Check out some of the exciting activities available in the area, by clicking here or by scrolling down the page.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Located in Monterey's historic Cannery Row, right on the edge of beautiful Monterey Bay the aquarium offers a unique look at the beauty of marine life in nearly 200 galleries and exhibits.With each visit, you'll find something new—and your visit supports the Aquariums efforts to inspire conservation of the oceans.
Open every day except December 25
10:00 a.m. –6:00 p.m. Regular Hours
9:30 a.m. –6:00 p.m. May 28–Sept. 5 & Holidays
Click here to visit The Monterey Bay Aquarium's website. or Click here to download info on the Aquarium Adventures.
Diving
Diving is permitted in various areas throughout the Monterey Bay area. It is recommended that you do not dive alone, even if you are an experienced diver. There are dive centers and dive charters where you can rent equipment and dive with a group, and where you can also receive instruction.
Monterey Bay Dive Center, 225 Cannery Row #M, Monterey (831) 656-0454, 1-800-GO-SCUBA
Twin Otters Dive and Charters, Monterey (831) 394-4235
Bicycling
The Recreation Trail is a great place to go bicycling in California. It is the least crowded before 9 a.m., and can get congested on weekends after 10:00 a.m. You can ride on city streets, and there are some areas where you can bicycle on off-road trails. At Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds, you may bicycle on paved roads only. Bicycles and helmets can be rented at the Asilomar Park Store.
Fishing
Monterey sport fishing is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Game. No commercial fishing is allowed in reserves or refuges. A current California sport-fishing license is required for any person 16 years of ago and older to take fish and invertebrates. Fishing seasons, bag and size limits are enforced.
To obtain a fishing license, you may contact the California Department of Fish and Game in Monterey at (831) 649-2870, Twenty Lower Ragsdale Drive, Monterey, CA 93940, or log onto their website.
Special regulations apply in the Hopkins Marine Refuge, the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Fish Refuge, the Carmel Bay Ecological Reserve, and the Point Lobos State Reserve. Boating and diving are allowed at all four locations, but contact Fish & Game regarding fishing (831) 649-2870.
You may want to consider taking a Fishing Charter. Here are a couple to start you off:
Whale Watching & Fishing Trips
48 Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey (831) 375-5951
Email us at: chris4fish@aol.com
Randy's Fishing Trips
66 Fisherman's Wharf #1, Monterey (831) 372-7440
Email us at: randysfishingtrips.com
Golf
Monterey County is a haven for golfers, with 14 beautiful courses, starring the world famous greens of Pebble Beach Golf Club®. Also notable are Spyglass Hills, the exclusive Cypress Point Golf Club®and the new Poppy Hills®.
Those new to the game may want to play the gentle greens of Old Del Monte, the Peninsula's first golf course, or the Rancho Canada in Carmel Valley.
Here are several other nearby golf courses:
The Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Course is both challenging and a great value, only seven blocks north of Asilomar's gates
Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Courses, Seaside (831) 899-7271. http://www.bayonetblackhorse.com/
Carmel Valley Ranch, One Old Ranch Road, Carmel (831) 626-2510. http://www.troongolf.com/
Golf Club at Quail Lodge, 8000 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel (831) 620-8808. http://www.quaillodge.com/
Monterey Peninsula Country Club, 3000 Club Road, Pebble Beach (831) 373-1556
Old Del Monte Golf Course, 1300 Sylvan Road, Monterey (831) 373-2700
Pacific Grove Golf Course, 77 Asilomar Boulevard, Pacific Grove (831) 648-3177. http://www.ci.pg.ca.us/golf/
Rancho Canada Golf Club, Carmel Valley Road, Carmel (831) 624-0111
Horseback Riding
There's nothing more calming than riding horseback by the sea. Whether you prefer to ride solo or to enjoy a group trail ride, local equestrian centers can arrange the perfect riding opportunity.
Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, Portola Road, Pebble Beach (831) 624-2756. Scenic trail rides.
Call ahead for groups. http://www.ridepebblebeach.com/
Carmel Valley Ranch Trail rides, 1 Old Ranch Road, Carmel Valley (831) 625-9500, ext.306. Trail Rides.
Holman Ranch, Carmel Valley (831) 659-6054. Trail rides and lessons. http://www.carmel-california.com/horseback_riding.html
Molera Horseback Tours, Big Sur (831) 625-5486
Water Activities
One thing that Monterey has plenty of is water! You can take a whale watching cruise on the bay or beyond, kayak, fish, or stay close to home and brave the shoreline waters or the gently inland estuaries.
Here are a few places to try:
Adventures by the Sea, 299 Cannery Row, Monterey (831) 372-1807; Kayak rentals and tours.
Baywatch Cruises & Glass Bottom Boats, 90 Fisherman's Wharf #1, Monterey (831) 372-7153
Carrera Sailing, 66 Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey (831) 375-0648; http://www.sailmontereybay.com/
Chris' Whale Watching & Fishing Trips, 48 Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey (831) 375-5951; chris4fish@aol.com
Elkhorn Slough Safari/Guided Nature Boat Tour, Moss Landing (831) 633-5555
Kayak Connection at the Elkhorn Slough, (831) 724-5692; Click here for website.
Monterey Bay Kayaks, 693 Del Monte Avenue, Monterey (831) 373-5357
Monterey Bay Whale & Nature Cruises, Pacific Grove (831) 375-4658
Olympus Sailing Charters, 48 Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey (831) 647-1957
Pac Star Charters, 529 Central Avenue #206, Pacific Grove, (831) 656-9336
Just remember to call first to maximize your experience.
