Thanksgiving Solo Trip to Monterey County

Question

Hello,

Last year, I did a Thanksgiving solo trip to Long Beach and had so much fun! Stayed on the Queen Mary for 2 nights and then over to the Hyatt Regency LB.

I was thinking this year I would discover Monterey for Thanksgiving. I prefer not to rent a car and just use rideshare and walk to places. I would be flying into the Monterey airport.

Is the Portola too far away from things without a car, or do I need to look closer to Cannery Row? (So I can walk to restaurants for dinner.) I do want to visit the aquarium as well as some of the other historic Monterey sites and maybe an ebike tour on 17-mile Rd.

Also, are there any recommendations on where to spend Thanksgiving dinner? It doesn't have to be a traditional dinner. I like unique experiences, so I was looking at Old Fisherman's Grotto.

Thanks so much!

Answer

Monterey is a very walkable city, especially around Cannery Row and Old Town Monterey, so for a solo traveler without a car, staying near Cannery Row is definitely more convenient than the Portola Hotel & Spa, which is set slightly back from the waterfront and can feel a bit isolated if relying on walking or rideshares. Being closer to Cannery Row puts you within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

If you stay near Cannery Row, you can comfortably explore many of Monterey’s highlights on foot, including:

The Monterey Bay Aquarium – right on Cannery Row, easy to reach for a morning or afternoon visit.
Historic Old Town Monterey – offers quaint streets with cafes, boutiques, and historic landmarks.
Coastal Walks – the Coastal Recreation Trail runs along the waterfront, providing scenic strolls from Cannery Row to Fisherman’s Wharf.

For your idea of an e-bike tour along 17-Mile Drive, many tour companies in the Monterey/Carmel area provide pickup services from central Monterey locations, which would work well without a car. You could also easily get a rideshare there from Cannery Row hotels.

Regarding Thanksgiving dinner, Monterey has several options that cater to unique and memorable experiences rather than the traditional turkey dinner:

Old Fisherman’s Grotto – classic Monterey seafood dining with a cozy ambiance, very popular for Thanksgiving.
Montrio Bistro – a local favorite for elevated American cuisine with seasonal touches; reservations recommended.
Passionfish in Pacific Grove – sustainable seafood in a charming setting, known for creative dishes and holiday menus.
Fandango Restaurant – Mediterranean-style dining with a cozy, welcoming vibe, often offering special holiday meals.

In summary, for ease of walking and access to attractions without a car, Cannery Row or nearby Old Town Monterey is ideal. The Portola Hotel is nice but would likely require more reliance on rideshares, especially for dinner and exploring other sites. Booking Thanksgiving dinner in advance is highly recommended, as many restaurants in Monterey fill quickly for the holiday.