Located by the oceanfront, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a window into the rich marine life of the area with over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals on display. Here, you can see leopard sharks weave through kelp forests at one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world, sardines swimming past a 90-foot aquarium window, and cute sea otters frolicking. Tickets are only available online so be sure to book before you go!
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small beach city on California's Monterey Peninsula. It's known for the museums and library of the historic Carmel Mission, and the fairytale cottages and galleries of its village-like center. The Scenic Bluff Path runs from surf spot Carmel Beach to bird-rich Carmel River State Beach, with a scuba entry point. South lie the sea animals and whaling museum of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is an oceanfront amusement park in Santa Cruz, California. Founded in 1907, it is California's oldest surviving amusement park and one of the few seaside parks on the West Coast of the United States. Admission is free, but rides do cost a fee.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the largest protected marine areas and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world! It is one of North America’s largest underwater canyons, the closest-to-shore deep ocean environment in the United States, and the 3rd largest submarine canyon in the world, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Because the submarine canyon is in such close proximity to shore, the Monterey Bay is one of the richest ecological regions along California’s central coast, as proven by the diverse species that call it home. With such a magnificent Sanctuary, Princess Monterey Whale Watching loves showcasing and supporting the preservation and protection of this special marine ecosystem.
Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park. In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, its biggest attractions—literally—are its ancient coast redwoods. Some of these giants are more than 50 feet around and as tall as the Statue of Liberty. At 1,000 to 1,800 years old, some may predate the Roman Empire. The park also offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, many babbling brooks, and a fascinating natural and cultural history.
Most of Carmel Valley's wine tasting rooms, such as Bernardus Winery, Holman Ranch Vineyards and Joullian Vineyards are located just a short stroll from each other, allowing visitors to take a Carmel Valley wine tour on foot. Taste Morgan and Folktale Winery are located along the drive to Carmel Valley Village and is easily accessible. While often lively, Carmel Valley's tasting rooms are not overly crowded and provide a warm, personal interaction with tasting hosts and winemakers.
The special quality that allows Carmel Valley to transcend the ordinary is evident in the Carmel Valley wineries, tasting rooms and wine bars that are found along the dramatic valley floor. That transcendent spirit is also imparted to the wine produced in the well-drained, gravelly terraces of the Carmel Valley wine appellation (granted an official AVA designation in 1983). Try Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varietals, which make up 70% of the Carmel Valley AVA.
Accessed via scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, Big Sur is a majestic stretch of rocky cliffs, lush mountains, panoramic beaches, and coastal redwood forests (plus the Big Sur River) located approximately one hour from Aptos, CA. Outdoor adventure is abundant with epic hiking trails, picturesque camping, beaches and breathtaking historic & state parks to be explored.
With its picturesque charm and colorful history, Cannery Row captivates visitors from all over the world. The unique appeal of this fabled street is what makes Cannery Row the most popular vacation destination on California’s Central Coast. With luxurious waterfront hotels, enticing restaurants and captivating boutiques, Cannery Row is the ideal place to soak up the culture and beauty of Monterey Bay.
