A few months ago we took one of the road trips of all road trips. It was everything we hoped for and more. We drove up the California coastline to Monterey County. Monterey County offers everything from beautiful beaches, majestic cliffs, delightful sea creatures and magnificent redwood trees. We grabbed life by the moment and we made each and every moment of every day memorable.
We spent 5 days and 4 nights in Monterey County enjoying ourselves all the while taking in the many sights. Historic Highway 1 is a beautiful drive with many rest stops and innumerable panoramic views. While road tripping we’re never in a hurry. This gives us ample opportunities to pull over and enjoy capturing the surrounding beauty.
The beaches are gorgeous with a lot of uniqueness thrown in. Take Carmel Beach for example: Rated “One of America’s Top Beach Towns,” Carmel Beach is open 365 days a year and welcomes dogs. And unleashed no less! It’s a kick to watch the dogs race around on the sand and in the water. But that’s not all! Monterey County also offers awesome hiking trails, whale watching, surfing, fishing and golfing, along with the Monterey Mirror Maze, Monterey Zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Pebble Beach’s 17-Mile Drive. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
There seems to be something for everyone, from kayaking and Segway tours to the ghost tour trolley ride through Old Town Monterey. Cannery Row was right up our alley. But if you have a need for speed … check out Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Oh my yum! The restaurants are amazing! I’m gluten-free and vegan so finding something that both David and I enjoy isn’t always easy. But the varied genre of restaurants and menu items suited both our palates. During our stay in Carmel-By-The-Sea we were invited to an olive oil tasting tour. Perfect for us! While we’re not wine drinkers, there are walking and trolley wine tasting tours.
California history is everywhere in Monterey County. We spent hours exploring the gorgeous and historic Carmel Mission. It’s gorgeous! Our granddaughter’s 4th-grade history curriculum covers all of the California Missions. We wished more than once that she could have been with us!
So … have you ever been to Monterey County in California? In case you’re wondering, right smack in downtown Monterey on Cannery Row you’ll find the Monterey Bay Aquarium . The world-famous aquarium houses thousands of fish, plants, and animals, representing more than 600 species. It’s a delightful and educational activity for all.
Shauna Torres says
Wow, now this sounds like a great place to visit. I had no idea that Monterey had so much to offer. I am off to check out all of my choices. Thanks for sharing
Jennifer says
I’d love to take a couple of weeks and just tour around Monterey county. Everything you featured looks amazing.
Jeanette says
We are going to California in a month, but not here. I didn’t know this place existed! I will add this to my travel list to check out.
Jennifer says
I have always wanted to see the coast! This would be an amazing trip — that is definitely for sure.
Tara says
I have seen lots of posts on this area now and it is enticing me more and more to go. We would love the aquarium that is for sure. Thanks for sharing a great post and pictures!!
Jeanine says
I would love to visit Monterey county. I hear such great things, and actually enjoy watching the Monterey Bay aquarium on their website and their videos. Would love to see it in person.
Amy Desrosiers says
Looks like they did have some good food for you both, I would love to visit with my family too someday.
Lisa Favre says
I love how you mention that there are restaurants that can cater to all sorts of dietary needs. Assuring to know!
Kathy says
Those are some beautiful photos! I’d love to visit there sometime. The water looks very clean. Such a gorgeous beach! We don’t have a very nice beach around here. I’d love to check this one out someday.
Jen G says
Sounds like such a wonderful place to visit. I totally need a vacation… maybe we should visit?
Ann Bacciaglia says
This looks like a great road trip. I would love to explore Monterey County.
Elizabeth Lampman says
These are great photos. Monterey County looks like a great place to go on a road trip to.
gingermommyrants says
I love going to aquariums. Monterey County looks like it would be a fun place to explore and i would love to go to the Aquarium.
Amanda West says
What a beautiful place to visit, it looks so relaxing! I would love to visit there, my kids would love that aquarium too.
Paula says
Wow! Monteray county looks so lovely. The food looks delicious, we haven’t been to an aquarium in so long I think the kids would love it!
Janeane Davis says
This is such a beautiful place. It is nice my is that you can visit a place your daughter studied in school
Liz Mays says
I just love it there! The aquarium is utterly amazing. I can’t decide which exhibit I like the most though!