Explore the Bay from Monterey

By Stuart Thornton

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The coastal city of Monterey’s best asset has always been the Monterey Bay. When Mexico owned California, Monterey became its primary settlement due to its sheltered position on the bay. During the 1880s, whalers utilized Monterey’s bayside location to hunt migrating whales.  Later, as World War II raged overseas, the coastal community became known for its sardine fisherman, who combed the bay in purse seine fishing boats. 

Now, people are still drawn to Monterey for its perch on the southern end of Monterey Bay. These days, visitors to Monterey use the city as a launching off point to enjoy the bay, while onshore many attractions have a distinct connection to the waters just offshore.

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9:00am- Kayaking or Stand-up Paddle boarding

The waters of the Monterey Bay are relatively protected when compared to the rest of the California coast, which makes the waters off Monterey an ideal place to explore via kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Both Monterey Bay Kayaks and Adventures By the Sea rent out gear. A suggested route is to paddle off San Carlos Beach along Cannery Row to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and back. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll see backstroking sea otters and diving harbor sea seals on your paddle. The morning is the best time to get out on the water before the winds start to blow after lunch.

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11:00am- Visit the Old Whaling Station

Built in 1847, the Old Whaling Station is an adobe with a storied maritime history. The building is part of the Monterey State Historic Park and is located just inland from Fisherman’s Wharf. After being built for Scottish immigrant David Wight, it became the headquarters of a Portuguese whaling company in 1855. Though the interior of the building is now an office for the Junior League of Monterey, the exterior features a couple of artifacts from Monterey’s whaling past. In front of the Old Whaling Station is the last whalebone sidewalk west of the Mississippi River, while on the back patio is home to a pot that whalers used to use to heat up whale blubber to transform it into whale oil, which was used in lamps.

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12:00pm- Lunch at Melville Tavern

Named for Moby Dick author Herman Melville, whose writing was influenced by his time at sea, Melville Tavern is a casual restaurant and bar at home in a brick building within downtown Monterey. Expect unfussy but tasty fare including burgers, tacos, and salads alongside an affordable wine and beer menu. While there, try and locate a quote from the fame author that is up on one of the eatery’s walls.

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1:00pm- Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Having ventured out on the bay earlier in the day, get a closer look at Monterey Bay’s marine life by visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The city’s most popular attraction, the aquarium is home to sea otters, sharks, and octopi. Be sure to spend some time gazing at the artfully designed jellyfish exhibit. 

 

 

5:00pm- Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley

Now since you are able to fully appreciate the bay, retire to the C Restaurant for happy hour right by the water. Opt for indoor or outdoor seating and enjoy half off house wine and beer selections Sunday through Thursday from 4pm to 7pm. There’s live music too to further enhance the stellar surroundings.

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7:00pm- Spend the Evening by the Bay

The InterContinental The Clement is home to the C Restaurant, making it an ideal location to lie your head after happy hour. The luxury hotel has some rooms with balconies that have sweeping panoramic views of the bay. Another option is the equally upscale Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, which is also located right on the bay. 

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