Destination, Monterey Bay

The California central coast is one of our favorite places to visit because we live so close, and I even shared a Santa Cruz city guide not too long ago. It’s not often that we get to stay the night, so I’m really excited to stay in a unique accommodation at the Santa Cruz/ Monterey KOA Kampground and would love to hear about your favorite off the beaten path places in that area. We’ve done a lot of the major tourist stuff already, but would love to explore more of Monterey. So far I have:

  • See Old Fisherman’s Wharf (I know, it’s touristy but we haven’t spent much time there.)
  • Do 17 Mile Drive (Haven’t done this either, shocking!)
  • See Dennis the Menace Park (Always a favorite.)
  • See Del Monte Beach (We’ve only been here once.)
  • Eat at Ghiradelli (Cookies!)
  • Do ride the Monterey Bay Coast Trail
  • See Point Pinos Lighthouse
  • See Lover’s Point
  • See Fort Ord National Monument
  • See Elkhorn Slough Preserve
  • See Moss Landing State Wildlife Area
  • See Steinbeck House (Of Mice & Men!)
  • See The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

As you can see, my list is not very long and I’m a little short on food choices.

Have you been to Monterey Bay? Do you have anything to add, or do you have any tips for us? I’d love to hear them in the comments!

 

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Responses to “Destination, Monterey Bay”

  1. The Intercontinental (Clement) in Monterey is lovely – nice for a drink or nice dinner, right on the water and great service. Also, definitely read Tortilla Flat if you have time – one of my favorite books and much of it takes place right up and down that area.

    1. Thanks! I love the idea of a book from that are as well. 🙂

  2. Imogene

    Monterey is my home!!! A fun thing to do is picnic or bonfire at Carmel beach (the best spot is at 13th and Carpenter. As for food choices… My mum swears by Sushi Heaven (Carmel), Chopstix is pretty good cheap Vietnamese, Little Napoli is my favorite for Italian (in Carmel, delicious gnocchi and pizza and everything!), Mayo is the local fro-yo (on Alvarado), Bechlers is a delicious bakery with a little room for tea, coffee and cocoa (in PG). If you’re in for a little drive, or on your way to Santa Cruz, Moss Landing can be fun. Perticularly Phil’s Fish Market, I’ve been going there since forever and they have my favorite fish and chips. It’s very easy and right on the beach (lots of sand dollars there)! I apologize that most of my suggestions are a little outside Monterey, but enjoy your stay!!

    1. Oh my goodness, I’ll definitely have to check some of these out. Carmel is one of our favorite places too, we got married there! We’ll be between Santa Cruz and Monterey so your suggestions are perfect.

  3. So pretty! I love the beach:) I’ve never really explored Cali beaches but this is a great list of things to do!

    1. You have to! So many of them are different from each other. Especially Northern to Southern California.

  4. We went there once – gorgeous scenery! Santa Cruz beach was fun too 🙂

    1. Yes, Santa Cruz is a definite favorite as well. 🙂

  5. What a fun list! I’ve never been but it looks beautiful!

  6. Oh I want to go so bad! This looks amazing!

  7. I was just there in March and loved it! It’s absolutely beautiful. In Monterey, Cannery Row is a cute, yet touristy area. I definitely suggest taking the short trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea, it’s the cutest little town. If you like Greek, eat lunch at Dametra’s Cafe – it was the best meal I had during my trip. I posted a few other ideas on my site as well: Monterey is a beautiful place: http://wp.me/p3498S-LJ Enjoy!

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