Maxwell & Francis
Things To Do
Big Sur
HWY 1 South along Big Sur is an absolute must see for all guests! This view attracts international visitors from all over the world! The drive south along the 1 is a phenomenal scenic view along the rugged, wave-beaten, untamed coastline that is a miracle to the eyes. Francis spend his days working and living here before meeting Maxwell. Big Sur hosts the dive sites where Maxwell and Francis had their first few dives together. This place is sacred to the both of them and we hope you will enjoy the ride, and all the lovely stops along the way. We recommend stopping at Fernwood Tavern if you have chance for lunch or dinner among the Big Sur Redwoods! It's a beautiful place to eat out on the high deck in the treetops!
Discovery Whale Watch
Maxwell sits on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council and strongly recommends anyone who is visiting from outside of the area to go whale watching if time allows! Whales, dolphins and sea lions can be spotted all year around, and in the summer many species follow anchovies which come close to shore. This can make for exceptional whale watching! The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary has been nicknamed "the Serengeti of the Sea", for its rich and diverse marine ecosystems just offshore of the coast of California.
Monterey Expeditions
Some of the best friends of Francis and Maxwell run an outdoor expedition group, specializing in snorkeling, SCUBA diving for first-timers, tide-pooling, surfing, paddle boarding and hiking! Go nowhere else but to these lovely people to experience the raw and untapped nature of the Monterey Bay, both above and below sea level!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
A must see for all guests visiting from out of town is the "Crown Jewel" of Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the finest aquarium on the western seaboard and offers incredible exhibits. If you have never been, this place offers an incredible opportunity to glimpse what is beneath the surface while staying dry and cozy! A new exhibit on display features deep sea species in collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and is certainly one of a kind. Be sure to go early, as the place is quite popular!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most beautiful coastal cities on the Monterey Peninsula and offers a lovely window-shopping, excellent wine tasting and art galleries. Most of the attractions in the city are along Ocean Ave. If you are interested in wine tasting, be sure to check out the Carmel Wine Walk which offers a ticket for 10 tastings in Carmel! And do not leave without checking out the beautiful scenic view along Carmel Point!
17 Mile Drive
17-Mile Drive is an incredible scenic drive along the southern edge of the Monterey Peninsula. After a $12 entrance fee, guests may find a beautiful self-guided tour of the castles and mansions along Pebble Beach right along the coastline. If you have never seen them before, the view can be quite spectacular. Definitely worth spending an hour or two if you have the time!
Cannery Row
A beautiful destination for most tourists visiting the area. This spot features lovely shops for all your souvenir needs! Stop by Bubba Gumps for a fun seafood dinner with the family if you can.
Fishermans Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf has some of the best clam chowder on the west coast! Go nowhere else than "The Old Fisherman's Grotto" for clam chowder! Voted the best clam chowder in Monterey County year after year after year! While you are there, make sure you walk out to the end of the wharf to look and see if you can SV Allegra, or home for Maxwell and Francis. :)