For an up close and personal look at Blue Whales, the world's largest mammals, visit the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. There are whale-watching cruises available in the bay. Take advantage of this rare chance to see one of the most wondrous creatures of the sea. The Monterey Bay area is also perfect for underwater exploration. Appropriate diving gear is available in many shops, as is information about guided tours. The marine diversity of the region makes underwater exploration a magical adventure on the ocean floor.
2. Vineyard Wineries
Nearby Winery
A trip to the Monterey Bay Area would be incomplete without a visit to the internationally renowned vineyards in the region. The wine tasting rooms reflect favorably upon the viticulture of the area. Many of the wineries are located along Carmel Valley Road, but except for the Chateau Julian, which has a combined winery and tasting room, the wine tasting rooms are near Carmel Valley Village, about twelve miles from Highway 1.
3. Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Aquarium
The world's largest aquarium sits pretty in Cannery Row. With over a million footfalls, there is no aquarium more popular. Its spectacular exhibits of reefs, rocky coasts, and gigantic kelp forests are beautiful to behold. The sea life on display is truly exciting, ranging from sharks, jellyfish and moray eels to sea dragons, and even penguins! The cool atmosphere and the company of colorful, undulating marine life can put you in the perfect mood for a shared kiss.
4. Historical Buildings & the Mission Trail
Mission Trail
The historical city of Monterey has over forty-five beautiful adobe buildings of historical significance. These include the oldest government building on the western seaboard, the first theater in California, and the venue of the California Constitution Convention in 1849. Monterey was, at one time, the capital of California. The rich history of the region is inextricably twined with the history of the Spanish Missions. In California, The El Camino Real, meaning the Royal Highway, has twenty-one missions, marking the first coming of Europeans to California.
The dramatic history of these missions makes them a must-see. All this, and much more, marks the rich history of the Monterey area and provides days of interesting exploration for the history buff. The museums of Monterey, nearby Carmel, and other towns will keep you engrossed for days.
5. Celebrating Steinbeck
Steinbeck Museum
Legendary author of classics like Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden, John Steinbeck is the areas most beloved celebrity (after Clint Eastwood, an actor, who was once the Mayor of Carmel). The National Steinbeck Center, an interactive museum, is located on South Main Street in Salinas and includes a gallery, Steinbeck archives, multi-sensory exhibits and an art-of-writing room. The shifting fortunes of the Salinas Valley can be viewed through the writing of the author. A fertile agricultural region, the Salinas Valley was the setting for many of Steinbeck's novels including Cannery Row. The nearby Steinbeck House is also worth a visit.
6. Lovely Lighthouses
Pinos Lighthouse
Lighthouses guide ships safely to port and keep watch over the bay. Perched atop the cliffs, they are as close to romantic castle towers as one can get in today's day and age. Referred to as coastal castles, the lighthouses of the region are wonderful to visit and afford some of the best views of the area. The Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, is especially notable, as is the Point Sur Lighthouse in Big Sur. Many of the lighthouses offer tours.
7. Beach Ahoy!
Asilomar Beach
The beaches of the Monterey Bay area are perfect places to relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. The untouched white sand beaches are the best for strolling, picnicking, whale watching, tide pooling, beachcombing, swimming, and surfing. The water temperature is between fifty and sixty degrees. Marina State Beach, stretching from Monterey to Seaside, has lovely sand dunes and is a popular place for hang gliders, while Pacific Grove's Lovers Point Beach is great for swimming and diving.
Asilomar Beach is renowned for its surfing and Carmel River Beach is noted for its peaceful isolation and the permission to light bonfires. Garrapata and Pfeiffer Beaches in Big Sur are ideal hiking spots. The Monterey Bay area is a beach bum's paradise. Spend at least one day doing absolutely nothing on one of these spectacular beaches.
