My mother and I are going to San Francisco and Monterey during Spring break. We have made reservations at the Days Inn at 1288 Munras Avenue in Monterey and would like to know if this motel and area of Monterey would be considered "safe" for two women travelling alone. We have never been to this part of California before and would greatly appreciate any advice on the area.

I am trying to picture exactly where this is and can't, but there aren't any bad areas in Monterey so you should be fine. It's probably reasonably close to the warf and restaurants (I am thinking of where the motels would be located). No worries.

Thanks for your help. Any suggestions on what we need to see in the area other than the aquarium?

Dinah,

If you are renting a car...you should definitely do the 17 Mile Drive in Carmel. Gorgeous scenery and homes.
Also Pt. Lobos, where Ansel Adams did most of his famous photography. Monterey is pretty commercial. I would say head south to Carmel and towards Big Sur. The parks along the way are outstanding for scenery.
The only thing we do in Monterey is the aquarium. Then we head south!

It's a very nice area. Munras is a main Blvd. and you will be close to a real nice open air Mall. I agree with other posting that Monterey is fairly commercial so point your vehicle over to the Cannery Row area and see that along with possibly the Aquarium (we're easterners but belong to the Aquarium and spend a lot of time in there when we go out to that area). Then head on through Pacific Grove (Oh, if you like good breakfast for best buck, try First Awakenings in the American Can Co. Outlet, another shopping area, oh gee!- it's right around the corner from the Aquarium). Do some walking along the coast trail there in Pacific Grove, you'll love it. Head on over to the Seventeen Mile Drive, you pay to take the ride ($6.50, 7.00, whatever, it is worth it) and you'll see some of the most beautiful views ever. Enjoy Carmel, walk on the Carmel Beach, more shopping in Carmel, well, oh gosh. Head on down to Carmel Valley, perhaps the Carmel Mission. Very quiet and relaxing, but then when you're that close to the ocean, anything is relaxing. Pt. Lobos State Preserve was a good suggestion that I noticed. It is described as the most beautiful meeting of land and sea in the world. If you have the time for all this and more, then, by all means, drive down through Big Sur and enjoy some of the Vistas there. Whatever you do, please try not to rush yourselves. That area is something to be savored. Please have a wonderful trip.
Ron