http://www.cleverscampcamp.com/camping-monterey-county/
Big Sur vacation?
We are thinking of taking our kids to Big Sur and the Monterey Bay Aquarium in late June / early July. I am interested in tips in terms of the best places to stay and activities to do with them. We don’t particularly want to camp. Our kids are both boys, 5 and 7, and we will be driving up from the Orange County area. Thanks in advance!
Depends on what you want to spend. I’ve lived here for 8 years….
Google “Best of the Monterey Weekly”, an annual roundup voted on by locals, to see a comprehensive picture.
Off the top of my head, I’d suggest:
a. Monterey: though touristy, Fisherman’s Wharf has sea lions frolicking below it. Carmel Beach is one of the best, cleanest beaches in the world, and if you have a dog, you can let ‘em loose! Its’ dog heaven.
Also: Asilomar Beach; a whale watching trip; and gorgeous Point Lobos.
In Big Sur, a few things are in a book, “1000 things to do before you die” or such. World class must’s include a lunch at Nepenthe Restaurant. Likewise, Ventana’s is the creme de la crop for dinner and accomodations. Rocky Point Restaurant is only great, re the view, for i.e. dessert. Deetjan’s Big Sur Inn’s a delight, great for breakfast. Pfeiffer Beach is fantastic. But just driving on Rt. 1, the cliffs high above the sea, is breathtaking. There are loads of turnouts to pull over, gander and photo.
Cautions: a. Drive very carefully and calmly on Rt. 1. While safe if you’re deliberate, it’s the last place you want to–and would–have an accident on.
b. The beaches: except for Carmel Beach or the beaches inside of Monterey (they’re soft), the others, i.e. Asilomar, Pfeiffer, and esp Monastery, are deceptive insofar as they have rip tides, drop offs, and sleeper waves that have swallowed careless tourists. They’re heavenly if you respect them.
Hope you love the trip!
Winter Rains Brings Water To South Monterey Co. Lakes