Planning a Wedding Weekend? 9 Reasons to Stay an Extra Day at Stonepine

Over the past year, many couples embraced the concept of a wedding weekend — and the trend is showing no signs of slowing down in 2026. It’s easy to see the appeal: Instead of squeezing everything into a single day, soon-to-weds are stretching their celebrations across an entire weekend to maximize their time with the people they love. (After all, when’s the next time you’ll find everyone you know under one proverbial roof?) Here’s the usual run of events: Guests arrive on a Friday for a rehearsal dinner or a more casual drop-in welcome party. Saturday kicks off with the ceremony, followed by the reception, and maybe even an after-party, and Sunday bookends the weekend with a farewell brunch before everyone heads home. 

This means that between all the pre- and post-wedding events, there might not be a lot of time to explore the beautiful corner of the state you came here to experience. It’s especially a shame given that Stonepine Estate’s wedding venue is so close to many of Monterey Peninsula’s most popular attractions and top-notch restaurants. That’s why we’re making the case for staying here a little longer — and turning your wedding weekend into a four-day escape, capped by an extra day designed expressly for rest, relaxation, and exploring this part of Northern California. To inspire you, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to spend that bonus day — whether it’s with your closest few or maybe even just your significant other.

1. Pamper Yourself All Day

Planning a wedding is no easy feat — and you’ve been doing it for months now, which means you’re likely overdue for a relaxing day of just kicking your feet up and getting pampered. After your schedule clears, round up your closest few and take advantage of the area’s world-class spa offerings. At the nearby Bernardus Lodge & Spa, a garden-to-treatment approach anchors its Carmel Valley-inspired wellness program. The 5,300-square-foot facility is where you can invigorate your body and recalibrate your spirit with head-to-toe massages, scrubs, treatments, and even experiences like aqua yoga, reiki, and meditation.

2. Venture Out in Nature

Staying at Stonepine Estate puts hundreds of acres of natural beauty right at your fingertips. Nestled in the heart of Carmel Valley, our property is a haven for hiking, with miles of trails that wind through its rolling hills and along the Carmel River. For a more leisurely trek, meander through Spring Valley, where you can spot the occasional turkey, quail, and deer, or climb to the estate’s 400-tree olive grove and take in the sweeping views from above. Beyond the estate gates, the Monterey Peninsula offers even more to explore. Don’t miss the Garland Ranch Regional Park, which features scenic trails for hikers of all levels, whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a more challenging uphill grind.

3. Embark on a Food Tour

With an incredible bounty of local ingredients and a bevy of cuisine-diverse restaurants, the Monterey Peninsula is a veritable playground for foodies. Simply put: If you like to eat — and especially if you like to eat well — make a food tour of the region the main focus of your bonus day. Stop at Lucia Restaurant & Bar for California-inspired dishes that spotlight ingredients grown in the establishment’s own garden, or head to Jeju Kitchen for crave-worthy Korean fare. For a splurge, Michelin-starred Chez Noir and Aubergine are ideal picks for that first post-wedding date night. And that’s just the start. There are countless eateries to explore if that’s how you prefer to spend your extra day in town. 

4. Stroll Through Carmel-by-the-Sea

Hop in the car and head to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a storybook seaside village that draws visitors from across the country with its fairy-tale cottages and bohemian soul. The place has long been a haven for artists, writers, and other creatives; Clint Eastwood even served as mayor from 1986 to 1988. Spend the day wandering its quaint downtown, popping into storybook-worthy shops and galleries, and lingering over meals at one of the town’s many inviting bistros. Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, a beautifully preserved 18th-century landmark and one of California’s most authentically restored mission churches.

5. Cruise the Coast in Style

On top of the good weather, laid-back coastal charm, and fresh-from-the-ocean seafood, the views are likely what drew you to host your wedding in this part of the country in the first place — so enjoy them to the max by driving through some of the scenic landscapes the region has to offer. Better yet, for an even more unique experience, get behind the wheel of a classic car and cruise the Pacific coastline with Monterey Touring Vehicles. The company offers a fleet of vintage rides available for two- or four-hour drives along 17-Mile Drive, Pacific Grove, and Carmel.

6. Hit the Links

There’s more than one way to take in the views you came for, and hitting the local fairways is definitely one of them. With rolling coastal hills, rugged cliffs, and dramatic ocean vistas, the Monterey Peninsula offers some of the most scenic golfing experiences in California. Take advantage of the area’s premier golf destinations by spending an extra day at the famed Pebble Beach Golf Course. Just a half-hour drive from your home base at Stonepine Estate, the oceanfront course treats you to cliffside holes and endless ocean views.

7. Take a Dip in the Water

There’s nothing like relaxing by the water to let post-wedding stress melt away — and luckily, the Monterey Peninsula is full of perfect spots to kick back and soak up the sunshine. Chief among them is Carmel Beach. With turquoise waters, sugary white sands, and dramatic rocky shorelines, it’s no wonder Travel + Leisure named it one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Bonus: If you have your pups in town, they are welcome to roam off leash. Other great options for sinking your toes into the sand include Lover’s Point and Casa Verde Beach.

8. Explore Marine Life

The ocean defines much of the identity of this slice of the Central California coast. The region is home to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a federally protected marine area spanning 6,094 square miles, which teems with more than 525 species of fish, 180 species of seabirds, and 30 species of marine mammals. At Monterey’s world-famous aquarium, you can get up close to local sea life through ocean-view decks and immersive living exhibits. For an even closer encounter, book a whale-watching tour with Monterey Bay Whale Watch or paddle through the sanctuary’s calm waters on a guided kayak adventure to spot some playful sea otters and take in the panoramic coastal views along the way.

9. Unwind and Enjoy Sweet Idleness

The Italians had it right when they invented the phrase “il dolce far niente” (or the sweetness of doing nothing), and there’s no better place to embrace it than Carmel Valley, where relaxation is practically a way of life. Find stillness after the whirlwind of wedding festivities by meditating on the grounds of Stonepine Estate and watching the morning light tilt across the stunning landscape. From the olive groves to the blossoming gardens, there’s no shortage of serene spots to roll out a mat on-property. Make friends with our resident horses, gather over cocktails by the pool, or let a guided sound bath wash away any lingering tension. Our team can arrange on-site activities to help you and your guests fully unwind.

Looking to make the most of your stay and extend your celebrations at Stonepine Estate? Contact us to start planning an unforgettable multi-day gathering.