Guide to the Monterey Bay

We hope you can join us for some (or all!) of our activity days, but if you prefer to explore the area on your own, here are some suggestions for things to do nearby!

    • Pizza at Mentone

    • Walk on Rio Del Mar beach and see the (sinking) cement ship

    • Shopping at Outside Inn, Frank, Another Banger

    • French fare at Emilie and the Frenchies

    • Glass of wine at Vin Vivant Wine Bar

    • Lunch or dinner at Pete’s, right on the ocean!

    • Dinner at Trestles

    • Coffee at Coffee Conspiracy

    • Sushi at Naka Sushi

    • Beers at Sante Adairius

    • Walk around and shop in Capitola village. I recommend Clementine & Co. and Santa Cruz Apparel!

    • Walk along Carmel Beach

    • Walk in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and see the tide pools and sea lions

    • Relax and meditate at Refuge, a completely silent spa with great saunas

    • Out in Carmel Valley, grab a bite to eat at Sunny Bakery Cafe, have a glass of wine at Scratch, and shop at Olivia & Daisy Books

    • Do a wine tasting at Lester Estate, Windy Oaks, and/or Storrs

    • Have a cup of coffee at Lito’s

    • Walk around and shop at Alladin Nursery, full of beautiful flowers, fountains, and trees. Over 100 years old! Also check out cute boutique Jet & Rose next door!

    • Beer at Corralitos Brewing Company

    • Have breakfast at Cadillac Cafe

    • Have lunch or dinner at Circle & Square

    • Mexican food at Taqueria Los Pericos

    • Buy sausages at Corralitos Meat Market

    • Take a walk in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Really beautiful!

    • Ride an old steam train through the redwoods at Roaring Camp. Great for families!

    • Have dinner at Emerald Mallard

    • Have a beer and play some pool at Monty’s Log Cabin

    • Cocktails at Pearl Hour

    • Dinner at Stokes Adobe Restaurant

    • Pastries at Alta Bakery

    • Live music and record shopping at POP & HISS

    • Walk along the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail and maybe see some otters or seals at Lovers Point Park!

    • Have dinner at Passionfish

    • The Old Fisherman’s Wharf is pretty touristy and I don’t recommend it except for catching a whale watch excursion. Late April is a great time to see gray whales, orcas, and humpbacks!

    • Drive 17 Mile Drive. Be sure to see the Lone Cypress!

    • Get a sandwich at Pebble Beach Market, then walk over to Stillwater Cove for a picnic

    • Have a cocktail on the terrace at Pebble Beach Lodge

    • See the Bagpiper perform at The Inn at Spanish Bay, then have dinner at Roy’s or Peppoli

    • Hike in Wilder Ranch State Park

    • Walk along West Cliff. Park at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

    • Pizza at Bookie’s

    • Shopping at Tomboy, Cameron Marks, Home/Work

    • Peruse some books and have dinner at Bad Animal

    • See fish and other sea life at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center

    • Enjoy an ice cream bar at Donnelly Chocolates

    • Get lunch or dinner at Special Noodle

    • Get empanadas at Fonda Felix

    • Have a glass of natural wine at The Apero Club

    • Do a tea tasting at Hidden Peak teahouse

    • Ride the rides at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which has one of the oldest roller coasters in the world!

    • Dinner at Home

    • Get vegetarian food from Pretty Good Advice

    • Play pinball at nine and 3 Quarters

    • Get a paleta at La Michoacana Paleteria y Neveria

    • Have a casual lunch or dinner at El Frijolito

    • Get pizza at Slice Project or Ozzy’s

    • Get a beer at Fruition Brewery

    • Get western wear at the oddly named L.A. Men’s Wear

    • Get a burrito at Santa Rosa Market