Weekend in Monterey County, Calif.

Stay

Cuddle up in an ocean-view room with a gas fireplace in the historic 16-room Pacific Grove Inn. Queen Anne meets modern as guests unwind with afternoon tea, evening wine and a full hot breakfast from $102 per night; valid Sept. 1-Nov. 30. 581 Pine Ave. 831-375-2825, www.pacificgroveinn.com.

Eat

Hula’s is a Hawaiian-inspired tiki grill and bar with a menu of Asian, Latin and Caribbean flavors. Pu pu (small dishes), $4-$9; dinners, $10-$19. 622 Lighthouse Ave. 831-655-4852, www.hulastiki.com.

Experience

With a rental bike, hit the peninsula’s 17-Mile Drive (www.pebblebeach.com). Riders experience the Pebble Beach community of manicured mansions and jaw-dropping views of the Pacific coast. Half-day bike rentals, $24-$36; $48, tandems. 585 Cannery Row, 831-655-2453, www.baybikes.com. Find the best in oceanfront hiking at Point Lobos State Reserve just south of Carmel.

MODERATE

Getting there

One-way, walk-up economy class rates from $199; valid on Delta, United, US Airways

Stay

Accommodations at Monterey’s only Forbes four-star rated property, the Mediterranean-style Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, are perched over the National Marine Sanctuary. Rates, from $189 per night, include a $100-per-stay resort credit (two-night minimum stay required; valid Sept. 1-Nov. 30). 400 Cannery Row. 1-800-334-3999, www.monterey plazahotel.com.

Eat

Guests are considered family at Favaloro’s Big Night Bistro. This charming Pacific Grove restaurant offers weekly dinner specials; starters, $7-$14; pasta and fish entrees, $15-$26. 545 Lighthouse Ave. 831-373-8523, www.favalorosbignightbistro.com.

Experience

Take an Elkhorn Slough Safari, an outback tour aboard a 27-foot pontoon. The 1,400-acre reserve is home to some 400 plant species, 80 kinds of fish and 340 types of birds, including such rare species as the snowy plover. $32, adults; $24, ages 3-12. Moss Landing, 831-633-5555, www.elkhornslough.com.

SPLURGE

Getting there

Walk-up business class rates from $561 each way; valid on Delta, United, US Airways

Stay

The romantic Spindrift Inn overlooks the Pacific. Posh accommodations feature canopied feather beds, marble fireplaces and hardwood floors. Water-view accommodations, valid Sept. 1-Nov. 30, from $259; from $179 for Cannery Row views. 652 Cannery Row, 831-646-8900, www.spindriftinn.com.

Eat

Passionfish in Pacific Grove is noted for fine service and sustainably harvested fresh seafood. Starters, $6-$13; fish, $17-$26; other entrees, $16-$28. Reservations not accepted. Expect lengthy waits. 701 Lighthouse Ave., 831-655-3311, www.passionfish.net.

Experience

Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a look at the wonders of the bay alongside naturalists aboard the Derek M. Baylis, a 65-foot sailboat designed for ocean research. This three-hour day sail is offered Wednesdays-Sundays through Sept. 5. $69, adults; $49, ages 10-17. Admission to the aquarium is not included. $29.95, adults; $17.95, ages 3-12. 886 Cannery Row, 831-648-4800, www.montereybayaquarium.org.