This blog post is all about my review of staying at Monterey Pines Inn.
As part of our three-week West Coast Road Trip across California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, we made a stop in Monterey, California, a charming coastal city famous for its natural beauty, marine life, and proximity to the iconic Big Sur coastline.
After spending one night in Santa Barbara, we drove north and checked into Monterey Pines Inn for one night before continuing our journey north to San Francisco.
This cozy, affordable, and well-located motel was the perfect base for exploring both Monterey itself and the dramatic landscapes of Big Sur.
In this blog post, I’ll share why Monterey Pines Inn was the right choice for us, what you can expect from a stay here, and how to make the most of your time in this beautiful part of California.
RELATED Monterey Pines Inn blog posts to read:
- How to Spend 1 Day in Monterey, California: Perfect Day Trip
- Hotel Review: Best Western Plus Santa Barbara, California
- How to Spend 1 Day in Santa Barbara: A Perfect Day Trip From LA
5 Reasons to Visit Monterey, California
Monterey is one of California’s most charming coastal towns and a must-stop on any Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
Its appeal lies in its mix of natural beauty, ocean wildlife, and historic charm.
1. Monterey Bay Aquarium
One of the most famous aquariums in the world, it’s home to sea otters, jellyfish, giant kelp forests, and an incredible variety of marine life from the Pacific Ocean.
2. Cannery Row
Once a hub for the sardine canning industry, this waterfront street is now filled with shops, restaurants, and ocean views.
It’s one of the most atmospheric places in Monterey.
3. 17-Mile Drive
A scenic route through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove that showcases some of the most stunning coastal views in California.
Think dramatic cliffs, pristine golf courses, and iconic viewpoints like the Lone Cypress Tree.
4. Whale Watching Tours
Monterey Bay is one of the best places in the world for whale watching.
Depending on the season, you might spot humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, or even orcas.
5. Beaches & Outdoor Activities
Lovers Point Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea (just a short drive away), and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve are perfect for walks, photography, or just soaking in the coastal beauty.
Monterey is a place where you can slow down and enjoy the California coast at its best, while also having access to one of the world’s most scenic drives: Big Sur.
How to Get to Monterey
One of the reasons Monterey Pines Inn makes such a great stop is its easy accessibility along the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), one of the most famous road trip routes in the world.
Whether you’re flying in, driving from another California city, or arriving as part of a longer US road trip like us, getting to Monterey is very straightforward.
How to Get to Monterey from San Francisco
Most travellers visit Monterey after flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK).
From San Francisco, you can:
- Drive via Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway): The most scenic option, hugging the coastline through Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. This takes a little longer but is absolutely worth it for the views.
- Drive via Highway 101: The faster inland route, taking around 2 hours.
- Public Transport: You can take a bus or train to Salinas and then transfer to a Monterey-Salinas Transit bus, but driving is far more convenient.
How to Get to Monterey from Los Angeles
If you’re road-tripping from Southern California, the drive from Los Angeles to Monterey is a highlight in itself:
- Highway 1 Route: The legendary Pacific Coast Highway drive via Malibu, Santa Barbara, and Big Sur is one of the most scenic in the world. This is a full-day drive, so plan to stop overnight (Santa Barbara is a perfect halfway stop, which is exactly what we did, staying at Best Western Plus Santa Barbara before heading north to stay at Monterey Pines Inn).
- Highway 101 Route: A faster inland route if you’re short on time, still taking around 6 hours.
- Flights: You can also fly from LAX to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) in under 1.5 hours.
How to Get to Monterey from Santa Barbara
Our journey to Monterey Pines Inn began in Santa Barbara, where we spent one night before continuing north.
This stretch of Highway 1 is incredible, taking you past Morro Bay, San Simeon (home to the famous Hearst Castle), and through Big Sur. Plan plenty of stops, because the views are unmissable.
How to Get to Monterey from San Jose
If you’re flying into San Jose International Airport (SJC), Monterey is just over an hour’s drive away.
This is the closest major airport and often has cheaper flights compared to flying directly into Monterey.
If You’re Flying Directly to Monterey
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is just a 10-minute drive from Monterey Pines Inn, making it the most convenient option.
Several airlines operate direct flights from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Denver.
If you want to maximize your time in Monterey and Big Sur, flying directly into MRY is a great choice.
Why We Chose to Stay at Monterey Pines Inn
When planning our road trip, we wanted somewhere that was affordable, comfortable, and in a great location for exploring both Monterey and Big Sur.
After some research, Monterey Pines Inn stood out as the perfect choice.
We were travelling on a mid-range budget and didn’t need luxury, but we also didn’t want to compromise on comfort.
Monterey Pines Inn ticked all the boxes: clean and spacious rooms, free parking (a huge plus when you’re road-tripping in California), and a quiet location just a short drive from downtown Monterey.
It gave us exactly what we needed: a no-fuss, comfortable stay with easy access to all the attractions in the area.
Where to Eat in Monterey
Monterey has a fantastic dining scene, ranging from fresh seafood on the waterfront to cozy cafes tucked into side streets.
Here are some popular spots you should check out:
- Old Fisherman’s Wharf – The ultimate place to enjoy clam chowder, fresh oysters, and Dungeness crab. Many restaurants here offer free samples of chowder, making it fun to stroll and taste before you decide where to sit down.
- Alta Bakery – We enjoyed breakfast here and it was so fresh and beautiful. I’d highly recommend the avocado toast here and sitting in their courtyard to enjoy it in the sunshine.
- The Sardine Factory – An iconic, slightly upscale spot with a menu full of fresh seafood and California classics. Perfect for a romantic dinner or celebrating a special trip.
- Montrio Bistro – A stylish downtown restaurant serving creative dishes with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
Since Monterey Pines Inn is so close to the main parts of town, you’ll have plenty of options for dining without needing to drive far.
Location of Monterey Pines Inn
One of the best things about Monterey Pines Inn is its convenient location.
Nestled in a quiet area, the inn offers peace and relaxation while still being just a few minutes’ drive from:
- Downtown Monterey
- Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf
- 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Highway 1, the gateway to Big Sur
This balance of accessibility and tranquility made it an excellent base for our road trip.
We could easily spend the day exploring and then return to a quiet, comfortable space each night.
Top 5 Things to Do in Big Sur
One of the biggest reasons we chose Monterey Pines Inn was its proximity to Big Sur, one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world.
Driving Highway 1 south from Monterey, you’ll encounter breathtaking cliffs, beaches, and viewpoints.
Here are a few unmissable stops:
- Bixby Creek Bridge – One of the most photographed bridges in California, offering dramatic views of the Pacific.
- Pfeiffer Beach – Famous for its purple sand and stunning rock formations.
- McWay Falls – An 80-foot waterfall that flows directly into the ocean, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
- Garrapata State Park – A great stop for hiking trails, wildflowers, and rugged coastal scenery.
- Point Sur Lighthouse – A historic landmark perched on a volcanic rock outcrop.
Spending a day driving through Big Sur is an unforgettable experience, and staying at Monterey Pines Inn makes it easy to start your journey early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Amenities at Monterey Pines Inn
While Monterey Pines Inn is a budget-friendly option, it still offers plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable.
What you can expect:
- Free parking, ideal for road trippers
- Spacious, clean rooms with comfortable beds
- Free Wi-Fi
- Flat-screen TVs with cable
- Mini-fridge and microwave in the room
- Air conditioning and heating
- 24-hour front desk assistance
It’s a straightforward, no-frills stay, but that’s exactly what makes Monterey Pines Inn a reliable and affordable option in a town where accommodation can get pricey.
Final Review of Monterey Pines Inn
Overall, our stay at Monterey Pines Inn was exactly what we were looking for: a clean, convenient, and budget-friendly hotel that gave us easy access to both Monterey and Big Sur.
The location made it effortless to explore the highlights of the California coast, while the comfortable rooms gave us a much-needed rest after long days of sightseeing.
If you’re planning a West Coast road trip like us, and looking for an affordable stay in Monterey, Monterey Pines Inn is an excellent choice.
Whether you’re here for the aquarium, the scenic drives, or just to soak up the charm of California’s central coast, this motel provides a great base without breaking the bank.
RELATED Monterey Pines Inn blog posts to read:
- How to Spend 1 Day in Monterey, California: Perfect Day Trip
- Hotel Review: Best Western Plus Santa Barbara, California
- How to Spend 1 Day in Santa Barbara: A Perfect Day Trip From LA
By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
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