belindalouwho

Hello to all!

I am starting to get out and explore the Monterey Peninsula for a blog that I have going. Can anyone give me any suggestions on where to visit (restaurants, beaches, outings)? I know about the popular tourist places (Aquarium, Cannery Row, etc.), but what about less-than-popular places that are a "must-see" or "must-try". Thanks for your help!

BarbAnn

Is this blog geared toward a certain age group? My son goes to CSUMB, so I know some places the college crowd hangs out at.

Moss Landing is interesting. A couple of antique stores, Phil's Seafood Market and Restaurant plus an uncrowded beach to watch the sunset. A boat tour of the Elkhorn Slough leaves from the marina. Last weekend we watched the seals playing at the waterline while we watched the sunset. It was wonderful.

Monterey's Fish House on Del Monte is a great seafood restaurant...quite popular.

kleroux

Just outside of the Monterey area is the town of Salinas and the interesting Steinbeck museum. I"m also a fan of the California Missions at both San Juan Batista and Carmel.

Tucker5

I lived in Monterey and Pacific Grove back in the 1980s when I was studying at the Monterey Institute and I no longer remember the name of the cave system and park located somewhere between Monterey and Salinas, but it was a wonderful day trip/hike/caving experience that could be repeated many times without boredom.

jamesr3939

For food it has to be Al and Jack's Rocky Point, south of the Highlands Inn on Hwy 1.

belindalouwho

Hi,

Just wanted to respond to Barb, who asked if my blog (which I must admit blogging is something I am new to, so please dont't laugh!) was geared to a certain age group. Answer: no, it is not. It really is for anyone who wants to learn about CA's central coast and it was developed by me as a motivation for our family to get out & do more, see more, taste more, etc. Please check it out when you have the time & let me know what you think. www.lettuceland.com Thanks for all of your replies!

trippinkpj

I like Monterey's Fish House also. Pacific Grove has some great breakfast and lunch places (First Awakenings, Toastie's Cafe, Red House Cafe). Downtown Pacific Grove is a great walk around area, as is Old Town Monterey. Oh, and north of Montery, check out Phil's for Seafood in Moss Landing. ML is a quirky fun spot to explore also.

bookhall

Asilomar in Pacific Grove is worth a visit. Interesting history, and a neat & reasonable place to stay (if conferences haven't filled it up.)

mlgb

Pacific Grove has some great thrift stores! (On the main drag).

We also liked Toastie's.

Of course there is the Monarch Butterfly Park.

moneygirl

Point Lobos, Carmel Beach, Dennis the Menace Park, all of the fdowntown Monterey historical stuff ike the first museum in CA the adobe buildings etc... JAack Fremont Park, the Steinbeck House in Salinas,the beautiful victorian homes in Pacific Grove.. along Lover;s Point where they top the posts with jack o lanterns on Halloween ( I THINK they still do it...a local could tell you)the lighthouse in PG, the beautiful oaks trees at Toro Park that are perfect for climbing by kids of all ages , all the fun happenings at Laguna Seca, listening to the music at the Carmel Valley ranch on Saturday nights, touring the the mission and seeing the graves of people you've only read about.

Gemstone

I think the number of Halloween pumpkins these days in PG is about what you'd find elsewhere. But, Pacific Grove does have a unique, week-long holiday called The Feast of the Lanterns, which takes place around the 4th of July. Homes and businesses hang lots of colorful Chinese lanterns outside,there are several events, and the last night is the Feast of the Lanterns drama. Brightly-costumed actors use a dock and boats in the bay to tell the story of love. The town gathers on the sand at Lover's Point to watch the play and then view the fireworks. It's really quite an unusual and fun tradition for all ages. Bring jackets and blankets!

belindalouwho

I went to Moss Landing as suggested and had a blast! Even though I went to school there (elementary-eigth grade) I never really took the time to "explore" the town (except for Phil's). I will definitely be back to kayak @ Moss Landing Beach all the way to the Elkhorn Slough. Please wish me luck as it will be my first time! :0 You guys at Fodor's are great!

traveldawg

ELKHORN SLOUGH CRUISE: We are doing the sunset crusie very soon with other couples. Have already done the one in the daytime. Highly recommended as good way to see some wildlife.

TrvlMaven

The Butterfly sanctuary in Pacific Grove--early Spring to see the monarchs.