Bucket List Worthy Moments in Monterey County
Vow to do more this year and check off some items from your bucket list! Get a head start in Monterey County with everything from skydiving to horseback riding. Here are a just a few “bucket list worthy” moments to get you started.
Escape to Carmel Beach
Iconic Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its many attractions, but perhaps none more so than its incomparable, white-sand, dog-friendly beach. Whether remaining above on the path along the picturesque Scenic Road lined with Cypress trees, or feeling the sand beneath your feet, Carmel Beach remains awe inspiring to visitors who are seeing it for the first time, or locals making their daily pilgrimage.
Visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
Coming to Monterey for the holidays or beyond? Stop by Pacific Grove and say hello to several thousand of the Monterey Peninsula’s favorite winged tourists, the monarch butterfly. Pacific Grove is an overwintering ground for monarchs coming from across the continent who take refuge on the grove’s eucalyptus trees and fly around the city. Stop by November through March to get your best monarch moment.
Spend the Day at Lovers Point
There are few spots on the Monterey Peninsula that give you a better view than the beach and park at Lovers Point. Stop by the Lovers Point Beach Café at the Beach House Restaurant and grab a waffle with coffee and sit back to spectacular ocean and mountain views. Alternatively, pack your own lunch and a camp out on the beach. Dip your toes in the water or bring your camera and keep your eyes on the horizon for whales and otters! Alternatively, grab a bike, kayak or surfboard from Adventures by The Sea and get moving for an even better view.
Ride horseback along the coast
Tap into your inner Cowboy and schedule a guided horseback beach ride with the Monterey Bay Equestrian Center. Ride into the sunset and bask in the stunning coastal views along the Salinas River State Beach in Moss Landing.
Whale Watching
Known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the World” Monterey is simply the best place to go whale watching. These massive creatures of the sea can be seen year-round alongside dolphins, seals and sea lions.
Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-see attraction and their behind-the-scenes tour is definitely one for the bucket list. Unlock the secrets of what keeps this world-class aquarium running and peek inside the “staff only” doors.