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Drive to Monterey from Santa Clara

The drive from Santa Clara to Monterey took us roughly an hour and a half on a weekday morning. It’s a very straightforward route, and once you start getting closer to the coast, the scenery gradually becomes more beautiful with each mile.

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Breakfast at First Awakenings

Our first stop after arriving in Monterey was First Awakenings, a well-known brunch spot in the area. The atmosphere inside was casual and comfortable, very much what you’d expect from a classic American breakfast diner. The menu is extensive with everything from omelettes and burgers to pancakes, and the portions were also generous. It’s a great place to start your day before heading out to explore Monterey and the surrounding coastal areas.

Parking at First Awakenings Monterey

One thing worth noting about Monterey is that parking can be surprisingly difficult or expensive, especially near tourist-heavy areas, which is why I was thankful for this restaurant’s spacious parking lot . When we arrived around 11:30am on a weekday, we had no trouble finding a spot, and they didn’t charge us for the parking😇 (But I’m not sure if free parking is still offered on weekends)

Acapulco Express Omelette

This Mexican style omelette included chorizo, avocado, green chile, onion, and a blend of cheeses, topped with sour cream and chives & served with salsa. All of the ingredients were generously packed inside a folded omelette. With chorizo, cheese, and green chile, it leaned strongly toward a savory & spicy flavor profile while the avocado and sour cream helped balance everything out with a bit of creaminess.

Over Lightly Crepegg

The Crepeggs are one of the restaurant’s signature items: a thin crepe combined with fluffy whipped eggs. This Over Lightly version included Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, avocado, mushrooms and sprouts, served with their house dressing which had a creamy flavor that reminded me of burrata cheese. The crepe itself was actually closer to a tortilla rather than the soft, dessert-style crepes.

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Stay at InterContinental The Clement Monterey

After brunch we headed to our hotel, InterContinental The Clement Monterey located right by Cannery Row. We booked a 2 Double Premium Fireplace Room, which was spacious enough for a family stay.

Double Premium Fireplace Room

The room had two large beds and a long desk along the wall. The overall layout felt spacious with a clean, neutral design and large windows that brought in plenty of natural light. I noticed a few closed doors along the wall that couldn’t be opened, which I assume are connecting doors for guests who book adjoining rooms.

One interesting feature was the fireplace. Considering Monterey’s relatively mild coastal climate, it’s not something you necessarily expect. It could be turned on with a switch and while it didn’t heat the entire room, it added a subtle warmth and a cozy atmosphere especially in the evenings.

The bathroom was also fairly spacious, with both a bathtub and a separate shower booth. The amenities were Byredo products: shampoo, conditioner, and body wash were provided in wall-mounted dispensers.

Facilities & Overall Condition

The hotel itself is definitely quite old, and you can tell that from certain details in the room and common areas. But it felt well-maintained and clean, which made the overall stay comfortable.

On the second floor, there is a fitness center and an outdoor pool. The fitness center feels a bit more like an old-school training room rather than a modern gym. But it still has a good mix of cardio machines like treadmills and stationary bikes, along with free weights and strength equipment.

The outdoor pool is located nearby and is heated, but it’s worth noting that the size is quite small, more of a narrow lap pool rather than a large leisure pool.

One of the highlights is the Pacific View Courtyard, an outdoor lounge area accessible from the lobby. It’s a great spot to sit and enjoy the ocean view, especially around sunset. Right next to the courtyard there is also a restaurant & bar called The C which opens at 7am, making it a convenient option for breakfast.

Parking at InterContinental The Clement Monterey

One important thing to note is that the hotel only offers valet parking, which costs $45 per night (before tax). This is fairly typical for hotels in prime coastal locations like Monterey, but it’s definitely something to factor into your budget especially if you’re planning a longer stay.

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17 Mile Drive & Pebble Beach

During our two days in Monterey, we visited 17 Mile Drive and Pebble Beach twice. (As of March 2026 there was an entrance fee of $12.50 per vehicle, but it was absolutely worth it.) For those unfamiliar, 17 Mile Drive is one of the most famous scenic drives in California. It runs through Pebble Beach and offers a curated route showcasing coastal cliffs, golf courses, and iconic viewpoints.

Scenic Views & Wildlife at Pebble Beach

The weather was clear the first day we went, and the ocean looked incredibly vibrant. The untouched coastline here is different from anything you see in cities, and driving through the area itself is very therapeutic. There are multiple designated stops where you can pull over, take photos and enjoy the view.

One of the most memorable moments was unexpectedly coming across a family of deer grazing on a grassy area. There were about five or six of them, calmly eating and completely unbothered by nearby visitors.

18th Green

Another highlight was the 18th green, one of the most famous finishing holes in golf. Even if you’re not particularly into golf, this spot will impress you with the green course stretching along the coastline and the Pacific Ocean just beyond it.

There was a large cypress tree standing alone near the 18th green so I thought it was the famous Lone Cypress, but this one is actually part of the golf course itself. It has that same windswept, slightly sculptural look that Monterey cypress trees are known for, shaped over time by strong coastal winds.

Brunch at Gallery Cafe Pebble Beach

On the second day, we returned to Pebble Beach and had brunch at Gallery Cafe, located near the Visitor Center. The biggest highlight here is definitely the view. Sitting down for a meal while overlooking the greenery and ocean in the distance allowed me to fully take in the the tranquil vibe🏌️‍♀️⛳😎 The service was also attentive and friendly, which made the meal feel more relaxed and enjoyable.

French Onion Soup

This was offered as the soup of the day, and we opted for the bowl instead of the cup. The onions were simmered down to bring out a deep, slightly sweet flavor and it was topped with a thick layer of melted cheese and a sprinkle of chives. It was warm, comforting, and quite filling, definitely a satisfying starter.

Avocado Toast

Topped with soft scrambled eggs, tomato and served on sourdough with mixed greens and herb vinaigrette. The flavor was fairly predictable; it’s the kind of dish that can’t go wrong🥑 Personally I would’ve liked the scrambled eggs to be a bit less prominent than the avocado, but if you’re looking for something light and safe, this is definitely a reliable option.

Chicken Caesar Wrap

The wrap included rotisserie chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, tomato, and Caesar dressing wrapped in a flour tortilla. It was straightforward but satisfying, especially if you’re looking for something not too heavy.

Fish Tacos

Made with fried tilapia, cheese, chipotle aioli, cabbage slaw, salsa, sour cream, guacamole and jalapeno on tortillas. It had a nice mix of textures and flavors and the freshness of the slaw balanced out the richness.

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Drive to Bixby Bridge

From Pebble Beach to Bixby Bridge

After finishing the 17 Mile Drive, my dad suggested we make a quick stop at Bixby Creek Bridge located along the Big Sur coastline. From Pebble Beach, it took us about 30 minutes by car.

The route follows Highway 1, one of California’s most scenic coastal roads, but it can also feel a bit intimidating especially if you’re not used to driving along cliffs. There are quite a few sharp S-shaped curves, narrow lanes and sections without guardrails, so I would recommend going before sunset while it’s still bright.

Bixby Creek Bridge

Bixby Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in California. Built in 1932, it’s a concrete arch bridge that stretches across a deep canyon with the Pacific Ocean in the background. The combination of the rugged cliffs, open ocean and the architectural lines of the bridge makes it one of the most photographed spots along the Big Sur coast.

When you get close to the bridge, you’ll notice that many visitors pull over along the roadside to take photos. Instead of having just one “official” viewpoint, people tend to find their own angles depending on where they can safely stop; so it’s important to stay aware of traffic and be ready to act quickly when an opportunity comes up. I’d recommend being a bit bold and taking the right moment to pull over for your best shot; try catching the moment when the car in front of you moves out👀🏎️💨