack a picnic and watch as the sun shifts into romance mode.
Side trip: Enjoy a romantic beach bonfire Sanctuary Beach Resort. At night the roaring sea, resident seagulls and whispering winds provide a perfect backdrop for Cupid's arrow.
More Romantic Budget-Friendly Places in Monterey
Sweep your sweetheart off their feet without spending a bundle. Monterey County's natural beauty, from rugged seashores to rolling mountains, weaves an alluring charm that money just can't buy. If times are too tight to splurge on your sweetheart, try these budget-conscious recipes for romance. Each escape is under $50 per couple.
- Drink some wine with a view at A Taste of Monterey on Cannery Row. Sit at one of the tables next to the floor-to-ceiling picture windows and enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay while you sample some of Monterey County's best wines.
- Fall asleep above the Central Coast's most beautiful beach waterfall at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. There are only two hike-in campsites at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and each one has some of the best ocean views in California. These sites are much in demand, so plan to reserve well in advance for your romantic escape. Bring your binoculars; you may even see whales migrating.
- Arrange a tour of Tor House, the stone home that poet Robinson Jeffers hand-built for his wife. Docent-led tours are limited to a handful of people and the story of Robinson and Una Jeffers is sure to stir the heart.
- Pack a picnic and head on up to Jacks Peak County Park. The Jacks Peak Parking Area is only a few yards from the summit, so you can see the breathtaking views without breaking a sweat. For a romantic picnic, the best spot is on the Jacks Peak Trail, about 50 yards from the intersection with the Skyline Trail. A perfectly placed bench allows you to eat a leisurely meal while taking in sweeping views of Point Lobos State Reserve and Carmel Valley.
- There's a reason it's called Lovers Point! Pack up some pastries from Paris Bakery Cafe, get up very early (or stay up all night) and head to Pacific Grove's Lovers Point to watch the sunrise. Due to a quirk in local geography, it's one of the few places on the West Coast where you can watch a sunrise over the ocean.
- Spend a few hours on a bicycle built for two. Rent a tandem bike from Adventures by the Sea and ride it along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail for a true experience in togetherness.
- Pack some wine, cheese and a beach blanket and head to Marina State Beach in the late afternoon. Savor the flavors and the company, as you watch a magnificent sunset. If you're lucky, you'll get to watch the hang gliders dance through the air as a prelude.