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State Parks Local Activities Area Attractions Galleries & Museums Wineries Tours Calendar of Events State Parks Asilomar State Park is a proud part of the California State Parks Andrew Molera (State Park) The Big Sur River and miles of trails wind through Andrew Molera State Park. An equestrian concession allows visitors to enjoy much of the area on horseback. (831) 667-2315. Asilomar (State Beach) Open year round. Conference Grounds, rolling dunes, rugged and sandy coastlines, and historical buildings on the Monterey Peninsula. Conference facilities and individual lodging: (831) 372-8016. Ranger's office: (831) 646-6440. Carmel River (State Beach) This coastal strand, near its charming namesake town, offers a lagoon, fishing, and birdwatching. Extremely dangerous surf. (831) 624-4909. Fremont Peak (State Park) Mountain and astronomical vistas come together here, where an observatory with 30- inch telescope is available on some evenings. Picnicking, camping, and educational exhibits and programs are also offered. (831) 623-4255; Observatory 623-2465. Garrapata (State Park) There are miles of Big Sur coast and trails from ocean beaches through stands of cacti and redwood groves. There are no entrance signs; park at Soberanes Point. (831) 624-4909. John Little (State Reserve) The purpose of John Little State Reserve, in Monterey County, is to preserve and protect an area of steep, rugged cliffs on the Big Sur coast where Lime Creek enters the Pacific Ocean. Julia Pfeiffer Burns (State Park) Encompasses some of Big Sur's most spectacular coastline. (831) 667-2315. Marina (State Beach) This beach offers a ranger station, concession building, and accessible hang-gliding service. Hazardous rip currents. (831) 384-7695. Monterey (State Historic Park) As an early capital under Spanish and Mexican rule, this area is filled with showcase historic buildings and sites, as its museum and educational exhibits can attest. (831) 649-7118. Monterey (State Beach) Enjoy scuba diving, kayaking, surf-fishing, kiteflying, an accessible boardwalk, and volleyball at this park's 3 beaches. Please note: While impressive, the dark, churling water is known for its hazardous rip currents. (831) 384-7695. Moss Landing (State Beach) East of the park, a reserve offers great opportunities for birdwatching. Surfing and surf-fishing are popular here, but water recreation is hazardous. (831) 384-7695. Pfeiffer Big Sur (State Park) Here, the Big Sur River, giant redwoods, and rugged coastal mountains coincide, providing spectacular camping and hiking. (831) 667-2315. Point Lobos (State Reserve) Sea lions, harbor seals, gray whales, sea otters, and seabirds make this reserve their home. You can make a great day of it by hiking or picnicking. (831) 624-4909. Point Sur (State Historic Park) Home to the only complete turn-of-the-century light station open to the public in California, this historic park truly captures the state's seafaring past. (831) 625-4419. Salinas River (State Beach) The park includes protected habitats of snowy plover and other native dune animals and plants. Swimming and water sports are hazardous. (831) 384-7695. Local Activities Enjoy these great Monterey Bay activities Monterey Bay and Pacific Grove California provide an abundance of activities for those visiting Asilomar. Locals know Pacific Grove as "America's Last Hometown." Its historic downtown offers wonderful Victorian architecture, quaint shops, gourmet restaurants, bakeries, museums and art galleries. For those interested in learning more about the environment and natural beauty of Pacific Grove, the city's Natural History Museum welcomes tourists with a life sized sculpture of "Sandy the Gray Whale" at its entrance. Opened in 1881, this award-winning museum includes collections of exhibits dedicated to marine and wildlife, and California Indian artifacts. Monterey Bay Monterey Bay itself is twice as deep and as wide as the Grand Canyon, and is world-renowned for its wonderful mix of sea creatures. Along the bay is a trail that passes Lover's Point, a perfect spot to watch playful sea otters and sea lions, and even a passing whale or two. At the northern most tip of the peninsula is Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operated lighthouse on the Pacific Coast. Another "must see" museum is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, nestled along the shoreline overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A leading institution for research and education, the aquarium offers exhibits as grand as the ocean it depicts. The centerpiece is its Outer Bay gallery with a million gallon indoor ocean, viewed through the largest window in the world. For the Monterey Bay Aquarium upcoming schedule of events, click here. Carmel by the Sea No visit to this region would be complete without a visit to Carmel by the Sea, CA. Famous for its world class shopping and galleries, Carmel is a gorgeous place to spend a day. Further inland is Carmel Valley, an enchanting combination of sunshine, countryside and the agricultural charms of rustic barns, fresh produce fields, vineyards and grazing animals. Area Attractions Discover the Monterey Bay Aquarium, go diving and more! 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.
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.
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:
Golf
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:
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.
Water Activities
Here are a few places to try:
Just remember to call first to maximize your experience.
Galleries & Museums Discover the Monterey Art Scene! Art lovers and collectors will fine no shortage of original paintings and sculpture in the over 100 art galleries on the Monterey Peninsula alone, all very close to the Asilomar Conference GroundsSM. Some galleries do not maintain regular hours so we advise you to call ahead to be sure they are open and for directions.
Wineries See what California's Central Coast Wineries have to offer! Vinophiles will love Monterey wine tasting. The Central Coast area of Monterey County has over 50 wineries, most of which have tasting rooms, and some of which offer tours of their vineyards and facilities. Some of the wineries on the list below are local, and others are a half-day trip. We recommend that you call first for directions, tasting hours, and tour schedules.
Tours Enjoy a Carmel & Monterey Tour by bus or bike Walk, bicycle, or rent a car and see the sights on your own, or you can take a guided tour of Carmel or Monterey California. Bike tours or a Monterey wine tour are just a couple of the options you can choose from below: Adventures by the Sea, 299 Cannery Row, Monterey (831) 372-1807; http://www.adventuresbythesea.com/ Calendar of Monterey Events Make plans to attend Monterey Peninsula social events during your stay. Contact local chambers of commerce including Monterey County:For a complete list, click here.
The above information is accredited to www.visitasilomar.com |
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