Marvelous Monterey: a Photo Escape

Earthbound Farm is located in Carmel Valley, a short drive from Carmel or Monterey. Besides a cafe with fresh organic produce and quick meals, visitors can enjoy a farm tour.

Point Lobos State Reserve is located just south of Carmel on rocky cliffs that jut out into the Pacific. It has been called “the greatest meeting of land and sea” because of the incredible natural beauty. Pack a lunch and plan to stay a while exploring the reserve’s different areas.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is famous for its jellyfish and sea otter exhibits and their important conservation work. It is the highlight of Monterey’s touristy Cannery Row.

The Monterey State Historic Park is an outdoor complex of historic buildings, many of which are marked, allowing visitors to learn about the area’s history. After strolling through the park, you can easily visit the nearby harbor and popular boardwalk. 

Point Lobos State Reserve is located just south of Carmel on rocky cliffs that jut out into the Pacific. It has been called “the greatest meeting of land and sea” because of the incredible natural beauty. Pack a lunch and plan to stay a while exploring the reserve’s different areas.

One of the nicest aspects of staying in Monterey County is the accessibility to ocean walks. There are many paths in Monterey and Pacific Grove, all offering the chance to see wildlife, including seals sunbathing.

The ocean around Monterey County is a marine protected area; at Point Lobos, the waters house a kelp forest, harbor seals, sea lions, and even sea otters and migrating whales.

The Carmel Mission just outside the village of Carmel-by-the-Sea was built in the 18th century. The historic church, gardens, courtyards, and cemetery are beautiful and definitely worth a stop.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint village of charming shops, European-style architecture, Spanish details, and beautiful Carmel Beach. It’s known for being the most dog-friendly town in the U.S.