On a wintry day with rain in the forecast, I drove down to Monterey from our home in San Jose, just over an hour away. Joining me for this adventure were my two teen sons, eager to spend time hiking and heading out on the water during their winter break. Our home base would be the Inn at 1252 Monterey, a motor lodge-style property with spacious rooms that were perfect for our group of three.
On our way south along Highway 1, we made a pit stop at Pezzini Farm Stand, where artichokes reign supreme. You can find everything from fresh artichokes to surprisingly good artichoke cupcakes. Parked out front is the Choke Coach, a food truck that focuses on—you guessed it—artichokes. After getting our fill of this delicious thistle, we continued south to Monterey to check into the Inn at 1252.
Inn at 1252 Monterey
Accommodations
As a family of five, we often have to snag two hotel rooms when we travel, as it’s tough to find a room big enough to accommodate all of us. I stayed in a Large Family Room at the Inn at 1252 with my two sons, and each of us had our own bed. We would have been fine even if our whole family were there. This room is one of the family suites available here, which has two rooms: a main room and a little alcove with a second bed.
We dropped off our road-trip sodas in our room’s mini-fridge so they’d be chilled for later, and noted the microwave and coffee maker that would make our lives easier this weekend.
Other rooms include standard king or two queen rooms, some of which have fridges and microwaves. If you’re visiting on a weekend with your partner, check whether a room with an en suite jacuzzi tub is available.
- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
The heated outdoor pool and the small fitness room are available to guests. All guests have free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, and TVs with access to premium channels, including HBO.
Before you head out to explore, grab some complimentary coffee or tea from the lobby. While the property does not have its own restaurant, the Del Monte Shopping Center is just across the street and offers numerous dining options, including Islands (burgers), Poke House, and California Pizza Kitchen. You’re also just a 10-minute drive from the wharf, where seafood spots and other restaurants are plentiful.
Things to Do in Monterey
Monterey is known for its stunning coastline, and the best place to see it is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Here you can hike the seaside trails, taking in the seabirds and seals nearby. If you time your visit for the winter or spring months, you might be able to spot whales offshore.
Another major draw to this part of California is the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row. Kids and adults alike will be mesmerized by the moon jellies and the Giant Pacific Octopus. You can buy your tickets in advance to reduce time spent waiting in line, and be sure to note any animal talks that interest you.
We were visiting Monterey during the winter, so a whale-watching excursion was a must. Instead of booking a standard tour on a slow-moving boat, we had a private ride with Fast Raft. We boarded our rigid inflatable with special seats that helped us stay balanced and see the marine life. Pretty soon after leaving the harbor at Moss Landing, we were spotting humpback whales in the distance. The advantage of having such an agile boat is that we could quickly move closer to the whales when we saw them.
Other family-friendly activities in Monterey County
- Show off your Oregon Trail skills at High Scores Arcade.
- Rent a bike from Big Sur Adventures to see the coastline on two wheels.
- Let the kids burn off some energy at the Dennis the Menace Playground.
- Tee up some fun at Tipsy Putt.
- Grab some handcrafted ice cream at Revival.
- Reserve a retro convertible from Monterey Touring Vehicles and cruise the scenic 17-Mile Drive.
- Check out the monarchs at the Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for comfortable rooms that are spacious enough for families, the Inn at 1252 Monterey is your spot. You’ll love being able to enjoy the heated pool after a day spent taking in the beauty of the area. Our room cost around $176 per night, but you can find standard rooms under $100 during the offseason.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
My stay at the Inn at 1252 was sponsored (paid for) by the property. The opinions expressed are my own.
Great article, Kate! Proximity to Del Monte Center is perfect. Many more restaurants, a Cinemark Century 13 and Whole Foods for take out also. The Inn sounds perfect.