Also pack closed-toed shoes for trail walking. A post shared by E. Eberhart (@abscondwithsage). Learn more about our selection criteria and vetting process. We stayed in a vacation rental along the Highway 68 corridor on one of our visits, and even saw a mountain lion when we were out on an early morning walk. Esteban is a Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant in downtown Monterey. Snap photos of stunning China Cove and gorgeous Gibson Beach. Massage services and warm swimming pools are also available to round out the relaxing experience. Windows were covered with iron plates, providing only very little sunlight through perforations for inmates, to keep it extra secure. Unusual Attractions in Monterey Monterey, California Point Sur Lightstation Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely. During the day, this former sardine canning district is busy with family fun activities, shopping, and dining. Its also, surprisingly, a popular wedding location. Mission Ranch Carmel is an inn and restaurant owned by Clint Eastwood, one-time mayor of Carmel. Thank you so much for this article. This sanctuary has been developed to attract Monarch Butterflies during their great migration. It opened in the late 1840s and was originally used as a government meeting place and school. Spring is beautiful on the Monterey Peninsula. Located in the heart of Monterey, El Estero Park has a small lake next to Dennis the Menace Playground. Another fun thing to do is to take private surfing lessons with a local. Opposite the beach is a boardwalk, where you can stroll through the dunes. Note that some parts of the trail have specific bike and pedestrian lanes. Baleen, which is a bony filter in whale mouths, were used to make umbrellas and corsets. Address: Point Sur Lightstation, Monterey, CA 93940, United States, Sgerbic, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Or, plan a longer vacation and explore all of the beautiful Monterey Peninsula! Monterey has a mild climate and flowers bloom all year round, which the city uses to its advantage by planting in every available space. Visiting the aquarium is one of the most popular things to do in Monterey, for both kids and adults. Dhara loves to explore her home state of California. You can pick up the trail at Cannery Row, and walk it to its southern end in Pacific Grove and back, for a total of about 3 miles. Good to know: Nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its dining scene as well. If you want to bring a picnic, head to Alta Bakery and Cafe for sandwiches and takeout coffee its one of the best bakeries in Monterey. Its a short drive inland to the San Juan Bautista Mission, which was founded in 1797 as the 15th mission in California. The church was extensively repaired and restored in the early 21st century. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Book a table at sunset on the patio and watch the sunset over the ocean while sipping a cocktail or local wine. Carmel-by-the-Sea has plenty of tasting rooms located downtown, so you can sip and stroll around town. The eucalyptus trees and plants offer the butterflies a spot to rest and recharge during the winter months as they continue down to Mexico. Sloat began making moves towards the state as soon as possible, arriving at the beginning of July that year. The famous 17-Mile Drive is a winding road running through a gated neighborhood in Carmel with stunning views of the ocean. Monterey is beautiful all year round, with a mild Mediterranean climate. 12. Marvel at the Lone Cypress and numerous other natural wonders found along the 17-Mile Drive. Upon his return, the seeds were dispersed and planted all around the country. If one is being offered when you visit, dont miss the opportunity to go! Here are some of our favorite browses on Cannery Row: Montereys Tasty Olive Bar offers several dozen varieties of olive oils and balsamics from which to choose! With cliffs, beaches, forests, and historical spots littered about the path, theres plenty for you to see and have fun with! But why was it set up in the first place, and how did it end up as one of the things to see for tourists in the city? This unique thing to see in Monterey has an interesting history. But youll escape the crowds if you head to the communitys Moss Beach, where youll find one of the most scenic picnic spots in the area. It is indeed a beautiful area, the perfect blend of history, good food, and outdoor activities. On the walk, you will see as many as a dozen historic buildings and adobe homes, beautiful heritage gardens, and even a whalebone walkway. Visiting San Carlos Cathedral is a fun thing to do in Montereyyou'll be introduced to the areas history in a very unique way. On a good weather day, the scenery is stunning as well. Check out Discover Cars! This tiny pocket beach consists of a small cave and a rock arch, which you can walk up to at low tide. Californias First Theatre was the first place to stage public performances at the birth of the state, but the temptation of the Gold Rush soon lured away the performers. MY Hospital, MY Creation Station, MY Day at the Beach, and MY Build a House are just a few examples of the great exhibits available. The Refuge is a day spa with a difference the retreat has a strict no-cell phone and no-talking policies, so guests can fully immerse themselves in the experience without distraction. If you are in California at the right time, the Monterey Jazz Festival is one of the best things to do in Monterey. We are Dhara and Kishore. Monterey has no shortage of great year-round hiking trails. The Sloat Monument has an interesting history behind that makes it one of the best of Montereys places to visit. The store continues its operations, with offerings like stationery, toys, candy, houseware, and more 1850s-themed items. The Larkin House, on Calle Principal, is both a National and California Historic Landmark. Then, head downhill, past the beautiful homes to the white-sand beach, one of the prettiest on the Central Coast. Monterey is one of Californias oldest cities and was a capital city under Spanish, Mexican, and US military rule. Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop is one of our favorite stops on Cannery Row. It makes sense, then, that Colton Hall Museum is one of Montereys must-do sites! The Colton Hall Museum was set up in 1949 and hosts a wide range of information and artifacts related to the creation of the state and its governance from then on. Discover our articles on California towns and cities, national and state parks, beaches and other natural areas, and cultural and historic landmarks. The museum is located on Pacific Street, across from historic Colton Hall in Old Monterey, and is open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two-hour free street parking is available near the museum. I hope you have a wonderful time in Monterey: it is one of our favorite places to explore in California. Looking for a car rental for your Monterey getaway? be the first to know ), and dine on fresh seafood by the water. Enjoy wine tasting in a relaxed setting at the River Road wineries, many of which are small family-owned operations. My first i, In May 2021, I finally took the leap. Feast at the Steinbeck House in Salinas, Fans of California author John Steinbeck, rejoice. Below Steinbeck sits Ed Ricketts, a pioneer in marine biology, and other local characters immortalized in his novel. However, if youre looking for an Airbnb in Monterey, check out neighboring Pacific Grove, which is just minutes away from downtown Monterey. Walk the Point Lobos hiking trails, many of which offer ocean views and the chance to view sea birds and marine life. But for the absolute best experience, book a whale watching tour. Ride tandem with young kids. Located along the old tracks of the Southern Pacific Railway, the Coastal Recreation Trail is paved, with two lanes, one in each direction. The mission is recognized as both the oldest stone building and the first cathedral in California. Address:62 CA-1, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, United States. Looking for things to do in Monterey this weekend? Its a really easy walk, with great views over the bay and a high chance of encountering cute animals, a win-win. Reconnect with nature through goat yoga in Carmel-by-the-Sea, where cuddly animals join in your practice. Monterey Jazz Festival. A post shared by Refuge, Spa in Carmel, CA (@refugespacarmel). Its foundation had become damaged by tree roots, walls were steeped with moisture, and some of the alterations done over the years had wound up weakening it further. The collection includes works by artists such as Jules Tavernier and Raymond Dabb Yelland. The drive is especially scenic in the spring, when the hills turn an emerald green. The Old Whaling Station now stands as a memory of the best years of this gruesome industry. I am visiting Monterrey next month, I found this article super nice but I am flying, is it strictly necessary to rent a car to visit all those wonderful places that you described? Check out the beloved Monterey Bay Aquarium to get acquainted with the local marine life. Tour highlights include Colton Hall, where the California constitution was drafted, Californias first theater, and Stevenson House in Monterey State Historic Park, where Robert Louis Stevenson lived. Its a great way to experience this beautiful stretch of coast. Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely. In 1846, this is where the American flag was raised, claiming California for the United States. This beloved local shop has provided a warm and welcoming environment for all since 1973. In March-April, they make the return trek north with their young calves. 2022 It's Not About the Miles Travel Media LLC, The Best Time to Visit Monterey, California, This highly-rated walking tour of historic Monterey, this highly rated boat tour of Elkhorn Slough, weekend road trip getaways from San Diego, How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Santa Barbara, Highway 395 Road Trip through the Eastern Sierra in California. It provides one thousand seats, all made from plush, soft velvet, and incredible acoustics that are purely state-of-the-art. Youll learn about the history of this century-old structure, and you might even hear a few ghost stories from locals along the way. Monterey is a year round destination. Walk the wharf to enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and the harbor, browse the shops (the saltwater taffy is great! Check out what's happening this weekend in Monterey below, and download our full year of events . It is set in the heart of the city upon 20 acres of delightful, lush, oak-filled land. Whether you prefer your beach wild and rugged or wine bar adjacent, Monterey has a stretch of sand for you. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in California. Between November and February, the bright orange insects gather to rest and refuel on their epic migration south. If you get sea-sick, theres an easy way to see marine life without setting foot on a boat. Featuring several play structures, large slides, a climbing wall, a maze, and a giant adventure ship, this fun attraction will satisfy both the young and young at heart. Watch the sun rise at Lovers Point Park, and enjoy Lovers Point Beach, one of. Visit the National Steinbeck Center, a museum and memorial dedicated to author John Steinbeck, who made Monterey famous through his novel Cannery Row. Considering a trip to Monterey? Pick up rental equipment at several Adventures by the Sea locations in the Monterey area. To help you out, here are our picks for the top 24 best and fun things to do in Monterey, California to add to your bucket list. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa features beautiful bay views, a full service spa, a hot tub with fabulous views, and a private beach. The rules are fairly straightforward keep it clean, make it creative, and above all, have fun. The Monterey Coast Guard Pier is a prime location from which to look for marine life and sea birds. The marine sanctuary stretches for quite some distance, from Cambria to San Francisco, so its not just a local city attraction. Once it reopens, swing by to observe sunfish, huge bluefin tuna, and yellowfin tunafound in only a select number of aquariums worldwide. Collections are varied and tackle current social issues as well as a glimpse into the states history. McAbee Beach is a small beach in the heart of Cannery Row, with some rocks where you can sit and enjoy views of the bay. Spouts are more visible on bright calm days. The Golden State is a world-renowned travel destination, and our articles will hopefully inspire you to explore it in depth. While this travel was happening, Colton Hall was serving a new purpose as the state capital had shifted away to San Jose. Even though Ive been running my website since 2, 11 fake ring boxes later, @suneelj1 finally gave m, 2 years since our first date. Sloat played a key role in the war between America and Mexico in 1846. While sightings arent guaranteed, you are more likely than not to see whales and other marine life. The museum has an impressive collection of Steinbeck memorabilia, including manuscripts, family documents, photographs, letters, films, and artifacts. If you start early, you could even do a day trip from San Francisco (or Silicon Valley) to Monterey. Download the brochure or pick up a copy from outside Pacific House next to the Portola Hotel. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! In addition to the playground, theres also a 1924 steam engine to admire and a lake with ducks. The plaza also has a sculpture dedicated to Steinbeck and other local luminaries. comic strip, helped create this themed public playground (open during normal circumstances). In truth, this pricey town has plenty. If you want to drive this road, youll need to pay an entrance fee at the gate. In 1956, it ceased regular operations and it was officially closed in 1959. The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is housed in a structure on Cannery Row, by the ocean. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is one of the more famous things to see in the city. Here are the best parks in the area. Local and sustainable are the watchwords in Monterey, a city committed to healthy oceans for everyone. Cannery Row is the heart of Monterey, where historic warehouses have transformed into chic hotels, boutiques, and enticing restaurants. Bones were ground to turn into paving material or fertilizer. Tour the Remnants of the Once-Notorious Old Monterey Jail. Your guide will offer commentary along the way and have you stop at the best viewpoints on the route. Several restaurants ring Steinbeck Plaza, with a statue of namesake John Steinbeck presiding over the center. Thank you for the reminder of why I never left. The former capital of Alta California has introduced plenty of firsts to the states history: The first theater, public library, public school, printing press, and newspaper all hail from 19th-century Monterey. Take Home an Edible Souvenir From The Cheese Shop, in Carmel Plaza is a cant-miss stop for all foodies visiting the Monterey area. Hike through a rare Monterey pine forest and enjoy sweeping vistas over Monterey Bay at Jacks Peak Park. Book a stay here! The home has an enclosed private courtyard for barbecues and a full kitchen. He served in this job for three years and accomplished the first of the states public American buildings, which earned the name Colton Hall to honor his contribution. We enjoy the aviary, which features many local birds, including the endangered western snowy plover. One of the most popular trails in the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is The Cypress Grove, known for Monterey cypress trees that dot the cliffs along the seaside and its stunning panoramas of the coast. Popular places to launch include Cannery Row in Monterey, Lovers Point Park in Pacific Grove, and Stillwater Cove in Carmel. Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary, Pacific Grove Every October, thousands of butterflies make a stop in charming Pacific Grove during their migration to warmer climates. A range of different outdoor endeavors can be undergone at the National Marine Sanctuary. The 17-Mile Drive through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach features beautiful coastal scenery. Here, you can enjoy birding, wildlife watching, kayaking, hiking, and more outdoorsy activities. Old Fisherman's Wharf #1 Old, Fisherman's Wharf Monterey, CA 93940 (831) 238-0777 See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity Old Fisherman's Wharf is a well-known tourist attraction and historic site. The setting for John Steinbecks novel of the same name, Cannery Row used to be called Ocean View Avenue. Your driver guide from California Pacific Excursions can take you to the best stops, and tell you everything you need to know about the area. The captivating charm of Cannery Row, made famous by author John Steinbeck, ranks it among the top things to do in Monterey. . You can also go kayaking in Elkhorn Slough: the waters are calm and sheltered, making it the perfect place to paddle. Looking to explore more of Central California? Address: Monterey County Fairgrounds. In 1921, an additional structure was made beside the cathedral to replicate the grotto of the Lourdes. The legendary course has hosted the US Open six times, more than any other location. The Fish Hopper Restaurant has a spectacular location, in an old cannery building. Trails take you through meadows of wildflowers, past cypresses, and pine, down to the shoreline where sea lions bask in the sunshine. Steinbeck grew up in Salinas, and you can also visit John Steinbeck House, the childhood home of the author, located near the museum. 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