While Hubby’s family was in town for the Thanksgiving holiday, we decided it would be the perfect opportunity to visit Monterey.  I really wanted to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium again and figured it would be a kid-friendly activity.

Day 1: To avoid holiday traffic, we drove down on Friday morning and arrived in Monterey around lunch time.  First stop, Kocomo’s at Fisherman’s Wharf for clam chowder.  It was so creamy and tasty.  Mmmmmm…just thinking about it makes me want a bowl right now.  We ordered the bowl and asked for a side of bread instead of ordering the bread bowl. The reviews I read said that they served the same clam chowder as Old Fisherman’s Grotto, but at a cheaper price.  We saw a sign later that said that there are four restaurants in the area that serve the same award winning clam chowder. We also ordered a shrimp cocktail, but was disappointed that it was not big shrimp.

The place is really small, but we were lucky enough to get the table in the far back that overlooks the water.  Pelicans were hanging out on the ledge right outside the window.

With full bellies, we made our way over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

at the entrance

penguins, fish, crabs, sea anemone

jellies

After the aquarium, we walked over to Cannery Row to find some dinner. There was a huge crowd for the lighting of the Christmas tree.  We enjoyed a lovely dinner at The Fish Hopper.  Hubby ordered the Crab Ravioli with Prawns and Scallops (served in a Lobster Cream Sauce with Baby Spinach and Garlic Bread) and I had the Crab Cakes (served with Mango Chili Sauce and Red Pepper Aioli) and a small Caesar Salad.

It was a long day, and we were all tired. So, we checked-in at the Courtyard Salinas Monterey.  We hung out in their room for a bit taking some photos.

cousins

Day 2: After a good night’s rest, we walked across the street for breakfast at IHOP. On the way home, we stopped at the GIlroy Premium Outlets for a couple of hours.  We picked up a new suitcase for all of baby E’s stuff when we travel.

It was a wonderful getaway full of memories.

Highlights: Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Gilroy Premium Outlets
Food: Kocomo’s, The Fish Hopper, IHOP
Lodging: Courtyard Salinas Monterey