Things to do in Monterey
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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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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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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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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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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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Bottles & Bins
Vince Poma's liquor store is the peninsula's top spot to pick up wine and nonstandard beers - lots of Belgians and Pacific Northwest microbrews - and in the corner his spirited wife Karlen serves up her love-infused deli sandwiches from 10:30 to 15:00 weekdays.
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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.
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Montrio Bistro
In a 1910 firehouse, the tables of this sophisticated-looking restaurant are covered in butcher paper with crayons for kids. The New American cooking often features local, organic ingredients. Tapas-sized tasting dishes and local wine list show flair.
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Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum illuminates Monterey's salty past, including the roller-coaster-like rise and fall of the local sardine business. Gems include a ship-in-a-bottle collection and the historic.
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Passionfish
Here it is. You found it. A perfect, chef-owned seafood restaurant where the sustainable fish is dock-fresh, every preparation divine and the wine list more than affordable. Reservations are recommended.
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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).
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Planet Gemini
All done up in red walls and purple velvet curtains, Planet Gemini draws a youthful crowd with its comedy shows (Friday and Saturday) and Latin dance nights (Wednesday and Sunday).
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Pacific House Museum
Pick up maps and find out what's open inside the Pacific House Museum, which has in-depth period exhibits on California's multinational history.
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First Awakenings
Sweet and savory, creative breakfasts and lunches, plus bottomless pitchers of coffee, make this hideaway café near the aquarium worth seeking out.
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Monterey Bay Kayaks
Kayaking is especially magical at sunset; rent from the friendly folks at Monterey Bay Kayaks.
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Wild Plum Cafe & Bakery
Sidewalk café serving organic egg breakfasts, housemade soups and sandwiches.
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East Village Coffee Lounge
Sleek coffeehouse with a liquor license and live-music, film and DJ nights.
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