Maggie's Monterey Peninsula

Our Director of Development, Maggie Catbagan shares her insider tips for where to stay, eat, drink and play on the Monterey Peninsula. Her hometown of Pacific Grove may look and sound familiar if you, like us, are fans of “Big Little Lies…”

Here at the Firestone Sisters, we love a good road trip, especially one to cooler temperatures and fresh ocean air for Fall!

There are so many options for eating, drinking and staying in Carmel/Monterey. A couple of noteworthy favorites we love: L’Auberge for luxury and old world charm, Cypress Inn if you are bringing your pup and La Playa for tradition and a lovely champagne breakfast! After a few nights in the heart of Carmel by the Sea check into the Carmel Valley Ranch for a more resort like experience.

Kick off your trip with cocktail hour in Pebble Beach at Spanish Bay with breathtaking ocean view fire pits while listening to the waves crash Scottish Bagpipers. The scene at the fire pit is usually a mix of locals enjoying their own backyard and a fun group of couples visiting from places like San Francisco, LA and beyond. After making new friends head over to The Lodge at Pebble Beach for an al fresco dinner also fireside at Bench overlooking the 18th green. Make sure to order the bread balloon (served with the best cauliflower and baba ganoush dips) to go with your to go with your glass of wine!

The next morning start with a run (or walk) at Asilimar Beach before heading back to Carmel for some shopping at GirlBoyGirl and Paloosh. After exploring all of the small hidden restaurants, galleries and boutiques in Carmel, head over to Carmel Valley Ranch for some sun, wine tasting and music. Playing bocce ball while sipping wine and listening to live music at Cowgirl Winery is a perfect way to spend the afternoon before ending the day relaxing by the pool. Stay on property for dinner at the Valley Kitchen and afterwards wander over to the gorgeous fire pit for s’mores and a night cap. Get your heart rate up and sweat out some of that wine the next morning by joining the Cardio Tennis Clinic at the Ranch.  On your way out of town, have one last glorious lunch at Roux in Carmel Valley!

Other Monterey Peninsula noteworthy to dos:

• Bike and kayak rentals from Adventures by the Sea

• Monterey Bay Aquarium

• Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove

• Folktale winery

• Dennis the Menace Park

• Point Lobos