41 Marvelous Things to Do in Monterey, California

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Otters. Wine tasting. Whale watching. Clam chowder. Monterey is among the most stunning cities alongside the California coast – and essentially the most traditionally necessary! Well-known for its unbelievable aquarium – half interactive museum, half animal conservation facility, half analysis lab – Monterey has masses to supply as a weekend journey from San Francisco. Which is why we go to Monterey a number of instances a yr!

Simply two hours down the Pacific Coast Freeway from San Francisco, Monterey’s world-class aquarium, fascinating historical past, contemporary seafood, wealthy arts scene, and among the nation’s greatest wines make this coastal paradise a must-visit vacation spot. Our lays out all the perfect issues to do in Monterey that will help you plan your journey!

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Monterey FAQ’s

• The place is Monterey? Monterey is situated on the California coast, about two hours south of San Francisco and slightly below an hour north of Large Sur. For those who’re driving the Pacific Coast Freeway, you’ll cross proper by city – and it’s certainly one of our favourite stops on Freeway One!

• Wait, is Monterey a city or a county? It’s each! Whereas the city of Monterey is the county’s largest metropolis heart, Monterey county encompasses coastal cities like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, Moss Touchdown, and Large Sur, and stretches inland to embody the Salinas Valley, Los Padres Nationwide Forest, and Pinnacles National Park. However for the sake of this submit, we’re specializing in issues to do within the city of Monterey, in addition to the encompassing areas on the Monterey peninsula.

• The place have I heard of Monterey earlier than? For those who’re a John Steinbeck fan, there’s likelihood you’ve heard of Monterey – he grew up in close by Salinas, and far of his writing was about this space, together with the novella Cannery Row. I strongly suggest studying Cannery Row earlier than your journey, as it is going to actually improve your go to! Or maybe you acknowledge Monterey because the setting of the TV present Large Little Lies. The present was filmed throughout city (though, for no good cause, there have been a LOT of pointless photographs driving over the Bixby Bridge… which is definitely 45 minutes south of Monterey!) And if that doesn’t ring a bell, you then’ve in all probability heard of the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is arguably the perfect within the nation, and presumably the world. (I’m able to argue about it, anyway.)

• When is the perfect time to go to Monterey? The perfect time of yr to go to Monterey is in spring between March and April. California’s springtime can be in full bloom, and this time of yr additionally overlaps with the monarch butterfly migration, gray whale migrations, and the ice plant bloom in Pacific Grove. The second greatest time of yr to go to Monterey is within the fall between September and October: the climate is ideal and it’s extra more likely to be clear and sunny. The worst time to go to Monterey is between Could and August, when all the coast is shrouded in “June gloom” and chilly, foggy days are the norm. Sure, that is a type of bizarre northern California coastal quirks – summer season is the worst time of yr right here! We visited in November, and the climate was clear, sunny and heat.

Issues to Do in Monterey

Historical past, tradition, arts, and outdoor are just the start of Monterey issues to do. Throw in some wine-tasting, marine critters, and contemporary seafood, and also you’re all set for an unbelievable coastal getaway! 

A world-class aquarium, fascinating historical past, a wealthy arts scene, and among the nation’s greatest wines make this small city a must-visit vacation spot.  Listed here are the perfect issues to do in Monterey.

Discover Cannery Row

As soon as lined with sardine canneries (which I’m certain smelled … nice…), this central stretch of city is now residence to Monterey’s world-famous aquarium, a couple of seashores, the InterContinental The Clement Monterey, and plenty of different retailers, and is the bustling epicenter of Monterey.

In between the retailers and eating places, you’ll see proof of Monterey’s storied previous. Walkways criss-cross overhead, which as soon as housed industrial tools to shuttle sardines from the ocean into the canning amenities, and an enthralling strolling path has changed what was as soon as a bustling railway which transported cans of sardines and passengers up and down the California coast. 

Murals portraying the realm’s various inhabitants of staff seem in between storefronts, and the small, well-preserved houses that when housed these staff interrupt and in any other case trendy stretch. Preserve an eye fixed out for indicators explaining the historic significance of those landmarks otherwise you may miss them!

For those who’ve learn John Steinbeck’s novella Cannery Row, you then’re already aware of this avenue and its historical past. And in case you’ve by no means learn his novel, then decide up a replica earlier than heading out in your journey in Monterey! It’ll add an enchanting layer of depth to this bustling space and the individuals who lived there in many years previous.

Aside from popping into each store that strikes your fancy, listed here are a couple of highlights alongside Cannery Row:

• See the real-life inspiration behind Steinbeck’s Cannery Row: Steinbeck’s influences may be seen all over the place alongside this stretch, and I’m not simply referring to Cannery Row Monument on Steinbeck Plaza. The true-life inspiration for his novella and the entire historic locations and other people which had been immortalized as characters from his e-book may be seen right here. As an example, the unique, still-preserved Pacific Organic Laboratories constructing (aka Doc’s Lab) nonetheless sits at 800 Cannery Row, the place it was as soon as inhabited by famed marine biologist and BFF of Steinbeck Ed Ricketts. To see all of it and join actual life to the e-book, take this self-guided walking tour!
• Take a Guided Tour: This tour brings Steinbeck’s characters to life as you discover Cannery Row on foot. Be taught in regards to the historical past of Cannery Row, its significance in Monterey, and its function in Steinbeck’s literature.
• McAbee Seaside is the proper escape from city. Steps from Cannery Row – actually, down a set of stairs proper off Steinbeck Plaza – this sandy expanse (at low tide, at the least) is a perfect spot for picnicking, kayaking, or simply taking within the view. In distinction to among the extra wild and pristine seashores within the space, McAbee is lined with previous concrete partitions paying homage to Monterey’s industrial previous.

Stroll the Boardwalk at Fisherman’s Wharf

Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf was first constructed within the mid-1800s for passengers and freight arriving in Monterey. The Wharf, run by the Monterey Metropolis Council starting in 1913, supported the completely different industries and populations that used the waters of Monterey Bay. Chinese language fishermen got here for abalone and squid, Portuguese whalers got here for the blubber of resident grey and humpback whales, Japanese fisherman got here for salmon and abalone, and the Italian fisherman ignited the growth within the sardine business. 

In 1923, on the peak of the sardine explosion in Monterey, the most important cargo of sardines was about to depart Fisherman’s Wharf. A ship that was about to be loaded with 20,000 circumstances of sardines tipped onto the wharf resulting from tough climate, and a couple of hundred ft of the wharf collapsed. For sure, a lot of sardines had been returned to the bay that day. (In hindsight, this incident undoubtedly ought to have been taken as an indication of the upcoming collapse of the sardine business, however ya know … there was cash to be made!)

The Wharf was reconstructed and expanded, and the sardine business continued to growth proper up till it fully crashed after World Warfare II, when the inhabitants of sardines was depleted because of overfishing (whoops). And like the remainder of Monterey, Fisherman’s Wharf turned a vacationer attraction as an alternative of a middle of fishy business!

At present, this pier is stuffed with retailers, eating places, confectioneries, and whale-watching excursions. On the weekends, you’ll usually discover the plaza out entrance filled with native distributors promoting handicrafts and art work or performing dwell music or magic tips. It’s Monterey’s very personal seaside boardwalk!

• Carousel Candies: There’s no scarcity of sweet shops, taffy pullers, and fudge makers alongside Fisherman’s Wharf, so it’s arduous to choose a favourite, however Carousel Candies is on the high of our record. Decide up all of the fudge, sweets, saltwater taffies, and dipped apples you possibly can eat (plus extra to take residence) at this heavenly-smelling, shiny pink institution. We suggest the penuche fudge — oh, and in case you purchase two items of fudge, you get one free!
• Take a self-guided walking tour: This tour highlights the historical past of Fisherman’s Wharf, Portola Plaza, Customized Home Plaza, the Pacific Home Museum, the First Brick Home Museum, and different historic Monterey buildings. This tour is a should for historical past lovers — or followers of the HBO miniseries Large Little Lies (you possibly can see locations the place some scenes had been filmed!).
• Water and Leaves: If all of the strolling, procuring, and fudge have gotten you dragging, perk up with a cup of tea or mug of espresso at Water and Leaves. This hip and stylish cafe encompasses a native and sustainable menu of rigorously crafted drinks and contemporary pastries. You’ve additionally by no means sweetened your tea like they do it right here — with six (sure, six) flavors of honey on faucet. Plus, you possibly can’t beat the view.

Be taught About Monterey’s Wealthy Historical past

Monterey performed a essential function within the historical past of not simply California, but additionally Spain, Mexico, and the USA. You see, Monterey was the capital of Alta California, an enormous Spanish and later Mexican territory that included most of modern-day California, Nevada, and Utah, and elements of Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. 

So yeah: it was sort of an enormous deal. In fact, simply because Spain and Mexico claimed the realm as their very own didn’t essentially imply a lot – a lot of Alta California was nonetheless absolutely beneath Indigenous management! Earlier than Spain arrived to colonize the realm, Monterey was a part of the territory of the Ohlone tribe, who additionally lived in modern-day San Francisco and Oakland (and nonetheless do to today). 

When California was taken over by america within the mid-1800’s, Monterey welcomed teams of immigrants from Japan and China, becoming a member of the Mexican residents nonetheless residing within the space. Monterey shortly turned a middle for business, with a various inhabitants of staff to gasoline its fast development and growth.

Within the mid-1800’s, shortly after being claimed by america, Monterey shortly turned a hub for the bloody, booming whaling business. Monterey Bay is a cease alongside the annual migration for Gray Whales (and plenty of different whales), which meant it was additionally a improbable place to hunt and kill whales to make use of their blubber as gasoline. 

Sadly, killing animals en masse is a good way to destroy their inhabitants and damage your personal business, a undeniable fact that Monterey, sadly, needed to be taught twice. You may be taught extra about Monterey’s whaling historical past on the Old Whaling Station on Heritage Harbor.

To not be deterred by the collapse of the whaling business, within the early 1900’s Monterey quickly re-emerged as a middle for sardine fishing and canning. The sardine canning business remodeled Monterey, as new canneries popped up in a single day alongside at this time’s Cannery Row. Sardines had been fished from Monterey Bay by the boatload, transported throughout the road (alongside walkways that may nonetheless be seen at this time) to be canned or was fertilizer, and dropped off onto ready railroad automobiles instantly behind the canneries. Enterprise was booming, and Monterey was quickly generally known as the sardine capital of the world!

However because the sardine canning business grew, the sardine inhabitants declined. And through WWII, at the same time as troopers all around the world relied on cans of sardines for his or her rations, the business floor to a sudden, screeching halt. Monterey realized its second lesson in destroying animal populations for revenue, and the commercial period of Monterey ended. 

You’ll see proof of Monterey’s sardine canning historical past throughout Cannery Row, in transformed and deserted canneries nonetheless dotting the shoreline. Our resort,InterContinental The Clement Monterey, was as soon as a cannery, as was the Monterey Bay Aquarium and plenty of different buildings alongside the city’s central strip. Make sure to learn all of the indicators alongside the waterfront as you discover!

At present, Monterey’s economic system depends on tourism moderately than business, and it’s best identified for its pioneering strategy to marine conservation and analysis.

Listed here are a couple of spots on the town to dive deeper into Monterey’s fascinating historical past: 

• Monterey State Historic Park: An ideal place to begin studying about Monterey’s historical past, the Monterey State Historic Park is a set of historic buildings and gardens, together with the location the place the Spanish first arrived within the early seventeenth century. Be a part of a guided tour or take a self-guided tour alongside the Monterey Strolling Path of Historical past to see previous whalebone sidewalks, historic houses, and pleasant gardens.
• Pacific House Museum:  On a self-guided stroll by the Pacific Home Museum and Reminiscence Backyard, you’ll hint a chunk of California’s wealthy historical past, spanning its Native American origins by Spanish, Mexican, and American arrival in Monterey. The museum is housed in a 1847 constructing first used as a U.S. Navy storage facility. Earlier than turning into a museum, the constructing served as a courthouse, pub, church, and extra, so that you’ll actually be experiencing a chunk of Monterey’s previous!
• San Carlos Cathedral: The oldest church and first stone constructing in California, the San Carlos Cathedral dates again to 1794. It’s now a working parish and was just lately restored, however the architectural magnificence remains to be one thing guests can recognize at this time. Subsequent door there’s a museum, the place yow will discover previous photographs and drawings of the chapel and items of the church’s historic whale-bone sidewalk. You may as well take a docent-led tour to complement your expertise of this historic landmark. 

Take a Self Guided Strolling Tour

This walking tour covers a lot of the Cannery Row space, starting and ending proper by InterContinental The Clement Monterey, the place we stayed. 

You’ll stroll previous seashores, beneath cypress timber, and previous historic canneries on this beautiful 2-hour self-guided strolling tour. You’ll additionally be taught all about Monterey’s historical past of sardine fishing, in addition to the landmarks and individuals who impressed John Steinbeck’s novella Cannery Row.

Even in case you don’t observe the tour precisely, I like to recommend studying by it to get some context for this space! We noticed a lot of the landmarks on our stroll from the resort to get breakfast at Tidal Coffee, and figuring out that historical past made the murals, statues, paths and buildings come alive as we explored the streets of Monterey.

Hit the Seaside

Monterey is a coastal city, and which means one factor: seashores! There are seashores throughout Monterey and the Monterey Peninsula, from proper within the heart of city at McAbee Seaside (steps from our resort) to Del Monte Seaside, Monterey State Seaside, and Sand Metropolis seaside simply up the street. 

That stated, take it from a Northern Californian: some seashores are, er, higher than others. (Though don’t fear, not one of the seashores in Monterey are as depressing as our own residence seaside, Ocean Seaside in San Francisco, which is basically the Arctic tundra.) 

Listed here are the perfect seashores in Monterey and the encompassing areas:

• Carmel Beach: Seashores aren’t scarce in California, however Carmel seaside is one thing particular. Delicate, white sand, glorious surf, and excellent sunsets make this cease value your time. Convey a night picnic, take a protracted stroll on the scenic path, or simply sit and hearken to the waves crashing onto the seaside. This seaside can also be canine pleasant, so that you simply may make a couple of furry pals. (Oh, and preserve an eye fixed out for Mulan! She’s an enormous fan.)
• Lover’s Point Beach: Lover’s Level Seaside is within the neighboring city of Pacific Grove and is a hotspot for boating, kayaking, and browsing. Due to the orientation of the Monterey Peninsula, it really faces east — so you possibly can depend on an exquisite seaside dawn in case you get up early sufficient! A breakwall makes for calmer waters, so in case you can bear the chilly, it’s place to take a dip. (Simply in case, although, convey a wetsuit. The Pacific is freezing!)

• Asilomar State Beach: This beautiful seaside, simply west of Pacific Grove, is a mixture of stunning sandy shores and hidden, rocky coves. The Asilomar Coastal Path takes you alongside the size of the seaside, making it straightforward to discover the dunes, tidepools, and coves.

​​Go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium

The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is among the largest aquariums on this planet – and the most effective! Situated in a transformed sardine cannery (after all), the non-profit aquarium is centered round analysis and marine conservation and is residence to 1000’s of marine species, together with many which are discovered solely right here in Monterey Bay.

Within the aquarium’s 35 reveals, you’ll see playful otters, marvel at mesmerizing jellyfish, study cephalopods and meet the good Pacific Octopus. You’ll expertise the within of a wave because it crashes over you, see divers feeding stingrays and sharks, and meet penguins, puffins, and coastal seabirds. 

In certainly one of my favourite reveals, you’ll additionally discover out what makes Monterey Bay’s waters so particular: its enchanting kelp forests! Full of teeming marine life, the kelp grows 100 ft tall and gently waves backwards and forwards – and also you’ll get to see all of it up shut, as in case you had been scuba diving within the waters simply exterior the aquarium’s again doorways (which can also be on our bucket record). 

It’s actually unbelievable, and also you’ll achieve a brand new appreciation for the kelp forests which are residence to Monterey Bay’s distinctive marine ecosystem – the proper context for going kayaking, diving, or boating by the Bay.

However my favourite attraction on the aquarium is the sea otter habitat, the place the world’s cutest marine mammals frolic and play. Monterey Bay Aquarium is understood for its function in rescuing and rehabilitating sea otters. Within the early Nineteen Nineties, there have been solely 50 southern sea otters left in California. The scenario turned so dire that many individuals thought these animals would go extinct inside just some years. However because of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s cautious efforts, that didn’t occur.

You’ll see tons of otters enjoying within the water round Monterey, and in case you look intently, you may see little tags on a lot of them, figuring out otters that spent a while on the aquarium earlier than being launched again into the wild! 

At present, almost all the ocean otters in California dwell close to Monterey Bay (you’ll additionally see a lot of them in Morro Bay, Jeremy’s hometown). The aquarium’s rescue program has performed a key function on this success story, and these animals proceed to be ambassadors for the habitat restoration that’s essential if we wish to shield our oceans! You may even meet the ocean otters earlier than your journey on the live Sea Otter cam. 

Make sure to buy a ticket for the aquarium earlier than your journey.

Go Whale Watching 

Whale-watching in Monterey is a bucket record expertise. Monterey provides among the greatest whale watching in California, which in flip is among the greatest within the nation (yeah, we’re fairly superior). Oh, and it was additionally the primary: whale watching as an organized exercise dates again to 1950 when the Cabrillo Nationwide Monument in San Diego was declared a public spot for the commentary of Grey Whales.

Monterey Bay is among the greatest locations to see grey whales in Northern California. There are two seasons for whale watching in Monterey Bay. Go to from mid-December by mid-April to see grey whales, dolphins and orcas as they migrate south, or go to from mid-April by mid-December to see humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins, and orcas. (Psst: for extra particulars, we’ve obtained a whole submit about whale watching in California!)

You will get view of the whales from shore as they arrive to feed within the Monterey Submarine Canyon, which is the place most whale watching excursions embark from, in addition to at Point Lobos Natural State Preserve. You may as well see whales offshore at Garrapata State Park, particularly in case you do the hike to Sobrantes Point & Whale Peak.

However for the perfect whale watching expertise and to essentially stand up shut and private with these big, majestic creatures, take a Whale Watching Tour. Departing from Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf, this tour may also offer you an awesome level to identify sea lions as you go out and in of the harbor. The tour takes you into the Monterey Bay Nationwide Marine Sanctuary, the place whales are noticed nearly daily. The tour lasts 3-4 hours and is hosted by a marine biologist who explains conservation efforts in place to guard the whales and different wildlife within the space.Journey Tip: Are you as fascinated by whaling historical past as I’m?? Pay a go to to the Whalers Cabin & Museum in Level Lobos and the Old Whaling Station close to Fisherman’s Wharf to study California’s whaling historical past. And for extra details about what whales frequent California’s coast and when, head to our whale watching in California guide!

Go Kayaking in Monterey Bay

Kayaking in Monterey Bay is one of the best ways to discover the beautiful shoreline and expertise Monterey’s phenomenal marine wildlife. The Monterey Bay Nationwide Marine Sanctuary is residence to an unbelievable quantity of marine life (together with greater than 30 species of whales and dolphins), wealthy kelp forests, salt marshes, mudflats, deep-sea corals, and far more. And the realm has among the greatest kayaking in all of California!

Out of your kayak, you’ll see seals and otters swimming proper subsequent to you as they frolic within the kelp beds, between boats within the harbor, and alongside seashores like Lovers Level Park. You’ll additionally seemingly see (and listen to) sea lions swimming and barking.

We go kayaking each time we go to Monterey (Mulan is a big fan, and has her very personal lifejacket) and we’ve seen dozens of otters and sea lions each time.We suggest renting kayaks in Monterey from Adventures by the Sea and heading out on a self-guided journey. Or in case you’re new to sea kayaking, take certainly one of their guided excursions.

Eat Contemporary Seafood

If there’s one sort of meals Monterey is understood for and does actually, actually effectively, it’s seafood. And no marvel, since contemporary seafood is swimming proper exterior city. 

Along with being tremendous contemporary, you possibly can depend on consuming some sustainably caught seafood. The Monterey Bay Aquarium runs a Seafood Watch program, which helps information shoppers and eating places in shopping for and serving sustainable seafood. This system isn’t simply native: it serves as a world chief within the sustainable seafood motion and works instantly with producers, governments, and organizations to enhance their fishing practices.  

Many native eating places serve up fresh-as-can-be seafood in adherence to the Seafood Watch program, so you possibly can get pleasure from sustainable (and scrumptious) sea-to-table eating. 

Monterey is understood for a couple of native specialties. There’s a particular Monterey Bay fashion clam chowder, which is made with bacon so as to add a wealthy, umami taste that completely compliments the cream, potato, and seafood chowder. You’ll see clam chowder on nearly each menu, usually in an accompanying sourdough bread bowl (thank San Francisco for that scrumptious addition – you’re welcome, everybody!). 

Cioppino, a wealthy mariner’s stew made with all kinds of contemporary seafood in a tomato saffron broth – generally served with pasta – seems on the menus of just about each restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf. The dish displays Monterey’s Italian immigrant historical past, and it’s undoubtedly an area favourite (and Jeremy’s favourite, too).

And naturally, native seafood is all the time the star in Monterey: strive an order of contemporary oysters, candy dungeness crab, fried sand dabs, and regardless of the “catch of the day” is.

• Old Fisherman’s Grotto: from the surface, it may not appear to be a lot. However inside, the restaurant has that previous cash really feel as if Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra had been going to be seated within the soft sales space behind you. However the true draw right here isn’t the flamboyant inside – it’s the meals. You see, Jeremy grew up consuming clam chowder in a bread bowl with seemingly each single meal. He can establish the age of clams by scent – okay, not likely, however you get the thought. The purpose is, the clam chowder right here is subsequent degree – it’s even received the native “greatest clam chowder” award for the final 16 years. Their “Monterey Model Chowder” has a slight hit of smoky bacon that provides depth and taste – strive it in a garlic butter toasted sourdough bread bowl. Oh, and don’t skip the crab: we ordered a contemporary crab cocktail which options roughly fourteen crabs value of candy, flaky deliciousness. (Prime your chowder with it for max Northern California-ness!)
• Cafe Fina: This small restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf served, to our shock, the perfect Cioppino we’ve ever eaten. The tomato and saffron broth was flavorful and wealthy, and the seafood – I imply, they need to empty the bay for each bowl judging by how a lot seafood they cram onto it: calamari, contemporary fish, shrimp, mussels, clams… mmm. The stew was served on a mattress of scrumptious linguini, which is an addition I can’t imagine isn’t commonplace. Just about each restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf has a Cioppino, however in our opinion, Cafe Fina is the perfect place to strive it!
• The C at the InterContinental The Clement Monterey: Situated proper on the boardwalk in Cannery Row, the floor-to-ceiling home windows and charming outside patio have among the greatest ocean views on Cannery Row – excellent for watching the sundown! The C restaurant sits instantly on the ocean, so in case you’re seated exterior, you’ll hear the sound of the waves pounding the shore as you eat. For those who’re fortunate, you possibly can even see otters enjoying within the kelp forests simply offshore! The menu encompasses a sustainable sea-to-table number of native seafood fare. The whole lot on the menu is a standout, just like the Prawns & Dungeness Crab Pappardelle with oven-roasted tomatoes, capers, and lobster crème fraȋche. Come right here to observe the sundown and calm down with a glass of wine!
• Schooners: This restaurant within the Monterey Plaza resort has a heated terrace that mainly hangs over the ocean! Schooners serves American delicacies – with a deal with seafood, after all. Loosen up with a basic burger and beer or dwell it up in luxurious with a decadent seafood tower.

Go Tide-Pooling at Level Lobos

Level Lobos is a state park identified for its ample marine life and delightful climbing paths. However that actually doesn’t seize the magic of Level Lobos, so I’m going to cite the grasp California author himself, John Steinbeck, with this stunning excerpt from Cannery Row:

“It’s a fabulous place: when the tide is in, a wave-churned basin, creamy with foam, whipped by the combers that roll in from the whistling buoy on the reef. However when the tide goes out the little water world turns into quiet and wonderful. The ocean may be very clear and the underside turns into improbable with hurrying, preventing, feeding, breeding animals. Crabs rush from frond to frond of the waving algae. Starfish squat over mussels and limpets, connect their million little suckers after which slowly elevate with unbelievable energy till the prey is damaged from the rock. After which the starfish abdomen comes out and envelops its meals. Orange and speckled and fluted nudibranchs slide gracefully over the rocks, their skirts waving just like the clothes of Spanish dancers. And black eels poke their heads out of crevices and look forward to prey. The snapping shrimps with their set off claws pop loudly. The beautiful, coloured world is glassed over. Hermit crabs like frantic youngsters camper on the underside sand. And now one, discovering an empty snail shell he likes higher than his personal, creeps out, exposing his comfortable physique to the enemy for a second, after which pops into the brand new shell. A wave breaks over the barrier, and churns the glassy water for a second and mixes bubbles into the pool, after which it clears and is tranquil and wonderful and murderous once more…”

John Steinbeck, Cannery Row

So yeah. And on the threat of sounding like a damaged file, you should learn Cannery Row earlier than/throughout/after your journey!

Anyway, Level Lobos is great, and the tidepools are tiny, enchanted swimming pools crammed with total miniature universes of marine life. Ugh, now I’m simply embarrassing myself attempting to explain it after that Steinbeck quote. Ignore me. 

Head to Weston Seaside in Level Lobos for tide pooling. Journey Tip: You’ll wish to arrive 90 minutes earlier than low tide – test the tide tables to seek out out when low tide is. At true low tide, critters cover and hunker down ready for the tide to rise. However arrive slightly earlier than and the water can be simply shallow sufficient to see them earlier than they cover!

Throughout our journey, low tide fell proper earlier than sundown, which meant we had been trying to find shiny orange starfish and waving sea anemones within the tidepools throughout golden hour. We climbed to the highest of the rocky boulders bordering the tidal basin and watched the solar sink low behind the horizon. It was magical.

Discover the Monterey Bay Recreation Path

Stretching 18 miles down the coast, the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail traces what was as soon as a railroad line operating from San Francisco proper as much as the loading docks of the canneries of Monterey. At present, it’s a stunning and well-maintained strolling and biking path that cuts proper by city and alongside the coast!

The path passes by the colourful piers of Fisherman’s Wharf, sandy seashores crammed with lounging harbor seals, blooming pink ice plant fields (nicknamed “the magic carpet”), and colourful and ornate Victorian houses alongside Pacific Grove. 

Bike, lease a surrey, or stroll the path south for so long as you want earlier than turning round and heading again to Monterey. You may decide up a motorbike, e-bike (y’all, they’re SO enjoyable) or a 4-person surrey bike at Adventures by the Sea simply off of Cannery Row.

Take a Hike

With near-perfect climate, ocean views, and delightful forests, Monterey and the encompassing peninsula make for some superb climbing — and also you don’t should go far (or climb excessive) to get pleasure from it. 

When climbing close to Monterey, you possibly can anticipate sweeping views of the Pacific coast and trails that wind by enchanting redwoods and Monterey pines. 

And with lots of the trails tracing the shoreline, you might even catch a glimpse of marine wildlife and seabirds. Lace up your boots and get your digital camera prepared!

• Asilomar Trail: This one-mile path extends the size of the sandy and rocky Asilomar State Seaside, south of Pacific Grove and on the western fringe of the Monterey Peninsula. The path itself is amix of packed sand and boardwalk and is splendidly flat — excellent for operating or strolling. Plus, it’s a good way to discover Asilomar Seaside — simply hop off the boardwalk wherever you need.
• Soberanes Point and Whale Peak: This 2-mile loop — with a spur to Whale Peak — circles Soberanes Level in Garrapata State Park. This park, south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, consists of all the pieces from ocean seashores to redwood forests, with rocky headlands in between. The Soberanes and Whale Peak Trails present epic ocean views with an opportunity to see among the park’s resident wildlife — sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and even migrating grey whales! Head to our whale watching guide for extra info on what you may see at completely different instances of the yr.
• Jacks Peak and Skyline Trail: This quick .8-mile loop at Jack’s Peak Park is a superb bang to your buck in case you’re quick on time. You’ll hike by one of many three remaining pure stands of Monterey Pine, see a waterfall and, in springtime, loads of colourful California wildflowers. There are greater than eight miles of trails to select from on this park, however climbing on the Skyline path provides you spectacular ocean views from the highest of a ridgeline and an opportunity to see Miocene-epoch fossils. 
• Point Lobos State Reserve: South of Carmel Bay, Level Lobos State Reserve is an absolute gem on the Central Coast. The geology, crops, and animals are distinctive — and downright beautiful. A part of the state park system, this “reserve” has a better degree of safety than different parks, so it’s actually necessary to remain on trails and go away all the pieces the way you discovered it. There are many trails to select from based mostly on how a lot time you wish to spend, however the 6.5 mile Point Lobos Loop Trail takes you all around the reserve for a style of all the pieces the park has to supply!

Patronize the Arts

It doesn’t take a lot time in Monterey and the encompassing communities to note the abundance of artwork. Northern California has a well-deserved repute for quirkiness and creative expression, and this space isn’t any exception! Galleries, murals, and museums abound. 

Listed here are a couple of locations to patronize Monterey’s native artwork scene:

• Monterey Museum of Art: For a mixture of new and previous California artwork, head to the Monterey Museum of Artwork. Works date from the tip of the nineteenth century to current day, and the museum emphasizes the variety of California’s “previous, current, and future.” Everlasting collections embody works by a spread of California painters in addition to the well-known images of Ansel Adams (of Yosemite fame). The museum itself is gorgeous, too, with expansive home windows and uncovered beams. 
• Salvador Dalí Exhibition: The Salvador Dalí Exhibition homes the most important privately-owned assortment of Dalí work on the West Coast. This exhibition celebrates Dalí’s love of and connection to Monterey, the place he lived within the Forties after fleeing the conflict in Europe. The gathering consists of greater than 580 items, together with etchings, tapestries, sculptures and lithographs! Issues may get slightly bizarre… and in case you actually wish to, uh, improve your go to, maybe partake in certainly one of California’s completely authorized natural crops earlier than your go to. (When in California, proper?)

• National Steinbeck Center: Okay, so the Steinbeck heart isn’t technically in Monterey — it’s in Steinbeck’s hometown of close by Salinas — however with Steinbeck’s vital presence within the historical past of Monterey and Cannery Row, we needed to embody this spot. For those who’re a fan of any Steinbeck novel (or if a go to to Monterey garners your curiosity – AND IT SHOULD) you possibly can’t miss a go to to the Nationwide Steinbeck Heart. With first version books, artifacts, interactive reveals, and themed theaters based mostly on his novels, this museum brings to life each Steinbeck and his intimate connection to his residence. If we’ve been too refined on this submit, permit me to come back proper out and say it: Steinbeck is among the biggest American authors, and also you want to learn some Steinbeck!! Begin with Cannery Row to your journey, however after that, we suggest Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden, or Of Mice and Men.

Benefit from the Surroundings on the “17 Mile Drive”

The 17 Mile Drive encompasses a fairly — and ritzy — stretch of California shoreline. This unique drive has some can’t-miss sights, however to entry them, you’ll want pay $10.50.

Why is there a price to drive this explicit stretch of coast, you ask? It’s owned and maintained by the Pebble Beach Company. The street accesses Pebble Seaside Resorts, together with the well-known Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks. Which, in case you’re into golf, is a reasonably large deal. 

You may, nonetheless, get your price reimbursed if you cease for lunch at one of many resort eating places (and pay $35). 

However there’s much more than…golf that makes this a spectacular drive. Image-perfect Pacific seashores, forests, and oceanside mansions will provide you with a thrill, plus there are some explicit landmarks that you just’ll wish to cease for.

The Lone Cypress stands proudly on a craggy rock outcropping, framed by the foaming Pacific Ocean. This tree – which can also be the brand for the Pebble Seaside Firm – might be someplace round 250 years previous, so whereas it’s not historic, it’s been round longer than our nation. 

This cypress tree and its neighbors — different Monterey Cypress — are additionally uncommon. They solely develop in two locations on this planet: in Pebble Seaside, and at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

The complete drive is scenic and delightful, however make certain to additionally pull over for a few of our favourite stops: Spanish Bay Beach, Restless Sea, Seal Rock, and Crocker Grove. You may as well cease on the Pebble Beach Visitor Center if you wish to be taught extra in regards to the space’s historical past, or Pebble Beach Golf Links when you’ve got any curiosity in golf.

If you wish to get much more out of this drive, you may get this self-guided audio tour. Get detailed info and historical past about the entire stops alongside the drive so you possibly can get pleasure from it to the fullest.For those who nonetheless need the advantage of a information however you’d desire a extra lively tour of 17-mile drive, you possibly can take an e-bike tour as an alternative. This 3.5-hour tour permits you to discover the drive at a barely slower tempo, plus you possibly can benefit from the wind in your hair as you bike alongside the coast.

Go Wine Tasting

Though Monterey isn’t certainly one of California’s many wine international locations, it’s nonetheless in California, so … which means wine. And when in California, wine tasting is a should. 

Wine rising isn’t a brand new business on this space: the primary grapes had been planted by Spaniards within the late 1700s. Since then, the wine business within the Monterey space has exploded. Various rising circumstances and microclimates permit growers to provide all kinds of wines, together with well-known Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. 

However with the close by seashores and idyllic ocean views, wine tasting in Monterey is about extra than simply the wine. There are tons of tasting rooms and wineries within the space, however listed here are a couple of of our favorites: 

• Tasting rooms on Cannery Row: A Taste of Monterey is situated close to McAbee Seaside and provides greater than 90 native wines and has an awesome view.  Bargetto Winery has two places: one on Cannery Row and one on the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. On the Cannery Row location, you possibly can get pleasure from a tasting on the patio with ocean views.
• Blue Fox Cellars: Situated in Carmel Valley, this small, family-owned vineyard offers a hands-on tasting with the winemaker himself. You may pattern wine and revel within the beautiful mountain views from the outside patio, or take a break for some bocce ball within the courtyard. It’s a little bit of a schlep to get there, however so well worth the effort!
• The Wine Experience: Situated on Cannery Row, the Wine Expertise is “greater than only a wine bar”: along with wine tasting, they provide lessons, personalised wine labels, and customized mixing. Whether or not you’re a wine novice or a connoisseur, that is the place to be taught a factor or two. Mix your personal bottle of wine or take a tasting class to develop your now-sophisticated palate! 
• Pierce Ranch Vineyards: With a tasting room in Monterey, Pierce Ranch Vineyards is situated in southern Monterey County and makes a speciality of Portuguese and Spanish varieties. The tasting room is housed in an enthralling Victorian home only a block from Cannery Row. Whereas wandering city, cease by for a tasting on the quaint entrance porch.

Need some extra wine tasting choices? Close by Carmel-by-Sea has its personal array of top-notch tasting rooms value a go to. Here’s a list that will help you select what you’ll love! And talking of…

Go to Carmel-by-the-Sea

With a reputation like Carmel-by-the-Sea, you already know this little city needs to be some sort of coastal fairytale city, and it’s! Monterey’s subsequent door neighbor – just some minutes down Freeway One – is an enthralling little city perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean. 

Carmel has a quaint, walkable “downtown” space crammed with cafes and galleries and delightful, storybook houses perched on hills rising above the ocean. 

One among its claims to fame is that that is the house of none aside from Clint Eastwood, who as soon as served as city Mayor. (Clint Eastwood would go on to serve on the California State Park and Recreation Fee beneath  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. We, uh, sort of have a factor for electing actors as politicians right here…)

One of the best ways to expertise Carmel throughout your journey to Monterey is to pop over for the afternoon and take a stroll. Only one sq. mile in space, you possibly can see most of this charming city by foot!

• Take a strolling tour: This walking tour brings to life the structure and historical past of Carmel-by-the-Sea. An area information tells the tales of Carmel’s artists, cottages, and landmarks. We additionally suggest this local-created downtown Carmel walking tour, which is able to solely take you about an hour (it’s a small city). This tour traces a scenic walkway, and this self-guided tour visits the numerous fairytale fashion, storybook houses in Carmel!
• Take a food tour: Take a look at the structure, wine, and vibrant culinary scene with a Carmel meals tour. Pattern native dishes and treats like chocolate, olives, pasta, wine, risotto, or truffles. Scrumptious and informative, you’ll love the structure and historical past as a lot because the meals.

• Tour Carmel’s Galleries: Lovely artwork usually comes from stunning locations, and Carmel-by-the-Sea isn’t any exception. This beautiful Pacific shoreline attracted an artsy combine of parents from the early days, and the identical is true at this time with nearly 100 galleries in a single sq. mile of downtown Carmel. The Carmel Art Association is a superb place to see the work of over 100 native artists in a one-stop-shop.

Go to Pacific G​​rove

Solely two miles from the city of Monterey, neighboring city Pacific Grove is effectively value a go to. On the northernmost tip of the Monterey Peninsula, Pacific Grove provides a dramatic, rugged, and delightful shoreline together with its personal sandy seashores. 

Pacific Grove welcomes extra than simply ocean-seeking vacationers — actually, it’s identified for the seasonal inflow of migrating Monarch butterflies! Go to within the winter to see a few of California’s most colourful seasonal residents.

Talking of coloration, Pacific Grove places on a fleeting however beautiful spectacle in April or Could annually — a “magic carpet “ of vibrantly pink blooming ice plant flowers. Planted within the early 1900s, it covers the Pacific Grove Coast in a blanket of magenta every spring. (Sadly, ice plant is gorgeous, however undoubtedly not native and really invasive.)

This stunning seaside city can also be identified for its charming Victorian houses, a few of which have been was quaint mattress and breakfasts. There’s undoubtedly a little bit of quirkiness to Pacific Grove, too, with sights just like the Butterfly House including to the colourful colours of this cute city. 

Absorb Pacific groves colourful, quirky, Victorian charms with a few of our favourite issues to do: 

• Eat at The Beach House Restaurant: Overlooking stunning Lover’s Point Beach, The Seaside Home Restaurant and Bar might need the most effective views in Pacific Grove. Their informal menu options native seafood — strive the Seafood Pasta for a style of contemporary salmon, scallops, clams, and grilled prawns in a tomato-caper sauce. The meals, the view, and close by Lover’s Level Seaside make this the proper spot for a romantic sundown dinner!
• Meet the Monarch Butterflies: Nicknamed “Butterfly City, USA,” Pacific Grove welcomes 1000’s of monarch butterflies that spend the winters right here (not not like my mother’s annual retreat to Florida). From mid-October to mid-February, you possibly can go to the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary to take a tour with a docent. It doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to, you possibly can all the time try the Monarch Gallery on the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History to study these annual guests.
• Go Tidepooling at Point Pinos Lighthouse: This historic maritime landmark is the oldest regularly working lighthouse on the Pacific, and nonetheless operates at this time. You may take excursions of the previous Victorian-era constructing, which additionally doubled as a social hub in Pacific Grove’s early days. Mix a go to to the lighthouse with some tidepool explorations — the “Great Tide Pool” at Point Pinos is among the richest tidepools habitats on this planet!

The place to Keep in Monterey

On our most up-to-date journey to Monterey, we stayed at stunning InterContinental The Clement Monterey, which is the best-located resort in Monterey – and that’s not an exaggeration. 

Smack dab on the middle of Cannery Row (in a transformed historic cannery, after all) the resort is lower than a 3-minute stroll to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, McAbee Seaside, and the remainder of the sights alongside Cannery Row. 

The resort sits instantly alongside the water, which meant that even our commonplace room got here with an ocean view by floor-to-ceiling home windows. We had been handled to beautiful dawn views over the ocean every morning – and I’m not even a morning particular person!

However y’all, can we discuss in regards to the room? To begin with, there was a gas-powered, cozy AF FIREPLACE. Second of all, our lavatory got here with an enormous bathtub – and a heat, fluffy gown. Which meant that I spent my Saturday night time studying Steinbeck in a bubble tub whereas Jeremy and Mulan relaxed in entrance of the fireplace, listening to the rolling waves muffling the decision of seagulls and barking sea lions exterior.

Pay attention: we aren’t usually luxurious resort individuals. However then I obtained pregnant and effectively, issues modified. Issues like my skill to sleep by the night time, particularly on an uncomfortable mattress. 

And after our keep on the InterContinental The Clement Monterey, I don’t suppose I can return.  It was excellent, and made our journey really feel extremely particular!

For those who’re visiting Monterey for a particular weekend, we are able to’t suggest a keep on theInterContinental The Clement Monterey sufficient. For those who’re on a tighter funds, test low season and mid-week charges; we’ve seen availability as little as $200 per night time, which is a freakin’ steal for a resort this luxury! Click on the button under to test charges and availability to your dates.

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Which of these items to do in Monterey are you most enthusiastic about? Is it the wine, the seafood, the tidepooling, the aquarium, or kayaking with otters? Oh, and have you ever picked up a replica of Cannery Row but?! Drop us a remark under!

Psst: Planning to discover extra of California? …. As California residents we have now LOTS of different posts – browse them all or simply check out these: