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🗓️ Proposed Day Itinerary (Combining All 3)
✅ Combo Trip: Monterey Bay Aquarium + 17-Mile Drive + Taste of Big Sur
https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/
Redwood city to Monterey Bay Aquarium ( 90 mikes 1.35 h)
Day Trip Itinerary – Redwood City → Monterey → Santa Clara
8:30 AM – Depart Redwood City
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Take US-101 South toward Monterey.
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Drive time: ~1 hr 45 min without stops.
10:15 AM – Arrive in Monterey Bay Aquarium
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Spend ~2 hours exploring exhibits like the Open Sea, Kelp Forest, and Sea Otters.
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Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to skip the line.
12:15 PM – Lunch at Cannery Row
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Restaurants nearby:
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The Fish Hopper (ocean views, seafood)
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Lalla Oceanside Grill (modern, scenic)
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Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop for dessert.
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Time: ~1 hour.
1:30 PM – Scenic Pacific Grove Coastal Drive
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Take Ocean View Blvd through Pacific Grove → Lovers Point Park for photo stop.
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Continue along the rocky shoreline before starting 17-Mile Drive.
2:00 PM – Start 17-Mile Drive
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Entrance fee: ~$12 per vehicle.
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Key stops (spend 5–15 min at each):
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Spanish Bay – sweeping beach.
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The Restless Sea at Point Joe.
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China Rock.
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Bird Rock – seals & cormorants.
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Fanshell Overlook – possible harbor seals.
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Lone Cypress – iconic photo spot.
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Pescadero Point – dramatic views.
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Total time: ~1.5–2 hrs including stops.
4:00 PM – Carmel-by-the-Sea
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Stroll quaint streets, peek at art galleries, or walk down to Carmel Beach.
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Coffee or pastry stop at Carmel Bakery.
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Time: ~1 hr.
5:15 PM – Early Dinner in Carmel
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Options:
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La Bicyclette (rustic European)
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Casanova (romantic, cozy)
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Forge in the Forest (casual, outdoor patio)
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6:30 PM – Optional Sunset Stop
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If skies are clear, head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (closes at sunset) or back to Pacific Grove for the Lover’s Point sunset.
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Great time for photography.
8:00 PM – Depart for Santa Clara
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Drive time: ~1 hr 45 min.
9:45–10:00 PM – Arrive at Quality Inn, Santa Clara
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Check in and unwind.
Tips
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Gas up before leaving Redwood City.
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Dress in layers — Monterey and Carmel can be windy and chilly, even in summer.
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Bring binoculars for spotting sea otters and seals.
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Keep snacks and water in the car to save time between scenic stops.
🕒 3:00 PM – Continue Down to Big Sur (Optional)
Drive ~30–45 min further south. Stop at Bixby Bridge or McWay Falls (if time allows).
🕔 5:00 PM – Start Return to Santa Clara
You’ll catch golden hour driving back up the coast!
🕖 7:00–7:30 PM – Arrive Back in Santa Clara
