|
Welcome to the Monterey Peninsula including the communities
of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Salinas and
Carmel Valley. Welcome to Monterey, the “mountain of the King”, reigning supreme for its diversity and unparalleled beauty. Come visit Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Dennis the Menace Park, symphony, theatre, clubs and that’s not all. Recreational opportunities include biking, golfing, fishing, hiking, hang gliding, surfing, scuba diving, horseback riding, rock climbing, kayaking, exploring galleries, museums and shopping. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint village with more than 75 art galleries, restaurants and coves. Walk around the village and take a scenic drive along the coast, you’ll see why everyone is saying Carmel-by-the-Sea is a “must see”. Pebble Beach, famous for its golf courses and scenic 17-Mile Drive (entrance fee for cars required) also boasts hiking and nature trails, equestrian facilities and tennis. Monterey County was recently named the world’s number one golf destination by Golf Digest Magazine; their golf lovers will find over 20 public golf courses. Check the web at www.golfmonterey.org for more detailed information. For equestrian facilities contact www.ridepebblebeach.com. South of Monterey is Pacific Grove which has become known as “God’s Kingdom by the Sea”. You can stroll the historic section of town and see wonderful Victorian homes and wood clad tent houses of yesteryear. Bike the historical nine mile Recreation Trial or go kayaking off the beach. For rental information access www.adventuresbythesea.com. Salinas Valley, located east of Monterey on Highway 101, gives the visitor a chance to marvel at its rolling hills and agricultural fields. Known as the “Salad Bowl of the World” agriculture is the Valley’s number one industry. Check out “behind the scenes” tours or have lunch at one of the many restaurants serving the freshest local produce. This year the National Steinbeck Center, Salinas’ interactive museum dedicated to the works of native son, John Steinbeck celebrates Steinbeck’s centennial year. Come and be a part of the ongoing festivities. Carmel Valley stretches eastward from the coast and is the area’s agricultural center. The family will love Carmel Valley Village where the story of ranch life is told. Visit 4,500 acres at Garland Ranch Regional Park for hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, jogging, painting and quiet solitude. A visitor’s center and District Museum are both located in the park. For access and guidelines, contact the Regional Park District at (831) 659-4488. Trail rides can be reserved through Carmel Valley Trail Rides at www.nativeguides.com. Wine lovers delight in this region’s award winning wineries. Visit tasting rooms at the Heller/Durney Winery, Chateau Julien, or River Ranch in Monterey. Also visit www.whps.com/agtours/ for tours specializing in agriculture, wine tasting and sightseeing in and around Monterey. Whether you’re deep sea fishing for cod, salmon or albacore, check out www.chrisfishingtrips.com to book an excursion for the whole family. If you prefer harbor cruises, check out www.montereywhalewatching.com for schedules. If chartering a sailboat for a sunset sail or taking sailing lessons sounds appealing, email Carerra Sailing at gmaly101@msn.com for more information. For those who prefer to be under the water instead of on top of it, contact www.montereyexpress.com for scuba and snorkeling rentals. Good visibility and safe diving conditions can be found in many areas from Monastery Beach and Stillwater Cove in Carmel to Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove. If land and sea are not your thing, try you hand at hang gliding or skydiving. Instruction and scenic views are yours to be had at Marina State Beach, Marina Dunes Open Space Preserve and Marina Municipal Airport and Skydive Monterey Bay. For those interested in hang gliding visit www.westernhanggliders.com, for skydiving www.skydivemontereybay.com. If you are interested in visiting the Monterey Aquarium at leisure and seeing the full range of exhibits, you might like to purchase admission in advance by phone or on the web, thereby awaiting waiting in line at the ticket office.For details click here. Other Areas of Interest Point Sur Lightstation: (831) 625-4419 Located 19 miles south of Carmel and built in 1889 atop jagged rock 270 feet above the ocean. Jacks Peak County Park: (831) 755-4899 Off Scenic Highway 68 offers spectacular views of Monterey Bay and Carmel Valley. Picnic areas and 8.5 miles of hiking trails abound. Spas in Monterey and Surrounding Area Spa on the Plaza: (831) 647-9000 or www.spaontheplaza.com Holistic approach with nurturing and serene environment Hanz On Salon and Day Spa: (831) 327-4616 Full range of services from hair care to body wrapping The Spa at Monterey Plaza: (831) 646-1700 11,000 s.f. Penthouse facility overlooking Monterey Bay Spa at Pebble Beach: (831) 649-7615 Private Mediterranean-style retreat Yonka Signature Day Spa: (831) 625-4410 (Carmel) Yon-ka Paris skin collection of botanical creams & lotions Le Spa: (831) 620-0935 (Carmel-by-the-Sea) European day spa, facials, body care and make-up Fun
for Kids and the Whole Family Dennis the Menace Park, Monterey (831) 649-3866 Activities Arcade
and Carousel, Cannery Row (831) 649-1899 Museums, Aquariums, etc. Monterey
Bay Aquarium (831) 648-4888 Athletics Horseback Riding: Carmel Valley Ranch Trail Rides (831) 625-9500Bicycling: Bay Bikes, Monterey (831) 646-9090 Rollerblading: Adventures by the Sea, Monterey (831) 372-1807 Scuba and Snorkeling: Aquarius
Dive Shop, Monterey (831) 375-1933 Boating, Sailing, Kayaking: Carrera’s
Sailing, Monterey Bay (831) 375-0648 Hot Air Ballooning: Balloons by the Sea, Marina (831) 384-3483 Local Calendar of Events |
|||
|
June 18-23: |
90th California
State Amateur Golf Championship Pebble Beach (831) 625-4653
|
||
|
June 22-24:
|
Monterey Bay Blues Festival
Monterey (831) 394-2652
|
||
|
June 25:
|
Symphony at Quail Meadows Carmel (831) 624-8511 |
||
| June 30: |
Art & Wine Festival at the Barnyard Shopping Village Carmel (831) 624-8886 |
||