10 Hours in Seaside, CA

Seaside, CA is not to be overlooked by its larger neighbor. Just to the north of Monterey, this area boasts some of the county’s most sought after gems including the former Fort Ord military base which is now home to Fort Ord National Monument, CSU Monterey Bay and the scenic Bayonet & Black Horse golf courses. On your next visit to the area be sure to carve out some time to explore this cultural adventure destination.

8:30am

Kick off your day with a healthy breakfast at one of Monterey County’s newest, not to mention hippest, juice and coffee joints. The modish Press Café offer all sorts of light bites like breakfast sandwiches, pastries and perfectly pressed juices. The perfectly pressed juice bar offers a variety of organic cold-pressed drinks that are healthy and above all else, tasty! The “Allure” concoction is a personal favorite with watercress, grapefruit, coconut, turmeric and apple. Known as the “beauty juice” this packs a punch full of rehydrating and anti-oxidant rich properties.

10:00am

Now that your fully revved up its time to hit the trails. Fort Ord National Monument is accessible at Watkins Gate in Seaside and with 83 miles of trails there’s a variety of terrain ranging, from grassy hills to coastal shrubland. The secluded area is also a mecca amongst mountain bikers and plays host to several races during the Sea Otter Classic biking festival.

12:00pm

Time for lunch! Googie Grill, just down from Embassy Suites is a staple when it comes to comfort food. The diner is a true flashback in time with typical Googie architecture, retro décor and killer menu items like crispy fried chicken, mushroom gravy meatloaf and black bean chipotle burger. Be sure to start off with their addicting fried zucchini sticks!

1:30pm

Now you have a decision to make, to golf or to relax. For those looking to hit the links, book a tee time at Bayonet & Black Horse. The two golf courses sit on the former Fort Ord military base and offer epic views of the Monterey Bay as well as great game.

If relaxation in more on your mid, head to the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Take a leisurely stroll before finding the perfect spot to post up along the beach. There’s no better place to unwind with the cool coastal breeze, crashing waves and bobbing boats in the distance. You might even spot a whale or two in the distance!

6:30pm

Take a little trip to northern Italy without leaving Seaside! Head to Gusto this evening for a truly authentic Italian meal complete with handcrafted pastas, wood fired pizzas and a full bar. Make it a four-course meal starting off with one of their many antipasto dishes. The mozzarella tasting is a must with three varieties of mozzarella and burrata samplings. Next, choose a pizza from their extensive menu, the margherita is always a classic crowd-pleaser. No Italian meal is compete without pasta and their mushroom ravioli slathered in gorgonzola cream sauce is to die for. Be sure to save room save room for cannoli and espresso before calling it a night!

8:00pm

Check in for a good night sleep at one of the many hotels in the area. Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn all offer cozy beds, complimentary breakfast and easy access to the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.

UnWINE’d at Sovino Wine Bar

Escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Monterey and unwine’d at the cozy Sovino Wine Bar. Just inside the esplanade towards Custom House Plaza, the charming wine haven is an easy lure with a tempting happy hour, large selection of libations and outdoor patio- perfect for people watching.

Sovino is truly one of the only wine bars in the area where you can enjoy a full glass of wine, craft brew or sample a wine flight.

You’re sure to be pleased with the bar’s expansive wine list including all sorts of California wines and a variety of award-winning Monterey County vinos available by the glass or bottle. And don’t miss their killer happy hour where wines by the glass are 50% from 4pm-6pm Monday-Thursday.

Regardless of which libation you choose, be sure to pair it with one of their tantalizing tapas. The charcuterie plate is the perfect appetizer before any dinner date!

The Wine Bar also plays host to uber-popular Paint & Sip Nights. Resident artist Bunny Paivine guides amateur artists on a journey to creating their own masterpiece all with a glass of wine in hand. Click here for upcoming event dates.

The wine bar is open Sunday – Thursday from 1pm-9pm and Friday and Saturday from 1pm-10pm.

Enjoy a Smoke with a Touch of Class at The Humidor Cigar Shop and Lounge

Love fine cigars and the company that share the same passion? The Humidor’s new digs near Cannery Row allow for just that.

Just above the renowned Whaling Station Steakhouse and next to the iconic Sardine Factory, The Humidor’s brand new location (just across the street from its previous set-up) is already becoming a standout amongst its legendary neighbors.

The Humidor is much more than just a cigar shop, it’s a home away from home. With multiple lounges, game rooms and TV rooms it’s no wonder why cigar enthusiasts are making this a must-stop shop on their itinerary.

The star of this space is their expansive walk-in humidor housing a wide variety of cigar choices including an array of premium brands like Padron, Opus X and Fuente. The room is set at a humid 70 degrees to ensure the goods maintain their highest quality.

What’s the use of a good cigar without a fine place to smoke it? The exuberant public smoking lounges resemble a high-end club and come stocked with cozy leather chairs, large flat screen TVs and ocean breezes. You will never want to leave, especially since you can order food and beverages from the delicious Whaling Station just downstairs!

New to The Humidor is their exclusive “members only” lounge. Half of the building is dedicated to their member VIP clients who have their own private humidified cigar locker and access to a kitchen, multiple private lounges and a poker room.

Looking for a pop-up cigar stand at an upcoming event? The Humidor has you covered with multiple packages featuring a plethora of cigars, perfect for weddings, reunions and corporate events.

The Humidor is open Sunday through Thursday from 10am-10pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am-12pm.