SEE & DO
Monterey County is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and has many things for you to see & do during your stay. We have gathered some of those things below, that we recommend adding to your itinerary, during your next stay.
Family Activities
With Chris’ Whale Watching, you’ll get up close and personal with the whales, and may even be splashed as they come up for air and do a somersault for the onlookers. Their trips guarantee whale sightings! This means that you won’t be standing on the deck wondering if you saw a whale or not. You are sure to find what you are looking for when you book a trip for whale watching in Monterey.
Click here to book with them!
Pebble Beach Equestrian Center
Enjoy an extraordinary guided horseback ride along the Pacific coastline that leads you to a beachfront picnic. With more than 27 miles of marked equestrian trails that run deep in the beautiful Del Monte Forest, Pebble Beach Equestrian Center offers a memorable horseback riding experience.
Click here to book with them!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Located at the ocean's edge on historic Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is your window to marine life, it is known throughout the world for its interactive exhibits and ability to present marine life on a truly grand scale. The aquarium is one of the best places to view Monterey’s favorite mascot, the sea otter. Guests can watch these playful critters in a two-story exhibit while they interact with each other and their respective audience.
Click here to get your tickets!
Cultural Sites
San Carlos Cathedral
Sitting within the boundaries of the former Spanish Presidio, the San Carlos Cathedral is the oldest church in California. Completed in 1794, it is also California's first and oldest stone building. Beautifully restored in recent years, the church serves a working parish. An adjacent museum is open several days a week and docents are happy to give tours.
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Monterey Custom House
Built by Mexico in the 1820's, the Custom House is California's first and oldest public building, and State Historical Marker #1. All ships entering Mexican California in the 1820's, 30's and 40's were required to pay tariffs and fees at the Custom House, making Monterey the center of trade on the west coast. The Custom House is now part of the Monterey State Historic Park and open for tours on week ends. Located on Custom House Plaza near the entrance to Old Fisherman's Wharf.
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Colton Hall
Within Colton Hall the size and shape of California was determined; where the state capitol would be; the Great Seal was adopted; and whether we would become a free state or slave state. Located right across the street from our property, Colton Hall is owned by the City of Monterey, who keeps it open as a free museum 10 AM - 4 PM every day of the year.
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Wineries
De Tierra Vineyards
De Tierra creates delicious, award-winning, and sustainably harvested wines to share from the unique terroir of Monterey County. De Tierra, as our name suggests, focuses on providing the best representation ‘of the land’. Great wines begin in the vineyard, and it is our goal to translate the defining flavors of place into great wine!
No reservation needed!
Click here for their upcoming events!
Windy Oaks Estate
In recent years, Windy Oaks has pioneered a variety of innovative practices in its vineyards and winery. Among them, in the vineyard they use a multi-stage pruning process; leaf-pulling within the vine canopy; avoidance of hedging (inspired by Leroy in Burgundy); and the use of a hot-air machine to minimize the need for chemical sprays and to control undesirable insects.
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Folktale Winery
Folktale Winery & Vineyards was originally founded in 1982 by Bob and Patti Brower, as Chateau Julien Wine Estate. They are committed to sustainable farming practices for all their wines. The five acre vineyard at the winery is 100% organically farmed meticulously by hand. The estate vineyards include over 300 acres in the Arroyo Seco AVA of Monterey County, just over the Santa Lucia Mountains to the east.
Click here to book your tour!