Activities in Monterey Bay
-
Sanctuary Cruises
Year-round, Fisherman's Wharf is the launch pad for whale-watching trips. But it's worth the 20-minute drive north to Moss Landing, where Sanctuary Cruises operates highly recommended whale- watching and dolphin-spotting cruises led by marine biologists; reservations are essential.
reviewed
-
Carmel Heritage Society
Checking out the once modest cabins that have taken on the trappings of wealth along Carmel's tree-lined neighborhoods is reason enough to stroll outside of the shopping area. Better yet, go with a guide from the Carmel Heritage Society. The Society operates 90-minute walking tours at 09:30 on Saturday, which leave from First Murphy House, a former home with exhibits of local history and lore.
reviewed
-
Roaring Camp Railroad
If it's too cold for the beach or you don't feel like riding a rollercoaster, take the Roaring Camp Railroad, which operates standard-gauge trains from the boardwalk that connect in Felton, 6 miles north of town, with narrow-gauge trains into the redwoods. Opening hours vary according to the seasons. The trains only operate May through September.
reviewed
-
A
Stagnaro's
Whale-watching trips, harbor cruises and fishing expeditions depart year-round from the municipal wharf. Stagnaro's is a longstanding operator. Whale-watching trips run from December to April, though there's plenty of marine life to see on a summer bay cruise. There's also a range of fishing trips available.
reviewed
-
Electric Sierra Cycles
Cycling along West Cliff Dr provides million-dollar views, especially at sunset, and it’s a great way to get around town on crowded summer days. Electric Sierra Cycles rents electric and pedal-powered bikes by the hour and day, starting at $8 per hour.
reviewed
-
B
Monterey Whale Watching
You can spot whales off the coast of Monterey pretty much year-round. The season for blue and humpback whales runs from May to November, while gray whales pass by from mid-December to April. Monterey Whale Watching boats leave daily on three-hour tours.
reviewed
-
C
Monterey Bay Dive Company
Diving and snorkeling reign supreme, although the water is rather frigid. Rent a full get-up, including wetsuit, at Monterey Bay Dive Company, which runs guided boat dives (from $60).
reviewed
-
Boardwalk
There's free admission to the vintage 1907 boardwalk, which boasts the West Coast's oldest beachfront amusement park, with the 1924 Giant Dipper coaster and a 1911 Looff carousel.
reviewed
-
D
Venture Quest
Experience the craggy coastline with Venture Quest, which guides sea-cave and whale-watching kayak tours, including to Elkhorn Slough and Point Lobos.
reviewed
-
Aardvark Adventure Stories
At Aardvark Adventure Stories, kids can star in their own adventure books. First you do a photo shoot, then use computers to design the story line; call ahead.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Richard Schmidt Surf School
They don't call Santa Cruz 'Surf City' for nothing. Richard Schmidt Surf School can get you out there, all equipment included.
reviewed
-
E
O'neill Surf Shop
For surfing tips from in-the-know staff, head east to Capitola for women-owned internationally renowned O'Neill Surf Shop.
reviewed
-
Paradise Surf Shop
For surfing tips from in-the-know staff, head east to Capitola for women-owned Paradise Surf Shop.
reviewed
-
Kayak Connection
You can occasionally spot sea lions, otters and dolphins while kayaking. Kayak Connection has rentals.
reviewed
-
Monterey Bay Kayaks
Kayaking is especially magical at sunset; rent from the friendly folks at Monterey Bay Kayaks.
reviewed
-
