Highlights: Monterey Bay, CA
Set on an iconic stretch of the California central coast, Monterey County is home to world-famous destinations including Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley, Monterey, and Pebble Beach. Here, there’s always something new to learn! With safety protocols and cleaning commitments a top priority in the area, you can rest assured.
Bixby Creek Bridge
One of the most photographed bridges in California due to its aesthetic design, "graceful architecture and magnificent setting". It is a reinforced concrete open-spandrel arch bridge. Be sure to bring along your camera and enjoy one of the many lookout points.
Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is Big Sur’s northernmost park. Located just south of the community of Carmel Highlands, the park has high chaparral-covered hills rising steeply above a rocky coastline. Highway One runs through the park but there’s only one small road sign, and the trailheads and pull-outs are unmarked. You can drive right through the park without even realizing that there’s a park and trails there. Throughout, the park is minimally developed and maintained. There is no staff onsite and the only facility is a single outhouse.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a state park in California, 12 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park on California's Pacific coast. A main feature of the park is McWay Falls, which drops over a cliff of 80 feet into the Pacific Ocean
Drive Along 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach
Take a trip down the world famous 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. Fall is the best time to enjoy the stunning coastal landmark road which runs through Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach as it curves along the dramatic Pacific coastline and into the magnificent Del Monte Forest. The amazing vistas and legendary stopping points along the way will offer plenty of opportunities for photographic moments and inspiration.
The Lone Cypress, which has been perched on its rocky point for over 250 years, is a sight that shouldn’t be missed. You’ll also pass by the majestic fairways of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Course, along with Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay.
Stroll along the Historic Cannery Row
Cannery Row features delightful restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, souvenir shops, and attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Cannery Row was made famous by local author John Steinbeck in his book titled Cannery Row.
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
A trip to Monterey wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Monterey has such a rich marine life in the Monterey Bay and there is so much to experience with a visit to the aquarium. With close to 200 exhibits, it can easily take up an entire day and is fun for the whole family.
Rent Bikes and Cruise Along the Recreation Trail
The beautiful coastline just begs to be biked and can easily be done along Monterey’s Recreational Trail. Bikes can be rented from a number of locations. Contact your advisor to book.
Hike Point Lobos
Point Lobos State Reserve offers visitors to Monterey County a special opportunity to experience nature's diversity on the California coast. Dramatic land and seascapes provide exceptional photo opportunities, while a well-maintained trail system guides visitors past interesting plant and wildlife habitats, archeological sites, and beautiful picnic areas. A variety of walking trails provide access to Moss Cove, Sea Lion Point, and Whaler’s Cove. A camera with a fully charged battery is a must for this visit as you will want to take plenty of photographs of the gorgeous scenery. The park is open from 8AM to 5PM daily. Trail maps are available at the park entrance.
Go Whale Watching
If time permits during your stay, a whale watching trip on Monterey Bay is an ideal experience for a trip to Monterey. Whale watching is a year-round activity in Monterey. Take a tour from Old Fisherman’s Wharf or head to Point Lobos State Reserve for a chance to spot them swimming right off the coast.
The Henry Miller Memorial Library
The Henry Miller Memorial Library is a nonprofit arts center, bookstore, and performance venue located in Big Sur, California, documenting the life of the late writer, artist, and Henry Miller.
Wine Tasting
Monterey County is among the chief wine producing regions of California and has more grapes grown per square acre than Napa Valley. At A Taste of Monterey located on Cannery Row, wine lovers can sample local wines in a beautiful tasting room overlooking Monterey Bay. This noteworthy tasting room overlooking Monterey Bay features more than 70 local wines available by the glass, bottle, or in flights. Private tastings are available for groups or special events. A Taste of Monterey also features a gift shop with gourmet food items, wine accessories, and Monterey souvenirs.
Kayaking
Monterey is the epicenter of fun outdoor activities. McAbee Beach, located steps outside the Spindrift Inn, is a great place to hang out and launch your kayak to explore the bay. The Monterey Bay just begs to be explored and brings out the kayaker in all of us.
Golf
Fore! Get out on the links and play golf along the scenic coast. Enjoy welcoming accommodations and golf on several of Monterey's acclaimed local golf courses. No matter your skill level, there is a course for everyone from the links around the Monterey peninsula to the stunning courses at Pebble Beach!
Where to Stay:
For the Fine Dining Fanatic:
One of Big Sur’s first homesteads is now an opulent 40-room hotel perched above the Pacific Ocean, with views as spectacular as the cuisine at Post Ranch Inn’s award-winning restaurant Sierra Mar. Virtuoso amenities include breakfast daily and a $100 hotel credit.
For the Kid at Heart:
At the 151-room Carmel Valley Ranch, visitors and locals can satiate their curiosity in activities themed around gardening, art, food and wine, fitness, and the outdoors (be sure to try the beehive experience) in a sprawling 500-acre paradise. Virtuoso amenities include breakfast daily and a $100 hotel credit.
For the Eco-Enthusiast:
The serene 59-room Ventana Big Sur goes above and beyond with property-wide recycling, use of nontoxic and fair-trade products, and other green initiatives. Try the Canyon Glampsites for a breath of fresh air enhanced with ultraluxe amenities. Virtuoso amenities include breakfast daily and a $100 hotel credit.
For the PGA Guru:
Once a private mansion on 17-Mile Drive, Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach Resorts is now an intimate 24-room hotel tucked below the first and second fairways at Pebble Beach Golf Links. There’s also a billiard room and a heated outdoor pool, among other posh amenities. Virtuoso amenities include breakfast daily and a $100 hotel credit.
