Coffee's on, playlist is vibing, let's talk about where we're going next.
You don't need seven days and a second mortgage to make a memory — sometimes you just need a tank of gas and a coastline. If you live anywhere in California, Monterey and Carmel are close enough for a real weekend trip and packed enough that nobody in the car asks "what now?"
This one's built for families who want tide pools, good food, and zero stress about what to pack. They also have a great little airport so if you’re flying in you don’t have to hassle with the big city.
Since this is the first edition of the Weekend Passport, let’s review the heart and soul of this newsletter: inspiration to create travel memories with your loved ones. So if this trip doesn’t float your boat, then let it inspire you to plan a trip that does!
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Weekend in Monterey & Carmel, California
Monterey and Carmel work because they pack real variety into a tiny stretch of coastline — you get world-class marine life at the aquarium, dramatic cliffside driving on 17-Mile Drive, tide pools and beach time in Carmel, and genuinely good food, all within about a 20-minute radius. And because everything's walkable or a short drive, you're not burning half the trip in a car, which means more actual time together and less logistics.
DAY 1: FRIDAY
Arrive, walk Cannery Row, and let the kids touch a starfish.
Stay: Hilton Garden Inn - family-friendly, pool, easy pivot to either Monterey or Carmel. This is a reliable, no-frills hotel I’d choose for a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
Do: Monterey Bay Aquarium - the touch tanks alone are worth the trip. If you get into town early enough you can do this on Friday, or swap it for a Saturday activity.
Eat: The Fish Hopper on Cannery Row - waterfront tables, kid-friendly menu.
DAY 2: SATURDAY
Enjoy Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive and Carmel.
Do: Meander around Cannery Row
Do: Take the recreation trail from Cannery Row to Lover’s Point.
Do: 17-Mile Drive from Pacific Grove to Carmel — worth it even with a carful of kids. Here’s a fun list of things to do on this route. Stroll the streets of Carmel.
Eat: Alvarado Street Brewing Company — Great food, beer, and service - nestled in the Carmel Plaza.
DAY 3: SUNDAY
Wander Carmel-by-the-Sea before the drive home.
Do: Carmel Beach — one of the most photogenic (and dog-friendly) beaches in California
Do: Hit The Cheese Shop in Carmel Plaza for a one-of-a-kind cheese tasting/shopping experience.
What’s your favorite weekend low-stress trip?
Okay, homework time (the fun kind). Hit reply and tell me about your favorite low-stress weekend — not the trip that needed a spreadsheet and three alarms, just the one where you showed up, did basically nothing impressive, and came home happy. I read every reply, and it might just end up in a future issue.
Your Weekend Passport Planner,
- Josh
Resources and Products Featured Today’s Issue
BANGE TRAVEL BAG
I’ve been using this travel bag for 7 years. Great for weekends, fits under airplane seat, super solid.
ROADTRIP ORGANIZER
This is an absolute lifesaver on roadtrips. I never drive more than a couple hours away without them.
Never Start a Trip From a Blank Page Again
Grab our free Google Sheets travel planner — the same one we use to build every itinerary in this newsletter. Drop in your dates, save your must-dos, and skip the 2am 'wait, did we book parking?' spiral. It's free, it's simple, and it's yours in one click.
