Now is a good time for the collaboration to brush up on reading Cannery Row by John Steinbeck which took place in Monterey during the Great Depression.
Described as the greatest meeting of land and sea, Monterey County encompasses some of California’s most stunning scenery while offering world-renowned Monterey attractions and recreation. A first-time trip to Monterey County should include such sites as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, 17-mile Drive, and Monterey Wine Country.
Main Attractions
Big Sur: CAR NEEDED: The Big Sur Valley is located 26 miles South of Carmel. There are plenty of things to do in Big Sur. From beaches to mountains…you can hike along the streams in the cool, tree lined valleys. Climb up on the high ridges for a spectacular view of the coastline on the western slope and gaze into three million acres of wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest on the eastern slope. You can even go horse-back riding! Evenings offer the opportunity to dine in restaurants from fanciful to exquisite. Camp out in the many well-equipped campgrounds. Luxuriate at the local health spas. And of course, one of the favorite pastimes of Big Sur, Do Nothing! There is bus service to Big Sur (bus # 22) For more information please visit the website at www.bigsurcalifornia.org/.
Cannery Row: This historic waterfront district was once the heart of a thriving sardine-packing industry, a time immortalized in John Steinbeck’s novel, Cannery Row. Now a tourist’s shopping paradise, you can still see signs of the former bustling industry in the various warehouses that now shelter shops selling Monterey souvenirs, restaurants and galleries. Cannery Row is also home to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, itself housed in the former Hovden Cannery. Visit a Taste of Monterey and sample local wines or brush up on the art of cooking by taking a class at the Culinary Center of Monterey. Interesting art galleries, a factory outlet center, and views of Monterey Bay round out the Cannery Row experience. For more information please visit the website at: http://www.canneryrow.com/
Fisherman’s Wharf: Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey should be on the “must-see” list of every visitor to the area. This is a great place to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Monterey. Because neighboring Wharf 2 is the heart of the area’s thriving fish industry, you can usually watch the working trawlers unloading the catch of the day—just look for all of the seagulls hoping for a handout to know who’s had a successful day on the Bay! Stroll down the wharf with a cup of hot clam chowder or stop by one of several restaurants featuring fresh Monterey Bay seafood. You can photograph sea lions and otters frolicking in the calm inner harbor waters, or if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, take to the waters with a glass bottom boat tour, deep-sea fishing trip, or whale watching tour in season. For more information please visit the website at: http://www.montereywharf.com/
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Discover life in Monterey’s bay without leaving dry land at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Dedicated to marine research and conservation, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is known throughout the world for its interactive exhibits and ability to present marine life on a truly grand scale. You might begin your tour in the Aquarium’s matchless near-shore and coastal exhibits that explore the habitat and ecosystem of creatures of the tide-pools, then go on to the Outer Bay exhibit, showcasing hammerhead sharks, schools of sardines, enormous sun fish and green sea turtles. Kids love the “Splash Zone,” featuring kid-sized exhibits, South African penguins, and much more. Location: 866 Cannery Row, Monterey Tel: 831-648-4888 Hours of Operation: Regular Hours 10am-5pm Ticket Prices: Adult- $49.95 Child- $29.95 senior(65+)-$39.95 For more information please visit the website at:
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/
17-mile Drive: CAR NEEDED Seventeen miles of sea and sky, immaculate golf courses, and dream homes set graciously behind elegant gates…This is the essence of Pebble Beach’s 17-Mile Drive. Shepherd’s Knoll looks out over Monterey Bay and the Gabilan Mountains. Huckleberry Hill, at a high elevation, is known for its native huckleberry bushes. Spanish Bay is a great place to take a walk along the links. Other golf courses include Poppy Hills, Spyglass and Pebble Beach, home of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
The bleached branches of the Ghost Tree rise eerily above the sea. Point Joe and the Restless Sea, where all too many sailors were lost, remind visitors that the sea is a force to be reckoned with. The Cypress Point Lookout (closed April 1-June 1) offers magnificent views of the Big Sur coastline. The Lone Cypress is a 200- year-old tree whose tenacious hold on the rocks has inspired artists. The Pebble Beach Equestrian Center holds annual equestrian events and is the starting point for guided trail rides. There are opportunities to picnic at several locations. Five gates give entry to 17-mile Drive; the price is $10 per car.
Point Lobos State Reserve: CAR NEEDED Deriving its name from the offshore rocks at Punta
de los Lobos Marinos, Point of the Sea Wolves, where the sound of the sea lions carries inland, the reserve has often been called, “the crown jewel of the State Park System.” Point Lobos has offered many things to millions of people who have visited it over the years. Point Lobos State Reserve has outstanding passive recreation values, such as sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA diving, and jogging. In addition to its spectacular beauty, nearly every aspect of its resources is of scientific interest. There are rare plant communities, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora and fauna of both land and sea. The entrance is located three miles south of Carmel on Highway 1. Hours of Operation: The Reserve opens daily at 8 am. The Reserve is open until ½ an hour after sunset. Sunset time will be posted daily at the entrance station. Entrance Fee: A charge is assessed based on your vehicle. Passenger cars are $10.00.
Other Interesting Activities
Carmel Mission: CAR NEEDED The Carmel Mission Basilica has some of the most significant religious artifacts in California. Founded by Father Junipero Serra, the mission
was built in 1770 and is still home to a thriving Catholic community. Today, visitors can get a taste of mission life as it was back then. An on-site museum houses California’s first library, as well as a collection of tools, equipment and appliances used by the Spaniards and Native Americans in their day-to-day life at the mission. The Spartan cell where Serra lived is also recreated in detail. Location: Rio Rd, Carmel-by-the Sea. Tel: 831-624-1271 Museum Entrance Fee: Adult $6.50; museum entrance fee is donated to restore
the mission. Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat. 9:30am-7pm, daily. Call for a schedule of services. Website: http://www.carmelmission.org/museum/
Monterey Bay Whale Watch: Monterey Bay Whale Watch offers year-round whale watching trips to observe the spectacular diversity and abundance of whales and dolphins inhabiting the Bay. Monterey is the best place in the nation to view a variety of marine mammals and seabirds. The Monterey Submarine Canyon approaches close to the shore, allowing deep water species of whales, dolphins, and seabirds to occur near the coast. Shallow water species, such as the gray whale, are found very close to shore in the narrow shelf region. Location: 84 Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940 Tel: 831-375-4658 Schedule: Morning Trips: Four- to five-hour trips departing at 9 a.m. Cost:
Adults $45, children 12 and under $35, children 3 and under free. Afternoon Trips: Three- to four-hour trips departing at 2 p.m. Cost: Adults $36, children 12 and under $25, children 3 and under free. Website: http://www.gowhales.com/
Monterey Wine Country: If you enjoy fine wines, you have come to the right place. Monterey County is wine country—a fact that has not gone unnoticed by connoisseurs and fine restaurants throughout the world. Visit the tasting room of Bernardus, Chateau Julien, Talbott and Galante vineyards in Carmel Valley, or take a drive south on Highway 101 to Riverland Vineyard, Smith & Hook/Hahn Estates or Chalone Vineyards. Contact them for a Wine Country brochure complete with winery listings, tasting events and a map. Website: http://www.montereywines.org/ Tel: 831-375-9400
