A week in Monterey Bay CA

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Pirate04
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9:55a, 1/8/24
AG
Visiting my bf first week of February for a week. He's working out of Watsonville (in between Santa Cruz and Monterey). I've been to both Santa Cruz and Monterey only once so just looking for more recommendations.

I have been to the aquarium and will definitely be going back. I've already done the 17 mile drive around Pebble Beach and been to Cannery Row.

I plan to visit as many wineries as I can. May even make the drive down to Paso Robles to a couple of my favorites.
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archangelus2
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10:26a, 1/8/24
AG
Point Lobos is close by and I can't think of a better place to day hike. All the hikes are great, the Cypress Grove loop is a highlight.
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maxag42
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12:04p, 1/8/24
Visit Carmel and the Big Sur. The Big Sur is only a 45-50 min drive and is incredibly beautiful. McWay Falls is gorgeous and Pfeiffer beach is pretty awesome especially when the sunset comes. Carmel is full of art galleries, cafes, wine tastings and inns. You might see some celebrities there. Point Lobos is right next to Carmel.
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HollywoodBQ
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12:27p, 1/8/24
AG
Personally, I love going to Lighthouse Point in Santa Cruz and watching the surfers and marine life.
https://www.santacruz.org/listings/lighthouse-point/

I also enjoy going to Half Moon Bay and walking out to the point where they go surfing at Mavericks.
There's a nice little shopping area with Mavericks Surf Shop and Jeff Clark (the guy who discovered Mavericks) is usually there.
https://maverickssurfcompany.com/

If you like auto racing or have ever played Gran Turismo, you must go to Laguna Seca and see the corkscrew first hand.
https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/government-links/weathertech-raceway

If you like driving, CA35 is a nice drive where you can see the entire Silicon Valley / South Bay.
https://openspacetrust.org/blog/skyline-boulevard/

And if you get as far north as Pacifica, there is a Taco Bell on the beach.
https://unofficialnetworks.com/2022/06/10/scenic-taco-bell/

Another good stop in Santa Cruz is Pleasure Pizza where Jay Moriarty worked (Chasing Mavericks)
https://www.pleasurepizzasc.com/home/

The Catalyst Club in Santa Cruz used to be a great live music venue for catching artists who were playing clubs but, it looks like that's fairly dead these days.
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Got a Natty!
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2:40p, 1/8/24
AG
If there on a Sunday morning go to brunch at Mission Ranch in Carmel. Very reasonable by California standards and even by most Texas standards. Weather is always beautiful and it is situated where the Carmel River flows into the bay. Beautiful setting. And the best brunch we have ever been to. Of course, the scenery helps.

Hope you will NOT be there during the Pebble Beach Pro Am. Worst time of year to go . Big crowds and prices are high. Every where.
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Pirate04
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In reply to Got a Natty! • 3:29p, 1/8/24
AG
SW AG80 said:
If there on a Sunday morning go to brunch at Mission Ranch in Carmel. Very reasonable by California standards and even by most Texas standards. Weather is always beautiful and it is situated where the Carmel River flows into the bay. Beautiful setting. And the best brunch we have ever been to. Of course, the scenery helps.

Hope you will NOT be there during the Pebble Beach Pro Am. Worst time of year to go . Big crowds and prices are high. Every where.

This is the first I'm hearing about it and of course, that will be the first weekend I'm there. I'm surprised flights weren't more expensive! Thanks for the heads up
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knoxtom
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5:03p, 1/9/24
This has been one of the best years ever at Mavericks, which is up the road in half moon bay. You need binoculars to really see the surfers but you can still see a 30+ foot wave crashing into shore. It is pretty epic. Intensity is high there.
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BullSprig07
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In reply to Pirate04 • 8:40p, 1/10/24
AG
Does your bf work in the produce biz? For driscoll's maybe.

I go there a couple times a year for work (produce) and it's one of my favorite areas in the country. Especially great to escape Houston in the summer, make sure and pack some layers.
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Pirate04
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In reply to BullSprig07 • 11:26a, 1/11/24
AG
No, he works for an aerospace company. I recently left the same company. It's based out of the Bay Area.
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Pro Sandy
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8:12p, 1/11/24
AG
Lived in Pacific Grove for two years, this area is one of my favorite places.

You've done the major tourist thing of the aquarium and I'm sure Cannery Row. Aquarium is cool, Cannery Row, meh. I like the food on the Wharf better.

Whale watching is a year round even there. Boats go out daily. Though when we lived there, I'd see whales or dolphins almost every day. Seals, sea lions, otters, litter the bay. Lover's Point seemed to be a good spot to look from.

Up towards where you'll be, I like Phil's Fish House in Marina. The Elkhorn Slough there is cool for kayaking. Otters and seals are abundant.

Carmel has a bunch of rich people. I only liked going and parking my Odyssey between Maseratis. Friends would make reservations at restaurants in Carmel during Pro Am week to spot celebrities.

My favorite place though is Big Sur. Everything south of Carmel down to Morro Bay. Plenty of hiking in the mountains and beaches to explore. And just driving CA-1 is worth it. Road is closed at Paul's Slide, but can still see many great highlights. Garrapatta, Point Sur, Julie Pfeiffer with the falls into the ocean, Pfeiffer Beach with purple sand.
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Pirate04
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In reply to Pro Sandy • 6:35a, 1/12/24
AG
I didn't realize Hwy 1 was still closed. Thankfully I got to drive it from near Fort Hood down to LA a couple years ago.

Thank you for all the great tips! I'm excited to get back to CA.
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Red Pear Jack
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3:59p, 1/15/24
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Paso Robles is awesome, maybe stop at Los Olivos as well?
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Pirate04
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In reply to Red Pear Jack • 6:03p, 1/15/24
AG
I love Los Olivos. That'll be a little too far to drive.

For backstory, I spent the better part of a year working and living out of a hotel in Santa Maria. I love the central coast. I was only able to get to Monterey Bay once during my time in CA so I'm looking forward to going back and appreciate all the tips!
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StockHorseAg
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9:58a, 1/16/24
AG
My wife grew up in Santa Margarita and I always love going out there to visit my in-laws. It's a nice break from the Panhandle. We are actually leaving on Sunday to go out there for a week to get a break from the cold.
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TXCityGirl
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10:07a, 1/31/24
I was there in July 2023 for a few days. DO THIS Blue Ocean Whale Watching Whale Watching Monterey

It was incredible and you are almost guaranteed to see whales. The captain will go until you find one. I would go again my next trip out there!
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ladyinmaroon11
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10:27a, 1/31/24
AG
We've done this trip a couple of times and it's one of our favorite places to visit.

If you plan to drive down towards Big Sur (which I highly recommend!), stop and eat at Nepenthe! The view alone is worth it and the food was good too. You could always just stop for a drink if you don't want to eat. We like to stop several times along the way and explore the different viewpoints - McWay Falls is a good one to check out.

Other favorites include the drive down Scenic Road in Carmel (lots of interesting houses), exploring Point Lobos, definitely do a whale watching tour. Last year we did a guided kayak tour in Monterey Bay and it was really fun - got to see seals and otters in their natural habitat. You can also do a tour from Moss Landing of the Elkhorn Slough, which we are hoping to do when we visit again next summer. We always stay in Pacific Grove and love to walk out and watch the sunset. There are plenty of places to park along the road and walk down to the rocks to check it out.
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chris1515
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12:47p, 2/3/24
AG
I've always wanted to go visit Hearst Castle. That might work for you?
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Jock 07
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In reply to StockHorseAg • 5:24p, 2/4/24
AG
StockHorseAg said:
My wife grew up in Santa Margarita and I always love going out there to visit my in-laws. It's a nice break from the Panhandle. We are actually leaving on Sunday to go out there for a week to get a break from the cold.

Late to the discussion here but loved going out to Pozo while stationed at VSFB. Shame they closed it down. Saw REK there probably ~16 years ago.

Also, much like Solvang, Los Olivos is good during the week, a **** show on the weekends.
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Jock 07
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In reply to Pirate04 • 5:29p, 2/4/24
AG
Pirate04 said:


For backstory, I spent the better part of a year working and living out of a hotel in Santa Maria.


My condolences, but at least it wasn't Lompton.
Actually headed back out there for a week next week for work. Might hit up Jockos or the far western while I'm out there.
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aggiedata
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9:01a, 2/5/24
AG
What crazy weather

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Pirate04
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3:59p, 2/5/24
AG
Currently in Carmel By The Sea. Looks like a hurricane came through here. Lots of businesses without power still, trees down, flooded streets.
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StockHorseAg
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In reply to Jock 07 • 8:37a, 2/7/24
AG
That's funny, my In-laws live on Pozo rd. I've heard nothing but good things about the Pozo Saloon. I haven't been able to go since it has been closed since 2020 and that's when my wife and I started dating.
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Pirate04
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In reply to Jock 07 • 4:10p, 2/22/24
AG
Stayed on Lompoc when we first started working at Vandy. Ended up spending the rest of the time in Santa Maria. Further drive but WAY nicer. The last month we worked out there we stayed in Buellton which was for sure my fave.
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Pirate04
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4:13p, 2/22/24
AG
Update! The trip went well but I took the bad weather from Jersey to CA. Rained for most of the trip.

Of course, Monterey Bay Aquarium was amazing! Always a must do. Made the drive to Paso Robles and stopped at a couple wineries, Calcareous and (my all time fave) Daou. Had so much great food in Monterey, Atascadero, and Santa Cruz. I was so sad to leave but happy to see central CA again.




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Red Pear Jack
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In reply to Pirate04 • 6:52p, 2/22/24
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Daou winery is awesome
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Greener Acres
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In reply to Pirate04 • 3:02p, 2/23/24
AG
Hope the clouds cleared away for your time at Calcareous. That's such a great view from the front grassy seating area.
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Jock 07
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In reply to Pirate04 • 10:55p, 2/24/24
AG
Pirate04 said:
Stayed on Lompoc when we first started working at Vandy. Ended up spending the rest of the time in Santa Maria. Further drive but WAY nicer. The last month we worked out there we stayed in Buellton which was for sure my fave.

Yup Buellton would be by far the best to live in. I'm a fan of Los Alamos as well, especially with the access to phenomenal BBQ on Saturdays there.
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pdc093
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8:07p, 2/26/24
Bookmarking for my road trip down the Cali Coast in April.
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agdoc91
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12:47p, 7/9/24
AG
Headed to Carmel in a few weeks with my family (wife and 2 adult kids). Unfortunately, we will not be there on a Sunday so will miss brunch. Any other restaurant recommendations in Carmel or the surrounding area?
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Pirate04
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In reply to agdoc91 • 8:57p, 7/13/24
AG
My first visit to the area in 2022, I ate at Pangaea Grill, which is Asian Fusion. It was a fantastic meal and from what I remember, the service was very good.

The trip we took in February was around the time of all the terrible storms that hit the coast, which knocked out all the power to Carmel. We didn't have many options and ended up at La Bicyclette by default. Apparently it's one of the highest rated places in the area. I really enjoyed the meal and ambience but it's a VERY tiny place so you will be on top of the people next to you. I'm not sure it's very suitable for large groups.
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