With so many vacation destinations on the California coast, it’s easy to overlook some of the smaller beach towns for big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. But between California’s biggest hotspots, sitting on the rugged central coast, you’ll find Monterey. Whether you’re looking for a good place to stop on your road trip or you’re searching for your next vacation destination, here are five reasons why you should visit Monterey Bay.
It’s a great place to relax
Whether you’re visiting from the town, heading to Pacific Grove, or traveling to Carmel, Monterey County features plenty of beach options along its coastline.
If you’re looking to go sea kayaking or tide-pooling, opt for Asilomar State Beach or Del Monte. To escape the triple-digit temperatures, head out to Pebble Beach, Lovers Point, or Marina State Beach to enjoy the coast’s cool ocean breezes.
California is the unofficial health-capital of the US
If you’re focusing on your health this year, you don’t have to worry about skipping your annual vacation to stick to your diet plan. With farm-fresh eats, expert plastic surgeons, and proven medical weight loss programs, Monterey County is the perfect vacation spot for anyone looking to start their journey to a healthier weight or make healthier lifestyle changes.
If you’re ready to work toward your weight loss goals or learn more about weight loss surgery, Google ”weight loss clinic Monterey Bay,” visit Jumpstart MD Monterey Bay at 24571 Silver Cloud Court, Suite 202, Monterey, CA 93940, or call Jumpstart MD at 831-641-9410 to start your journey.
There’s plenty of wildlife to observe
California is one of the only places in the world where tourists can see whales year-round, and there’s no better place for whale watching than Monterey. Between December and mid-April, visitors can see grey whales, dolphins, and killer whales along the coast with the naked eye. During the rest of the year, visitors can watch humpbacks and blue whales breaching in the waters.
The Monterey Submarine Canyon, the ocean’s equivalent to the Grand Canyon, features the perfect habitat for many species of whale, allowing whales to come closer to the shore to feed. From Cannery Row, visitors can also enjoy close-up views otters relaxing in the kelp forest or a big seal catching the sun on some rocks.
If you’re visiting between October and February, make sure to visit the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, where the butterflies gather on their way south to warmer climates.
There are camping spots galore
With acres of open space, Monterey County offers numerous spots to pitch a tent or park an RV. Some of Monterey’s campgrounds and RV parks offer shower facilities, hook-ups, and barbecue grills. Other campgrounds are primitive, with nothing more than a few signs to guide you.
If camping isn’t your thing, you can enjoy the great outdoors with modern luxuries at the Treebones Resort in Big Sur. The Treebones Resort offers the ultimate glamping experience, with accommodations ranging from yurts to treehouses. Plus, their restrooms come fully stocked with fresh-cut flowers and hairdryers.
Let’s not forget about those wineries
Monterey County is one of the biggest wine-growing and producing regions in California and features numerous wineries and tasting rooms throughout the county. Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley and River Road in Salinas Valley offer wine-tasting rooms with breathtaking backdrops of vineyards and hills, while Carmel-by-the-Sea features over 10 tasting rooms within a one-mile radius.
If you’re not a fan of wine, don’t worry—Monterey is no stranger to the craft beer movement. Monterey County offers several craft breweries and beer houses to satisfy your craving, including English Ales, Cannery Row Brewing Company, and Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill.
There’s more to the small beach town of Monterey than Cannery Row and Big Little Lies filming locations. From camping spots to weight loss programs, Monterey County has something to offer for everyone.
