Monterey, Ca spring break vacation

2,421 Views | 12 Replies | Last: 7 yr ago by Random Ag
magnoliaag
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Any recommendations/advice would be appreciated. Renting a private house and are doing the obvious golf/aquarium/other typical site.
Ag CPA
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AG
A day to drive down Big Sur; hang out in Carmel.
Gigem6589
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Eat breakfast at the Old Monterey Cafe
Apache
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AG
Visit Point Lobos south of Carmel. Absolutely gorgeous. We were there when the seals had small calves. Pretty cool to watch them nurse on the beach.

I'm not sure if it is the right time of year, but whale watching is always good.
sek92
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AG
Santa Cruz is 30 min north, big sur is a must see! ! Tues and Thursday they have huge farmers markets downtown. Go to pacific Grove and climb the rocks and watch the sunset. Golf everywhere, san Jose to Monterey to carmel. 30 minutes inland is Salinas, called the salad bowl of america because of all the farms. In Castroville, about 20 min north there is a texas guy that has a bbq joint, I think he is from Bastrop ( been 9 years since we were statinned there)
TXCityGirl
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Go see Carmel! Take 17 Mile drive down from Monterey and it will be worth the trip! Bring a camera. The scenery is breathtaking and the golf courses are right on the water. Bring a jacket!
magnoliaag
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Thanks everyone for your input, looking forward to it.
ProsperTxAg
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AG
Have a drink at the Lodge at Pebble Beach and while you watch people approach the 18th green. Or hell, just play Pebble Beach ~$600pp. Drive up to Spanish Bay for sunset.

Carmel Valley (inland) has 15+ winery tasting rooms, all within walking distance, makes for a good afternoon.

Point Lobos hike one morning.

Eat & drink in Carmel, top notch, can't go wrong.

Aquarium is neat with kids, sort of touristy area though.
txag2008
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AG
https://texags.com/forums/54/topics/2303648/replies/35545010

Pfeiffer Burns state park(where Mcway Falls drops into the pacific ocean)
Point Lobos


Resturants
Nepenthe (Big Sur)
Mission Ranch (Clint Eastwood's place)
Dametra Cafe (Carmel)
Red House Cafe (Pacific Grove)
Koko Chingo
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AG
The Central Texan BBQ in Castroville closed a couple of years ago. Grew up in Prunedale and went to high school in Castroville.

http://www.montereyherald.com/article/zz/20141104/NEWS/141104550

OP - San Francisco is definitely day trip distance if you have never been. Driving back highway 1 to Monterrey is nice.

If you are heading to/from Santa Cruz, the little town of Moss Landing is nice. They have antique shops, boutiques, and Phill's Fish Market has good food. Old HS classmate Renee owns the Driftwood boutique, they have unique items. You can also Kayak the Elkhorn Slough. It is beautiful and not too expensive. There are a couple of companies that do this.

The Monterrey County Weekly will have up to date information on local events, festivals, and restaurant reviews. It is a good resource for someone on vacation.

http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/

Have fun!


Pro Sandy
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AG
Use to live in Pacific Grove. Beautiful country.

Aquarium is nice, but expensive. We use to have annual passes that includes 2 guest passes that we would loan out. If you happen to know any one living there, wouldn't hurt to ask.

Cannery Row is a tourist trap. Don't eat there, at least on the west end. Chart House on the other end is good. If you want sea food in a formal setting, Fisherman's Wharf has plenty. Fisherman's Grotto is pry the best, but do not go if you have small kids. They have a no strollers sign posted and would pry kick out crying kids. Someone mentioned Phil's, which we always found was worth the drive.

what part of town are you staying in?



Big Sur is a must. Point Lobos is nice, but can get crowded. California state parks charge by the car, so you will see a lot of cars parked on 1 and they walk in. Beaches, I like sand dollar best, but it's a good 1.5 hours south. Pfeiffer is popular and has a cool arch and purple sand.



Garrapata is a popular beach and pretty close to Carmel.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park is a must. But again, park on the highway and don't pay the parking fee. Check out the waterfall into the ocean and the remains of an old house.

You will likely see whales and dolphins. I saw them on a daily basis just walking along Monterey Bay. You can take whale watching trips year round. Seals are always on the beach at Ocean View and 1st in PG. Sea Lions always on the floating platform at the wharf. Otters in the kelp bed along the bay or go to the Elkhorn Slough and see the huge raft that's usually there.

Beautiful place. Enjoy!
Bird Poo
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AG
Just south of town you can rent kayaks and kayak among seals and sea otters. You can get 5-10 ft from them and they don't give a hoot.

Build a campfire on Carmel Beach at sunset.

There are massive sand dunes that you can sled down using those cheap snow sleds. We did this a lot and it's free.
Aggielandma12
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AG
Heading to the area in 4 weeks. Any good vineyards to check out?
Random Ag
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Not on the coast but Wrath Wines is quite excellent (on par or better than many Napa wineries). They have a tasting room in Carmel but I went to the winery.
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