Things to do in Monterey Bay
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University of California at Santa Cruz
In the hills above town, the University of California at Santa Cruz has 13,000 liberal-leaning students, a redwood-studded campus, architecturally interesting buildings – many of recycled materials – two top-notch galleries and a beautiful arboretum (831-427-2998).
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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.
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Bagelry
The bagels here are real (boiled, then baked), and come with fantastic spreads, especially the hummus and egg salad. Check out the bulletin board for local goings-on.
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Zachary’s
The breakfast spot covetous locals don’t want you to know about (hide your guidebook). ‘Mike’s Mess’ is the kitchen-sink standout.
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Farmers Market
For organic fruits and vegetables and a taste of the local vibe, hit this oh-so-colorful farmers market.
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Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk dates from 1907 and is the oldest beachfront amusement park on the West Coast. The boardwalk has a glorious old-school Americana vibe, with the smell of cotton candy permeating the salt air, punctuated by the distant squeals of kids hanging upside down on carnival rides. Its most famous rides include the half-mile-long Giant Dipper, a vintage-1924 wooden roller coaster, and the 1911 Looff carousel – both National Historic Landmarks. For kids, the Cave Train is unexpectedly fun for its portrayal of cavemen in modern times. But the thing that’s so great is its proximity to the beach, where parents can wait while teens explore. On Friday nights…
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National Steinbeck Center
The National Steinbeck Center will enthrall even those who don't know a lick about Salinas' Nobel Prize-winning native son. John Steinbeck (1902-68) called Salinas Valley 'the valley of the world', a reference to the workers from all over creation who came to scrape out a living from the earth, and his literary explorations were influenced and inspired by the people who settled here. The interactive, kid-accessible exhibits chronicle the writer's life and works in an engaging way. The other side of the center is taken up with the Rabobank Agricultural Museum, which takes you on a journey through the modern-day agriculture industry, from water to pesticides to transportati…
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Carmel Art Association
Shopping is a favorite pastime for locals and visitors alike, and Carmel has plenty of outlets to satisfy the urge, with a particular abundance of galleries, boutiques and high-end specialty stores, including some national chains.
Many of Carmel's 100-plus galleries are laden with frolicking dolphin sculptures and oil paintings of local scenery (including golf courses). But serious browsers will be rewarded with persistence. The weighty and free Carmel Gallery Guide can help with your hunt. The Carmel Art Association has been showcasing the best of local artists since 1927 and is a good place to begin.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium - we dare you not to be mesmerized and enriched by this ecoconscious aquarium. Give yourself at least half a day to watch sharks and sardines play hide-and-seek in fast-growing kelp forests, observe the antics of frisky otters, meditate upon ethereal jellyfish and get touchy-feely with sea cucumbers, bat rays and other tide-pool creatures. Feeding times are best, especially for watching the penguins. To avoid the worst crowds, get tickets in advance, be there when doors open and stick around during lunchtime.
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Sardine Factory
For a formal sit-down dinner with pampering service, the Sardine Factory is it. It's a 40-year-old institution that still prepares fine steaks and seafood, but its real strength lies in its atmosphere and wine list. It can be pricey, so consider its three-course prixe-fix dinners (17:00 to 19:00) or simply something off the tapas menu and a glass of wine. Each of its dining rooms is ornately and uniquely decorated, but my favorite is the glass conservatory.
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Monterey's Fish House
Ten bucks says you're the only non-local in the joint. Italian-Japanese chef David DiGirolamo prepares spanking-fresh seafood with the occasional Asian twist, watched over by photos of his Sicilian fishermen ancestors. Though reservations are next to required, Hawaiian shirts seem to be de rigueur for gentlemen. Try the barbecued oysters or, for those stout of heart, the large Mexican squid steak.
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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.
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Dennis The Menace Park
A must for fans of kick-ass playgrounds, Dennis The Menace Park was the brainchild of Hank Ketcham, the creator of the classic comic strip, who lived in Pebble Beach until his death in 2004. This ain't your standard dumbed-down playground, suffocated by Big Brother safety regulations. With lightning-fast slides and towering climbing structures, even adults can't resist its charms.
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Mystery Spot
A kitschy, old-fashioned tourist trap, the Mystery Spot has scarcely changed since 1940. On a steeply sloping hillside, compasses seem to point crazily, mysterious forces push you around and buildings lean at silly angles. Make reservations, or risk getting stuck waiting. It's 3 miles north of town. Parking costs $5. Don't forget your bumper sticker!
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Tor House
Even if you've never heard of 20th-century poet Robinson Jeffers, a pilgrimage to Tor House, which was built with his own hands, offers fascinating insights into bohemian Old Carmel. A porthole in the Celtic-inspired Hawk Tower reputedly came from the wrecked ship that carried Napoleon from Elba. Make reservations for tours (no children under 12).
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Oceanview Blvd
Appropriately named Oceanview Blvd affords fine views from Lover's Point west to Point Pinos. Here the road becomes the again appropriately named Sunset Dr with numerous turn-outs where you can enjoy the pounding surf, rocky outcrops and teaming tidal pools. The entire route is great for walking or cycling and many think it surpasses the 17-Mile Drive for beauty.
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Point Lobos State Reserve
They bark, they bray, they bathe and they're fun to watch - sea lions are the stars of Point Lobos State Reserve, 4 miles south of Carmel. Its dramatically rocky coastline offers excellent tide-pooling. The full perimeter hike is 6 miles, but even short walks take in Bird Island and Whalers Cove. Arrive early on weekends; parking is limited.
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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.
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Monarch Sanctuary
If you're in town during monarch season (roughly October to March), the best place to see them cluster by the millions is at the Monarch Sanctuary, a grove of pines on Ridge Rd off Lighthouse Ave (follow the signs). Note that one of the trees fell in 2004 crushing a tourist and the entire grove has become a center of controversy.
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Crown & Anchor
Descend into the basement of this British pub and the first thing you'll notice is the red plaid carpeting. Perhaps not the most authentic decor imaginable, but these blokes do know their way around a bar, with 20 draft beers and the peninsula's best selection of single malts, not to mention the damn fine fish'n'chips.
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Attic
For big, crunchy organic salads, homemade soups, vegan dishes, and a huge menu of teas, head to this order-at-the-counter cafe-cum-gallery and performance space. There are meat dishes too, but the emphasis is on veggies. Save room for the vegan shortbread cookies, which defy the law that says vegan equals tasteless.
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Tessuti Zoo
PG's compact downtown is centered on Lighthouse and Forest Aves. It's well on its way to quaintness, but there are numerous little boutiques and antique stores that are worth a gander. One excellent place is Tessuti Zoo which is owned by a designer who hand-makes funky items ranging from ponchos to lawn ornaments.
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Surfing Museum
- Santa Cruz, USA
- Sights › Other
About 1.5 miles west along the coast road, the tiny Surfing Museum, which is inside the old lighthouse, is packed with memorabilia, including vintage redwood boards. The museum overlooks experts-only Steamers Lane andbeginners' Cowells, both popular surf breaks.
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Point Pinos Lighthouse
At the northwestern end of Lighthouse Ave, on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula, you'll find Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. It's been warning ships off this hazardous point since 1855. Inside are exhibits on its history and its failures: local shipwrecks.
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Forge in the Forest
Many of the employees at the Forge are also the owners through a trust. They bring an enthusiasm to this fun place that's infectious. Dine on the well-heated and flower-bordered patio or on an antique table inside. The huge menu features great sandwiches, steaks and pizzas. The bar is a fine place for a drink.
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