10 Romantic Things To Do For Couples In Monterey, California - Updated 2024

romantic things to do in monterey
Rienz Althron
Rienz Althron 
Updated
| 4 min read

Planning on taking your girlfriend out on a date? Proposing to your long-term partner? Finally mustered the courage to tell your special someone how you feel for him or her? We know it can be frustrating to come up with an idea of a romantic date. Fret not, Monterey, California has a lot of romantic places and activities to offer! From whale watching to wine tasting, hiking or simply strolling in the streets, we’ve come up with a list of things that you can do to help you decide the most suitable activity for you and your dearest. So without further ado, here are the 10 romantic things to do for couples in Monterey, California:

1. A date in Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach in the June Gloom
Source: Photo by user Craig Rohn used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Picture yourself sitting side by side with the love of your life, on a sandy beach, by the fire, both gazing at the stars, listening to the gentle waves crashing on the shore, and talking about your future together. Isn’t that romantic? Plus, there’s a ton of activities for the both of you to do here, like jogging, playing volleyball, you can also have your wedding here!

Carmel Beach

Address: Ocean Ave & Scenic Rd Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 9392

Website: Carmel Beach

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2. Try a whale-watching tour (from USD 70.0)

If you’re the type of couple who loves adventure and would love to get educated at the same time, booking a whale and dolphin watching tour is for you! From killer whales to their gentle counterparts, you can watch these marine mammals for three hours straight, from a distance for a four-hour cruise. The tours are usually lead by marine life experts, who provide the tourists with fascinating information about whales and dolphins, as well as talk about the environment.

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Monterey Bay Winter Whale-Watching Tour in California

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

202 reviews

3. Take a stroll through farmer's market

Farmers' Market
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user North Market used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Strolling in the streets while holding your lover’s hands is a simple, but undeniably a sweet kind of date. For couples who are more of simple but meaningful travel kind, strolling through one of Monterey’s farmer’s markets can be so satisfyingly romantic! Plus, you two can get to munch on the products that each booth offer! There is at least one farmer’s market open each day, in every area in Monterey. This comes as no surprise since the town is known to be the Salad Bowl of the World. Fruits, veggies, and many other products can be yours for a minimal amount of money, perfect for couples who enjoy eating as their bonding activity, and stays true to the saying ‘the way to a man, or a woman’s heart, is through their stomach!

Del Monte Farmer's Market

Address: Del Monte Shopping Center 1410 Del Monte Center

Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (May - October)

Website: Del Monte Farmer’s Market

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4. Take your selfie to the next level

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you love taking selfies together, then you’ll both enjoy going to Selfieville. They have 3D light shows, exhibits, themed rooms all designed for the perfect selfie in mind. The first experiential museum in Monterey is situated at the Golden State Theatre, in Downtown Monterey. Regular price for tickets is 25 USD. What’s more, 25 percent of the profits will be donated for a non-profit organization that helps foster children.

Selfieville

Address: Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St, Monterey, California

Website: Selfieville

Opening hours: 11 am - 6 pm

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5. A walk to remember at Point Lobos

Carmel Point Lobos
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Miguel Hermoso Cu... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Hiking is your thing? You can book a guided walk with your partner in the hiking trails of Point Lobos. Enjoy the fantastic view of the pristine ocean on top of majestic rock formations. Free walks are offered daily, private tour is also welcome, you just need to send them a written notice in advance.

Point Lobos

Address: 62 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923

Website: Point Lobos Foundation

Opening hours: 8 am - 5 pm

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6. Play golf together

Pebble Beach Golf Links
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Metallion used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Off the beaten path in terms of romantic dates, but some couples still find this activity quite enjoyable, because of the fantastic view of the azure oceans while playing golf. The Pebble Beach Golf Links is considered the number one golf course in the US. Price starts at 495 USD.

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Address: 1700 17 Mile Dr, Pebble Beach, CA 93953, USA

Website: Pebble Golf Links

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7. For the romantic wine lovers

Chateau Julien Winery, Carmel, Monterey, California, USA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jim G used under CC BY 2.0

Another activity quite enjoyable and very romantic if done together is wine tasting. If smelling the aroma, and analyzing the taste of wines is something the two of you enjoy doing, why not head to one of the wine tasting spots in Monterey?

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8. A foodie tour for food lovers (from USD 139.0)

One of the food that Monterey is proud of is Clam Chowder. If the both of you enjoy tasting different foods or comparing the variant of a certain food to another town’s version, then you’ll surely love this activity. You may also want to explore the culinary delights here. Take a foodie tour to understand the food culture and sample local gourmet food.

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Carmel 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Food and Wine Walking Tour

Duration: 3 hours

305 reviews

9. Mile Drive day trip (from USD 120.0)

Last but not the least on our list is 17-Mile Drive. You’ll fall in love with its breathtaking ocean view that surrounds the Pacific coastline. The scenery surely heightens the romantic feel that you share with each other. For a more active date, you can also rent a bike and roam the Spanish Bay with your beloved. Rentals start at 10 USD. Alternatively, you can sign up for a 17-Mile Drive day trip for a lovely time together.

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Monterey, Carmel & 17-Mile Drive Day Trip from San Francisco

Duration: 12 hours

1888 reviews

10. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium Open Sea sardine round
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kārlis Dambrāns used under CC BY 2.0

Make your date as memorable as it can be. Marvel at Monterey Bay Aquarium’s many aquatic life. I’m sure your partner will find the animals here either adorable or majestic, from fluffy penguins and colorful jellyfishes, there are tons of marine wildlife to see here. Located at Cannery Row, the facility is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. With a moderate cost, this is an exellent activity for a couple..

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, United States

Website: Monterey Bay Aquarium](https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/)

Opening hours: *They are temporarily CLOSED - opening hours schedule unavailable

Price: $39 - $49 USD

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Experiences are best shared with your loved one

romantic things to do in monterey | experiences are best shared with your loved one
Source: Pexels

We can all agree that sharing experiences together with our partners is something that makes us happy. So, see the world with fresh eyes together, and take a break from the stress of your individual daily routines. Nothing lasts forever, but memories shared with love, they will live on for a lifetime. Book a trip already and start making your own unique experiences in Monterey, California.

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Rienz is a former office-based employee who entered the world of travel writing. His ultimate dream is to be able to travel the world and experience as much of it as he can. By pursuing his dreams,...Read more

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