Advice on trip to Monterey Peninsula.

Question

Trip Plans For late August or Early September:

I live in the South Bay and would like to visit Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, and Carmel. I'd like recommendations on things to do (and see!) in those cities. I'm looking for must see views, cool areas to explore, wild life, and tide pools. I'm not interested in wine tasting. I'd like to add that I'm on a budget so I can't spend too much. I already know that I want to go to the aquarium, Lovers Point and Point Lobos. I'm still not sure about the 17th-Mile Drive...is it worth visiting? Now for some more questions:

1. How much time should I devote to this trip. Is one day enough?

2. What are some great places to have lunch and dinner? I need to add that I nor my trip-mate like seafood. Oh and remember nothing expensive.

3. Will these places be very crowded? Any tips on how to avoid the crowds?

4. What will the weather be like. How should I dress?

Hope I can get some good answers. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I'd like to say that Monterey Bay Area is cheap, but it isn't. On Monterey's Fishermans Wharf ( near the Aquarium) is all sorts of restaurants and you don't necessarily have to eat seafood. You're going to need more than 1 day to visit all the areas unless you are just planning on driving by them. The Aquarium alone can take up most of the day. Pebble Beach is very expensive, so is Carmel, but it's great to park in Carmel's downtown and walk up and down the streets and have an outside lunch. It's very cool at night by the coast ( it's really like SF, can be warm by day, but freezing at night).  

Answer 2

If you like cars, you might want to check out the Annual Pebble Beach Concourse d'Elegance. Monterey Historic Automobile Races, or the Cherry's Jubilee at the Mazda Laguna Seca raceway

1) One day is just enough to make you decide that you want to come back.  South Bay is not that far so a day trip is doable, but a weekend would be better.  This time of year, the weather is still nice enough that you may be able to camp cheap.

2) If you take 156 off of 101 that will take you by Castroville, artichoke capital of the world.  The Giant Artichoke has given me some good-sized portions on the grilled chicken breast, and fried artichoke hearts are tasty.  It is more of a working mans cafe than you'd find on the wharf in Montery.  For my self I would take a small cooler and stop by a fruit stand and stop by Safeway for sandwiches or fixens.  Then plan on a picnic at Point Lobos.  It is easy to spend time there.

Don't forget all the candy shops on Cannery row.  They usually pass out free samples - yum

3) Check the calendar of events.  If you go on a weekend that has a lot happening it may get crowded.  In general, after Labor Day the tourist season lessens.  So September is better than August.

4) The weather usually gets a bit foggy in August and starts to have nicer days in September.  Always bring a sweater, and layer your clothing.  Bring a change of shoes and socks.  You are going near a tide pool and there is that kid in all of us that is just waiting to get wet. -lol

Answer 3

Might need more then one day, lots of places on the peer to have meals, places might be crowded on weekends only, weather is usually windy, bring a light coat.

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