Activities
From land to sea, there’s something for everyone! We encourage you to get out and explore while you’re in town.
Kayaking
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the largest protected ocean area in the continental United States and is home to tide pools, coastal wetlands, kelp forests, and a deep submarine canyon. Wow! The best way to explore the coast from the water is via kayak. We’ve seen sea otters, snowy egrets, seals, sea lions, great blue herons, jellyfish, and more! All you need is 1-2 hours to get your wildlife fill. Below are three spots we recommend to get out on the water.
Pacific Grove
The two of us squeezed in a little kayak adventure in the fall of 2020, and let us tell you: it was glorious! The highlight was a couple of mating sea otters and a seal that popped up right in front of our kayak! Push off from Lover’s Point with Pacific Grove Adventures. They also rent paddle boards, bikes, and surreys.
Cannery Row
Kayaking from Monterey gives you a new perspective on the famous Cannery Row as you paddle through kelp forest canopy and past sleepy harbor seals. Kat once fell into the water while riding in on a wave at the end of a lovely kayaking experience! Don’t be like Kat, and be sure to stay perpendicular to the shore. Hot tip! Check out Adventures by the Sea for more information.
Elkhorn Slough Estuary
If the deep waters aren’t for you, but you still would love to get some wildlife in, definitely take a peak at the Elkhorn Slough Estuary. Rather than going into the bay, you’ll follow a river inland, quickly leaving the noisy highway behind and entering a large tidal salt marsh. There is high concentration of Southern sea otters, hundreds of harbor seals, and tens of thousands of migrating birds. Visit Monterey Bay Kayaks for rentals.
Whale Watching
Ready to see the biggest mammals in the ocean? Monterey Bay is one of the only places in the world to whale watch year-round. This is due to the mile-deep submarine canyon that is just off shore that provides nutrient rich waters for Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Gray Whales, Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, all of the dolphins, Mola Mola, Jellyfish, Sea Turtles, and so many more! Whales are majestic creatures, and if you’d like to see some while you’re in town, we recommend Monterey Whale Watching, although there are plenty of other options if they are sold out!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
“Playful sea otters. Flashy fishes. Mesmerizing jellies. Swirling sardines.” This huge, world renown aquarium features the marine life of Monterey Bay and is just the best. We absolutely love meeting all of the amazing creatures that call the ocean home. This must-see spot features many habitats, including a Kelp Forest, the Open Sea, Sandy Shore Birds, and more. Kat’s favorite part is the Jellyfish Room. For Glenn, it’s a tie between the Penguins and the Sea Otters. Get your tickets here!
The Refuge
Step away from the busy world and come relax at this award-winning outdoor spa. Trust us, you’ll not regret it. The Refuge consists of a series of pools ranging from Nordic cold plunge to hot thermal waterfalls, along with a cedar sauna and two eucalyptus infused steam rooms. Between visiting the various pools, relax by fire pits in Adirondack chairs and hammocks or sit back in the zero gravity recliners with soothing music. You can spend upwards of five hours relaxing here before you know it! We recommend bringing something to read while you lounge, as phones aren’t allowed. You can also book a Swedish or Deep Tissue massage while you’re there! Visit their website for more information.
Hiking
You really can’t go wrong with any hikes in the area. We have no shortage of diverse landscape and amazing views, but below are a few of our favorites.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
This scenic coastal area is one of the first places Kat took Glenn when we visited Monterey Bay. The hikes are all relatively flat, and the views are stunning. Fun fact: this area used to be the home of a whaling and abalone industry! We recommend arriving early to beat the rush. If the parking lot is full, follow the signs on the highway for roadside parking.
Garland Ranch Regional Park
If you're looking to stay closer to our venue, visit this central hiking spot in Carmel Valley. You’ll get hot weather, breathtaking views, and trails that range from easy to strenuous. We encourage you to take one of the steep climbs into the Santa Lucia Mountains for vistas of Carmel Valley and the Ventana Wilderness. This park is dog and horse friendly, so you’re more than likely to see some furry friends while you’re out there!
Garrapata State Park
Garrapata is made up of two sides: the two-mile beach front with lovely coastal strolls and the 4.5 mile Soberanes Canyon Trail that takes you through redwood groves to the top of the mountain for sweeping views of the Pacific ocean. This second trail is not for the faint of heart - to get to the top, you’ll have to scale a very steep ridge-line. Be sure to bring lots of water! The workout is worth it though - this is Kat’s favorite hike in the area.
Andrew Molera State Park
This local gem is located closer to Big Sur and has miles of trails. If you head to the beach, you’re likely to see quite a few surfers, but hang a left, and you’ll be taken through meadows, bluffs, and hilltops. No hike here is too strenuous, and there are a variety of trails of different lengths for you to choose from. This state park tends to be quieter than the others on our list.
Golfing
While neither of us can reasonably call ourselves golf aficionados, the Monterey Peninsula is world renown for its incredible courses, so we’ve listed a few below for those of you who wish to hit the links.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Rated the number one public golf course in America, this is the hot tamale of golf courses in the area, with a price tag to match. The views are incredible, and it has hosted more US Opens than any other course over the last 50 years.
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Golf where towering pines meet sweeping ocean views. It’s said that Robert Louis Stevenson traversed the dunes that became Spyglass Hill, so both the course and most of its holes are named after people and places in his book, Treasure Island.
Poppy Hills
Home of the Northern California Golf association and the hidden jewel of Pebble Beach, this rustic and rugged course weaves through towering Monterey pines and provides tour quality conditions at an affordable price.
The Links at Spanish Bay
This course meanders among the sand dunes along 17-Mile Drive and has truly incredible seaside views. The best part (for us non-golfers) is that a Spanish Bay bagpiper plays music at twilight every day. You might even think you are in Scotland for brief moment or two!
Del Monte Golf Course
This course, created in 1897, is the oldest in continuous operation west of the Mississippi and helped to popularize golf out West. Its charming links challenge golfers with small, sloping, old-school greens.
Quail Lodge & Golf Club
Awarded “Best Playing Conditions” every year since 2016, this golf course is great for the walking golfer of all ages and skill. It’s known for its playability, pristine conditions, and beautifully manicured greens.
Carmel Valley Ranch
This par-70 course has something for everyone: tactical shots, dramatic elevation changes, and incredible scenery. Golf through vineyards, lavender fields, ponds and old-growth oak groves where you are likely to see deer, wild turkey, and birds.
Pacific Grove Golf Links
Regularly viewed as the underdog course in the area, don’t count out Pacific Grove Golf Links! Half of the course is framed by beautiful, huge Cypress trees while the other half cuts through vast windswept dunes.