I live in California and love visiting this gorgeous seaside town that's about two hours from San Francisco

I love spending time in Monterey, California. Chloe Caldwell

As a Northern California resident , I love taking short trips to Monterey.

This scenic seaside town is about two hours outside San Francisco and has lots 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.…