Monterey & Carmel. A Joie de Vivre Guide
Day Note:
Monterey
From Highway 1 take the “Downtown Monterey” exit onto Del Monte Road and follow this through a tunnel to The Cannery. You’ll find a parking garage at Foam and Prescott Streets where you can leave the car and head out on foot.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium
Contact:
- (831) 648-4888
- visit website
Location:
- 886 Cannery Row
- (at the corner of David Avenue)
- Monterey,CA93940
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Map
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.
Author note:
This is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the area, and with good reason. The Aquarium houses tanks of otters, sharks, schooling fish, as well a three-story living kelp forest. Don’t let the crowds discourage you, this place is really worth seeing. And if you can get here on a weekday, you can probably enjoy a more leisurely pace. Call for current admission prices and hours.
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Jacks Peak
Contact:
- 831-755-4899
- visit website
Location:
- 25020 Jacks Peak Park Road
- Bradley,CA93940
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Map
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.
Author note:
For an incredible view of the Peninsula, drive up to Jack’s Peak County Park, just 15 minutes away. Take Highway 101 South to the 218 junction, and 218 to Highway 68. Follow 68 until you see signs for the park. There are 11 wooded trails, but take Jack’s Peak Trail for the best view. Great spot for a picnic!
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Montrio's
Contact:
- (831) 648-8880
- visit website
Location:
- 414 Calle Principal
- (at the corner of Franklin Street)
- Monterey,CA93940
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Map
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.
Author note:
Don’t pass up the delicious roasted garlic whipped potatoes at this bistro located in a restored 1910 structure. Moderate prices, good food, and a friendly atmosphere make this a sure thing.
Day Note:
Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach
Almost always surrounded by impenetrable fog, this hidden peninsula is often bypassed by tourists. Secluded and private are the key words here.
Day Note:
Carmel
The town of Carmel is perfectly manicured and beautiful, in fact perhaps a little too perfect. With nonsensical restrictions, like no gum chewing after 9pm, Carmel can seem sugar coated. Don’t spend too much time in the town itself; just think of it as a byway to more magical places.
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Flying Fish Grill
Contact:
- (831) 625-1962
- visit website
Location:
- Mission St.
- (bet. Ocean & 7th Aves.)
- Carmel,CA93921
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Map
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.
Author note:
You will need to call ahead to this tiny, but popular place. Foodies come here for the fabulous fish dishes, many with a Japanese slant.
Day Note:
Big Sur
The Big Sur region is a 90-mile stretch of spectacular rugged coastline which begins south of Carmel on Route 1. Watch for the magnificent Bixby Bridge, 13 miles south of Carmel, a dizzying structure that rises 260-feet above Bixby Creek Canyon. Another 12 miles along the coast you will reach the village of Big Sur, a mere wide spot in the road, but a good place to stop for lunch and to catch your breath after all of the glorious scenery.
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Ventana Inn & Spa
Contact:
- +1 831 667 2331 / +1 800 628 6500 (Reservations)
- visit website
Location:
- Off Highway 1
- (28 miles from Carmel)
- Big Sur,CA93920
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Map
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.
