What is so special about Monterey County, California? Just about everything! If you have never been, you need put this spectacular location on your bucket list. Everyone should see Monterey, and experience the marathon of moments it has to offer. #Monterey

See Monterey

A California Marathon of Moments

Nestled along the Big Sur coastline you will find one of California’s treasures, Monterey County, where life is beautiful, literally. From Monterey Bay and Peninsula to Big Sur and the Carmel Valley, the scenic views are breathtaking. Not only does Monterey have a stunning landscape, it boasts a lively hub of culture, entertainment, and activities for both adults and families.

Inspired Greatness

This small slice of California has inspired greatness in many. Take a look at Monterey’s Cannery Row, immortalized by Nobel Prize-wining author, John Steinbeck. This street was once home to a thriving fishing and canning industry. Now, you can still feel the old-time charm while enjoying the many hotels, shops, and restaurants. On the north end of this waterfront street, you will find the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Check out their Sea Otter Cam!

Carmel-by-the-Sea moved another literary great to build a home for his wife. Poet Robinson Jeffers constructed Tor House and Hawk Tower by hand in the early 20th century using stones from the cove below. Jeffers hosted many other literary visionaries such as Sinclair Lewis, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Langston Hughes and Robert Bly. Today, this literary sanctuary is home to the Pacific Repertory Theatre and its Golden Bough Theater.

Take the family to the Old Fisherman’s Wharf to get a full sensory experience. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells as you watch sea lions and otters frolic in the water. Board the glass-bottom boat for a tour, or walk down the wharf with a cup of clam chowder. The Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-see, and the fresh calamari is a must-try!

Varied Events and Activities

Looking for something to do is not a problem with the diverse and jamb-packed calendar of events. Experience the legendary Monterey Car Week and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, or the excitement of the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Music, art, and wine lovers will enjoy the Carmel Bach Festival, Monterey Jazz festival, and the Wine, Art and Music Walk. Sporting enthusiasts can take advantage of the Big Sur International Marathon, bike rides, day hikes, beach sports, and golf with the pros at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-AM.

If you are looking for a touch of the Bohemian atmosphere, don’t miss the Henry Miller Memorial Library with its bookstore, live music events, and outdoor movie nights.

World-Class Scenic Drives, Wine Tasting & Fine Dining

Drive the central coast. Highway One is named among the top scenic drives in the world. Offering a wide range of sites such as the flat wetlands of Elkhorn Slough, fishing ports, craggy coastlines, towering cliffs, artichoke fields, rolling sand dunes, cypress forests, redwood trees, and stunning bridges. 17-Mile Drive got its beginnings as a carriage road in the 1880’s, and is lauded for its magnificent scenery routing you through Monterey County from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Pacific Grove. Drive through Carmel Valley and the River Road to Salinas for a little wine tasting and fine dining. Be sure to stop and check out the Farmers’ Markets and Farm Stands.

For the Families

You’ve already read about the Aquarium, but out in the Salinas Valley you’ll find the Monterey Zoo. Find your way through the Monterey Mirror Maze. Ride the Ghost Tours trolley through Oldtown. Go on a kayak tour, bike or hike the Coastal Recreation Trail. You can even take a segway tour!

Historic Path

History and rich heritage is part of Monterey’s charm. Visit Point Pinos Lighthouse, the first lighthouse on the west coast. See the counties three missions: Carmel Mission, Soledad Mission, and San Antonio de Padua Mission. Follow the self-guided tour of the Path of History, or experience history with the History Fest including reenactments and more.

Stunning Bed and Breakfast Inns

Pamper yourself by staying at lovely bed and breakfast inns. There are so many wonderful choices, you may have trouble choosing. Simple solution–come back for another visit! Relax, rejuvenate, and restore your sole in peaceful romantic surroundings.

California’s central coast has so much to see and do. You will want to visit more than once to experience the marathon of moments that is Monterey.

Are you in love with Monterey? Enter the Marathon of Moments Sweepstakes for a chance to WIN A TRIP!

What would you like to do and see in Monterey? #SeeMonterey

Photo Credits: TripAdvisor.com, AutoBlog.com, CaliforniaBicycleTour.com, GSprint.com, RunBlogRun.com, MontereyHerald.com, CaliforniaBeaches.com, MontereyBayFun.com, Kimball Studios, GreenGablesInnPG.com, Expedia.com, CrevinsCentralCoast.blogspot.com, TravelWeekly.com, OldMontereyInn.com, SisBro.com, CypressGroveLiving.com, Monerey-Carmel-BigSur.com, MontereyWharf.com, MontereyBayAquarium.org, Monterey Camera CentralCoast-Tourism.com, MontereyZoo.wordpress.com, MontereyPenninsula.info, TheUnworldlyTraveler.com, SeeMonterey.com, BigSurSoundandStory.wordpress.com, CareandRoger.com, OldMonterey.com, archive.ConstantContact.com, TakeToTheHighway.com, KenStewart.com, PacificGrovePlazaResort.com, ViaMonterey.com, SaxonHenry.com

Save

Save

Save

...

...

...

Share using our Hashtag!

Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!

...

~Lorelai

Sign up today, and don't miss anything! Enjoy EXCLUSIVES, FREEBIES, and FUN.

...

Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com