Five Water Activities to Do in Monterey

Happy May! We’re excited to share another Portola Book Club novel this month. With every selection, we highlight a story that connects in a meaningful way 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

Auto enthusiasts are likely to have already heard of the world-renowned Monterey Car Week, with major events dotting the Peninsula. 

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. 

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 the best Dog Friendly Activities in Monterey for guests of the Portola Hotel & Spa.

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!

Hidden gems and lesser-known activities and attractions offer unique experiences away from the hustle and bustle. Let's explore hidden gems in Monterey.