medhead

I'm planning to spend a day or two of an upcoming Bay Area vacation in the Monterey area. My main destination will be Point Lobos, where I want to do a little hiking, although we may try to see a few sights in Monterey also, notably the aquarium.

It would be a little more convenient to have my Carmel/Monterey days over the weekend, but I could move them to the middle of the week if the weekend will be too crowded. Is that a concern? Or will it be 50 degrees and raining every day, so that people from the Bay Area aren't planning weekend trips there anyway?

sharondi

We'll be heading to that area next weekend and have been watching the weather. Looks like it should be pretty nice - below normal precipitation and temps in the 60's. Monterey is a busier town with more tourists around; I would guess both towns would be a bit more quiet during the week but this is not the busy season so I wouldn't worry too much. Go when it's convenient. Point Lobos is so beautiful. We may be there at the same time!

Catbert

If you're up for it, do the perimeter hike. You can park outside (you'll see other cars parked off the highway) and walk in. At the entrance station go to the right and follow the trail all the way around the perimeter of the park. It's just over 6 miles and you'll go through several wonderfully different ecosystems (cypress coves, knolls with grand views, seal rocks, bird rocks, hidden beaches and a mossy deciduous forest). You can buy a map at the entrance or check the one online http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us/ Be sure to catch the far northeast border and Moss Cove. It's my favorite meditation spot.

You may run into some muddy spots but no problem. Watch out for poison oak! It's everywhere in the park.

peterboy

Certainly it will be less busy during the week. You could be more flexible if you went during the week and go to the MB Aquarium if it looks rainy and then do Point Lobos on the other day.

Point Lobos is one of my favorite places...make sure to check out the colorful rock and pebble at Weston Beach.

Point Lobos is a must see IMHO...keep an eye out for migrating whales spouting and otters smashing abalone on their stomaches. Can't wait to get back!

trippinkpj

I would suggest weekdays over weekends. But this time of year (winter), you should be okay with weekends unless it's over a holiday weekend like Presidents Day in Feb.