unique things to do in monterey

21 Magical Things To Do In Redwood National Park. Monterey began to be colonized by the Spanish in the later half of the 18th century. Even if youre not ready to propose just yet, this lesser-known locale is a prime place to. Its the largest antiques mall on the Central Coast, with over 100 dealers housed in the historic building that was once a canning center. An enclosed patio offers seating. It is set in the heart of the city upon 20 acres of delightful, lush, oak-filled land. The area is quite closely controlled, but the monument is still open for public viewing. Along trails and inland, away from the more commercial parts of town, you will likely see deer, wild turkeys, a variety of land birds, and, if you walk early in the day, perhaps even a bobcat or a coyote. Monterey has a mild climate and flowers bloom all year round, which the city uses to its advantage by planting in every available space. Marvel at the Lone Cypress and numerous other natural wonders found along the 17-Mile Drive. Discrimination forced them to start over. In March-April, they make the return trek north with their young calves. 30+ Exciting Things to Do in Napa Valley Besides Wine! Patches of poppies and wild mustard are everywhere. 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. Things to do near Monterey Bay Aquarium Things to do near 17-Mile Drive Things to do near Monterey Bay Things to do near Old Fisherman's Wharf Things to do near Cannery Row Things to do near Monterey Touring Vehicles Things to do near 17 Mile Day Trips Things to do near VoiceMap Monterey Things to do near MBAY Freediving Things to do near . Pray the Lighthouse Spirits Away at San Carlos Cathedral, A year after the City of Monterey was founded by Father Jun, pero Serra and Don Gaspar de Portol in 1770, Father Serra moved his mission to Carmel. Mimi founded The Atlas Heart to create a community of travelers inspired to see the world. Follow the Monterey Path of History and stop by Monterey City Hall at 570 Pacific Street to see century-old oil paintings of the area. 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. be the first to know Follow the waterfront to find Old Fishermans Wharf, another iconic Monterey destination. This remarkably simple jail went over a century without an escape. Carmel has a shell mural at the corner of 6th Avenue and Mission Street. Located in the Lower Presidio Historic Park, the museum is open Saturday and Sunday, with no entrance fee. Monterey Municipal Beach, located by the Municipal Wharf 2, is a nice stretch of sand, although it can be busy on weekends. Enjoy a wide variety of organic cheeses and meatstry not to slip into a food coma after experiencing this. Read our guide to planning the perfect Pacific Coast Highway road trip. 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. 3. La Mirada was an adobe during Mexican rule, and later rebuilt as an elegant home. Walk to shopping and dining. It was the most marvelous sight. We enjoy the aviary, which features many local birds, including the endangered western snowy plover. With breathtaking coastal views, the center is a spectacular venue for special events, conventions, and trade shows in downtown. Learn more about our selection criteria and vetting process. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a9ec84a53a2e9f6f3a48571d73cf953d" );document.getElementById("h99c88179d").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. She loves exploring Californias outdoors and has a weakness for a national park gift shop. Whatever it is youre seeking, the Dennis the Menace Playground is a fun option among Monterey, Californias many places to visit. In summer and early fall, take a guided night tour to experience the magic of bioluminescence, when the algae sparkles in the water. Walk the Asilomar Coastal Trail: the trail runs along the ocean, and, if you choose, you can explore the rocks and tidepools along the way. You can skate, cycle, hike, or even rent some form of water transportation to explore. Plan to spend a whole day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or at least an entire afternoon. Dont forget to look into the water for fish, and admire the views of Cannery Row in Monterey from the water! Many visitors to Monterey, however, arrive by road as well. Interiors are bright and well-appointed, and there is a full kitchen. It was built in the mid 1800s to receive passengers and freight. 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. Rice, beans, houseware, lanterns, and tools line different tables, all awaiting customs officers for inspection. 13. Learn about the areas history, get to know its artist community, and meander through the beautiful forests and coastal trails by embarking on a journey full of, One of the region's first general stores also served as a safe that protected miners' gold, earning it the nickname "Casa del Oro. The reserve extends out into the water, where kelp forests sustain an aquatic ecosystem. Its a great article. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail 4. Thank you so much for writing in, Bonnie. By clicking subscribe, you are verifying this is your information and in response to your request, you consent to receive e-mail communications from California.com about their news, events and offers. The mission is recognized as both the oldest stone building and the first cathedral in California. For a more active way to experience this scenic drive, check out this popular 3-hour electric bike tour from Pacific Grove. At Carmel Honey Company, look for high-quality local honey, a variety of bath and body products, and one-of-a-kind gifts. The oldest continuously operating church in California. Fans of California author John Steinbeck, rejoice. The large fenced backyard has landscaping and seating and a barbecue grill. Ride tandem with young kids. The sun is strong despite the cool coastal breeze, so pack sunscreen. This Monterey Bay bungalow has two bedrooms and 1.5 baths, and is located in Seaside, a short drive from Monterey and Carmel. While on a NASA mission in 1971, pilot Stuart Roosa carried hundreds of seeds to the moon in his personal kit. Kayaking the bay is one of the top Monterey activities visitors (and locals!) Better yet, theres no admission charge, so its one of the fun options for free things to do in the city. This unique, private toll road is one of the most popular things to do in Monterey County. Old favorites and new talents take to eight stages over the long weekend, and previous headliners have included Chris Botti and Diana Krall. If you get sea-sick, theres an easy way to see marine life without setting foot on a boat. Take a predetermined route around the most popular spots, or choose your own adventure. Once upon a time, Cannery Row was the location of the profitable and bustling canning industry hence its name. The Golden State is a world-renowned travel destination, and our articles will hopefully inspire you to explore it in depth. Watch the sun rise at Lovers Point Park, and enjoy Lovers Point Beach, one of. Plan ahead and allow for enough time to enjoy the experience! You may also see dolphins, porpoises, and a variety of sea birds on your tour. Here, you can enjoy birding, wildlife watching, kayaking, hiking, and more outdoorsy activities. The Basilica is beautiful, and the gardens are lovely. With cliffs, beaches, forests, and historical spots littered about the path, theres plenty for you to see and have fun with! The shop also carries glass sculptures, vases, and other decorative objects, and photographic fine art. Check out Discover Cars! As spectacular as it is, Pebble Beach isn't really a hidden gemit's definitely on every travelers itinerary. From LA, the drive to Monterey is about 5 hours by the highway, so plan on a relaxing weekend getaway to the Monterey Peninsula from the LA area. The mission was later moved to Carmel. The migrating and mating seasons overlap in Northern California, so your chances of spotting a whale are high. Subscribe to Updates . For more details, refer to our disclosure. Download the brochure or pick up a copy from outside Pacific House next to the Portola Hotel. Start your one day in Monterey by exploring Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Old Fisherman's Wharf Built in the mid-1800s, Old Fisherman's Wharf was created to receive passengers and freight ships coming into the Monterey Bay. Make sure to add China Cove to your list of things to see in Monterey County. A year after the City of Monterey was founded by Father Junpero Serra and Don Gaspar de Portol in 1770, Father Serra moved his mission to Carmel. Pick up a brochure at the park entrance and take the Skyline Self-Guided Nature Trail to discover more about the area. Located south of Monterey and Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a humble seaside village with a few small shops and cafes - at least that's the cover story. Parking inside the park is limited, so plan to arrive early if you want to snag a spot. Visiting the aquarium is one of the most popular things to do in Monterey, for both kids and adults. Built-in optical character recognition technology lets you select text directly from photos or screenshots and use it for web searches, documents, or anything else. 3. Back in Monterey, take a seat at Steinbeck Plaza, where you can soak in the hustle and bustle of Cannery Row. Looking to explore more of Central California? Address:20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940, United States. This is why the nickname Casa del Oro was earned and stuck, as it translates to House of Gold. The Monterey Submarine Canyon allows for whales and dolphins to be seen close to shore, even with the naked eye. Before being employed by NASA, Roosa was a smoke jumper for the United States Forest Service, and he was conducting an experiment to see if space exposure would affect how the seeds germinate and grow. A post shared by Monterey Marriott (@montereymarriott). Visit some of Montereys best vineyards without leaving Cannery Row by taking a tasting room tour. There are so many fun things to do in Monterey, and around Monterey, that you can plan a long vacation in the area: a week or more will fly by as you explore Monterey and the charming neighboring towns. It sits on the shores of the North Pacific Ocean. For centuries, it has sat 361 feet over the water, dutifully watching over the seas of Monterey and beyond. 101 Things to do in Santa Cruz (From a Local), Morro Bay Camping Guide: Morro Bay Campgrounds, 26 Things to do in San Luis Obispo, California. Monterey has no shortage of great year-round hiking trails. Not sure who was more surprised, the lion or us! And if you enjoy seafood, Phils Fish Market is the place to go for the freshest, finest seafood. Its definitely one of the. Even if youre not ready to propose just yet, this lesser-known locale is a prime place to catch the sunset with your sweetie. Below Steinbeck sits Ed Ricketts, a pioneer in marine biology, and other local characters immortalized in his novel. You can visit the site and learn about the states history for freeColton Hall welcomes visitors every day of the week, free of charge. The tour shows you all the top things to see in Monterey and is perfect if youre short on time. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is one of the more famous things to see in the city. Allow yourself enough time to cover the entirety of this visually stunning stretch of roadway through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach. In the past, it served as a wholesale fish market, only ending this occupation in the 1960s. In the springtime, the six miles of waterways are a nursery for seal and otter pups. Old Fishermans Wharf has a rich history, and its one of the top places to visit in Monterey. At one end, youll find the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Todays Cannery Row is full of restaurants, shops, and hotels, but once it was the center of a large-scale sardine canning industry. Its currently closed for restorations, but once it opens again, its a very cool historic building to go see for yourself. In 1935, some modern amenities were added, like concrete floors and systems for ventilation and heating. Fall is the Central Coasts secret summer when the fog briefly withdraws. Stuart Roosa, a Command Module pilot, brought hundreds of seeds in his own personal kit to the moon. His work and life are celebrated all over the area. Fortunately, many of its old buildings have been preserved and you can tour them at Monterey State Historic Park. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Monterey Jazz Festival. you'll be introduced to the areas history in a very unique way. One local tradition you can benefit from is the Bud Allen Hour, a happy hour like no other. The 17-Mile Drive, situated on the Monterey Peninsulas southern side, is one of the most rewarding activities that you can take at your own pace. Casa del Oro, known also as the Joseph Boston Store, was one of the citys first-ever general stores. Enjoy your visit! Santa Rosa is rich in diverse landscape and a top visited coastal city in Northern California. Book a stay here! Take Home an Edible Souvenir From The Cheese Shop, in Carmel Plaza is a cant-miss stop for all foodies visiting the Monterey area. Located about 365 miles from here, Orange County is famous for its Anaheims Disneyland Resort! Book a stay here! Check out the exhibits that feature art, livestock visual arts, and more. Trails take you through meadows of wildflowers, past cypresses, and pine, down to the shoreline where sea lions bask in the sunshine. This tree grown from astronaut seedswhich were exposed to cosmic raysmight do the trick. Monterey has two delightful bakery-cafes. Celebrate the return of the monarchs with Pacific Grove Butterfly Days held on the first weekend of October. Play a round at one of the area's legendary golf courses. The city rallied by pivoting to eco-tourism, building a world-class aquarium and marine research program. Check out the best San Francisco nightlife spots. Book this tour now! Please try again. You can walk around in the tourist core of Monterey: Fishermans Wharf, Cannery Row, the Aquarium, the Coastal Recreation Trail, and the beaches at Cannery Row. Take your time exploring this stunning stretch of coast and admiring the spectacular views. We don't believe in spam, so you can rest assured that every email we send you will be hand-crafted full of awesome goodies. 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. Pick up rental equipment at several Adventures by the Sea locations in the Monterey area. See exhibits to learn about Steinbeck's life and works. Enjoy a wide variety of organic cheeses and meatstry not to slip into a food coma after experiencing this top thing to do in Monterey County. Select an address . Fall brings warm temperatures during the Indian summer. Located a little over 71 miles from Dennis the Menace Playground, here are some of the best places to visit in San Jose! Dennis the Menace Park Set up a picnic on the tranquil shore of Lake El Estero and let the kids run free in this sandy playground. Located in the heart of Monterey, El Estero Park has a small lake next to Dennis the Menace Playground. Address:Ewing Rd, Monterey, CA 93944, United States. Monterey makes for one of the many fun weekend getaways from San Francisco (or the SF Bay Area) you can do. The monument is home to numerous wildlife species, many of which are endangered and cant be found elsewhere. San Carlos was designated a cathedral in 1849. The home has an enclosed private courtyard for barbecues and a full kitchen. Aesthetically, this Jazz Festival is also quite the treat. It is indeed a beautiful area, the perfect blend of history, good food, and outdoor activities. Carmels annual sandcastle competition in October is a free event open to the public. Looking for a car rental for your Monterey getaway? The monument is a fabulous place to get out into nature. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! The reserve is filled with beautiful coastal views, great hiking trails, wildlife, and picturesque beaches. Tour the Remnants of the Once-Notorious Old Monterey Jail. 3- Meet The Marine Life At Monterey Bay Aquarium Watching an animal interaction show is one of the fun things to do in Monterey's aquarium. Portola Hotel & Spa is located in downtown Monterey, only about a mile from Cannery Row. This small but beautifully landscaped space by the waterfront is a great spot to sit and people watch. All in all, there are a total of 45 interactive exhibits that showcase octopi, invertebrates, birds, and more, with activities like tours to add to the experience. Feel closer than ever to the world-renowned writer by enjoying a meal in, 7. The combination of their strengths results in excellent, innovative brews set in a beautifully renovated former theatre. Your guide will offer commentary along the way and have you stop at the best viewpoints on the route. Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely. Success! I am visiting Monterey next week and this is extremely helpful. Small children will love Monterey County Youth Museum, which is designed to encourage imaginative play. Check out these related posts below! Considering a trip to Monterey? Pay a visit on Wednesdays or weekends for an educational walking tour on the premises of Point Sur Lighthouse. While I know many things are closed right now, this brought me back with fond memories. During this tour, you ride in a small car. Located a little over 230 miles from here is the beautiful city of Santa Barbara. The onboard naturalist offers commentary, points out sightings, and answers your wildlife questions.

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