So this little corner of the web is meant to provide you with some basic guidance about our little corner of the world.  There are of course lots of ways to see the area, but we wanted to provide a list of some of our favorite hiking, activities, and restaurant suggestions.  Of course, things are always changing.  So feel free to explore and let us know if there is something you really liked

Activities:

Hiking

We both enjoy spending our time hiking, here are some of our favorites:

    Monterey

Monterey Bay Coastal Trail - The paved trail runs the entire length of Monterey along the coast.  Lots of people on it all the time, but it is a pretty good way to get around.  You can walk/hike/bike on it for up to 29 miles up the coast.

Fort Ord - This area is part of a massive land grant given back to Monterey County when Fort Ord was closed.  There are lots of trails throughout the hills.  Follow the link for some maps and set out on an adventure of nearly any type.

    Big Sur

Garrapata State Park - Located about 10 miles south of Monterey, this hike can be an easy out-and-back hike (about 1 hour hike time) into the redwoods, or you can try the more strenuous loop (about 4 hours, and steep at times). If the weather is wet, it may be very difficult to do the loop.

Andrew Molera State Park Loop - This is a bit further into Big Sur, but the drive almost as beautiful as the hike.  You will have to pay to park in the lot, or park on Hwy 1 across of the entrance and walk down.  Seasonally, you may have to cross a stream by either rock hoping or taking off your shoes and walking through calf-deep water.  The loop takes about 4 hours to complete as well.

     Santa Cruz

Henry Cowell State Park - This easy loop trail is flat and basically paved.  It is a walk among the giant redwoods that is pretty fantastic.  Bring a flashlight to explore some of interiors.

Doing

Monterey Bay Aquarium - On of our favorite (everyone's favorite) place to go.  The hours change a little seasonally, but often you can get in earlier than the general public if you are using a member pass.  Make sure to see the Open Ocean feeding that starts at 11 am everyday (but be at the exhibit by 1030 for the best seats).  The daily video presentations are always interesting as well.  If you use one of our guest passes, you can get discounts at the gift shops!

Mystery Spot - A fun Santa Cruz activity not too far from Henry Cowell.  An interesting couple of hours to explore the quirks of this strange location.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk - A fun place to walk around near the beach.  There are rides if you want, or an arcade and midway games.  It has one of my favorite indoor mini-golf courses in the area.  Or you can just walk the boardwalk and pier.

Eating

There are so many different ways to do dining in Monterey, but if you are looking for some initial guidance, here are some of the places we enjoy.  

Special category

  • Bakery - Pavel's Bakerei (Pacific Grove) - Best....everything.
  • Sunday Brunch - Mission Ranch (Carmel) - A $35 Sunday only brunch is one of the finest treats.  Opens at 10.
  • Dessert - Rosine's (Monterey) - Large selection of cakes and pies.  Massive serving size.
  • Seafood - Fish House (Monterey) - Make a reservation
  • Happy Hour - The Sardine Factory (Monterey). Weekdays 4-6:30

Breakfast

  • Tillie Gort's (Pacific Grove)
  • Old Monterey Cafe (Monterey)
  • First Awakenings (Pacific Grove)
  • Holly's Lighthouse Cafe (Pacific Grove)
  • LouLou's Griddle in the Middle (Monterey)
  • Crepes of Brittany (Monterey)

  Lunch/Dinner

  • Il Vecchio ($$) 
  • Gianni's Pizzeria ($)
  • Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill ($$)
  • Montrio Bistro ($$$)
  • Restaurant 1833 ($$$)
  • Lallapalooza Restaurant ($$)
  • Sea Harvest ($$)
  • Beach House at Lover's Point - Sunset Special, seated by 5:30, order by 6, and a select menu is half-price.