Down the Bay to Monterey

Monterey Bay Aquarium, originally uploaded by residenttourist.

Spending a relaxing Saturday in the Monterey area was our quintessential day-trip when we first moved to California. While it is a little of a rush to see in one day if you're driving from San Francisco or Oakland, getting a hotel room pushes this trip out of the "cheap date" category.

The drive from the Bay Area is worth the trip alone. From San Francisco take Highway 1 through Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, and Santa Cruz. While Highway 1 doesn't get crazy beautiful until south of Monterey, this stretch lets you easily forget you are surrounded by millions of other people.

From the East Bay and San Jose take Highway 17 through the Santa Cruz mountains. I never really understood the speed limit signs on this road - it isn't physically possible to go the posted speed limit unless you are planning on riding along the concrete side barriers. I'm surprised I haven't made anybody sick with my driving...it's my one chance to act like I'm in a sports car commercial with my very non-sporty car!

In the several times we've been, it has always been tough finding enough excitement in Monterey to keep us enthralled for the whole day; Monterey is probably better experienced over a long weekend. Dodge the cheesy tourist shops and Bubba Gump and go for the scenic beauty. Some day we'll try kayaking the bay - it's a protected National Marine Sanctuary and the seals and birds are everywhere! The Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Path provides over 25 miles of continuous travel along the bay shore.

Seriously make time (or a whole day) for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It's expensive, touristy, has a long line, and is definitely worth it. I've never really been an aquarium/zoo kinda guy, but this is fun, educational, and a very unique experience. I won't give it all away, because you definitely need to see it for yourself.

There are lots of other things to do in the Monterey/Carmel area, and the drive along Highway 1 south of Carmel is utterly breathtaking. Be sure to grab some strawberries and artichokes in Watsonville on your way home - they're the best.