From Bay To Bay

MONTEREY IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AREAS IN THE STATE. THIS BIASED, BUT OFTEN ACCEPTED, OPINION IS OFFERED FROM SOMEONE BORN AND RAISED IN THE BEAUTIFUL AREA. WHILE I LIVE AND BOAST ABOUT ALL THINGS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, MONTEREY IS HOME. HOME TO THE WORLDFAMOUS MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM, PEBBLE BEACH, CARMELBYTHESEA, CANNERY ROW, FISHERMAN’S WHARF, INCREDIBLE BEACHES AND AMAZING EATERIES  THE MONTEREY PENINSULA IS A COASTAL HAVEN BURSTING WITH ICONIC LANDMARKS.

While the pandemic unfortunately adversely affected travel to many small towns, nothing can stop the amount of tourism that flows through Monterey. The remarkable restaurants, incredible scuba diving, vast hiking trails and rich marine life are incomparable to most, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Whether you like land or sea, there are plenty of water activities to enjoy on the bay. Explore tide pools, go whale watching, kayaking, scuba diving, kite surfing and hang gliding with the epic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The beach provides the perfect place to sunbathe, have a picnic, search for seashells or fly a kite. On-land adventures include hiking, golfing (there are numerous golf courses in the area), shopping, wine tasting and clam chowder tasting at the historic Fisherman’s Wharf. The wharf is also home to many souvenir shops, candy stores and seafood eateries.

In downtown Monterey, near the wharf, there are several historic landmarks and buildings built in the 19th century, including the Larkin House, Colton Hall and California’s First Theatre.

Another famous attraction, Monterey Bay Aquarium, gives visitors up-close access and education to marine habitats and sea creatures. The remarkable aquarium houses a variety of animals ranging from the well-known sea otters, jellies, sharks and octopuses to the lesser-known bryozoans and deep sea fishes. There are also plenty of “touchy” moments with bat rays and sea stars.

If activism is important to you, Monterey Bay Aquarium provokes guests to think about challenging topics like plastic pollution, climate change and sustainable seafood. The thoughtprovoking topics addressed throughout the aquarium offer solutions for consumers and how to get involved.

In addition, Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program sets high standards to help consumers, businesses and governments recommend safe seafood that ensures protection of fish populations and their habitats. This program can be seen in action globally with safe seafood labels added at the bottom of local menus.

Monterey has been home to many diverse cultures throughout the years but the destination has always been known for its developments in the fishing industry. Monterey’s history can be seen and tasted on the waterfront street Cannery Row. Famous for its canning history and named in honor of John Steinbeck’s well-known novel “Cannery Row,” the once industrial street was transformed and now draws in tourists with boutique shops, wine tasting, excellent eateries and bars.

Located on Cannery Row and steps from the aquarium, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa offers guests easy access to the area’s top landmarks and destinations. It provides guests with an upscale experience in an unpretentious manner. The Forbes four-star rated property delivers sophisticated style blended with rich wood, earth tones and grand architecture.

Nicknamed “The Grand Dame of the Bay,” the hotel offers 290-guestrooms and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. On property, there are four eateries: Coastal Kitchen, Schooners Monterey, Lobby Lounge and Tidal Coffee. The newest dining venue being the recently opened Coastal Kitchen.

Coastal Kitchen is one-of-a-kind with the only chef tasting menu available on the Monterey Peninsula. The exclusive gastronomic experience is flawlessly curated by Chef Michael