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Famed for its stunning wildlife and natural beauty, a visit to Monterey should be top of every outdoor lover’s bucket list. Here, you’ll spend your days getting up close to the area’s beautiful flora, fauna, animals, and sea life. Spot whales from the shore or on an expert whale-spotting boat trip, head to the famous aquarium and say hello to the sea otters and more or enjoy a hike in nature and be rewarded with unforgettable views.
The area is known for its delicious, fresh seafood too, with restaurant menus celebrating the bounty of the sea, as well as incredible wineries and tasting rooms for a cold glass of Chardonnay. And with an annual events calendar full of arts and culture experiences, a Monterey twin-centre holiday truly has it all.
Monterey Holiday Highlights
The original capital of California, Monterey offers a little something for everyone, from history and culture to natural wonders. Whether you prefer spending your days lazing on golden sand beaches and gazing out to the ocean, savouring fresh seafood and local wines, or heading to exciting events, you’ll never be bored here.
Marine Life
From catching a glimpse of the migrating whales to a day at Monterey Bay’s famous aquarium, there’s plenty of opportunity to see an abundance of marine life during your multi-centre holiday to Monterey. Explore tide pools, say hello to the seals and seabirds at the harbour, and learn more at the National Marine Sanctuary.
Wine Valley
The Monterey area boasts over 70 wineries and 30 tasting rooms, making it a great spot to sample some of California’s best wines. In fact, Monterey grows more Chardonnay grapes than any other Californian wine region – yes, even more than Napa Valley. It’s no surprise then that Monterey is consistently voted one of the world’s best wine travel destinations.
Amazing Events
From Monterey Jazz Festival – the longest-running jazz festival in the world – to IndyCar and beer festivals, there’s always something happening in Monterey County. Enjoy an exciting line-up of music festivals, get a taste of Californian living at the food and drink festivals, and enjoy thrilling sports events.
Picturesque Scenery
From national parks to that iconic Big Sur viewpoint on Highway 1, Monterey County boasts some of the most incredible vistas in not just California, but the whole of the United States. Even a simple golf day offers views you can barely tear your eyes from at Pebble Beach, while sipping wine at the Salinas vineyards is a feast for all the senses.
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Multi Centre Itineraries
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Our Monterey Favourites
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Consistently voted as one of America’s best aquariums, Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the area’s biggest and best attractions. It’s a dedicated marine research centre, working hard to conserve the oceans, and is renowned for its exciting, interactive exhibits.
Discover over 35,000 marine creatures across 550 species. The 1.2-million-gallon Open Sea exhibit is not to be missed, where you’ll find everything from mahi mahi to hammerhead sharks. The three-storey Kelp Forest is also a sight to behold, with a rich Monterey Bay ddecosystem that’s home to hundreds of local species of fish. Feeling peckish after all that exploring?
There’s a café open on site for you to grab a bite, making this a great day out for all the family.
Whale Watching Tours
Whatever time of year you’re planning to take your Monterey multi-centre holiday, you’re likely to catch some of the world’s best whale watching. Many whale species use the depth of the Monterey Bay Canyon to come close to the shore to feed during their migration.
To see blue whales, time your visit for May–October; for orcas, visit either in mid-April–mid- May or late August–October; to spot the grey whales, visit between December and May; or for humpbacks, visit March–November.
There are many whale watching tour providers for you to enjoy an incredible (and educational) experience during your visit, but you may even spot a breaching whale or a fin or two from the shore if you’re lucky!
Pebble Beach Golf Courses
Monterey is an oasis for golf-lovers, with not one but eight incredible championship golf courses to choose from in prestigious Pebble Beach. Catch the pros at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am or tee-off yourself at one of the picturesque courses, which offer some of the best views in world golf.
Courses include Pebble Beach Golf Links® – the home of some of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments, Spyglass Hill® Golf Course – rated one of the toughest courses in the world, and The Hay Golf Course – a short course reimagined by Tiger Woods and his team. Which will you visit first?
Old Fisherman’s Wharf
An award-winning hub of activity and adventure overlooking Monterey Bay, a visit to Old Fisherman’s Wharf should be high on your Monterey twin-centre holiday itinerary. Enjoy everything from world-class dining – where you can munch on the region’s famous clam chowder and sustainable seafood – to incredible shopping and even a theatre.
Meeting the locals means something a little different here, too, with plenty of marine life to spot from the wharf; see sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, seabirds, whales, and more. Or head out on a fishing expedition on a chartered boat and return with your very own catch of the day.
Carmel Beach
One of the Monterey area’s most beautiful beaches, here you’ll find a large expanse of soft white sand, surrounded by cypress trees and rocky ledges for a truly picturesque beach day. It’s a haven for every type of beachgoer: laze on the sand, enjoy the annual sandcastle building content, snap some photographs, or hit the waves for a surf day.
For those that want to stretch their legs, there’s also a three-and-a-half-mile long path to explore with beautiful vistas throughout, and where you can spot the local wildlife, flora, and fauna. The path stretches all the way along Scenic Drive at the beach’s northern end to Carmel River State Beach in the south.
Monterey State Beach
Another beach that offers something for everyone, Monterey State Beach is a must-visit during your multi centre adventure. Spanning the length of Fisherman’s Wharf right down to Seaside, the long stretch of beach offers surfing, kayaking, and fishing as well as an incredible 18-mile coastal trail, which connects it to other local beaches. And, of course, plenty of sand to laze on!
There are also public parks to relax in, including El Estero Park and Eolian Dunes Preserve, which back onto the beach for stunning views. Round off your beach day with a trip to the aquarium or collecting sea glass and shells on the shore.
Lover’s Point Park Beach
Lover’s Point Park Beach is one of Monterey’s most popular and picturesque vista points, thanks largely to it being a protected marine life area. It means you’re likely to spot plenty of marine life while you boat, kayak, or surf in the turquoise waters. The beach itself is small, but has sandy spots for sunbathing and thanks to the breakwater offering protection, it’s considered a safe beach for swimming, making this a great spot for families. The park itself spans nearly four-and-a-half acres, with a rocky trail that makes a somewhat challenging but oh-so-rewarding hike with unforgettable views.
San Carlos Beach
Also known locally as Reeside Beach, this sandy stretch can be found in Monterey’s Cannery Row area, where the waters form part of a protected marine sanctuary. It’s a haven for keen scuba divers; explore the ruins of Cannery Gear and spot everything from anemones to lobsters. Beginner scuba divers can also enjoy introductory lessons from San Carlos Beach – a great way to remember your Monterey multi-centre holiday!
When you aren’t diving into the deep, sprawl out on the sandy or grassy areas and soak up the sea view or lace up your walking boots and explore the Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail.
Northridge Mall
Keen shoppers will want to make Monterey County’s largest mall their go-to, with over 130 shops to explore at Northridge Mall. You’ll find it in Salinas, with stores including family favourites like Build-A-Bear as well as global brands including Victoria’s Secret and Hollister.
As well as the incredible selection of shops, you can enjoy a full day of family fun thanks to the entertainment centre with an 18-lane bowling alley, arcade, billiards, and even karaoke. And, of course, all that shopping and excitement is sure to leave you hungry, so you’ll find lots of restaurants for a quick bite or a sit-down dinner.
Want to entertain the little ones even more? There’s a children’s play area too, allowing them to let off some steam before returning to your home away from home for bedtime.
The Barnyard
Located in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea, The Barnyard is a luxury open-air shopping village featuring more than 50 stores and businesses, from couture boutiques and art galleries to international restaurants and local coffee houses. Find stunning childrenswear at Confetti Kids, timeless menswear at Patrick James, or contemporary ladies’ clothing at Mary’s Boutique; discover the works of award-winning global artist, Stephen Sanfilippo at Cypress Coast Gallery; or savour classic American cuisine at SUR at The Barnyard.
In need of a little pamper? You’ll also find plenty of beauty salons offering massages, pedicures and more for a little mid-shop indulgence. What more could you want?
Carmel Plaza
Monterey’s premier shopping and dining destination, Carmel Plaza is home to some of the area’s best designer stores, offering a premium shopping experience. Find your new favourite jewels at Tiffany & Co., shop designer bags and clothing at Kate Spade New York, and discover handcrafted leather goods at Bottega Veneta.
When you need a break from the dressing rooms and browsing, grab a table at one of the plaza’s distinctive restaurants or stop at a wine tasting room for an indulgent taste of Monterey life. There are also frequent events, so keep an eye out to see what’s on during your visit!
Old Town Salinas
Home to one-of-a-kind boutiques and quaint tea and wine shops, Salinas’ old town area is well worth a visit for a day of discovering treasures during your Monterey multi-centre holiday. Find everything from art and records to antiques, furniture, fashion, and jewellery. Need a mid-shop pamper? Enjoy a massage, facial, or blow dry at one of the many salons that line the streets of Downtown.
All that browsing and credit card swiping is sure to work up an appetite, and luckily there are plenty of delicious eateries to stop at, relax and recharge. Downtown Salinas is renowned for its world-class, locally owned dining spots, from the historic steakhouse to Mexican and more.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Nestled in the charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos is home to some of Monterey County’s most diverse marine habitats. Here you’ll find stunning beaches and plenty of local flora and fauna, as well as the wildlife this part of the world is famed for. Enjoy the panoramic views from Sea Lion Point, accessed by an easy half-mile trail that’s wheelchair and pushchair accessible; from here, see the sea lions and enjoy the incredible waterfront vista.
In fact, there are plenty of hiking trails to discover at Point Lobos, with varying degrees of difficulty. We recommend the family-friendly Cypress Grove Trail and the Bird Island Trail, where you can see the local birdlife close-up.
Big Sur
Probably one of the world’s most memorable stretches of coast, Big Sur is not to be missed on your Monterey multi-centre holiday. The best way to experience it is by car, driving the twisting Highway 1, which takes you past towering redwoods and has plenty of opportunity to stop at overlooks and take in that incredible view. Keep an eye out for migrating whales below and endangered condors above.
From here, you can hike down to a secluded cove – but remember, what goes down, must come back up! The steep hike is not for the faint-hearted but is worth the effort.
Jacks Peak County Park
Don’t forget to pack some comfortable walking shoes, because Jacks Peak County Park is full of trails to discover, each offering stunning views of Monterey Bay, Carmel Valley, and the Santa Lucia Mountains. Choose from one of 11 trails, spanning a little over eight miles.
As you explore, discover fossils from the Miocene era, incredible birdlife, or one of the only remaining groups of Monterey Pine trees in the US. If you don’t fancy the hike, you can also travel on horseback before stopping for a picnic. There is an admission fee for entrance to Jacks Peak County Park of $2 per person.
Sustainable Seafood
As ‘the epicentre of the sustainable seafood movement’, Monterey County is known for its environmentally-friendly – and delicious – seafood offerings. Many local restaurants follow the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch programme to ensure they only serve the most ecologically conscious seafood.
Seafood dishes Monterey is known for include clam chowder, oysters, Cajun snapper sandwiches, and seafood paella. We recommend the Seafood Stew and Monterey Clam Chowder at Old Fisherman’s Grotto, the Seafood Alfredo at Domenico’s on the Wharf, and the Cioppino at Café Fina. Passionfish is also worth a visit, known for its sustainable seafood, it was also the first officially certified ‘Green’ restaurant in Monterey County.
Gourmet Mushrooms
Monterey is also known for its gourmet mushrooms, thanks to its optimal climate conditions for growing the fungi. In fact, people travel from as far away as San Francisco to hunt mushrooms for their dishes, so it’s no surprise that plenty of local restaurants feature dishes laden with fresh fungi on their menus.
If you’re searching for the best mushroom dishes in Monterey, we recommend the mushroom risotto with free range chicken at The C Restaurant + Bar, the wild mushroom torte at Montrio Bistro, and the crab stuffed mushrooms at Fish Hopper Seafood & Steaks, although you’ll likely find a delicious mushroom dish on almost every menu!
Fresh Artichoke
With an annual Artichoke Festival taking place each June, it’s no wonder that the thistle is one of Monterey County’s favourite ingredients. Visit during the festival and enjoy live artichoke cooking demos as well as fresh artichokes for sale at the farmers’ market, as well as lots of innovative samples to savour.
Not in town at the right time? No problem – artichokes feature on menus throughout the county. We recommend the Monterey Bay Quesadilla at Baja Cantina & Grill in Carmel Valley, which is served with grilled prawns, artichoke hearts, Jack cheese, guacamole, Pico de Gallo, sour cream, tartar, and dill sauce. Or enjoy artichoke hearts deep-fried with lemon aioli at Carmel’s Bistro Giovanni. Flying Artichoke’s Choke Burger, with sauteed sliced artichoke hearts, is also well worth the extra calories!
Californian Wines
As one of the largest wine growing and producing regions in California, you can’t enjoy a multi-centre holiday to Monterey without a visit to a winery or tasting room. Enjoy the River Road Wine Trail in the Salinas Valley, where you can visit nine AVAs (American Viticultural Area) and dozens of wineries. Famous wines you’ll enjoy include Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as Grenache Noir, Viognier, and many others.
Visit California’s top picks include Wrath Wines, where the winery tasting room offers stunning views of the Santa Lucia Highlands and Salinas Valley, and Scheid Vineyards, a pioneering vineyard that dates back to 1972.
Monterey FAQs
Monterey FAQs
Monterey FAQs
Monterey is generally eight hours behind the UK, observing either Pacific Standard Time (PST) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) depending on the time of year you visit. However, if you’re travelling in March or November, keep in mind that US clocks go forward or backward an hour on different Sundays than in the UK, so it’s best to check the time zones before you travel.
If you’re unsure what the time difference will be during your Monterey twin-centre holiday,our friendly team is on-hand to advise.
Avoid the crowds of the summer months in California with a springtime holiday, where temperatures range from highs of 17°C in March to 19°C in May. You’ll also catch some of Monterey’s best events during the spring, including Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the Artichoke Festival in Castroville.
Fancy a visit later in the year? Autumn is also a great time to plan your visit, with it often even warmer than spring, where you can expect highs of 22°C in September and 19°C in November.
There are no direct flights from the UK to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), but one-stop flights are available from London Heathrow. Alternatively, Monterey is a 60-minute drive from Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and 90 minutes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), with direct flights from London airports.
If you need flight advice for your multi-centre holiday, just ask our team who will be only too happy to help.
There are no direct flights from the UK to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), but one-stop flights are available from London Heathrow. Alternatively, Monterey is a 60-minute drive from Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and 90 minutes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), with direct flights from London airports.
If you need flight advice for your multi-centre holiday, just ask our team who will be only too happy to help.
We recommend pairing the rustic nature and abundance of wildlife of Monterey with a vibrant city adventure to truly enjoy the best of both worlds. And with so many diverse cities in California to explore, you don’t even need to travel far! Enjoy the bright lights of Hollywood with a visit to LA, the excitement and culture of San Francisco, and the family attractions in San Diego. View all our multi-centre holidays to California here.
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