Schedule some kid-free time and perhaps choose a new outing idea or two! Whether you lean toward classic or spicy food, an artsy evening, or the beach, plan something energizing or relaxing as a well-deserved break from parenting.
ART, MUSIC, THEATRE
Check out the lineup at PacRep at the Forest Theater (Carmel), Paperwing Theater & Supper Club (Monterey), or Golden State Theatre (Monterey).
Take in some casual art and music during downtown’s First Friday Pacific Grove or enjoy the free First Friday entrance at Monterey Museum of Art.
FOOD
Try the delicious Mexican cocktails at Villa Azteca (Salinas) or splurge at trendy Maligne (Seaside). Enjoy the fun Korean desserts at Jeju Kitchen (Carmel).
Make a reservation for upscale seafood at Passionfish (Pacific Grove) or Osteria Al Mare (Monterey) or visit Il Vecchio’s (Pacific Grove) cozy Italian happy hour. If you’re feeling brunch instead, split the variety of French toasts at El Bistro by the Sea (Carmel).
Channel your inner tourist with a weekday breakfast on the patio at Mission Ranch (Carmel) or a fireside bite at Spanish Bay’s STICKS (Pebble Beach) while listening to the bagpiper before sunset.
Enjoy Mediterranean at Laili Restaurant (Santa Cruz), then meander downtown. Bookshop Santa Cruz is well worth a stop.
If you’re craving a cruise ship vibe, grab a table by the windows at 2025 Monterey Bay Parent Family Favorite Winner Old Fisherman’s Grotto (Monterey), Charthouse (Monterey), or Taste of Monterey on Cannery Row.
Grab coffee, perhaps at 11th Hour Coffee (Santa Cruz) or in the back garden Alta Bakery (Monterey). Bonus points: wander downtown afterward.
Attend a philanthropic foodie event:
Chocolate & Wine (February 22) benefiting Monterey Public Library, Great Taste of PG (March 30) benefiting PG P.R.I.D.E./PGUSD, Salinas Valley Food and Wine (August) benefiting First Tee—Monterey County, Monterey Cattlewomen Association, Soledad NJROTC, Santa Lucia Rotary Foundation, Salinas Host Lions Club, and more, and Night Owl (October) benefiting Pacific Grove Natural History Museum.
GET OUTDOORS
Pack your favorite snacks to watch the sunset over the ocean, perhaps at Asilomar State Beach (Pacific Grove), off West Cliff Drive (Santa Cruz), or at Carmel Beach.
RELAX
Splurge on a Refuge (Carmel) day pass: Take a break from talking/phones and soak in the relaxing environment at this coed spa. They have childcare on site!
WINE & SPIRITS
Carmel Valley and Salinas Valley wineries: Don’t miss out on these gems in our extended backyards for a mini staycation.
Visit your go-to brewery or try the newish Hops and Fog (Pacific Grove), Tipsy Putt (Monterey), or Brass Tap (Marina).
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