Life is great in Carmel and Monterey, California
One of our favorite places in the world to go is Monterey and Carmel. I could go on for pages about this area and we have lots of favorite places here. In Monterey, our favorite place to stay is the Spindrift Inn (pay for the upgrade to get the Sea View). It is right on the famous (for Steinbeck fans) Cannery Row. Cannery Row is a great place to walk around, see the shops (great ice cream at Ghiradeli) and end up at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This is probably the best aquarium we have ever been to, and is great with our without kids. The Monterey Bay has abundant sea life, and the aquarium is a good starting spot to learn about what they are doing to protect this area, and about the local bay inhabitants. From the main street and park adjacent to it you have great coastal views and plenty of opportunity to observe lots of sea life. For even closer views, we always take at least one day to go sea kayaking in the bay. Each time we have gone we have seen plenty of sea lions (even been followed by a few curious ones) and otters, and make sure we do this every time. It is always a highlight of our trip (bring at least a disposable waterproof camera for up close shots). After kayaking, go to pier and walk around seeing again more sea lions and shops/restaurants right on the water. It is a great area. For a great activity, I would highly recommend going to one of the restaurants and getting some Dungeness crab sandwiches, rent some bikes and head out for a picnic along the coastal parks. You can find a spot without others, sit back, enjoy lunch and often catch a glimpse of sea otters, sea lions, and even the occasional dolphins or whale from the shore. For a good casual dinner, try Cibo on the main street, and make sure you order the roasted artichoke starter, as you are in the artichoke capital of the world. I am hungry so I have to go eat lunch now.
CHOICE HOTEL: Spindrift Inn ($$)
CHOICE FOOD SPOT: The Sardine Factory
