12 Unique Date Ideas in Monterey, CA (Beyond Dinner on Cannery Row)
Monterey practically writes the romance for you: ocean views, cypress trees, wine country, and sunsets over the Pacific. But if you want a date that feels more memorable than dinner and a walk, the area has plenty more to offer. Here are 12 unique date ideas in Monterey, CA, whether you're planning a first date, an anniversary, or a weekend getaway.
1. Fly FPV Drones Together
Skip dinner and a movie and do something you'll both be talking about for weeks. Book a flight for each of you at Monterey FPV Experience, and you'll both learn to fly a DJI Avata 2 with an instructor at your side, no experience required. Afterward, swap stories over dinner and settle the debate about who's the better pilot.
2. Watch the Sunset at Carmel Beach
At the bottom of Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Beach has soft white sand and cypress trees along the bluffs. Bring a blanket, arrive before golden hour, and watch the sun drop into the Pacific.
3. Take a Slow Drive on 17-Mile Drive
Pay the per-car entrance fee and wind along the coast through Pebble Beach, with stops at the Lone Cypress and the rocky viewpoints along the way. Pack snacks and make an afternoon of it.
4. Taste Wine on the River Road Wine Trail
Head inland to the Santa Lucia Highlands, where the River Road Wine Trail winds past vineyards high above the Salinas Valley. The area is known for its pinot noir and chardonnay, and the valley views are worth the drive on their own. Plan for a designated driver or book a wine tour.
5. Go for a Sunset Sail on the Bay
Sailing charters run out of the Monterey harbor, and many offer sunset trips. Once you're out on the water, the town lights come on behind you, and sea otters and seabirds are common company. Bring a warm jacket, since it gets breezy on the bay.
6. Graze the Old Monterey Farmers Market
On Tuesday afternoons and evenings, Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey turns into a street market with local produce, food stalls, and live music. Build a dinner from the vendors and wander hand in hand down the street.
7. Walk the Path of History
Monterey was the capital of California under Spain and Mexico, and many of its historic adobes still stand. Follow the Path of History through Monterey State Historic Park and stop at the Custom House, California's oldest government building. It's a relaxed walk with a story around every corner.
8. Road Trip to Bixby Creek Bridge
Less than a half-hour drive south of Carmel on Highway 1, Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most photographed spots on the California coast. Pull off only at marked turnouts, and look up Caltrans road conditions for Highway 1 before you head out.
9. Hike Garrapata State Park
On the way to Bixby, Garrapata State Park has trails that climb from the ocean into the coastal hills, with quiet coves below the bluffs. In late winter and spring, Calla Lily Valley near the beach fills with white blooms, which makes for a memorable photo together.
10. Take a Beginner Surf Lesson
Never surfed? Learn together. Local surf schools provide boards and wetsuits and choose spots suited to first-timers. The water here is cold year-round, so the wetsuit is not optional, but the laughs are guaranteed.
11. Catch a Show at the Golden State Theatre
This restored 1920s movie palace in downtown Monterey hosts concerts, comedy, and touring shows. Look up the calendar, grab a drink nearby, and make a night of it.
12. Spend an Afternoon at the Monterey Museum of Art
For a quieter date, the Monterey Museum of Art on Pacific Street focuses on California artists and photography. It's an easy place to slow down, talk, and find a piece you both love.
Planning Tips for a Monterey Date
Bring a layer. Coastal fog can roll in any time of year, and evenings by the water cool off fast.
Chase the sun inland. When fog sits on the coast, Carmel Valley and the inland wine country are often bright and warm.
Pair adventure with downtime. A drone flight or a surf lesson in the morning and a slow sunset dinner in the evening is a hard combination to beat.
Want more inspiration? Read our list of 15 unique things to do in Monterey, CA, or bring the whole crew another day with our family guide to Monterey with kids. Thinking about getting your own drone after your flight? Start with our guide to where to fly a drone in Monterey.
Planning a surprise? Email contact@montereyfpv.com and we'll help you pick the right package.
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