Now is the perfect time to getaway to Monterey and experience the beautiful coastline, thriving marine life, and wonderful activities. This season in Monterey is a great opportunity to enjoy fewer crowds, while still enjoying beautiful days with moderate temperatures, and best of all, no snow! Whether you're here for a week long vacation or a quick getaway, we've put together a list of things you won't want to miss.
Cozy Up to a Winter Getaway
There's nothing like settling into winter months with a cozy getaway with a roaring fireplace! Getaway to Monterey and enjoy wood-burning fireplaces at Spindrift Inn located right on Cannery Row with stunning ocean views! Or relax with a retreat in the heart of downtown at the Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa with its hacienda style buildings and homey gas fireplaces.
Plus, it's not too late to book a Valentine's Day getaway to Monterey. The Spindrift Inn is considered by many to be the best hotel for romance in the United Sates and rooms are still available if you book right away!
Attend the Famed AT&T Pro-Am
On February 4th through the 10th the top tour professionals including Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, and last year's defending champ Ted Potter, Jr. team up with celebrities and athletes to compete for a $7.6 million purse with proceeds going to hundreds of non-profit organizations in the 2019 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. This year's celebrities include Josh Duhamel, Jake Own, Ray Romano, Chris Harrison, and Alfonso Ribeiro. The tournament takes place on three different courses, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Poppy Hills Golf Course and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Tickets are still available here. We still have limited availability at our properties here in Monterey so book your AT&T weekend now.
Stroll along Cannery Row
Historic Cannery Row in Monterey fronts the beautiful Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Cannery Row features delightful restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, souvenir shops, and attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Cannery Row was made famous by local author John Steinbeck in his book titled Cannery Row. Monterey was once the sardine capital of the world and Cannery Row is where much of the industry's canning production took place.
Drive Along 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach
Take a trip down the world famous 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. Fall is the best time to enjoy the stunning coastal landmark road which runs through Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach as it curves along the dramatic Pacific coastline and into the magnificent Del Monte Forest. The amazing vistas and legendary stopping points along the way will offer plenty of opportunities for photographic moments and inspiration.
The Lone Cypress, which has been perched on its rocky point for over 250 years, is a sight that shouldn't be missed. You'll also pass by the majestic fairways of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Course, along with Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay.
Rent Bikes and Cruise Along the Recreation Trail
Who resolved to exercise more this year? Monterey Bay makes exercising easy and with mild temperatures year round you don't always have to be stuck in the gym. Our beautiful coastline just begs to be biked and can easily be done along Monterey's Recreational Trail. Bikes can be rented from our hotels or from a number of Adventures by the Sea locations in downtown Monterey and on Cannery Row.
Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
A trip to Monterey wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. And better yet is visiting in winter months where there are fewer crowds. Monterey has such a rich marine life in the Monterey Bay and there is so much to experience with a visit to the aquarium. With close to 200 exhibits, it can easily take up an entire day and is fun for the whole family. Learn more about how to make the most of your next visit to the aquarium here.
Hike Point Lobos
Point Lobos State Reserve offers visitors to Monterey County a special opportunity to experience nature's diversity on the California coast. Dramatic land and seascapes provide exceptional photo opportunities, while a well-maintained trail system guides visitors past interesting plant and wildlife habitats, archeological sites, and beautiful picnic areas. A variety of walking trails provide access to Moss Cove, Sea Lion Point, and Whaler's Cove. A camera with a fully charged battery is a must for this visit as you will want to take plenty of photographs of the gorgeous scenery. The park is open from 8AM to 7PM daily. Trail maps are available at the park entrance.
Go Whale Watching
There has been no shortage of gray whale sightings off the coast and what better place to see these majestic sea creatures and their calves then from the luxury of your guest room window seat at the Spindrift Inn or balcony at the Monterey Bay Inn. Known as one of the best areas for whale watching in the world, Monterey is sanctuary to gray whales during their yearly migration from Canada and Alaska. Throughout the year guests can get close up to 15 species of whales and 10 species of dolphins just off the coast. Established in 1992, the Monterey Bay is the largest national marine sanctuary in the continental United States.
Go Wine Tasting
Monterey County is among the chief wine producing regions of California and has more grapes grown per square acre than Napa Valley. At A Taste of Monterey located on Cannery Row, wine lovers can sample local wines in a beautiful tasting room overlooking Monterey Bay. This noteworthy tasting room overlooking Monterey Bay features more than 70 local wines available by the glass, bottle, or in flights. Private tastings are available for groups or special events. A Taste of Monterey also features a gift shop with gourmet food items, wine accessories, and Monterey souvenirs.