1. Go on a Whale watching tour in Monterey
When in the Monterrey Bay Area, you have to make your acquaintance with the locals! Take a whale watching tour into the waters of Monterrey, in the hopes of saying hello to Blue, Grey, and Humpback whales depending on the season you are visiting. Watch pods of dolphins racing each other, and hope they show off their jumping and diving skills for your camera.
2. Marvel at the marine life at Monterey Bay Aquarium
If a you are short for time, ( or a little sea sick), but you still want to see the marine life, stop by at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium for its beautiful marine habitats.
3. Visit the old Fisherman's Wharf
Originally built by the Pacific Coast Steamship Company in 1870 for both passengers and goods, it is now a beautiful tourist attraction in the area. The beautiful marina is dotted with anchored sailboats of every kind. It still offers a wide range of freshly caught seafood at wholesale rates, which the locals come to buy. The street leading up to the wharf is lined with shops and seafood restaurants, which is worth checking out.
My Herschel Backpack accompanied me all through my travels in the USA. I had a few people ask me about the backpack, so I'm leaving a link to it here!
The bag is functional & light, perfect for my travels!
Check out my list of Best Day trips from San Francisco
Check out my detailed guide to San Francisco!
4. Take the scenic drive down 17 mile Drive
If ever there was a drive that will calm your mind and stun your eyes, if ever there was a drive that your mind will never forget and your heart wants again and again-that is the drive down the picturesque Californian coast- the 17 mile drive. This drive through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Moneterrey Peninsula is along the beautiful Pacific coastline, and is dotted with popular & scenic stops.
Check out my Detailed Guide to Napa Valley!
5. Picnic near Bird Rock
See the glittering turquoise waves lazily hug the grey rocks as though to never let go, and listen to the hovering seagulls noisily chat with each other over a beak full of the local delicacy.
Grab a blanket and enjoy a mini picnic with this magnificent view-there are many cozy viewpoints along the way.
6. Photograph the Lone Cypress Tree
Keep a lookout for the lone Cypress tree, which stands amidst rocks overlooking the ocean. It is one of the most photographed trees in America.
7. Spot the Ghost Tree
The ghost tree is another popular stop at Pescadero Point; the leafless tree reaching out to the ocean is my personal favourite.
8. Golf at Pebble Beach Golf Links
Famed as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, it has beautiful views of Carmel bay. It is a public golf course, and if you are willing to shell out upwards of $500 for a round, you can play at this picturesque course which has hosted the Greats of Golf. The PGA Tour is regularly held here, along with many other prominent tournaments.
9. Attend the vintage car show- Councours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach
Every August, the famed vintage car show which first started in 1950, brings people from around the world to Pebble Beach. If vintage cars are your thing, book tickets early for this charitable event. Keep in mind, there is a strict dress code, that comes with the hefty price tag of your tickets- so if a day of indulgence is what you are looking for, this should certainly make it to your list! For more details about the event, go to: https://www.pebblebeachconcours.net/visitor-guide/tickets.html
10. Visit the quaint town of Carmel by the Sea
As you drive in to the tiny town of Carmel by the Sea, you instantly notice the change in architecture-from large, modern Californian mansions, to a quaint town with fairytale inspired buildings. The town centre is lined with small shops and restaurants that ooze character and whimsy. The tree lined streets and hanging plants from the walls of shops & restaurants, make this a picture postcard town. Carmel is dog friendly, most restaurants, and hotels will allow your furry friends to be by your side. Carmel is also a fairly expensive little town, so keep that in mind when you wander into the inviting shops & restaurants.
To know about Carmel by the Sea in detail, check out my blog!
If every day was like this day,
If every day my eyes could see beauty like I did on this day,
I would be ever so lucky.
Ever so lucky are those who can see this beauty whenever they choose.
So go take that drive today. Go shopping another day! :p
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