Local Activities
You really should go see some of the sights while you are here. Here are some of our favorites.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
This is one of our favorite aquariums ever. It specializes in local flora and fauna from Monterey Bay. The kelp forest is just amazing.
Point Lobos State Reserve
An amazing park right on ocean. You can see and hear the sea lions bark. Watch harbor seals sun themselves on rocks. Marvel at all the layers of guano on Bird Island. If you make reservations ahead of time, you can go diving here. But it's worth staying dry and having a picnic or just walking the shore.
Scuba Diving
If you can dive in Monterey, you can dive anywhere. There is nothing like seeing the kelp forest up close and personal for yourself. Yes, it can be cold. And cloudy. But very worth it. If you're lucky you might see sea otters or seals. We recommend Monterey Bay Dive Company for equipment and tours.
Sea Kayaking
If you'd rather stay above water, than underwater, we suggest renting kayaks and going on a tour. If you're lucky you'll see otters while they are sleeping in the kelp. Try Monterey Bay Kayaks for rentals and tours.
Fisherman's Wharf
If you haven't been to Monterey before, you have to spend some time wandering around Fisherman's Wharf. It's cute, tacky, tourist goodness. Good chowder (or so we hear) and you can hear sea lions barking as they hang out around the pier.
Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea (warning: autoplay video)
Carmel-by-the-Sea is an adorable little town that has turned into a ritzy shopping and art gallery town. It's still fun to wander the shops and see the cute houses. Stop by the Tuck Box for some tea and a scone.
Whale Watching
There are all kinds of wildlife that live in Monterey Bay. On whale watching trips in the past we've seen humpback whales, dolphins and even orca! Tours run year round and in August you should be able to see humpbacks and maybe blue whales. Orcas are around all year. Contact Monterey Bay Whale Watch for more information.
Wine Tasting
There are a number of vineyards in Carmel Valley and Monterey County. Many have tasting rooms where you can sample their wines and learn about how it's made. Start at the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association website to find vineyards to visit.
17-Mile Drive & Pebble Beach
Most people have heard about the 17-mile drive and want to drive it when they learn that's it's right next to Carmel. Yes, the coastline is beautiful. The multi-million dollar homes are extravagant and make your jaw drop. And if you are into golf, I suppose going to Pebble Beach is a sort of pilgrimage. But be warned that they charge you about $10 for the right to drive it. (We aren't sure if bikes still get in for free, but the road twists and turns and it's full of tourists looking at the ocean not the road, so be careful!) We say skip it. You can see coastline that is just as beautiful by driving along Ocean View Blvd in Pacific Grove and it's free. There are houses in Carmel and Pacific Grove that are also gorgeous. If you simply must get a Pebble Beach hat or t-shirt, you can avoid the toll and go to the shop in Cannery Row in Monterey.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
This is one of our favorite aquariums ever. It specializes in local flora and fauna from Monterey Bay. The kelp forest is just amazing.
Point Lobos State Reserve
An amazing park right on ocean. You can see and hear the sea lions bark. Watch harbor seals sun themselves on rocks. Marvel at all the layers of guano on Bird Island. If you make reservations ahead of time, you can go diving here. But it's worth staying dry and having a picnic or just walking the shore.
Scuba Diving
If you can dive in Monterey, you can dive anywhere. There is nothing like seeing the kelp forest up close and personal for yourself. Yes, it can be cold. And cloudy. But very worth it. If you're lucky you might see sea otters or seals. We recommend Monterey Bay Dive Company for equipment and tours.
Sea Kayaking
If you'd rather stay above water, than underwater, we suggest renting kayaks and going on a tour. If you're lucky you'll see otters while they are sleeping in the kelp. Try Monterey Bay Kayaks for rentals and tours.
Fisherman's Wharf
If you haven't been to Monterey before, you have to spend some time wandering around Fisherman's Wharf. It's cute, tacky, tourist goodness. Good chowder (or so we hear) and you can hear sea lions barking as they hang out around the pier.
Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea (warning: autoplay video)
Carmel-by-the-Sea is an adorable little town that has turned into a ritzy shopping and art gallery town. It's still fun to wander the shops and see the cute houses. Stop by the Tuck Box for some tea and a scone.
Whale Watching
There are all kinds of wildlife that live in Monterey Bay. On whale watching trips in the past we've seen humpback whales, dolphins and even orca! Tours run year round and in August you should be able to see humpbacks and maybe blue whales. Orcas are around all year. Contact Monterey Bay Whale Watch for more information.
Wine Tasting
There are a number of vineyards in Carmel Valley and Monterey County. Many have tasting rooms where you can sample their wines and learn about how it's made. Start at the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association website to find vineyards to visit.
17-Mile Drive & Pebble Beach
Most people have heard about the 17-mile drive and want to drive it when they learn that's it's right next to Carmel. Yes, the coastline is beautiful. The multi-million dollar homes are extravagant and make your jaw drop. And if you are into golf, I suppose going to Pebble Beach is a sort of pilgrimage. But be warned that they charge you about $10 for the right to drive it. (We aren't sure if bikes still get in for free, but the road twists and turns and it's full of tourists looking at the ocean not the road, so be careful!) We say skip it. You can see coastline that is just as beautiful by driving along Ocean View Blvd in Pacific Grove and it's free. There are houses in Carmel and Pacific Grove that are also gorgeous. If you simply must get a Pebble Beach hat or t-shirt, you can avoid the toll and go to the shop in Cannery Row in Monterey.
