Stuart Thornton - Moon Monterey & Carmel: Including Santa Cruz & Big Sur

STUART THORNTON

Monterey Bay is California in microcosm. Here, you can experience the best the Golden State has to offerwithout the big-city crowds and complications.

The best days in Monterey are spent in the water. Dive into a kelp forest. Explore the scenic coastline on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Scout for migrating whales passing near the shores.

The idyllic village of Carmel possesses seaside charm. From white-sand beaches to luxurious hotels, it promises a refined, high-class vacation bursting with art galleries and tasting rooms. Nearby Pebble Beach offers world-class golfing and stunning scenery.

Not far away, excursions range from quirky beach town Santa Cruz to opulent Hearst Castle. Big Sur is the regions most dramatic stretch of coastline, and the perfect geography for an unforgettable road trip.

Monterey Bay is not just a collision of land and sea, but also a juxtaposition of jarring colors and symbiotic ecosystems. From world-class wines and fine foods to a wonderland of marine life, Monterey encapsulates the California dream.

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium to learn about the areas fascinating marine life, then head out on a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or on a whale-watching trip to view sea otters, harbor seals, and migrating whales. Visit adjacent Pacific Grove to experience the towns colorful Victorian buildings and scenic coastline including Lovers Point Park with its bay views and protected beach.

Wander around in the art galleries of Carmel-by-the-Sea and then take a stroll on the light sands of Carmel Beach. Get a dose of history at the Carmel Mission or Tor House. If you are a wine lover, be sure to hit the wineries in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea or head out to Carmel Valley to taste some of the regions best varietals.

Stroll around Oldtown Salinas before a visit to the National Steinbeck Center, a museum devoted to famed writer and Salinas native John Steinbeck. Drive south down Salinas Valley to spend some time in Pinnacles National Park and gawk at the amazing rock formations.

Have some throwback fun on the Giant Dipper roller coaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and then experience Santa Cruzs vibrant downtown by walking down Pacific Avenue. Drive up into the Santa Cruz Mountains for redwoods at Big Basin Redwoods State Park or see a colony of elephant seals at Ao Nuevo State Park.

Some of the most beautiful coastline in the world is along this section of the Pacific Coast Highway. Make sure your camera or phone has lots of room for photos of Pfeiffer Beach and McWay Falls. Slip on your hiking boots for a longer day hike at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or Andrew Molera State Park.

Big Sur coastline

Cambria, San Simeon, and Morro Bay

Tour grandiose Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Take time to visit the areas unique natural features, like Cambrias Moonstone Beach or Montaa de Oro State Park, outside of Morro Bay.

When to Go

The Monterey regions best feature is its all-season appeal. In summer, expect significant crowds at popular attractions, wineries, beaches, and campgrounds. In fall, the crowds have mostly left, but the weather is still warm. Its also when some of the best surfing waves occur along the coast. Winter is the rainy season, though the days between storms are often clear with mild temperatures. The crowds are lightest at this time, except on holiday weekends. During spring, the land is green and colored with wildflowers. The winds can really kick up in the afternoon along the coast.

Know Before You Go

It is essential to make advance reservations for lodging in Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz, especially during summer. Its necessary to reserve a spot on a Hearst Castle tour before arriving. Finally, an advance reservation is the only way youll be able to play on Pebble Beachs famed golf courses.

If youre road-tripping through the region, visit the California Department of Transportation website (www.dot.ca.gov) before leaving for current road conditions, especially for trips to Big Sur and up into the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Summer fog is likely along the coast. Bring layered clothing. Also bring sunscreen; that coastal fog doesnt stop UV rays.

The major attractions of the Monterey Bay region can be explored in a long weekend, but taking up to five days will allow for a more immersive experience. The two best approaches to exploring the area are to choose a home base (like Monterey or Pacific Grove) and plan day trips; or take a road trip through the region, beginning in Santa Cruz, continuing into Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur, and ending in Cambria or Morro Bay.

Time in Monterey should be spent exploring the bay itself, whether by visiting the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium or heading out in the water on a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or whale-watching vessel.