Monterey Bay Locales
The Monterey Bay has several distinct areas.
Book a Hotel at Big Sur Here
Big Sur is 26 miles south of Monterey on California’s scenic Highway 1. Top stops include:
- River Inn
- Nepenthe
- Ventana Inn
- Post Ranch
- Henry Miller Library
- Pfeifer Beach
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Book Rooms in Carmel Here
Carmel-by-the-Sea began as a reclusive community for artists. To this day there are no postal addresses in Carmel proper; you must count down by number of houses and geographical location, like “I live on 2 SW of Ocean on Dolores” which is 2 houses down from the southwest on Dolores near Ocean Avenue.
Places to see:
- Carmel Mission (pictured)
- Ocean Avenue shops – go all the way down to the dog-friendly beach!
- Art Galleries
- Great restaurants
- Stop at the Carmel Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center on San Carlos for great information
- Surfing
Book in Carmel Valley
Visit sunny Carmel Valley; a combination of western culture, great wineries, bed and breakfasts, resorts, and much more.
Highlights include:
- Golf at Quail Lodge
- Chateau Julien Winery
- Carmel Valley Ranch
- Bernardus Spa and Lodge
- Laureles Lodge
- Carmel Valley Village
Monterey Reservations Online
Monterey is the largest town in the community. Activities abound:
- World-famous Monterey Aquarium
- Cannery Row
- Shopping
- Dining
- Monterey Wharf
- Hopkins Marine Station
- Alvarado Street – main downtown area
- Whale watching tours
- Kayak rentals
- Skate Park
- Bike Rentals
- Hotels: 2-star, 3-star, and 4-star
- Car rentals
- Movie Theaters
Book Rooms in Pacific Grove Here
Pacific Grove is on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula and began as a Methodist Colony. Filled with quaint Victorians, it is also known as “The Butterfly Capital” due to the Monarch Butterfly Groves in Asilomar. Activities:
- Golf
- Antiques
- Quaint bed and breakfasts
- Restaurants
- Close to Aquarium and Cannery Row
- Lovers Point
- Beach
- Marine Station
Marina
Marina is home to University of California Monterey Bay which sits on the former Fort Ord property
Book Seaside and Marina Rooms Online
Seaside is between Monterey (to the south) and Marina (which is north). Seaside has many affordable accommodations.
