Big Sur Coastline Drive, Monterey to San Simeon
Stunning beauty! Blue-green water seen from vertical cliffs. Many breathtaking stops along the way.
Limekiln State Park, Big Sur Coast
Beach that is like a dream! Crystal clear river leading to the ocean and huge white rocks.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Beach
A stunning hike overlooking a white sand beach, bright blue-green waters, and a waterfall falling onto the beach.
Dennis the Menace Park
A super fun park with several unusual playgrounds, a rockclimbing wall, a Southern Pacific railroad engine, a swaying bridge, huge wavy slides on a hill, cement tunnels and more!
China Cove and Gibson's Beach
A stunning white-sand cove with clear green-blue waters, baby seals, and cliffs covered in flowers.
Asilomar Beach and Conference Center
Conference center filled with ambience and blinding white beach.
Walk to Lovers Point Park
A walk above the ocean, past seals basking in their own private cove, to a lovely beach for wading.
Path of History Walk, downtown Monterey
Some of the best-preserved early 19th century architecture in California- especially lovely at Christmastime.
Fisherman's Wharf
Touristy wharf with souvenir shops, mediocre restaurants, but gorgeous blue-green water and sometimes seals swimming by!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Amazingly beautiful aquarium, but unbearably crowded and ridiculously expensive.
Harbor Seal View Point, Moss Landing
Place where harbor seals and sea otters take refuge near a power plant, in a cold, foggy area.
Monterey Skate Park, Lake El Estero
Small, nice skate park in a serene setting next to Lake El Estero.
Laguna Grande Park
Circular walk around a lake. Geese, ducks, plenty of trees, and two great playgrounds!
Seaside Beach
A wide stretch of beach with white sand, chilly winds, barking seals, and gorgeous sunsets.
Custom House Plaza
A large pedestrian-only area with big fountain, gorgeous historical buildings and museums, but no shade.