Having fun in Monterey doesn't require a lot of money; in fact, many
things to see and do are absolutely free. With an array of beautiful beaches,
priceless backdrops, and an abundance of unique activities, Monterey County
offers a fun and inexpensive getaway, for everyone.
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The weather in our destination is gorgeous for the majority of the year.
Take advantage,
pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery at one of our many beautiful beaches.
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Stretch you legs and walk or jog along our
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. See the beautiful boats and marine life along the way or take a seat
and enjoy the view from one of the many benches.
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Follow the
Path of History through downtown Monterey to see the historic adobe buildings and gardens.
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Explore Monterey in a sustainable way and reduce your carbon footprint, take the
free trolley around town! The route serves Downtown Monterey, Fisherman's Wharf,
Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium so you can check all of the
main attractions off your list.
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Window shop all of the
art galleries in
Carmel-by-the-Sea. Explore the hidden courtyards and passageways in this picturesque village.
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Get a taste of the town and sample clam chowder provided by several restaurants on
Old Fisherman’s Wharf.
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Let the kids run off some steam at Dennis the Menace Park at
Lake El Estero.
- See (and hear) the barking sea lions at the end of Coast Guard Pier.
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Grab your binoculars and do some
birding at Carmel River State Beach, Garland Ranch Regional Park, and Elkhorn
Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve.
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Head down to
Seaside and
Sand City and browse local stores and art galleries.
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Drive down the
Big Sur coastline to see the unspoiled natural beauty and dramatic vistas.
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See migrating Monarch Butterflies in Pacific Grove at the
Monarch Grove Sanctuary during their annual migration, October- February.
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Go
tide pooling along 17 Mile Drive, San Carlos Beach, Asilomar State Beach.
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Run with the frolicking dogs on the white sands of
Carmel Beach. While you are there, build a sandcastle, fly a kite or watch the water
for dolphins. And, yes, your dog is allowed off leash!
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See artichoke plants growing in
Castroville, the artichoke capital of the world.
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Check out antiques and collectibles at the
Cannery Row Antique Mall or
Orientation Asian Antiques.
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Take a short drive north to
Moss Landing to see their unusual and interesting storefronts which house several unique
collectibles and antiques.
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Visit
Colton Hall Museum in Monterey to learn about the building where California’s first
constitution was drafted in 1849. Nearby is the
Old Monterey Jail where no one ever escaped from the thick granite walls during its history
from 1854-1956.
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Drive to
Carmel Valley Village to find the sun and warmer weather. See the horse and cattle ranches,
wineries and rolling hillsides as well as wildflowers in springtime.
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Take photos of the colorful Victorian B&Bs along Ocean View Boulevard in
Pacific Grove.
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Bike along the many miles of trails at
Fort Ord National Monument, truly a mountain biker’s paradise.
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Play basketball, softball, and hike in
Toro County Park in Salinas.
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Fly a kite on
Marina State Beach.
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Watch the sunset from a bench along Scenic Road above
Carmel Beach.
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Enjoy quiet time in one of our many Monterey County
parks.
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Peruse local produce and sample fresh fruits at a Monterey County
Farmers Market.
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Walk the coastline and
spot a sea otter.
There's so much to explore in Monterey County on a budget so you can
indulge in experiences without worrying about your wallet.