CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP Greater Monterey

There’s no way to sum up all the things the original capital of Alta California offers in a succinct way — which is a good problem. With that good problem comes… good news: While this rundown

Pinnacles National Park

The unreal rock formations, caves and welldesigned hiking loops draw millions from around the world every year, with good reason(s), like resident condors and camping possibilities. The High Peaks Trail’s rock stairs, carved in the 1920s, is something for the able-bodied to earmark.

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By Mark C. Anderson

includes five world-class attractions, we also snuck in some bonus notes for nearby draws to get maximum oomph out of a stay as short as this list.

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17-Mile Drive

The one local drive to rival Highway 1 delivers hard-to-forget cliff curves, is-that-real beaches, densely forested coastline, iconic golf courses, the über-walkable Spanish Bay boardwalk, The Lone Cypress, Point Joe and another few waves of wonders where that came from. Pro tip: The $11.25 gate admission is refunded if you drop $35 at Pebble Beach properties.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

The otters live up to the legend. The Giant Kelp Forest provides a meditation that’s both immediate and addictive. The bonus with the Aquarium is the Cannery Row district it inhabits. Interesting food spots ranging from vegan (El Cantaro Mexican) to sugary (Rock N Roll Donut Bar) proliferate.

4 Carmel Beach

This stretch of white sand is the best place for a sunset and walking the dog. It also qualifies as a contender for best spot to picnics, best destination for body-surfing, best location to play frisbee and best locale for (yes) long walks on the beach. The bythe-Sea bonus: downtown and its 50ish restaurants, wine tasting rooms, cute shops and European feel sit a few blocks away.

5 Big Sur

The hiking options are legion, the restaurants overachieve and the views demand return visits. Things to prioritize include: Andrew Molera State Park, Big Sur Bakery, Big Sur Taphouse, Coast Big Sur, Esalen Institute, Fernwood Bar and Grill (and campground!), Henry Miller Library, Nepenthe, Pfeiffer Beach, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Pfeiffer Falls and McWay Falls.

Casa Gaga

Casa Gaga Estates is prominently nestled amongst the Silver Oak and Rodney Strong Alexander Valley vineyards, offering a magical escape for your luxe getaway. The estate truly satisfies an indoor/outdoor lifestyle featuring an open floor plan that sleeps 10 people, 360º vineyard views, ample activities such as a pickleball court and lap pool, as well as a multitude of areas to relax, entertain, and manifest your best life!

Ashley Block Rutberg, Owner

(415) 226-8671 susangagaestates@gmail.com

Ticketing Tips

Never overpay for a flight thanks to these pointers from Expedia’s 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report. K.P.

SUNDAY’S THE DAY

Travelers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 5% on domestic flights.

ONE MONTH RULE

Book at least a month before domestic flights to save 10% on average. The sweet spot for the best price on domestic flights falls between 28 to 35 days before departure.

WHEELS-UP WEDNESDAY

Travelers who started a trip on a Wednesday, versus the beginning of the week — a Sunday or a

Zoom, Zoom

The Jetsons era is officially upon us, because an all-electric flying water taxi is something that exists now. Navier, an American startup led by a team of MIT engineers, recently debuted the N30 Transformer in San Francisco Bay. The country’s first all electric e-foiling craft and the world’s longest range electric boat features a smooth, quiet ride akin to a jet plane experience and notable investors, such as Google founder Sergey Brin and Android co-founder Rich Miner. Available in three variants — open, hardtop and cadbin — the N30 is currently sold out through early 2024, but will be opening new reservation slots soon. navierboat.com K.P.

Monday — saved, on average, 15% on domestic flights.

DEPART BEFORE DINNER

Want the best chance for smooth travel? Depart before 3pm. Flights that depart after 3pm have a 50% higher chance of being canceled, on average, than those that depart earlier in the day.

SPRING VS. SUMMER

Historically, flight delays were shorter during March and April compared to the busy summer months, dropping by about 40 minutes.