I live in California and love visiting this gorgeous seaside town that's less than an hour from San Francisco

• As a Northern California resident, I love taking short trips to Monterey.
• This scenic seaside town is an hour outside San Francisco and is home to plenty of great activities.
• While there, I love taking in the scenery, eating at great restaurants, and visiting the aquarium.

I recently moved from a beach town in San Diego to a neighborhood in the South Bay Area. In other words, I went from daily strolls by the sea to suburban sidewalks. It's been a … transition, to say the least.

However, it turns out my new home base is perfectly positioned for a plethora of weekend getaways. Drive an hour north, and I'll find myself wandering the bustling streets of San Francisco. Head east, and I can be sipping wine among the vineyards of Napa Valley.

Still, my favorite escape has become a charming coastal town along California's central coast: Monterey. Only an hour from where I live in the South Bay, I've been visiting at least once a month since my move.

Between the ocean views, sea otters floating offshore, charming streets, and fresh seafood, it's quickly become my favorite place to spend a slow weekend.

I love the city's quaint atmosphere and coastal scenery

The central California coastline feels both rugged and peaceful, with waves crashing against rocky outcrops, misty shorelines, and cypress trees around every corner.

Luckily, Monterey offers lots of opportunities to take in the beautiful scenery. I love watching the sea lions lounge along the boat docks at the Monterey Harbor and Marina.

Plus, a simple walk along the Del Monte Beach waterfront feels calming and serene, and is especially beautiful at sunrise. I like to grab a morning coffee from Captain + Stoker and sip it on the beach to start my day.

A trip to Monterey isn't complete without visiting the aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a nonprofit that offers a close-up look at regional marine life and habitats, from adorable sea otters and sea turtles to deep-sea creatures and jellyfish.

When I visited, I was left in awe of the beautiful animals and environments.

I also love that the aquarium has an element of conservation, with its living kelp forest and sea otter surrogacy program.

There are so many great places to eat

Because of the city's proximity to the ocean, I always make it a point to enjoy some fresh-tasting seafood.

One of my favorite dinner spots is the Chart House, a fine-dining chain restaurant that overlooks the crashing waves on the shoreline. Although the picturesque setting is a selling point, the food is just as great.

The menu includes seafood delicacies like spiced ahi and shrimp linguini, as well as traditional steak dishes and tasty appetizers. I recommend doing the full tasting menu for special occasions.

For something on the more casual side, I love having brunch at First Awakenings, which has an extensive menu of classic breakfast favorites, including egg dishes, skillet plates, and sweet morning fixings.

The restaurant has been operating since 1993, and it offers a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Monterey is a great home base for outdoor adventure

One of my favorite things about Monterey is that the city offers easy access to endless opportunities for nature, fitness, and thrills.

For those who want to soak in the scenery while racking up their daily steps, I recommend hiking at Toro County Park, located between Monterey and Salinas.

For a more aquatic adventure, there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the bay: try a surfing lesson, go kayaking, or embark on a unique sailing experience. For the daredevils, Monterey even offers skydiving, which I'll probably pass on for the foreseeable future.

Plus, when I'm in Monterey, I love playing a round of golf at Pebble Beach Golf Links, which offers stunning views of the rugged cliffs and coastline.

There's also a great selection of accommodations

Since moving to the South Bay Area, I've done many day trips and a few overnight getaways to Monterey. Luckily, each accommodation I've stayed in has offered something a little different.

On my first overnight trip, I stayed at the Pacific Grove Inn, a historic bed and breakfast with charming rooms. The inn is just a short drive from Cannery Row, the city's main tourist area.

I've also stayed at Hotel Abrego, a boutique property within walking distance of downtown Monterey.

The most upscale accommodation I've enjoyed is The Sanctuary Beach Resort, where some rooms are located directly on the sand. It's a luxurious, retreat-style escape with amenities like fire pits, fitness classes, a spa, and more.

No matter where I stay, though, the little seaside town of Monterey has become my favorite place to escape and unplug from busy work days and responsibilities. Its nature, calming atmosphere, and postcard-worthy coastal scenery wins me over every time I visit.