Monterey & Carmel. A Joie de Vivre Guide

Our Local Expert Says:

Purchase tickets ahead of time and arrive after lunch to avoid long lines. Don’t miss the feeding sessions and “touch pools”.

Description:

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world class facility located in the heart of Cannery Row, housed (somewhat ironically) in a repurposed sardine and squid cannery at the ocean's edge. The exhibits are mesmerizing, engaging, entertaining, and simply beautiful. The interactive areas (touch pools, under-the-sea themed play area) are a huge hit with children. This is a must, especially for families. To avoid long lines and heavy crowds, buy tickets in advance (to queue in the "have tickets" line) and visit during the fall and winter months (other than holidays) between 2 and 6 P.M. During peak summer months, mid-week is best. To save money, find on-street parking around Foam St. and David St, and pack a lunch for the aquarium's picnic area. For an extra $10, get a behind-the-scenes tour. If you are visiting during the holidays, don't miss the New Years Eve black-tie gala.

Description:

Jacks Peak Park has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Almost 8.5 miles of horseback riding and hiking trails wind through cathedral-like forests and to breathtaking ridge top vistas. The Skyline Self-Guided Nature Trail traverses the summit of Jacks Peak. Brochures describing features along the trail are available at the entrance station. Visitors can also enjoy other passive activities including nature study, photography or relaxation. Viewing scenery, trail use, and picnicking are the primary reasons people visit Jacks Peak. Jacks Peak is located high above Monterey Bay and about two miles off Scenic Highway 68.

Description:

The kitchen and rotisserie are completely open for all to see in this colorfully decorated bistro that combines American, Italian and French cuisines. The interior is fancy and sleek, but the attitude is very casual, which accounts for the wide-ranging clientele. It won an Esquire "best eatery" award for plates such as Grilled Gulf Prawns over Caramelized Leek Risotto and Veal Cheeks over Mustard Whipped Potatoes. Beginning with house varietals, the impressive wine list includes some alternative whites and adventurous reds. The friendly service will bring you back many times.

Description:

This small 40-seat restaurant is situated on the lower level of the tony Carmel Plaza shopping area. Japanese minimalist decor is livened up with ornate Balinese animals on the walls and colorful flying fish hanging from the ceiling. Owner-chef Kenny Fukomoto and wife, Tina, often mix with guests, while friendly staff is eager to suggest a favorite dish, recommend sake or offer day-trip destinations. In an inspired (and irresistible) Asian take on chips and dip, meals start with fried wonton chips dunked in fresh ginger salsa with minced tomatoes, cucumbers and cilantro. Although the restaurant is known for seafood, even a New York steak is top-notch.

Description:

This resort is located 28 miles from Carmel, on the Big Sur coast. Though the rooms, suites, cottages and villas available are all quite expensive, the place is perfect for those who do not mind spending a few hundred dollars a day for some time away from the city. The luxurious rooms, suites and villas are perfect for a leisurely stay. The heated pool and the sauna will melt your worries away, while the fitness facility will help you get toned up. There is a restaurant and business center on the premises, so that you do not have to step out for some grub or a meeting. However, if you do go outdoors, you can enjoy strolling on the beach.