Things To Do

David and I have spent a lot of time in the Monterey Bay area since we have moved to California. We have come down for weekend visits and have also spent time here with both of our families. During our stays, we have tried a lot of different activities and gone to many places that the Monterey Bay Peninsula has to offer. Below we have listed some of the best things we have done. If you are planning to spend some time in California before or after the wedding, we encourage you to take a look at our suggestions. Enjoy all of your time here. We are sure that you will grow to love it as much as we do!

17 Mile Drive

17 Mile Drive, Pacific Grove, CA, United States
(831) 649-4909

17 Mile Drive is a scenic road through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, which hugs the Pacific coastline and passes famous golf courses, mansions and scenic attractions. Stop and walk along the beach. Point Lobos State Park within 17 Mile Drive is well worth the stop, great hiking venue.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, United States

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming town filled with multiple shops, galleries and restaurants. Walk down Ocean Avenue, take your shoes off and run into the Pacific Ocean.

Shopping: Cannery Row in Monterey

Golf

Quail Lodge Golf Club: 8205 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel, 93923.   (831) 624-2888
Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course: 1 Old Ranch Road, Carmel, 93923.  (831) 626-2510
Rancho Canada Golf Club: 4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, 93923.  (800) 536-9459
Pebble Beach Golf Courses: (Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, The Links at Spanish Bay, Del Monte Golf Course, & Peter Hay Golf Course)  (866) 939-7356

Big Sur

Big Sur, Monterey County, CA, United States
 (831) 667-2345

Big Sur is a fabulous 20-mile drive along the coast on Highway 1. Stop at Nepenthe (48510 Hwy 1) for a great view and an ambrosia burger.

Wildlife

Monarch (Butterfly) Grove Sanctuary: 250 Ridge Rd, Pacific Grove, CA.

 (831) 648-5761

Monterey Bay Aquarium: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940.
 (831) 648-4800

Adult admission is $49.95. An excellent aquarium well worth the admission price.

Sailing

Monterey Bay Sailing: 78 Old Fisherman’s Wharf #1, Monterey, CA

 (831) 372-7245

Kayaking / Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Adventures By The Sea: 1576 Cypress Dr Del Monte Forest, CA 93953.
 (831) 372-1807

Paddle in Stillwater Cove at Pebble Beach with views of Point Lobos and Carmel Bay

Monterey Bay Kayaks:  (800) 649-5357

Biking

Bay Bikes Barnyard Shopping Village: 3600 The Barnyard, Carmel, CA.  (831) 624-7433
Adventures By The Sea: 1576 Cypress Dr, Del Monte Forest, CA.  (831) 372-1807
Aquarian at Bay Bikes: 486 Washington St., Monterey, CA 93940.  831-375-2144

Hiking

Asilomar Coast Trail:
Garland Ranch State Reserve:
Point Lobos State Reserve:  (831) 649-4904 (within 17 Mile Drive)

Horseback Riding

Pebble Beach Equestrian Center: 3300 Portola Rd, Pebble Beach, CA.

 (877) 850-0983

Spa

Lodge at Pebble Beach Spa: 1700 17-Drive Mile Drive
 (888) 565-7615

Surfing

Central California has a good variety of beaches, which cater to all skill levels. Some of the best beaches are in Santa Cruz, including Steamers Lane, a local favorite. There’s Cowells, an excellent beginner’s spot located inside a cove at Steamers, which serves up an easy, rolling right that’s good for novices.

Carmel is a more intermediate/advanced area in a half-mile protected stretch with many left and right beach breaks that change constantly. Watch out for heavy shore pound and riptides. When Carmel’s conditions are good, there are clear blue tubes to be had.