The Ultimate Monterey County Itinerary

The Ultimate Monterey County Itinerary
Located along California’s central coast lies Monterey County, a destination ready-made for a relaxing and scenic getaway. Its outdoor adventures, food and wine experiences, cultural landmarks and scenic views are simply unmatched. Highway 1 has recently reopened, giving travelers the opportunity to take the epic road trip vacation they have been dreaming of. We rounded up our picks for how to experience “Monterey County” this Spring and beyond.

WHERE TO STAY
These top four hotels offer different, yet unforgettable experiences. Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach, also known as a “resort-within-a-resort”, holds 24 luxurious private rooms. This Mediterranean-inspired gem is nothing short of elegant and relaxing. Post Ranch Inn, a romantic and relaxing destination in Big Sur, holds 39 guest rooms with some of the most stunning ocean and mountain views on the West Coast. One of the only Monterey Country hotels with direct beach access, Sanctuary Beach Resort invites guests to fall asleep to the soothing surf from their private waterfront cottage. The views are unbeatable at this oceanfront resort and hotel set on 19 acres of Pacific shoreline in the Marina Dunes Preserve. Last but certainly not least, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa— the only Forbes Four-Star rated hotel in Monterey—is dramatically perched over the Monterey Bay on historic Cannery Row. Unwind and relax with a massage and Jacuzzi soak at their roof-top Vista Blue Spa.

WHAT TO SEE
The activities in Monterey County are endless, accommodating visitors of all interests. For golf lovers, Pebbles Beach Resorts recently opened The Hay, a Tiger Woods-designed short course. This plot includes nine par-3 holes, a 20,000-square-foot putting course with gourmet food and breathtaking views of Carmel Bay and Point Lobos. Monterey Bay Aquarium is world-renowned for its diverse offerings, with over 550 sea life and marine species. This center is dedicated to marine research and conservation and recently reopened its doors to the public. For the ultimate zen, Refuge, located in Carmel Valley, performs hot and cold-water therapy in their outdoor spa. Noted for having the largest co-ed cedar sauna in the United States, its amenities are simply unreal. For adventurous visitors, wake up and hike Big Sur for incredible views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Looking for action? July 9th through 11th, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is kicking off its 2021 lineups of events with the GEICO Motorcycle MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest at Monterey. Finally, for literary gurus, Monterey County is home to the National Steinbeck Museum. This space honors renowned author, John Steinback, who was born and raised in Monterey County. Many of Steinbeck’s novels were inspired by the area, including Of Mice and Men and East of Eden.

SEASONAL SECRETS
Enjoy the adventures Monterey County brings in the Spring:

• At Pinnacles National Park, adventurers can enjoy mild temperatures and a variety of wildflowers. Hoping to spot a magnificent California condor? Set out for a hike on the strenuous 8.4-mile High Peaks-Balconies Loop or opt for the Bench Trail’s spotting scopes in the early morning or early evening.
• Kayak Connection’s Starlight Bioluminescence Tour in Moss Landing starts before sunset for easy viewing of resident marine life frolicking and feeding at dusk. Once the sun goes down, enjoy the glow while paddling through the bioluminescent waters.
• May is the prime month to spot Pacific Grove’s majestic purple phenomenon, dubbed the “Purple Carpet.” View thousands of magenta ice plants along Ocean View Boulevard by foot, bike, car or boat.
• A renowned whale-watching destination, see the great gray whale migration and the return of the humpback whales to Monterey Bay. The spring season also brings greater sightings of orcas to the area as well. Book a whale watching tour from Monterey or Moss Landing.
• There is no better place to kick off Rosé season than sunny Carmel Valley. Located in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Carmel Valley wineries offer an abundance of varieties with several specializing in Grenache Rose. Must-tries include the sparkling Rosé at Folktale Winery and Vineyards.