Best Scenic Spots for Spring Photos in Monterey County
Apr 17, 2026
As the weather warms up and wildflowers begin to bloom, it’s clear that spring has arrived here in Monterey. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about where to take your spring photos. Monterey’s gorgeous backdrops offer some of the most scenic spots to capture the season. This week’s blog highlights some of our favorite spring photo locations to help you find that perfect shot for spring photos in Monterey.
Memory Garden
Memory Garden is just steps away from the Portola Hotel & Spa and provides a tranquil setting to relax and enjoy spring blooms. With a variety of flowers throughout the garden, including roses and hydrangeas, as well as a fountain filled with koi fish. It all offers the perfect backdrop to your memories captured in Monterey!
Perkins Park
Perkins Park is a stunning stretch of the Pacific Grove coastline and is covered with ice plants. During the spring months these flowers bloom to cover the park with bright purple flowers. This is an incredible bloom called the “Magic Carpet” or “Purple Carpet” by locals, and is a view like no other, giving you a vibrant photo as the blue of the water contrasts with the bright flowers. The blooms peak in April and May so be sure to plan your visit soon!
Earthbound Farms
Earthbound Farms in Carmel Valley hosts seasonal “u-pick” events in its flower fields, where you can pick your own blooms straight from their field. The vibrant flowers and bright colors make a beautiful backdrop for photos. Plus, you get to take your bouquet home! Check out their website or Instagram page for more details as they have a few different flowers available during the season.
Carmel Beach
If you are looking for a stunning sunset photoshoot, Carmel Beach is a wonderful choice! It has sweeping views of the Pacific, and a beautiful white soft sandy shore. You can catch surfers out on the water, or stick around until sunset when the sky softens into pastel colors. It truly is a beautiful spot for photos in Monterey County.
Take Your Spring Photos in Monterey County
Whether you’re wandering through gardens, along the coast, or just following whatever catches your eye, there are plenty of places to stop and take it all in. If you’re planning a visit, staying at the Portola Hotel & Spa puts you right in the middle of it all, with many of Monterey’s most popular attractions just a short walk or drive away. To book your stay, visit our website, or call us at (888)-222-5851.
Latest Articles
A Weekend Trip to Monterey
While there’s no shortage of things to do in Monterey, it is not always necessary to take a full week to explore this part of California. It is totally possible to experience what Monterey has to offer in one weekend, so we have created an itinerary for your weekend trip so that you can experience this destination without taking extra days off!
Portola Book Club! April Pick: The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
Welcome back to another Portola Book Club blog! We’re excited to jump back in as we continue to share a novel that has some significance to our beautiful destination. Monterey County has a rich literary history, making it a dream for literary tourism, and allowing visitors to explore the places that have shaped some of the most iconic stories while discovering new favorites along the way. As always, we’ll have copies of this month’s book available to borrow in our lobby library.
Best Places to Go on a Nature Walk in Monterey County
One of the most relaxing things you can add to your Monterey itinerary is a nature walk. The stunning landscapes of Monterey County, featuring rugged coastlines and towering forests, beckon travelers for a reset in nature. With many trails to choose from, finding a location for a nature walk is easy. In this week’s blog, you’ll learn about trails that take you to the coast and others that take you towards the forest. No matter which trails you head to, you are sure to get a good dose of Monterey County’s natural beauty.
Portola Book Club! March Pick: Typewriter Beach by Meg Waite Clayton
Another month, another Portola Book Club blog! We’re excited to continue our series where each month we share novels share some significance to our beautiful destination. Since Monterey County rich in literary history, it’s a dream for literary tourism, and welcoming visitors to explore the places that have shaped iconic stories while discovering new favorites along the way. As always, we’ll have copies of this month’s book available to borrow in our lobby library.
Explore Monterey
7 Day Monterey Itinerary: The Best of Monterey County Without Feeling Rushed
With so many sites and attractions in Monterey County, planning a week-long getaway might feel overwhelming so we mapped out the perfect 7-day Monterey itinerary. This week-long adventure is designed to help you experience the best of the coast without feeling rushed. If you’re boarding the new nonstop from Chicago to Monterey then this plan brings you the best of the week from the Saturday you arrive to the Saturday you head home!
Monterey: A Place of Literary Inspiration
In this week’s blog we explore Monterey and its surrounding areas as a literary inspiration. Written by our own Concierge, Chris Boyle, you’ll uncover the most scenic locations that inspired some of the most renowned writers, and discover how to experience them on your next visit to Monterey County!
Plan the Best Holiday Event: Q&A with Our Catering Team
The holidays are just around the corner, and Portola Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to host your holiday event! For this week’s blog, we sat down with our Catering Team to talk all things festive, from what makes holiday events at Portola so special to their expert tips for creating a celebration that feels effortless, memorable, and uniquely yours.
Holiday Events in Monterey
This holiday season, Monterey offers a wonderful array of events for everyone to enjoy! Don't miss the holiday magic and memories you'll create this winter by visiting Monterey. Check out all the wonderful holiday magic happening this season!
What's on Alvarado Street
The Portola Hotel & Spa is centrally located in downtown Monterey with Old Fisherman's Wharf only a 5-minute walk from the hotel, but less than a minute away is the heart of downtown Monterey, Alvarado Street.
Explore Monterey Family Fun
Best Monterey Beach Day Tips
Monterey boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in California with each beach so unique. We're sharing our top Monterey beach day tips to help you enjoy the coast and make the most of your day by the sea!
6 Events to Attend during Monterey Car Week 2025
Auto enthusiasts are likely to have already heard of the world-renowned Monterey Car Week, with major events dotting the Peninsula.
Explore Monterey
3 Scenic Routes in Monterey
While Monterey boasts some of the most beautiful trails in the world, going in a car allows you to see more of the Monterey coastline that isn't quite walkable.
Explore Monterey
Our Guide to a Perfect Day at Old Fisherman's Wharf
Old Fisherman's Wharf is home to many different business including attractions, shops and resturants. Here are our top recommendations for the perfect day!
Explore Monterey Family Fun
Dog Friendly Activities in Monterey County: A Guide for Guests With Dogs
Explore the best Dog Friendly Activities in Monterey for guests of the Portola Hotel & Spa.
Explore Monterey Family Fun Festivals & Local Events
Spring Events in Monterey County
Spring is here! With the new season, we can’t wait for all the springtime events. Check out these spring events in Monterey County we’re looking forward to!
Explore Monterey Family Fun
Unveiling Hidden Gems in Monterey
Hidden gems and lesser-known activities and attractions offer unique experiences away from the hustle and bustle. Let's explore hidden gems in Monterey.