Bay Area day trips: 9 things to do in Monterey for $15 or less

Budget-conscious Bay Area travelers in search of a staycation could be forgiven for overlooking the Monterey Peninsula, where a night’s hotel stay could easily cost upward of $200, but don’t write it off if you’re looking for a weekend jaunt.

There’s no charge to marvel at the peninsula’s world-renowned, rugged, lush beauty that has long captivated artists, authors and creatives. Breathtaking scenery is plentiful at trails and parks, and pocket-friendly eateries and attractions abound, if you know where to look.

Trek the trails

It’s hard to beat a walk along Monterey Bay’s picturesque shores, but the stunning bay, mountain and Carmel Valley views from Jacks Peak Park are a close rival. You could spend hours soaking in panoramic views on a clear day, picnicking, birding, breathing in the crisp air of a dense forest and wandering the park’s 8.5 miles of trails at various skill levels.

Don’t let the name intimidate you. Jacks Peak may reign as the peninsula’s highest point at more than 1,000 feet above Monterey, but you’ll cover most of that distance by car as trailheads are situated at high elevations.

The park is home to one of the country’s last three Monterey pine tree forests, according to Monterey County Parks.

Turn right at the ranger station at the park’s entrance and take a short drive into the parking lot. Parking is free through June 30 and tends to be plentiful even on weekends. There, you’ll find restrooms, picnic tables with bay views — an ideal spot for enjoying a snack — and the trailhead for the scenic 0.8-mile Skyline Self-Guided Nature Trail: a beginner-friendly trail with a free guide, courtesy of the county.

Jacks Peak is located just outside Monterey and a short drive from Highway 1, which makes it a great place to start or end your day.

Details: Visit Jacks Peak Park at 25020 Jacks Peak Park Road and learn more at bit.ly/2ZT3c9I. The park opens at 8 a.m. daily, with closing hours that vary seasonally — 5 p.m. from December through February, for example.

Pre-hike java jolt

If you need a burst of caffeinated energy before you go exploring — or afterward — consider a pit stop at Acme Coffee Roasting Co. in Seaside, just north of Monterey. This walk-up, outdoor coffee bar is beloved for its cold brew, numerous coffee blends, single-origin options and independent spirit (Acme’s motto is “Resist Corporate Coffee”).

Acme offers a slate of options for $5 or less, including a fiery Mexican mocha and a Vietnamese iced coffee that will jolt you awake after your drive. Pastries are available, and there is limited seating outdoors.

You’ll also find quality coffee, tea and snack options at East Village Cafe in Monterey’s historic downtown. The cafe prides itself on its chai lattes featuring a spice blend made in-house (about $5).

Details: Visit Acme Coffee Roasting Co. between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 485B Palm Ave. in Seaside; acmecoffeeroasting.com. Check out East Village Cafe, which is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday at 498 Washington St. in Monterey; eastvillagemonterey.com.

Bites and brews

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a casual bite and craft brew at Dust Bowl Brewing Co.’s Monterey Tap Depot, just steps away from Del Monte Beach — where you might spot dolphins and other sea life — and about a half-mile walk from the iconic Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

The Monterey Tap Depot features a rotating list of 24 brews, from lagers and sours to hoppy India pale ales ($7 to $9 for a pint). Enjoy cozy seating inside or head outside to enjoy fire pits, cornhole games, community tables beneath outdoor heaters and the Wedo’s Tacos truck, which doles out killer $5 fish, steak, chicken and vegan tacos. Don’t miss the nacho platters, which start at $7.

The taproom sits along the 18-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, a scenic bike and pedestrian path that winds past lounging harbor seals and some of Monterey’s most popular spots, including Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It ends at Pacific Grove’s iconic cliffside Lovers Point Park.

Details: Dust Bowl Brewing Co.’s Monterey location opens at noon on weekdays and 11 a.m. weekends at 290 Figueroa St. in Monterey; https://dustbowlbrewing.com.

Wharfside treats

Take the trail to Monterey’s charming Old Fisherman’s Wharf and swing by Monterey Bay Creamery for a pierside churro or scoop of ice cream ($5). The creamery is steps away from Water and Leaves, a coffee and tea shop where you can enjoy a pour-over or affogato from a balcony overlooking the harbor and marine life.

Details: Monterey Bay Creamery opens at 11 a.m. daily at 43 Fishermans Wharf in Monterey; www.montereybaycreamery.com. Water and Leaves opens at 8:30 a.m. daily at 95 Fishermans Wharf #1.

Spectacular views

Pacific Grove marks the beginning of the famous 17-Mile Drive, a Monterey Bay bucket list item. The route winds through Carmel and the private Pebble Beach community, past spectacular scenes of jagged coastline, pristine white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, evergreen cypress trees, wandering deer and envy-inducing mansions.

Motorists must pay $10.75 per car to access the Pebble Beach portion of 17-Mile Drive. Expect some traffic, particularly during peak times, such as weekends.

Details: View the 17-Mile Drive route at ​​pebblebeach.com/17-mile-drive.

Fun dinner options

If you’re near Cannery Row, step away from the super touristy spots and check out Sea Harvest Restaurant & Fish Market. The market boasts an array of local and sustainable catches (bring a cooler to tote that fish home), but dine-in guests can look forward to fresh clam chowder at $8 per pint and comforting fish and chips at $16 per plate.