Area Attractions
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On Monterey Peninsula’s south side, explore artsy Carmel-by-the-Sea (locals just call it Carmel), a town that deftly straddles the balance point of rich history and new wealth. The Carmel Mission is one of the state’s most beautiful, and shady trails fan out from the site into lush Mission Trail Nature Preserve. Stroll the white sands of dog-friendly Carmel Beach, or explore a mosaic of meadows, wave-battered bluffs, and wind-twisted trees at nearby Point Lobos State Reserve. Venture into Carmel Valley for bright sun if (when) the foghorn starts blowing. Then come back to Carmel’s main village, with gallery-lined streets and cozy gastropubs.
Rent bikes to follow the coast south around the peninsula to Pacific Grove, Asilomar State Beach, and the sea-and-spray beauty (and gazillion-dollar homes and celebrated Pebble Beach golf courses) along the 17-Mile Drive. At the end of the conference Play 18 holes at the legendary Pebble Beach golf courses, or just hang out at the 19th hole and watch the pros practice. Monterey is an unforgettable destination that will invigorate your soul and is one of the top road trips in the United States. See you soon.
- Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
- Monterey Bay Aquarium (Location of Final Banquet)
- Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Carmel-By-The-Sea – Charming village with boutique shops and 110 art galleries. Quirky laws including no street addresses, live music, neon lights or high heels without a permit still exist.
- 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach – Scenic driving tour of Pebble Beach, scenic lookouts and famous golf courses. Please note there is an Entrance fee.
- Pebble Beach Golf Links – A bucket list item for many. Enjoy.
- The Farmers Market at Old Monterey Marketplace – Tuesdays from 4:30 PM- 7:30 PM
- National Steinbeck Center – Museum devoted to the life and works of John Steinbeck.
- Monterey Wine Country – Monterey County is home to more than 175 vineyards, nearly 60 wineries and tasting rooms, and 42 varietals. There are wine tasting opportunities throughout the county including in Salinas, Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey.
- Cannery Row – One of the most popular destinations in the Central Coast and named for Steinbeck’s novel, Cannery Row offers waterfront luxury hotels, boutiques, restaurants and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- Fisherman’s Wharf – Popular attraction with seafood and chowder vendors, unique shops, restaurants, whale watching tours and sailing and fishing.
- Pinnacles National Monument – The national park is a popular spot for outdoor activities ranging from hiking to birdwatching to stargazing to rock climbing. It is also a perfect outdoor classroom for lessons in geology, botany and biology. Pinnacles Campground offers tent, group and RV sites.
- Elkhorn Slough
- Big Sur – Scenic area of Monterey County encompassing a 90-mile stretch of breathtaking dramatic coastline from Carmel to Hearst Castle. Inns, restaurants, camping spots, beaches and hiking trails can be found along the iconic Highway 1.
For more interesting attractions please visit:
https://www.seemonterey.com/things-to-do/attractions/top-attractions/
On The Water:
Tours and charters leave from Monterey Harbor, giving visitors the opportunity to take in local wildlife like whales, seals, sea lions and otters and enjoy coastal views.
Deep sea, surf and freshwater fishing are popular activities. Fishing regulations and license information can be obtained from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife.
With more than 6,000 sq. miles of water and 276 miles of coastline, there are plenty of areas to snorkel or dive in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary including the Breakwater in Monterey, Lovers Point in Pacific Grove and Whaler’s Cove in Point Lobos State Park.
Many chartered whale watching tours are available from Fisherman’s Wharf and Moss Landing and can be enjoyed year-round. Sightings include gray whales, humpbacks, blue whales, minke whales, fin whales, orcas, dolphins and more!
Chris’s Fishing & Whale Watching: http://www.chrisswhalewatching.com – 831-375-5957
Fast Raft Ocean Safaris: http://www.fastraft.com/ – 831-324-4883
Princess Whale Watching: http://www.montereywhalewatching.com/tours/specialty-cruises/ http://www.montereywhalewatching.com/ 831-869-7210
Monterey Bay Whale Watching: http://www.gowhales.com/ http://www.montereybayboatcharters.com/ – 831-375-4658
Randy’s Fishing and Whale Watching/Boat Charters: http://www.randysfishingtrips.com/ – 831-372-7440
Sanctuary Cruises: (Moss Landing) https://www.sanctuarycruises.com/ – 831-350-4090
Adventures by the Sea: (Kayaking, Paddleboards, team building) http://www.adventuresbythesea.com/ – 831-372-1807
Kayak Connection: http://www.kayakconnection.com/ – 831-724-5692
Monterey Bay Kayaks: http://www.montereybaykayaks.com/ – 831-373-5357
Monterey Bay Sailing & Boat Charter Service: http://www.montereyboatcharter.com/
Whisper Charters: http://www.whispercharters.com/ – 831-239-2914
In the Air:
Explore scenic Monterey County from the sky by helicopter or plane
Available in Marina at the Monterey Municipal Airport. Jump from 18,000 ft with views of Monterey Bay.
SkyDive Monterey Bay: http://www.skydivemontereybay.com/ -831-384-3483
On the Land:
Cars/Wheels:
Allen Berg Motorsports at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca: http://www.allenbergracingschools.com – 888-722-3220
Bike & Surrey Rentals – Adventures by the Sea: http://www.adventuresbythesea.com/ – 831-372-1807
Sea Car Tours: http://www.seacartours.com – 831-884-6807
Segway Tours Monterey: http://www.segwaytoursmonterey.com/ – 831-324-4438
Wine Tasting and Tours:
Salinas Valley: http://www.seemonterey.com/regions/salinas-valley/
Hahn Winery Estate Vineyard ATV Adventure or Walking Tour and Tasting: http://www.hahnwines.com/ – 831-678-4555
Wrath Wines Vineyards: http://www.wrathwines.com/Vineyards
Paraiso Vineyards: http://www.paraisovineyards.com/
Carmel Valley: http://www.seemonterey.com/food-wine/wineries/carmel-valley-wineries/
Tasting Rooms: Bernardus Winery, Joyce Vineyards, Holman Ranch Vineyards, Joullian Vineyards, Folktale Winery, Hill Top Ranch and Cima Collina
http://cimacollina.com/aboutcima-crew/vineyards/ – 831-620-0645
Many of these wineries have tours.
Hiking:
Monterey County’s parks and recreation areas feature various hiking trails for the day visitor and the backcountry traveler including trails along the coast and redwood forests.
http://www.seemonterey.com/things-to-do/outdoors/hiking/
Point Lobos State Reserve, Pinnacles National Park, Garrapata State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park,
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Waterfall
Wildlife – other than Whale Watching
Vision Quest/Wild Things: http://www.montereyzoo.org/ (programs include private tours, washing an African elephant, catwalk with an exotic cat or another unusual animal) 8-31-455-1901
California Condor Sanctuary Tour – http://ventanaws.org/membership/eco_experiences.htm
Pinnacles National Park – Ranger guided Cave tours and Bat rendezvous night hikes http://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve – http://www.elkhornslough.org/ Take the Safari tour, kayak or walk. Over 340 bird species, otters, sea lions, sharks, crabs etc.
Monterey Bay Aquarium – http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/ behind the scenes tours.
Horseback Riding:
Guided tours and beach and trail ride packages are available in Big Sur, Carmel Valley, Moss Landing and Pebble Beach. Those who have their own horses can also explore equestrian trails throughout Monterey County.
Chaparral Ranch Horseback Beach Rides: http://www.chaparralcorporation.com/monterey-bay-beach-rides.html – 408-726-8453
Monterey Bay Equestrian Center: http://www.montereybayequestrian.com/ – 831-663-5712
Marina Equestrian Center: http://www.marinaequestrian.org/ – 831-521-6168
Golf:
Monterey County is a world class golf destination with 21 public and private golf courses playable year-round and in a variety of scenic settings.
Bayonet & Blackhorse Golf Course: http://www.bayonetblackhorse.com/club/scripts/public/public.asp?NS=PUBLIC
Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course: http://www.carmelvalleyranch.com/
Corral De Tierra Country Club: https://www.corraldetierracc.com/
Del Monte Golf Course: http://www.pebblebeach.com
Monterey Pines Golf Course: http://navylifesw.com/monterey/recreation/golf/
Pacific Grove Golf Links: https://www.playpacificgrove.com/
Pebble Beach Golf Links: http://www.pebblebeach.com
Poppy Hills Golf Course: http://poppyhillsgolf.com/
The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch: http://clubatcrazyhorse.com/
Biking: From the rugged challenges of mountain biking at Fort Ord Public Lands to the cliffs of Big Sur to the gentle, paved coastal Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, there’s a ride in Monterey County for every level of cyclist.
Camping: The Los Padres National Forest, Pinnacles and many state beaches and parks offer campsites throughout Monterey County. RV camping is also available at select sites.
- Art Galleries: From Moss Landing to Monterey to Big Sur, galleries and art studios are located throughout Monterey County including 110 galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Art festivals include the annual Carmel Art Festival and the Sand City West End Celebration.
- Events: SeeMonterey.com. Nearly 300 special events take place in Monterey County annually including AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Concours d’Elegance and Monterey Classic Car Week, Monterey Jazz Festival, races at Laguna Seca Raceway, Big Sur Marathon and other food, wine, cultural and family festivals.
- History: Discover Monterey’s rich historic heritage through guided and self-guided tours of 19th century buildings and landmarks, historic missions and museums.
- Music and Theatre: Several live performance theaters offer a variety of productions year-round. Resident musical groups include the Monterey Symphony Orchestra, and the Carmel Bach Festival, California Roots Music and Art Festival and Monterey Jazz Festival are among popular music events. Monterey County will also be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Summer of Love in 2017.
Before and after the conference enjoy a variety of tour options in Monterey County.
AG Venture Tours: http://www.agventuretours.com/ 831-761-8463
California Legacy Tours: http://www.calegacytours.com/ 855-278-0895
Carmel Food Tours: http://www.carmelfoodtour.com/ 800-656-0713
Carmel Walks: http://www.carmelwalks.com 831-373-2813
Monterey Adventure Tours: http://www.montereyadventuretours.com/ 866-302-7623
Monterey Bay Guided Wine Tours: http://www.montereyguidedwinetours.com/ 831-920-2792
Monterey Bay Scenic Tours/Movie Tours: http://www.montereymovietours.com/
Monterey Walking Tours: http://www.walkmonterey.com/
Or contact Carol Chorbajian at (831) 646-5952
Its California….. Temperatures consistently average 65 degrees year round. The average sunset in October is 6:30 PM with an average high temperature of 68 degrees F and low temperature of 51 degrees F
Pacific Time
- It is hard to recognize Big Sur’s largest Redwood, known locally as the “Pioneer Tree,” because its top has been shortened by lightning strikes.
- The Lone Cypress is trademarked. You cannot legally publish a picture of it.
- In 1948, a young woman by the name of Norma Jean was crowned Castroville’s first “Artichoke Queen.” She later gained fame as actress Marilyn Monroe. Castroville produces 85% of the nation’s artichokes.
- The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary covers 5,312 square miles, one and a half times the size of the largest national park (Death Valley NP) in the continental U.S.
- Robert Louis Stevenson modeled Treasure Island’s Spyglass Hill after Point Lobos State Reserve.
- Neon signs, billboards and hot dog stands are prohibited in the quaint village of Carmel, and a permit is required to wear high-heeled shoes.
- Built in 1846, California’s First Theater in Monterey is California’s first (and still operating once a year during Christmas) theater. Nineteenth century melodramas have been presented here since the 1930s.
- The Bixby Bridge in Big Sur was built by prisoners eager to earn “good time” off their prison sentences. It is one of the world’s highest single-span bridges at 714 feet long by 260 feet high.
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