Families, consider taking a spin on a four-wheeled surrey adventure; thirsty travelers, head to one of the handful of open-air bars; collectors, make a beeline for the Cannery Row Antique Mall; and if youre into marine life, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is just a short walk away. Its a great museum that allows your children to explore and learn while visiting. The sanctuary is home to more than 500 marine plants and animals, including sea otters, harbor seals, leopard sharks, and the occasional humpback whale. A day trip to Point Lobos State Reserve is a must if youre into hiking, bird-watching, or photography. Big Sur. This aquarium has a massive 54-foot wide viewing window, and holds 1.2 million gallons of water. In the 18th century, Monterey began being colonized by the Spanish, and you can see this with the Presidio and Mission de San Carlos Borromeo de Monterey. If you have time, also check out the Carmel Mission. Check out the Walker Residence built by Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1980 it was opened to the public as a free attraction and Museum. Explore bustling Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is world-famous and sits at the end of Cannery Row, right along the ocean. This little town is a favorite of celebrities and artists, and its filled with luxury boutiques. The Cannery Row Historic District is a popular tourist destination with plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment opportunities. Although wine is the drink of choice for most visitors to the Monterey Peninsula, beer aficionados shouldnt despair. The farmers market also offers events weekly and has live music, so youll never know what will pop up until you visit. one of the cottages in carmel town by anna irene. You can even indulge in a different sort of vacation aesthetic at Hulas Island Grill, which offers a great tiki bar setting and equally fabulous cocktails. If you brought the entire family along, check out the youth museum. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Pacific Houses museum tells the intricate story of Monterey in the era of being the capital of Spanish and Mexican California. This trail is one of the most popular spots to hit when visiting Monterey, and it hugs that Southern Pacific Railway route. Clam chowder. Throughout your tour, you will be greeted with tons of historical buildings and adobe homes. Explore Monterey's Cannery Row. Your email address will not be published. Kids fun time: Monterey County Youth Museum. With warm air and beautiful sunshine most days of the year (although the water can get a bit nippy in the wintertime), Monterey State Beach is a magnet for sun-seeking locals and tourists alike (not to mention paragliders and surgery) looking to soak up some sweet Vitamin D. Located just north of the even more popular Del Monte counterpart, Monterey State Beach usually sees smaller crowds and even on the busier days, as it stretches for miles long along the sparkling Bay, space is never hard to come by. Dennis the Menace Park is right on the way from HWY 1 and the Aquarium and so much fun for a kid that age. Housing a range of permanent exhibits complemented by diverse traveling collections, this local favorite offers visitors a chance to explore everything from early American settlers paintings to works by key 20th-century artists and more modern artistic takes on Montereys scenery and landscapes. Lovers Point. Its located just one mile from downtown Monterey. A National Historic Landmark, the iconic landmark features a distinctive design and is one of only a handful of Spanish colonial-era buildings remaining in California. 1 - Soak in the fresh air at Lovers Point Park & Beach A wonderful slice of nature for residents and tourists alike, Lovers Point Park & Beach offers miles of open green space on the edge of Pacific Grove perfect for picnics, sunbathing (there's a fantastic playground here too), bird watching, and more. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If youre going to the aquarium, you may as well stroll down Cannery Row. While everyone in your family might not be a fan of the history side of the bay, there is still plenty of fun activities everyone can enjoy while visiting this stunning coastal city. When youre not discovering Santa Monica on your own, we suggest treating yourself to a tour. In 1919 the first restaurant opened on the Wharf, and from there, the rest is history. For visitors who arent accustomed to marine life, you can get your full dose of sharks, giant Pacific octopuses and tide pools that invite you to explore and touch all types of sea life. If downtowns more your style, head to the Stevenson Monterey, where Fishermans Wharf and Cannery Row are just a short stroll away. It is one of the biggest theaters in Monterey and is great to view a film festival or concert. If you do plan on camping, however, youll need to book months in advance because the campsite popularity is through the roof. And the surrounding Laguna Seca Recreation Area is worth a trip in and of itself; with its beautiful beaches, scenic golf courses, and splendid vineyards, its perfect for a vacation that combines the rustic with the luxurious. The Whaling Station Steakhouse has been considered Monterey Countys best Steak House for over 50 years. 1. Youll be delighted at the amount of food and flavors the market offers, including Indian, Italian, local BBQ, and Mediterranean. Ideal for history buffs, the museums walls are lined with displays that dive into the regions military development over the last 300-or-so years, made all the most interesting by the Year On a Cavalry Post video that showcases life Monterey life back in 1938. The wharf itself with plenty of seating, shops and restaurants spilling out onto the boardwalk offers a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike looking to taste local seafood or pick up some souvenirs. Anything fun to do besides the aquarium? Hot tip: Rather than decide on the day, book online in advance to save up to 55% off the original price. Once there, indulge in some retail therapy by exploring the independent shops and galleries. See incredible scenery at Point Lobos. Hotel Pacific provides glamorous, comfortable accommodations within a few miles of the top attractions, as well as a gorgeous Spanish adobe design that will make you feel properly Californian. Originally opened in 1926 as a vaudeville house, this beautifully restored Art Deco theatre is now home to a variety of live performances, including music concerts, dance recitals, stand-up comedy shows, and more the likes of the Beach Boys, Jay Leno and Tracy Morgan have previously graced the center stage, to give you an idea. Today, the historical Wharf houses delicious restaurants, fish markets, tour operations, and souvenir shops. One of the highest points in Monterey County, rising over 1,000 feet above the towns and shorelines below, this 525-acre public park is open year-round and welcomes hikers, mountain bikers, archeology enthusiasts (thanks to its Miocene fossils), and horseback riders on its many well-maintained trails. If local history is your thing, check out the Monterey State Historic Park. Carmel-By-the-Sea (easy to pop over from town), Mission de San Carlos Borromeo de Monterey (San Carlos Cathedral), Monterey History & Art Association (Dali exhibit is a must! The rides, live music, and food stalls combine for one hell of a good time. Sorry, this post was deleted by the person who originally posted it. I have to admit, I didnt think we would see much of anything during the whole two-hour trip, but we actually saw orcas, humpback whales, jellyfish, and plenty of birds. If youre after a dose of Californias storied past, look no further than Monterey State Historic Park. This trail takes you through the lush green forest, over a bridge above the peaceful sounds of a stream, and through a short tunnel that spits you out at a breathtaking view of cliffs and the pacific ocean. The highlights include Custom House Plaza, which is officially Californias oldest public building and now houses a visitor center with exhibits on the parks history. If you want to capture the memories from your trip to Monterey, we recommend hiring a professional photographer. Check out the Big Little Lies filming sites. Head straight through the big glass doors onto our back deck overlooking our Great Tide Pool and the bay. If you have an insatiable need for speed, dont miss the fun at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca! . It stretches for more than 200 miles along Californias coast from San Francisco to Cambria, and its filled with fascinating sea life. Across 20 acres of land are seven stages where you can be entertained and enjoy the music around you. Pebble Beach Golf Links. Unless youre a bookworm, this beautifully preserved historic landmark remains one of the underrated things to do in Monterey. Find more Santa Monica accommodation options on Booking.com. The only thing you will probably have to pay for is parking in the nearby area! Everything you need to know about Partington Cove can be found here! There's so much to discover and enjoy! Towering over Pacific Street next to the Monterey Museum of Art, the aptly-named Moon Treeis an experimental tree that was grown from a seed taken to the moon and back on Apollo 14. You can follow I Wander on Facebook, Telegram, or Instagram. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Carmel Valley is known for its lush landscapes, excellent wineries, and beautiful architecture. If youre looking to check off all the main sights and get a bit of exercise at the same time then a bike tour, led by in-the-know locals, is an ideal way to do it. Its home to a seemingly endless stream of events and festivals year-round, from agriculture shows and horse racing to food festivals and car rallies. Plus, provided equipment and boat aside, the friendly guides are more than happy to share their knowledge of the waters (and the town as a whole), so youll walk away knowing more than when you first arrived. Featuring a small yet fascinating collection of original artifacts and paintings, you can learn about California from its earliest days as an independent republic right through to the mid-19th century on display here including a thorough re-creation of the meeting room where Californias first Constitution was drafted in October 1849. Home to one of the most diverse butterfly populations in North America, this reserve offers an up-close look at these delicate creatures as they flutter about their natural habitat during their annual migration. You can find the best prices on rental cars by clicking here. I stayed at Best Western The Inn & Suites Pacific Grove. And with plenty of amenities including eateries, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, its a must for the summer bucket list. If youre after something more experiential, the aptly-named Wine Experience (also on Cannery Row) provides not only tastings at its bar but wine-making workshops, label-making sessions, and custom blending. Come out for a family-friendly day of music, food and fun, complete with the opportunity to design . You can rent a kayak and enjoy an adventure watching whales and otters along the Monterey Bay Coastline or mountain bike through the peninsula. Simply check the website to see whats on during your stay. Hot tip: Nobody wants to walk face-first into a wall, so keep your hands in front of you when wandering around. Founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1797, the mission is one of the 21 original missions founded along the coast of California and presents as whats widely considered to be the most authentically restored Roman Catholic mission church across the state. Prior to being a tourist hot spot, the area was used for the busting canning industry. Or you can take things a little slower in Napa Valley, where the famed wineries combine perfectly with cutting-edge galleries and beautiful hiking trails. If youre an animal lover, head south down the coast for about an hour to a wildlife oasis unmatched by many: the California Sea Otter State Game Refuge. For a sweeping view that can only be described as magical, majestic, and mesmerizing all at the same time, make your way to Jacks Peak Park. A symbol of bygone centuries, today this historic landmark at the southwest corner of Olivier and Scott streets is run by the Historic Garden League who have preserved the essence of the building and sells 19th-century-themed knick-knacks like kids toys, decorative antiques, stationery, and candy. Highlights here include the 28 feet tall Kelp Forest exhibit and the Open Sea community exhibit. The last cannery closed in 1973 with the renovated canneries in the area now housing shops, restaurants, and museums dedicated to the history of this fishing town. Point Pinos lighthouse, lots of deer around that area. Of course, the top of our list will be the aquarium; you cant go to Monterey and not stop in. Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea. View along the 17-Mile-Drive from Carmel All Photos (c) Donna Dailey Monterey Bay Aquarium. Your email address will not be published. Colton Hall is the site of Californias Constitutional Convention of 1849 and yet another a California Historical Landmark. During my visit to Monterey and Carmel, I stayed in Pacific Grove, the town bordering Monterey, which has more motel-like options. Griggs Nursery. Today the Custom House is open to the public to glance at what it was like in the 1840s when custom officials would expect goods before shipping them out. Meanwhile, the French & Italian Cassanova Carmel serves up authentic and thoughtful dishes that transport you to the Mediterranian coast with every bite and, if it was good enough for Van Gogh (yes, really), its good enough for us. From Monterey, you can take the scenic 17-mile drive to get here. With a wide variety of car and bike races taking place throughout the year, this is the perfect spot to see some high-octane sports up close and personal. Meanwhile, the adjacent Monterey Harbor is a great spot for fishing, sailing, live theater shows, whale-watching and more. An essential stop along the 17-Mile Drive, Bird Rock Vista Point as you might expect from its moniker dishes up an unobstructed, top-notch view of Bird Rock, where thousands upon thousands of winged beasts take refuge day after day. The first constitution of California was drafted at Colton Hall, and it served as an essential state building during the 1800s. The city is known for its beaches, music and art. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! Dennis the Menace Park. Getting to the lighthouse wasnt an easy task either, and it saw few visitors when it first opened. It was originally constructed in the 1820s as a trade port office on the wharf and was since declared the first California Historical Landmark. Colton Hall Museum is located at 570 Pacific St as part of the city hall complex, sits adjacent to the historic Old Monterey Jail, and welcomes intrigued visitors on the weekends from 10 am to 4 pm. Spend the day wandering the multiple inland and coastal hiking trails; stop by for a picnic quick lunch with a view; or book what is truly one of the most spectacular campsites in the country. In March-April, they make the return trek north with their young calves. Credits: MY Museum - Monterey County Youth Museum / Facebook. Still thirsty? It looks like a giant rock to some, but there is a lot to be said about the Sloat Monument. Located around 100 miles south of San Francisco, the sleepy coastal town invites visitors to admire the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, partake of fresh seafood meals, and explore the quaint, nostalgic downtown area. Known well outside the confines of Monterey, the Monterey Bay Aquarium sits at the edge of Cannery Row, the neighborhood made famous in John Steinbeck's "Cannery Row.". It boasts an impressive collection that includes both historical pieces as well as contemporary works. From its private beach access to its relaxing wellness treatments, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is ideal for travelers that want all the best amenities, while still having easy access to town. Adventures by the Sea offers numerous ways to explore and adventure through Monterey, including kayak rentals and bike rentals. For the adventurers at heart, this kayak excursion is for you. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. There are also inns, golf resorts, restaurants, and spas along 17-Mile Drive. After 30 years, the organization still showcases habitats and marine life in one of the world's largest marine regions.The aquarium is considered one of . Dont forget to shop for some jazz memorabilia and trinkets while youre out. The beloved, family-friendly aquarium also offers guided tours, educational shows, animal encounters (perfect for a souvenir photo) and feedings. While youre there, dont miss the bakery for a snack, restaurant for a bigger meal and charming garden for a quiet stroll. If you have the cash, you can even rent it out for a private event. 1. Situated at the crossroads of Cannery Row and Prescott Avenue, this public square is adorned with a statue of Steinbeck, perfectly poised atop a rocky sculpture with characters from the novel scattered beneath. Gaze at the the world's largest aquarium at the Open Sea Exhibit. If you are debating visiting this charming town, we invite you to look at some of our favorite attractions during your getaway; you wont regret it. The area has some of the best coastal scenery in California. No matter which eaterie you choose, with Mexican influence running deep in the citys veins, sitting down for an authentic Mexican meal is unquestionably one of the essential things to do in Monterey. They have delicious pizza, garlic bread, pastries, sandwiches, ice cream sundaes, and more! In this site, I share with you my top travel itineraries. Visitors can use the path to hike it bike around the lake, plus there are three exercise stations located around it. This is the longest-running jazz festival ever and is packed with activities and events that anyone can enjoy. With every street packed with history and culture, and the beautiful sea providing an ecological backdrop that few places can rival, its ideal for adventurous types, lifelong learners, and luxury seekers alike. Learn how your comment data is processed. With dozens of exhibits and galleries to explore across its 8,500 square feet of space, including an arts and crafts section, play farm, play theater and mini-golf zone to name a few its a surefire hit for visiting families. Originally constructed as a family home in 1847, this home soon became a headquarters for The Whaling Company in 1855. Youll find no shortage of viewpoints in the areas designed to capture some amazing photos: the Sea Otter Refuge View Point, iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and Little Sur River Viewpoint are each awe-inspiring and you never know where an otter or seal will pop up. The aquarium will get busy during their peak season, so make sure you go during the week if possible or when doors open on the weekends. Carmel Beach. Less than 10 minutes drive from Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charmer of an oceanside town thats well worth a visit. Hot tip: If youre all about the coastal air, look no further than the famous and aptly-named 17-Mile Drive (made a little easier on e-bikes). Cannery Row. It is small but located right off Cannery Row. Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. All rights reserved. While the aesthetics and specialities of these watering holes vary, they all offer great environments for drinking and socializing. They have a bunch of play structures, little tunnels to run through and bridges to run over and a really long but slow roller slide. After or before the aquarium, you can explore Montereys Cannery Row (made famous by John Steinbeck), do an al fresco lunch at one of its many seafood restaurants and then head over to Asilomar Beach for a nice afternoon stroll. Held every September over three days at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, the festival sees dozens of acclaimed artists from all corners of the jazz spectrum take to stages with styles ranging from Latin Jazz and Swing to Bebop, Fusion and a whole lot more (including a bit of blues and rock). About a 15-minute drive from Monterey in Carmel-by-the-Sea, youll find no shortage of charming nearby activities to make a day of the coastal city hop. Throw in a beach volleyball court, a swimming pool designed for the youngsters, and a charming pier that juts out into the bay, and its easy to see why a visit to the foot of 17th Street is one of the essential things to do in Monterey. Sitting right along the coast on a large chunk of volcanic rock is the Point Sur lightstation. A simple yet informative museum dedicated to Californian history, this venue is a wonderful way to get yourself acquainted with some of the city and states most famous moments. We recommend renting a car and exploring all there is to see. The Dennis the Menace Playground is within the park, where your kids can enjoy play structures, slides, and a climbing wall. Kickstart your hoppy journey over at the Alvarado Street Brewery a new kid on the block whose taproom showcases strong IPAs and the simplistic and refreshing Monterey Beer (a can of which makes for a great souvenir). We have put together a list of some fun things we love to do in Monterey. The Carmel Valley offers some excellent wine tasting opportunities as well as galleries and shops worth checking out. Tucked away next to the Old Fishermans Wharf, the exhibition features no less than 580 works by the notorious artist including not only paintings but lithographs, sculptures, etchings, and tapestries too. For a broader range of blends to try, the small yet welcoming Carmel Ridge Winery Tasting Room in the busy Cannery Row area offers up five-wine tasting flights with wonderful ocean views to boot. carmel mission by kristina dc hoeppner (CC BY-SA 2.0). 17 Mile Drive is a scenic stretch of road where you can see gorgeous groves of trees, white sand beaches, and homes that are so ginormous you will wonder what the residents do for a living. Taking the 17-mile Drive from Carmel to Pacific Grove and the edge of Monterey is definitely one of the best things to do in Carmel. Monterey may be relaxing, but there are still a ton of activities to keep tourists busy. If McAbee Beach is too small for you, San Carlos Beach Park and Del Monte Beach are not too far away. Today, the mansions are open for public tours and make great subjects for local artists paintings. With exhibits focused on regional sea life, a kelp forest, and a tide pool that is sometimes home to visiting otters,. El Cantaro is vegan, affordable and delicious; La Bahia offers the revered street-style tacos and sizzling fajitas; while El Torito combines excellent dishes with an even more impressive ocean view. For the brave at heart, you can rent a paddleboard and get lessons from an expert, but trust us, that water is mighty cold. 12 votes, 34 comments. The beach has some rocks that you can sit on, and at night the tide comes in high, so be warned. A regular fixture on any tourists itinerary, this expansive fairground features two outdoor concert venues and both indoor and outdoor showgrounds. From glass-bottom boats that let you spy on marine life without getting wet, to sailing tours that take you around some of the most picturesque coastlines at sunset (drink in hand), and, of course, the long list of wildlife-viewing excursions that depart daily, youll be spoiled for choice. Even if you dont have time to visit all the attractions, definitely check out Monterey Bay Aquarium; it will be worth your while. You can also check out other hotels in Monterey here. It is also home to a number of universities, including the University of California, Monterey Peninsula, and the California State University, Monterey Bay. During a guided tour, you will learn about Monterey being Californias capital under three different regimes: Spain, Mexico, and the United States. The Museum has two separate locations, one on La Mirada and the other on Pacific Street, and between the two locations, there are over 14,000 pieces of art. This road allows you to drive and view the beautiful landscapes that the city has to offer. The iconic adobe Custom House is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, functioning as a tiny museum where you can browse Monterey and marine-themed writings, and pick up some local artisan-crafted souvenirs. Thanks to its reputation of being one of the worlds most diverse shoreline ecosystems, this stunning slice of coastal whitewater heaven was designated as a National Marine Sanctuary in 1992 and ever since its become known as central and northern Californias most popular dive and snorkel spots. Looking for an evening of culture, history, and entertainment? After Sloat claimed California, the U.S. flag was raised at the Custom House, and it continued to perform the same duties for Americans instead of Mexico. If youre lucky enough to be visiting on a Sunday morning, make sure to catch the traditional Catholic mass which still takes place here. It also hosts an annual arts festival in September that draws art aficionados from all over the world. Casa del Oro, translating to House of Gold, became its nickname due to being the first bank in the city, and during Californias gold rush, miners would flock to the area to store their gold. transportation service runs daily during the summer, every 15-20 minutes from early morning until late evening, and on the weekends in the off-season, typically leaving from Tyler Street and Del Monte Avenue. Telling a story that begins back in 1945, Casa del Oro (also called the Joseph Boston Store) wields the title of being one of the first general stores in the Monterey area. Travel Blog, Itineraries & Guides, Hotel Reviews. This is one of Californias most charming missions, and its located just a few minutes away from downtown Carmel-by-the Sea. While on tour, youll visit some of the most beautiful areas of Monterey and explore world-famous valleys that are all led by friendly and professional guides. Known for its diverse marine environment and historic Cannery Row, Monterey is the perfect destination for a fun vacation. The lab (and house) combines science with history and literature in a truly one-of-a-kind way. Formerly (and fittingly) known as Ocean View Avenue, this revamped promenade near Pacific Grove once housed dozens of canneries that produced sardines and other seafood products (the last cannery closed in 1973). Visit the world class Monterey Bay Aquarium. Best of all, entry is free and, on weekends, guided walking tours of the historic park (which meet here) are available for a modest fee.
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