A Weekend in Monterey
You may know Monterey for the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, but there are more things to do than brunch and drive around to see the beautiful coast. This itinerary is designed to help you see all the wildlife and take in the breathtaking views through all modes of transportation, giving you a very active and adventure packed weekend in a very relaxing city. You'll be able to see the scenic coast, the aquarium, and point lobos, while kayaking, biking, scuba diving, and horseback riding. Trust us, it's possible!!
Friday: Sunset picnic at Lovers Point
This day is optional, but come to Monterey by any way you can, and if you happen to get there before sunset, we highly recommend stopping by lovers point. Grab a blanket, bottle of wine, hot chocolate and some marshmallows and sit in the rocks at the tip of the point and relax while letting the calming sound of ocean waves wash over you. Sky conditions are usually good enough to see the stars and perhaps a shooting star or two.
Quality bonding time: 2 hrs
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Saturday: Kayaking and Biking along the coast
Wake up and drive to Adventures by the sea on Cannery Row where they will set you up with a kayak and launch you into the sea. You kayak out to the left, going against the wind first, towards Monterey bay. Keep your eyes peeled for Sea otters! There are usually plenty nappying in the kelp or swimming around. You can also see harbor seals napping on the rocks ashore, sea lions bobbing in and out, and cormorants diving down and fishing. After reaching Hopkins point you can turn around, and if you're feeling really adventurous you can go past where they launched you and next to the marina. There's usually a raft of sea lions in the water with one flipper comically up, to warm themselves. After lunch, drive to Adventures by the sea on Ocean View Boulevard and rent bikes. If you follow the coast you will get to the 17 mile drive. There's a little bit of up and down, but the average person is usually able to do the whole 17 mile drive round trip in 4 hours. For dinner if you're feeling fancy, Passion Fish never disappoints. Make sure you make a reservation! If you do plan on scuba diving the next day and don't have gear, make sure to rent this day. We usually use Breakwater scuba.
Kayaking: 2 hours, Biking 4 hours.
Sunday: Scuba Diving, Horseback Riding and Petting Zoo
Wake up early and drive to Point Lobos. This is a popular beautiful place to hike, and sometimes the parking lots get full. If you have a diving permit (which you need to get in advance), they have spaces reserved for you and you can drive right in. Head to whalers cove, park, and be prepared. The water's very “refreshing!” The Coal chute is an all time favorite, but can only be accessed during high tide. It's on the opposite side of the cove from the boat ramp, so we usually surface swim to save air. You'll have to climb a bit over a rock to get into the hole, but once you descend it's all worth it! In the cave there are usually some fish, and chitons everywhere. After emerging from the cave, observe the anemones everywhere and keep your eyes peeled for 4ft ling cods, rock fish, sheep crabs, and harbor seals. They love to come up and investigate. After scuba diving, if you have time stop by the monterey bay aquarium for lunch, then head north to Monterey Bay equestrian center. Note that where they leave for the rides is different than where their ranch is. They'll take you on a nice relaxing ride through the sand dunes and on the water. Afterwards head to their ranch and ask to see their pygmy goats! They also have a great collection of bunnies, roosters, and some tea cup pigs.
Scuba diving: 2+ hours. Horseback riding: 1-1.5 hours.
