Random questions for upcoming trip

Question

We have a 4 night stay coming up and I'm putting together a list of questions. I'm just at 2 questions now but I bet I'll have more as the trip nears.

1. When we are at the aquarium, if we wanted to pop out for lunch nearby vs eating in house, any recommendations? I know it's in a really touristy area and would love to avoid your typical tourist trap. We want to stay on foot but would love something that's not overpriced and average. I'm not concerned with the price part so long as I get something good for the money. Also open to off the beaten path holes in the wall that we could walk to. Is there anything like that that you would recommend?

2. Our hotel doesn't have laundry onsite (just laundry service- Hyatt Regency; it has the best room layout option for our crew but I know it isn't the best location...had to make trade offs :)). Are there any same day drop off laundry services around? We usually pack pretty light for our trips so mid-trip laundry can be helpful. Odds are we will just make due with our packing or handwash things but figured it could be helpful to know of a recommended wash and fold type service in the area.

Thank you!

Answer

Monterey is a fantastic spot for a 4-night stay, and it’s great that you’re planning ahead for meals and laundry. Here are some detailed recommendations for your questions.

1. Lunch near the Monterey Bay Aquarium:

The area around the aquarium is very touristy, but there are several options that offer quality food without feeling like a typical tourist trap. You can walk to many of them along Cannery Row or just a few blocks away:

Rosine’s Restaurant: A cozy spot known for sandwiches and soups. Casual and good for a quick bite without the tourist crowd.
Fisherman’s Wharf eateries: A few blocks from the aquarium, you’ll find seafood shacks like Old Fisherman’s Grotto or Fish Hopper. Slightly pricier but fresh local seafood with views of the water.
Sliver Coffee + Kitchen: Around a 10-15 minute walk, offers gourmet sandwiches, salads, and good coffee. A nice casual, less crowded alternative.
Alvarado Street Brewery: About 10-12 minutes walking, it has a small menu but quality food with local craft beers. Great for a relaxed sit-down.
Local holes-in-the-wall: Check out The Wild Plum Café or The Pickle — both small, locally-loved spots that are a short walk from the aquarium and not overly touristy.

2. Same-day laundry services near Hyatt Regency:

If you’re looking for mid-trip laundry options, Monterey has a few good choices for wash-and-fold services:

Monterey Laundry & Dry Cleaning: Offers same-day service if you drop off in the morning; located within a short drive of downtown.
Fluff & Fold Laundry: A smaller, locally-run place; often same-day depending on drop-off time.
Downtown Coin Laundry: Self-service laundromat if you prefer to do it yourself, with large machines and folding tables. Convenient for hotel guests.
Valet laundry services via Hyatt: While more expensive, the hotel’s laundry service is reliable if same-day turnaround is requested, especially if you drop clothes early in the morning.

With these options, you can enjoy good local food near the aquarium without the tourist trap feel, and you have flexible solutions for laundry even with light packing.

Random questions for upcoming trip

More Monterey Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions