10 Reasons to Get Out of the Heat and Escape to Monterey!

As I write this, it is about 95 degrees outside and heating up to about 102 today. And it’s still early May! I live in the California desert near Palm Springs, and soon the temperatures will hover in the 110+ range. By anybody’s standards, that’s hot. Which is why, planning an escape to Monterey sounds like a dream come true.

Of course, my husband and I are active people, so our escape to Monterey will have to include chances to run, hike, and bike, in addition to other fun and touristy things during our visit. Here is my list of reasons to get out of the desert and escape to Monterey.

Escape to Monterey: Plan Your Active Adventure

#1. Road Trip!

If you live anywhere in California, visiting Monterey is just a road trip away. Driving a few hours brings you to outdoor adventures, family entertainment, seaside escapades, exciting events, and romantic fun. From the beauty of Big Sur, to the redwood forests, the stunning coastline, and quaint hotels and restaurants, there is truly something for everybody and for every type of vacation.

#2 Gorgeous Weather

The average temperature in Monterey, California in the summer is 72 degrees. During that same time period, the average high temperature in La Quinta, Calfornia, where I live, is around 110 degrees. Enough said.

#3. Hiking the Redwoods in Big Sur

Imagine taking a hike through the old growth redwood trees. They rise majestically above you, shading your steps, towering hundreds of feet into the air. Then you turn a corner and you can look out on the beautiful Big Sur ocean views. That is hiking in Big Sur.

#4. Whale Watching

There is no better place for whale watching than Monterey. While most whale watching expeditions must travel a good distance, in Monterey whales can frequently be seen from the shore with a naked eye. The diversity of the marine life is amazing. In addition to seasonal sighting of humpbacks, blue whales, and gray whales, it is not unusual to spot many other whale species throughout the year.

#5. Tide Pools

Tide pooling is an amazing adventure! Exploring the tide pools in Monterey County will give you the opportunity to see a plethora of marine wildlife in their natural habitat, including crabs, abalone, mussels, sea anemones, and star fish. If you’re really lucky you might even spot the elusive octopus!

#6. Monterey Bay Aquarium

I took my children to see the Monterey Bay Aquarium shortly after it opened. Now, it has been named the #1 aquarium in the world and houses over 550 species of marine life in over 200 exhibits. I cannot wait to take my grandchildren!

#7. Camping

I admit I am not a camper (unless there is a real bed involved), but it is an experience that many people enjoy. There are many campgrounds in Monterey County that offer a variety of experiences, from drifting off to sleep with the sound of the ocean in the background to pitching your tent above a waterfall, or finding your secluded campsite among the giant redwoods.

#8. Golfing at Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach is the site of some of the most prestigious PGA golf tournaments, and it is a public course, so golf lovers can actually experience the stunning views and challenging shots that they have seen the pros make on television.

#9. Running the Monterey Coast

Of course, Monterey County is the site of the Big Sur Marathon, one of the most beautiful and challenging races in the country, but there are many other opportunities to experience the beauty of the area without having to run 26.2 miles. From short, scenic runs through Carmel-by-the-Sea, to slightly longer runs through Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery road, to trail runs along the coast, there is, again, something for everybody.

#10. Touring Monterey by Bicycle

Whether you ride a road or a mountain bike, adventure awaits you in Monterey Country. The 18 mile Recreation Trail stretches from Castroville to Pacific Grove (and gives you opportunities to hop off for lunch or to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium). Or you can take a cruise along the 17-Mile Drive, where you ride past dozens of gorgeous mansions and the Pebble Beach golf courses. There are also challenging rides of up to 100 miles that will take you from one end of the county to the other.

Bonus! #11. An Evening to recover

After a busy day running, cycling, hiking and exploring, you will find many wining and dining opportunities in Monterey. I was happy to find several vegan and vegetarian choices, but you can also find the freshest seafood, farm-to-table eateries, local breweries, and small bite restaurants through the county. And of course, all will give you the opportunity to try some of the wine from the local wineries.

An escape to Monterey is truly an adventure that has something for everybody.

Would you like to win two tickets to the Monterey Bay aquarium? Simply leave a comment and See Monterey will select five winners! Tell me about your trip to Monterey, or what you would like to do if you visit.

 

---

My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!

Sunday Blog Hop with Jenn
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Meatless Monday with Annmarie 
Inspire Me Monday with Janice
Anything Goes with Marilyn
Bonnie, the Pin Junkie
Tip Tuesday with Debbie in Shape
Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie, Michelle, Sarah, and Angelena Marie
Wednesday Wisdom with Nanna’s Wisdom
The Running Coaches’ Corner with Rachel, Suz, Lora Marie, and Me!
The Blogger’s Pit Stop with Kathleen
Let’s Get Real with Karen.
Friday Fitness with Jill
Fitness Friday with Miranda