Great Itineraries

Great Itineraries

Life around Monterey Bay is focused on the water, but the area is chock-full of other diversions as well. In Carmel-by-the-Sea you can shop until you drop, and when the summer and weekend hordes descend, you can slip off to enjoy the coast. Fans of Victorian architecture will want to search out the many fine examples in Pacific Grove. If you have an interest in California history and historic preservation, the place to start is Monterey, with its adobe buildings along the downtown Path of History. Poke around in the antiques shops of Capitola and Soquel, and check out the rinky-dink fun at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

If You Have 3 Days

Start in Carmel-by-the-Sea to visit Carmel Mission and Tor House (if it's open). Leave yourself plenty of time to browse the shops of Ocean Avenue, then stroll over to Scenic Road and spend time on Carmel Beach before dinner. On the following morning, take a hike at Point Lobos State Reserve for some great views, then motor up 17-Mile Drive. That afternoon visit a few of the buildings in the state historic park in Monterey -. Spend your final day along Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf. Don't miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Catch the sunset from the bustling wharf or slip into the serene bar at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa.

If You Have 5 Days

Spend your first day and second morning following the itinerary above, but instead of continuing to Monterey on your second afternoon, explore the shoreline and Victorian houses of Pacific Grove. Start Day 3 at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and enjoy the afternoon either relaxing on the waterfront in Monterey - or getting a glimpse of the city's fascinating past at Monterey State Historic Park. The next morning, take a whale-watching or other cruise from Fisherman's Wharf. Head up Highway 1 in the afternoon, stopping in Capitola to stretch your legs and grab an ice-cream cone. Wander downtown Santa Cruz in the evening, and start Day 5 with a stroll along West Cliff Drive. While away the rest of the day on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, or try a surfing lesson.