Carmel and Monterey Peninsula Activities

Barnyard Shopping Complex
Located at the entrance to Carmel Valley on Highway 1. A ranch-like atmosphere in an appealing setting of flowers, trees, walk ways and terraces with over 55 shops and 7 restaurants.
Bicycling
Bicycling in the area is wonderful with a great choice of scenery and terrain. You can either stay on designated bike paths
or ride in lovely residential areas. One of the most scenic paths is the Shoreline Bike Path from Lover's Point in Pacific Grove
to Fisherman's Wharf.
Cannery Row
Cannery Row is unique and wonderful with nearly 75 shops, restaurants and area attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Carmel Beach
A magnificent white sand beach graced with cypress and Torrey pines with views of Pebble Beach. Located at foot of Ocean Avenue.
Beaches may look inviting, however, rip tides and cross currents make swimming extremely dangerous and the water is very cold.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Known world-wide as a lovers' getaway and an artists' colony.
Tiny shops and outdoor cafes give Carmel its European flavor and a place you will never forget.
Carmel is filled with fairytale cottages nestled under pines and surrounded by flower-filled gardens. The streets are lined with
enticing boutiques, attractive art galleries, pretty gift shops, appetizing sweet shops, beckoning bakeries and a wonderful selection of world-class restaurants.
Carmel Mission
Founded in 1770 by Father Junipero Serra, the Carmel Mission is set on lovely grounds and you can walk through the Mission and see the rooms in which Father Serra lived.
Fisherman's Wharf
Lined with gift shops, restaurants, and fresh seafood stands in an authentic wharf atmosphere. Dine on great seafood in the restaurants and enjoy the galleries, shops, fish stands and even live theater at this famous Monterey attraction.
Fishing
You can pier fish at the Monterey Municipal Wharf or there are many fishing trip adventures available.
Golf
World-class golf courses abound on the Monterey Peninsula. With courses like Pebble Beach, Poppy Hills, Laguna Seca, Del Monte and Spyglass Hill this is a golf lover's paradise.
Horseback Riding
Group rides are available at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center with escorted trail rides offered twice daily.
Laguna Seca Raceway
World-class auto and motorcycle races held throughout the year. Home of the Russell Racing School.
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
The Monarch butterflies winter in Pacific Grove from November to March. The city welcomes the butterflies return each October with a parade. The Monarch butterflies don't fly well in temperatures under 55 degrees F. It is common for them to spread their wings to soak up the suns rays and when the right temperature is reached, to take flight. This can be a rather beautiful sight and is best seen in the morning as the suns rays warms up their wings.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The world's finest aquarium show cases our nation's largest ocean sanctuary in a three-story living kelp forest, a million gallon Bay exhibit, a jelly fish gallery, touch pools, and dozens more galleries and exhibits.
Pacific Grove

Just next door to Monterey is the picturesque town of Pacific Grove which is also known as "Butterfly Town, U.S.A." because the Monarch butterflies return here in droves every year. A drive down Ocean View Boulevard
to Lover's Point will surely be one of the most beautiful excursions you'll take. Or walk through the quaint streets downtown and you'll feel as if you're back at the turn of the century.
Seventeen Mile Drive
The famous Seventeen Mile Drive meanders around the Monterey Peninsula coastline between two towns. Loops through the exclusive and upscale paradise of Pebble Beach from Carmel to Pacific Grove with views of spectacular coast, lush golf courses and pine forests.
Tide Pooling
Look for good tide pools along the rocky areas between Point Pinos and Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove during low tide.
Water Sports
Sailing, sea kayaking, surfing and wind surfing are just a few of the activities taking place along the Monterey Peninsula.
Whale Watching
From mid-December to March is the best chance to see the yearly migration of whales down the California coast. Many fishing companies offer excursions.
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