Monterey Travel Forum

Hello,

I will be attending a conference in late October (23-28 to be exact) and would like to get some advice on what to wear for outdoors from local residents in Monterey.

Besides the conf, I will be taking a whale watching trip on Sunday morning, hope to see a humpback whale or two. Hopefully will have a chance to do some other activities (visiting the aquarium, sightseeing, etc.) as well.

What's the best whale watching co. to take the trip w/?

I'm also thinking about taking a short steam engine train trip to the beach? Will that be worthwhile? Or is that tailored for tourist mainly?

Mei
from the coastal region of SC

We (mother/daughter team) will be in Monterey in early September 2009, right after Labor Day. We have not been to Monterey in 40+ years. We are having a hard time deciding what to pack and wear. We will be doing a variety of activities like, kayaking on the bay, a whale watching trip, going to the aquarium, shopping in Carmel, a coast tour, a Luau at the hotel, and some receptions. Are capris with sandals appropriate or is that too "summery"? Will short sleeve blouses work with long pants? or will be be cold? What are the average temperatures?

I am a retired peace officer. I ride a Harley Davidson with other active and retired peace officers. Several of us will be riding the coast in September. We are staying overnight in Monterey and would like to take the 17 mile drive. I heard "a rumor" that motorcycles are not allowed. Is that so?

Still trying to plan our family vacation and we can't seem to make up our minds
We're thinking either Monterey or San Francisco - we'd like to spend 2-3 days at the beach too -
Are there any beaches in the area where we could actually go for a swim? That means we’d need to find a hotel by the beach obviously -
Are there any day-trips from Monterey to SF that you know of?
We'd be flying in from Toronto - thinking of staying in Monterey but would also like to see a bit of SF as well ...
Please let me know if you have any suggestions -
THX!

I'll be on the Monterey Peninsula in late July. I like to go to night clubs, pubs, & taverns where ever I visit, but most are filled with people in their 20s & I feel so out of place. So I'd appreciated any info on where the over 50 crowd hangs out at evening; especially in PG & New Monterey.

Could you please tell me if Monterey has a open fish market that sells smoked fish, as much or as little as you prefer? I usually visit the fish market in Morro Bay each year but this year we are coming to Monterey.Any help you can offer me would be greatly appreciated. Can I get your reply as soon as possible, Please.Thank you, Sarah Wallace.

My hubby and I will be spending two days in Monterey and two days in San Fransisco. We will be staying at the Monterey Plaza and we haven't finalized our arrangements in San Francisco yet. Since we won't be staying long, I want to make the most out of our time. What are the must see/do activities? We will only be renting a car for the drive between Monterey and San Fransisco. We will be there in mid September. Thank you for your advice--this is my 30th birthday present from my hubby and the first time these Ohioans have ever vacationed without our children!

What is the best restaurant(not touristy) to get fresh seafood at a reasonable price? Where do the locals go? :-)

Thanks,
M

I am planning on being in Monterey the last week in August and would like to take a whale watching tour but can't make up my mind regarding which company to go with. Any advice? I realize that there is no guarantee with any of them regarding actually seeing whales, etc...but I am guessing that there is some difference in the quality of service provided overall.

I would like to know the driving distance and time between Anaheim, CA, and Monterey, CA.
I would like to pickup highway 1 from San Luis Obispo and follow the coast to Monterey.

Thanks to those who reply.

Hello: I need some advice on what to wear while in Monterey,California during the first week of April. and also what restaurants offer quality foods. thanks

We're thinking of including the Monterey Blues Festival in a June trip to California, as we're big blues fans. Is it worth taking 3 days out of our trip, or should we avoid the area at this busy time!

Hello,
I'm planning on visiting Monterey for a few days in April. I have my days planned with some golf and coastal drives. Can anyone recommend the best bars/nightclubs for evening drinks. I'll be solo so would like a place to meet people etc. thanks.

My husband and I visited Monterey/Carmel about ten years ago in January and the place was very quiet (lovely!). However, I heard from people who live there that the touristy months are incredibly busy.

We are thinking of heading back there during our daughter's Spring break, which is March 21 through the 28. Can anyone give me an idea of the level of tourism at that time?

I'll have more questions as I plan this trip, so thanks in advance for any info!

G'Day Monterey people,

My almost 9 year old twin girls, my wife and I, will be staying in Monterey Nov 23, checking out morning of Nov 25 and would really appreciate any advice on affordable family accommodation that is within reasonable walking distance of Cannery Row and the Aquarium.

Also if you have any advice on interesting family things to do that would be helpful too e.g. will it be too cold to go kayaking and what are the best options for that?

For me personally, it's winetasting and history that interests me most, of course good coffee where ever I can find it! lol! However we have to balance out everything for all of us to be happy, not to mention not blowing the budget.

Regards from downunder,
Doug

Does anyone know of a pub or other venue where one can watch the rubgy world cup final next Saturday in the Monterey or Carmel area?

Hey again
So we're leavin this week for Monterey, and I have a couple quick questions.

Will my navigation system work between San Fran and Monterey/Carmel? I have heard that some spots south of the Monterey Peninsula are spotty at best?

Also, does anyone know of places that rent bikes for use on the Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Path?

Lastly, who wants to chime in and tell me who REALLY has the best clam chowder in Monterey? I know all of the tourist traps claim to have the best, do any of them really deliver?

Thanks in advance.

Hi All,

I am will drive up from LA to monterey and was wondering the best of route. Mapquest, google and yahoo provide options which are different.
Option 1 : I-5 to CA 46W to 101N to CA68W
Option 2 : I-5 to CA 152 to CA 156 to CA 1S
Option 3 : I-5 to CA 33(1.5miles) to CA 198 to 101N to CA68W.

Also on my way back, I plan to go from Monterey-BigSur-SanSimeon and then connect somewhere onto I5 rather than drive CA1. Since, am the only driver up and down wanted to ensure its less stressful.

Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Thanks very much guys.VT folks have always been very helpful..chz

Are motorcycle allowed to drive the 17 mile drive?

Hi All,
Myself and my wife plan to spend around 4-5 days around the place of Monterey, BigSur and Hearst castle. I plan to drive down from LA to Monterey and spend the night there...
On first day, take the 17 mile drive(need booking?), walk around cannery row, visit aquarium for the day..then move on to BigSur.
Second day, just do some hiking around Bigsur's Point Lobos SR..and plan to relax here for 2 days.
On the final day, drive towards Hearst castle(obviously need to book in advance) and drive back to LA.

Since I am visiting the place the first time, want to know :
a) Is there something else am missing out in Monterey/Carmel..like a visit/hiking trip to Garland Ranch Regional Park worth ?
b) I thought of doing hiking in Bigsur,we are just begineers and want to get some nice views around BigSur and dont want to miss em..any suggestions you have here?
c) Since am planning to spend 2 days in BigSur want to know if its worth and could I do something more there?

Any pointers would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

We're driving to Monterey from SFO, and definately want to stop in Gilroy (we're garlic lovers).

What's the best/most scenic route to Monterey that takes us through the "Garlic Capitol of the World? We're in no rush to get to Monterey, and always enjoy a peaceful, scenic drive!

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Hi
My girlfriend and I are planning a long weekend trip to Monterey in early October. There are soooo many hotels/bed & breakfasts in town I was hoping for some advice. Can anyone reccomend a good moderately priced place to stay for 3 nights? We'd like something that's a good location for walking, but would also like to stay for under $250/night. Thanks in advance!

What is the normal arrival of the Monarchs in Monterrey?

Hi,

My wife and I are going to California in three weeks to spend 3 days at Yosemite, 1 at Sequoia and then drive to the coast. We will ovenight in Monterey.

How is the best and most scenic way to get from Sequoia N P to Highway 1? I am going to take highway 198 to Visalia. I would like to cut basically West from there until I hit the coast. Should I be concerned abou the size of the mountains in that area? Are they tough to get through?

We are going on a Monterey Bay Whale Watch boat. Is that experience worth my time? I am thinking it would be.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Mike In Iowa

We will be in Monterey the last week-end of July and first week of August.

What does the Aquarium offer in structured, group experiences and activities for 10 year olds? And adults?

Apologies I did not mention month we are in the araea....Early June

Driving up from Santa Barbara to stay for 4nts around Monterey /Carmel,Wondering which is the best one to stay in? We plan to drive out and about during the day but want a base. Can anyone recommend a decent hotel, budget is $180-200nt. Also what can we expect the weather be like.

Many Thanks

How long did it take you to drive this and at what time of day - does this matter? Enjoyed reading your posting.

We are planning a whale watching trip out of Monterey July 2007 as part of a tour of Calfornia. Does any one know what our chances are of seeing Blue Whales at this time of year or is there a better place along the coast to veiw them.

We are visiting Monterey at the end of September. Is it still worth doing the Whale/Dolphin Watching Trips?

Thanks