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7 Seaside Restaurants with the Best Views
Monterey County is home to some of the most iconic and award winning restaurants ever. Enjoying a special meal involves not only delicious cuisine, but also ambiance. These 7 restaurants offer killer views that will impress you. Whether you are planning a get together with friends or family, or looking for a romantic place to enjoy a quiet meal, these are the very best restaurants for spectacular views as well as good food.
1. Nepenthe features jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean. Located 30 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Nepenthe is an ancient Greek word meaning an elixir for sorrow. This iconic restaurant has drawn creatives and writers since it opened in 1949. For more information, see Nepenthe.
2. Ventana lies further south of Nepenthe, and dazzles with breathtaking views of Big Sur. It first opened in 1975, and still features vestiges of its hippie beginnings. It has drawn celebrities throughout the decades, from Dennis Hopper to Taylor Swift. For more information, see Ventana.
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3. Rocky Point lies just 10 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1. This restaurant is perched on a cliff and features spectacular, panoramic views of the ocean. For more information, see Rocky Point.
4. The Inn at Spanish Bay, in Pebble Beach, features extraordinary views of the coastline. A bonus: just before sunset, a bagpiper plays Scottish tunes. Sit outside around the cozy fire pits and enjoy the views! For more information, see Spanish Bay.
5. The historic Mission Ranch in Carmel features pastoral views of sheep grazing, and beyond, striking views of the mountains and sea. Mission Ranch, owned by Clint Eastwood, lies just around the corner from the beautiful Carmel Mission Basilica. For more information, see Mission Ranch.
6. The Beach House in Pacific Grove overlooks gorgeous Lovers Point Park and Marine Reserve. You may spot sea otters, harbor seals, pelicans, cormorants and more while you dine. For more information, see Beach House.
7. Schooners was voted “best drink with a view’ in Monterey, and is is easy to see why. Located in Cannery Row at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, Schooners offers a great place to drink in the ocean air and enjoy all the breathtaking views of the bay.
Thank you for visiting my blog! I hope you are able to take in the views at one of these amazing restaurants. You may also enjoy The Most Beautiful Instagrammable Spots in Monterey!, The #1 Guide for What to See and Do in Romantic Carmel, Nepenthe’s Phoenix: Bohemian Bliss in Big Sur, Ventana in Beautiful Big Sur, Lovers Point: Legendary Park in Pacific Grove and Mission Ranch in Carmel, California. Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas!
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Obon Festival in Seaside, California
Obon translated means “Lantern Festival” or “Festival of the Dead”, and is a holiday honoring those who have passed on. Obon is somewhat like the Day of the Dead, the Celtic Samhain, or in Catholicism, All Souls Day, which all involve paying homage to loved ones who are now departed. But it is also a celebration, filled with large gatherings, family reunions, and bright lanterns. One very beautiful Obon ceremony in Japan is the lighting of paper lanterns and sending them out to sea in honor of ancestors who have died..
The first American Obon Festival was held in Hawaii in 1910 but not in the continental United States until 1931 when it was held at the Buddhist Church in San Francisco. Obon Festival has since remained one of the most important Japanese-American traditions here.
The Buddhist Temple of the Monterey Peninsula held their 72nd annual Obon Festival today, July 8, 2018, at 1155 Noche Buena Street in Seaside, California from 12:00– 5:00 p.m. This festival draws a huge crowd and is always fun. People show sincere Obon enthusiasm and the wearing of Japanese inspired clothing is encouraged.
When you first approach the temple you see three koinobori (also known as carp) windsocks flying. In Japanese culture, the carp symbolizes courage and strength because of its ability to swim up a waterfall. In Buddhism, the fish is an embodiment of well-being, happiness, and freedom, and symbolizes living in a state of fearlessness, without danger of drowning in the ocean of sufferings.
As you enter the temple you see origami crane garlands draping the walls and hanging from the ceiling. In Japan, the crane is a symbol of good health and luck. It is said that if you fold 1000 cranes, you are granted a good wish. “In folding paper cranes, we see how a small square of paper can magically transform into an expression of beauty, love, and compassion. The crane comes to life after we set an intention, pay careful attention to each fold, and at the final step, spread the crane’s wings wide for it to soar.” See Paper Cranes
Free tea is offered to the public. It is delicious! 
Udon, before being liberally sprinkled with scallions & shichimi What can you do at the Obon Festival? First, sample delicious Japanese foods prepared by chefs from local Japanese restaurants, including: tempura, sushi, beef and chicken teriyaki, udon (noodles in broth), Kushi katsu (deep fried pork), gyoza (steamed dumpling with ground pork and vegetables), lumpia (deep-fried egg rolls), & chicken karaage (fried chicken). I tried the udon and it was amazing!
Learning Japanese is easy when you have a good teacher! 
This Japanese Black Pine Bonsai is 69 years old! While at the festival you can listen to the rhythmic Taiko drumming and dance during the Bon Odori, or community Japanese folk dancing. You can listen to an educational lecture on Buddhism. You can learn how to speak and write Japanese. You can watch martial arts demonstrations and witness a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. There is also a beautiful display of bonsai and ikebana flower arrangements and great demonstrations on how to do it yourself. If you missed this great event today, there is always next year!
Beautiful Ikebana Arrangement Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!