Monterey County
Monterey County, California, is a place that has something for every kind of traveler. The region offers an array of natural wonders, farm-to-table dining options, wine country, and exciting events. Springtime is the perfect season to visit Monterey County, and in this guide, we will explore the top must-see experiences for seven different types of travelers.
If you're a Beach-Goer, Monterey County boasts 99 miles of coastline, including sandy beaches, rocky shores, and even a boardwalk with picnic tables. Stay at the Monterey Tides in Monterey to experience a direct beach location with oceanfront dining and breathtaking sunsets.
For the Wildflower Connoisseur, Monterey County has stunning trails and parks that bloom with vibrant colors in spring, including rare plants and animals at Fort Ord National Monument, wildflowers at Pinnacles National Park, and "Magic Purple Carpet" in Pacific Grove.
If you are an Eco-Conscious Traveler, Monterey County offers several sustainable and conservation-focused businesses, LEED-certified lodging options, and recreation activities that help protect endangered species, like the California condors. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in Monterey County's sustainable seafood movement, led by Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch. Stay at the Blu Pacific Hotel in Monterey, which contributes to energy and resource conservation through solar power.
Foodies will love Monterey County's diverse food scenes, including more than 50 restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea and newly reimagined historic buildings in Monterey. Old Town Salinas is also a foodie's paradise, with numerous dining spots such as Mangia, Villa Azteca, and Patria. Stay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, which offers oceanfront dining experiences, including the new high-end restaurant concept, Coastal Kitchen.
For the Oenophile, Monterey County is known for its signature Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, with over 65 tasting rooms throughout the county, including the River Road Wine Trail in Salinas Valley. Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley offers vineyard tasting experiences, luxurious escapes, and nature trails.
If you're an Outdoor Enthusiast, Monterey County offers 13 state parks for hiking, dunes for hang gliding, and some of the world's most famous golf courses. Visit Andrew Molera State Park or Toro Park in Salinas for miles of trails that wind through meadows, bluffs, beaches, and hilltops.
For the Wildlife Lover, Monterey County is a natural habitat for animal and marine life, with springtime adding baby animals such as gray whales, orcas, sea lions, seals, and sea otters. Take a wildlife sightseeing tour departing from Monterey or Moss Landing. Visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, which features the new exhibit, Into the Deep: Exploring the Mysteries of the Ocean.
Monterey County is a dream destination for every kind of traveler. Spring is the perfect season to experience its epic outdoor adventures, farm-to-table dining, renowned wine country, and world-class events. However, visitors are encouraged to travel responsibly in Monterey County by following all current health and safety guidelines and respecting the area's iconic landscapes by staying on trails and leaving no trace behind.
Whatever escape travelers seek this spring, now is the moment to book a trip to Monterey County. For more information and to plan a trip, visit www.SeeMonterey.com/now or download the See Monterey app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
