The marathon finishes in Carmel-by-the-Sea, which makes this the simplest possible extension: stay where the race already put you, and use the extra day for the one piece of coastline within easy reach that the course itself doesn't touch. April at Point Lobos can bring early wildflowers along the headland, and coastal spring weather here varies: fog, wind and clear spells can all show up within the same afternoon. Parking at the reserve is limited and fills on weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is the safer plan.
Night One: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Point Lobos
Point Lobos is a protected reserve of granite headland, cypress forest and cove, immediately south of Carmel, often described as a preview of the Big Sur coastline the marathon itself runs past further south. It is not a flat park: the reserve's trail network includes headland sections with real elevation change. The more cautious choice the day after a marathon is a short loop close to the entrance rather than committing to a longer headland circuit sight unseen; check the current trail map at the entrance kiosk before setting out, and be honest with the legs about what a full day looks like less than 24 hours after 42 kilometres on Highway 1.
The reserve is named for the sea lions on the offshore rocks near its southern tip, though the coves closer to the entrance, Whalers Cove and China Cove among them, are the more realistic stops if the day is about pacing rather than covering ground. Whalers Cove in particular sits close to parking and offers water access without a long walk in, which matters more than usual the day after a marathon.
For a base, Hofsas House sits in Carmel-by-the-Sea itself, on the finish side of town, with the kind of walkable village character that suits a slow recovery day better than a car-dependent hotel would. Carmel Mission Inn, also on the Rio Road side of Carmel, is a reasonable alternative if Hofsas House's limited room count is already booked out for marathon weekend.
For dinner, Flaherty's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar in Carmel gives a sit-down option close to a Carmel base. Book ahead given how many runners and supporters are likely to be looking for the same table on race weekend.
Getting to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
Monterey Regional Airport is the closest option to both Carmel and the Point Lobos side trip, a short drive north. Runners wanting a wider choice of flights can continue to San Jose International Airport (SJC) or San Francisco International Airport (SFO) instead, both roughly a couple of hours' drive north on Highway 101 depending on traffic.