Monterey Getaway

The weekend before last we enjoyed a little getaway to Monterey.  I have been there (numerous times before!), but a weekend trip to the ocean towns of Carmel, Monterey, Pebble Beach, and even south to Big Sur is relaxing and always fun.  We have our favorite activities and restaurants, but the goal is often just to relax and enjoy the views.
For anyone who might be convinced to visit (or to visit us in San Francisco, and we'll take you there!), I thought I'd temp you by highlighting some of the best views in town.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
I am sure I'm biased, but this aquarium is.the.best.in.the.whole.entire.world.

Penguin exhibit

Sunfish

Baby sea otter being groomed by his mama

Jellies 

Sharks, Sunfish, and Turtles (oh my!)
 

After a day at the aquarium, walk down historic Cannery Row, where Monterey first gained notoriety back in the early 1900s for sardine canning.  John Steinbeck coined the previously named Ocean View Avenue "Cannery Row."

Stroll down Fisherman's Wharf and taste each restaurant's clam chowder.  Each is a bit different from the next...each good.

 Say hi to the sea lions.

Hop on a whale watching boat trip.  Grey whales in the winter, Humpback and Blue whales in the summer and fall.

Spend the next day visiting Big Sur.  With its rugged coast and drop-off cliffs, it is beautiful and serene.

Hiking is the best way to take in the views.

You can't visit Big Sur without a stop at Nepenthe.

Restaurant views don't get much better than this!

But if hiking's not your thing, there's also bike riding or golf...

Swing by Mission Ranch, Clint Eastwood's property where pasture land meets the Pacific Ocean.

And if that's not enough to convince you, take your pick of a Monterey sunset:

 

Did I convince you?  Time to book your getaway weekend trip!