Unique doesn’t begin to describe a stay at a Monterey oceanfront hotel. That’s because a trip to this quirky cove on the Northern California coast is unlike any other beach vacation you may have taken in the past. You won’t find run-of-the-mill crowded seafronts, campy t-shirts, and tacky restaurants. In Monterey, your shoreline is 99 miles of immaculate delight, interspersed with majestic cliffs rising from the sea, secluded strips of sandy serenity, and jagged rock formations that challenge the waves. Instead of fruity cocktails with a tiny umbrella and a pineapple garnish, you’ll enjoy a vintage, full-bodied pinot noir with hints of vanilla, clove, and caramel, aged in an oak barrel from a local winery. Gone, too, are the whacky waterparks and miniature putt-putt courses. Instead you’ll enjoy scenic cliff-side hiking trails and championship-caliber golf destinations. Monterey beach hotels like the Ramada Limited are a perfect place to witness the wonder of this rugged Eden by the Pacific.
Can I go whale watching by Monterey?
The West Coast is prime territory to observe whales migrating on their annual voyage because of the colder waters. Monterey is no exception to that rule. Here are some popular whale watching cruise services. You’ll more than likely encounter Monterey’s iconic sea otters as well:
- Sanctuary Cruises: Enjoy longer, year-round eco-friendly tours and charter cruises led by marine biologists.
- Princess Monterey Whale Watching: The 99% success rate guarantees that you’ll see humpback, gray, blue, and sperm whales, as well as orcas, dolphins, and porpoises.
- Monterey Bay Whale Watch: Owner Nancy Black penned a published paper on how humpback whales work to rescue other animals from orcas. Stop by for her unique perspective on the mighty superhero of the sea.
- Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching: Take your pick between deep sea fishing and up close encounters with Monterey’s massive marine mammals.
What is the best beach to visit in Monterey?
Who are we to decide which beach is the best on Monterey Bay? That would be akin to saying that Monet is a better painter than Degas or Renoir. We recommend you kick off your shoes and find out for yourself. With nearly 100 miles of coastline, these are the three closest beaches to Monterey proper:
- Marina State Beach: The cliffs give way to a weathered shore in this natural preserve. Hang-gliders float overhead as you collect driftwood from the tideline.
- Moss Landing State Beach: Rolling dunes make for a perfect picnic spot. In between nibbles of artisan cheese and sips of chardonnay, marvel at shorebirds at this stop along the Pacific Flyway.
- Monterey State Beach: Explore the tide pools, cast a line into the surf, or steer a kite though the stiff breeze at this beachcomber’s playground.
When you use Travelocity to book your Northern California vacation at one of many fabulous Monterey hotels on the beach like the Hotel Abrego, you’ll return home with unique memories of an oceanside getaway filled with wind-swept shores, gracefully imposing whales, and scenic sunsets over the Pacific. And, thanks to the money you’ll save, you’ll probably bring back a couple of bottles of local reds and whites, too.