Tracing the rugged Pacific coastline, the 17-Mile Drive isn't just a road. The route offers breathtaking views of the ocean, hugging the Pacific coastline as it weaves through the Del Monte Forest. You can experience the natural wonders of Monterey and marvel at the multi-million-dollar homes along the coast. We highly recommend getting out of your vehicle and parking at the marked points of interest along the 17-Mile Drive. Don't miss getting a picture of the Lone Cypress, or taking a short stroll along the wooden paths that line the shores of Spanish Bay. For truly unforgettable views, stop at the Pebble Beach Resorts, home of the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links. The resort complex (where you'll find The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Casa Palmero and The Inn at Spanish Bay) features multiple restaurants.
A Spanish Bay Tradition For a memorable gathering with friends or colleagues, enjoy the casual, warm atmosphere of The Lobby Lounge at The Inn at Spanish Bay. Curl up in an over-stuffed chair in the lobby, in front of the warm fireplace. Or slip outside to the terrace and enjoy a glass of wine around our outdoor fire pits. Or gaze at the sunset while listening to the bagpiper, an unforgettable ritual every evening. The Lobby Lounge serves a unique cocktail menu, and features dishes from neighboring Roy’s at Pebble Beach.
Cannery Row is the street running parallel to the Monterey shoreline and gained fame from the same named novel written by John Steinbeck in 1945. Cannery Row is a mix of old cannery buildings, with sardine processing equipment rusting in empty lots next to fancy hotels. While that might sound less than appealing, it has a certain rumpled kind of charm. Fans of the book will especially enjoy catching sight of the historic worker homes and Reduction plant. A self-directed walking tour of Cannery Row is a great way to dive into the area and takes about 1.5 hours to cover the half a mile distance to Fisherman's Wharf.
There's no more charming animal on the California coast than a sea otter, and Monterey is one of the most reliable places to see them. They're also a remarkable comeback story, up from the brink of extinction in the 19th Century to a population of 100,000 worldwide and 3,000 in California. You'll usually find them resting in the kelp forests not far from shore, where they wrap themselves in the kelp's leaves to keep from floating away. The otters can dive more than 300 feet deep looking for food and often come up with a shellfish that they crack with a rock—making for a perfect photo opportunity.
Adventures by the Sea is the premier recreational company on the Monterey Peninsula. For over 32 years, Adventures by the Sea has been providing visitors and locals the opportunity to discover Monterey by land and by sea! We have five locations throughout the Monterey Peninsula, and our shops offer the best locations to start your kayaking or biking adventures from because we are in the heart of the action! Whether you are seeking to spot otters or looking for the Recreational Trail, our shops are truly in the best locations. Don’t waste time getting there when you can start there! We offer kayak and bike rentals and tours, family bike (or surrey) rentals, and standup paddle board rentals and lessons! Whatever your activity, we have the equipment for you! Come join us and let us get your adventure off to a great start!
The Monterey Bay Sanctuary attracts divers from around the world. More than 65,000 of them visit each year. Lured by the unique beauty of the kelp forest and underwater canyon, divers also appreciate the good visibility and safe conditions. DIVING CONDITIONS Wear a wetsuit! While water temperatures sometimes hit the 60 degree range, they are usually closer to 50. Once you go underwater, you'll enjoy 10 to 30 feet of visibility. The nutrient-rich waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary ensure there will be a lot of marine life to see once you're underwater! WHERE TO DIVE Bluefish and Whalers Coves at Point Lobos, Lovers Point in Pacific Grove, and Monterey State Beach, San Carlos Beach and McAbee Beach in Monterey are popular beach dives for all levels of divers. Monastery Beach and Carmel River State Beach in Carmel are popular with advanced-level divers. Monterey has been rated as the best beach dive in the U.S. by Scuba Diving magazine.
This wine bar and bistro has one of the best views in Monterey. Located near the aquarium on the second floor of an old cannery, Taste of Monterey has more than 90 wines from the Monterey area. You can taste a flight, order a glass, and relax over good food and views of sea otters, seals, and more right outside the windows.