Contact :  Koleen Hamblin/KOLI Comm.

800.487.9057 ; link2koli@aol.com

Katie Besmer/Monterey County CVB

831.657.6413 ; katie@mccvb.org

Summer/2008

CHANNEL YOUR INNER-ADVENTURER WITH A TREK TO CALIFORNIA’S PRISTINE PLAYGROUND – MONTEREY COUNTY

-  Tap into the Region’s Top 12 Attractions & Insider Jaunts –

MONTEREY COUNTY, CALIF. — Call it a green getaway, the perfect Rx for Californians seeking some one-on-one with Mother Nature without robbing Father Time.  From soaring redwoods to pristine dunes and 99 miles of prime Pacific Coastline, Monterey County steps up with a variety of jaunts for the quick getaway/gas crunched corps of summer travelers.   For the ultimate carbon offset -- pack the bike and hiking boots and get off grid for a full mind-body reboot.   
TOP SUMMER PICKS

  • Kayak Surfing Monterey Bay – Wannabe surfers have another option when it comes to catching a wave:  sea kayaking.  Learn the art of carving, roll techniques and how to get in/out of the wave in a safe, serene environment.   A full line of specialty surf kayaks are available for the novice to the pro at the Kayak Connection.  Tip:  Nearby, Phil’s Fish Market serves a mean après-adventure cioppino, dockside. www.kayakconnection.com; 831.724.5692.
  • Rock Climbing Pinnacles National Monument – If scaling 23 million-year old volcanic rock formations around the California condor launch camp is the call, high tail it to the Pinnacles.  Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the spire-swept monument is a true character builder for hikers, climbers and nature lovers.  Sanctuary Gym offers instructional rock climbing day-trips complete with gear.  Tip: Out the gates -- Chalone Vineyards offers a crisp chardonnay with a volcanic edge.  www.nps.gov/pinn; www.rockgym.com

 

  • Trekking Point Lobos State Nature Reserve – For a snapshot of the region’s top icons, point those hiking boots to Point Lobos, “the crown jewel of the state park system.” Once home to a turn-of-the-century whaling and abalone industry, today the reserve shares space with thousands of seabirds, seals, sea lions, migrating gray whales and a diverse network of hiking trails.  Start at the Whaling Station Museum and head north along the Perimeter Trail, a six mile loop delivering one of two naturally growing strands of Monterey Cypress trees remaining on Earth!  Continue past Sea Lion Cove to two stunning beaches worthy of film credits:  China Cove (The Sandpiper with Elizabeth Taylor) and Gibson Beach.  In the distance Pelican Pont and Bird Island stand ready for their close up with hundreds of Brandt’s Cormorants backed by sea otters basking in one of the richest underwater habitats in the world.  Scheduled guided walks posted at the entrance, free to walk-ins.  Parking fee.  www.parks.ca.gov; 831.624.8413.  Tip: Eastwood’s Mission Ranch is just a quick mosey from the Reserve, tie up for supper and celebrity spotting.
  • Seeing Green at IMAX – Blow those socks off with 12,000 watts of digital sound at the new IMAX theatre which opened April/2008 on Cannery Row.  Set in the historic Edgewater Packing Company Building, the 17,000 sq. foot theater will feature 290 seats and 2-D and 3-D giant screens.  Up first: Sea Monsters 3-D.  www.bellacinema.com. 831.655.9853.  Tip:  Savor some real sardines down the street at the Sardine Factory.

 

  • Mountain Biking Fort Ord – An impressive network of new trails have opened on the former military base including 86 miles of scenic mountain bike trails and roads.  Experts can head for the Hurl Hill Trail or Staircase Trail, often compared to the great rocky trails in Moab, Utah.  Flat tracks winding around ponds and forests festooned with wildflowers cater to the leisure rider.  Maps available at trailhead entrances along Highway 68 and Reservation Road.  www.ca.blm.gov/hollister/trail_map_fo.html; 831.394.8314.  Tip:  Refuel at the Fishwife Seafood Restaurant with sautéed local calamari backed with a brew.
  • Walking Tours at Asilomar– Perched on the Pacific, Asilomar Conference Grounds offers a dream combination of historic architecture, cypress and pine forest and ready-to-wear dunes topped with a boardwalk that leads directly to the beach.  Hit the ground with a free self-guided Asilomar Audio Tour showcasing this “Refuge by the Sea’s” nature, architecture and history set on 80-acres of prime turf.  Key sites include 11 structures designed by Julia Morgan (Hearst Castle) between 1913 and 1928.  www.visitasilomar.com; 831.372.8016; California State Parks: 831.646.6440.  Tip:  Tap in for lunch in Asilomar’s Crocker Dining Hall, a steal of a deal for $10.19.

 

  • Up-Close and Wet at Monterey Bay Aquarium – Delve into the world of blackfooted penguins, leafy and weedy sea dragons, pot bellied seahorses and pharaoh cuttlefish with a visit to the new $4 million transformation of the popular “Splash Zone,” including 45 new interactive exhibits.  Top pick:  New morning behind-the-scenes tours via Aquarium Adventures.  www.montereybayaquarium.org. 831.648.4888. Tip: Whet your whistle next door with a flight of local Pinots at Taste of Monterey.
  • Reality Check in Big Sur – Plan a rendezvous with the redwoods in Big Sur.  These 2,000 year-old towering temples always seem to put things into proper perspective.  After a day of green reflection, luxe it up with a stay in one of Post Ranch Inn’s 10 new suites perched on 100+ prime acres.  Melding romantic ambiance with organic architecture, this heavenly hideaway packs plenty of punch:  cantilevered decks, alfresco hot tubs fashioned from carved granite, other-worldly views – in the nest of nature.  Guided nature walks are free to guests on Fridays at 9:30 a.m.  Tip:  Nearby, the ambrosia burger at Nepenthe is said to be outer-worldly. www.postranchinn.com; 800.527.2200.

 

  • Cruising Cannery Row – Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2008, Cannery Row adds another gem to its crown:  the InterContinental The Clement opens June/2008.  Stepping up with 208 guestrooms, a luxury spa, 95-seat C restaurant and a dedicated Kids’ Club – all adjacent to Monterey Bay Aquarium – this is the spot for a family getaway packed with break-out opportunities.  Link the dots for a day of play along the Monterey Recreation Trail, whale watching in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary or pop down to San Carlos Beach, a favorite launch for SCUBA divers.  Tip:  Pick up the new “Cannery Row’s 50th Birthday Book of Savings” offering $1500 in savings at 60+ businesses available at Monterey visitor centers or www.canneryrow.com; www.intercontinental.com/montereyic.  831.375.4500.
  • Biking Tour of 17-Mile Drive – Saddle up for a day along the Bay aboard a hybrid bicycle.  Expert riders at Adventures by the Sea lead bikers through a diverse landscape of one-of-a-kind backdrops.  Traverse the seaside trail along Cannery Row to Lover’s Point, Point Pinos Lighthouse, Asilomar Beach, Del Monte Forest and the world-renowned 17-Mile Drive.   www.adventuresbythesea.com; 831.372.1807.  Tip:  Work off those saddle sores with a relaxing rub-down across the street at Vista Blue Spa.

 

  • Scouting SoHo West -  Tap into the emerging artists community of Sand City at the annual West End Celebration (August 11).  Just 10 minutes north of Monterey, Seaside’s party blends art and industry in the transformed area dubbed “SoHo West” with a diverse mix of art, live music, street performers, dancing and distinctive food.  Stroll the studios and new mix-use complexes that have sprouted up in this hip, new funk zone.  www.sandcity.org; 831.394.3054, ext. 10.  Tip:  Rev up at the Ol’ Factory’s After Dark Espresso Bar in the heart of Sand City’s Theatre District.
  • Escaping to Marina Dunes Preserve – Now a hot stop for hang-gliders and kite boarders, Marina State Beach and Marina Dunes deliver a lunar seascape, punctuated with surfers silently riding the horizon.  Take the old sand mining roadway to a bevy of rare and interesting plants and birds that call this remote preserve home.  Follow the trails that traverse the dunes and double back to the beach for an afternoon picnic.  www.mprpd.org/parks/marinadunes.html; 831.659.4488.  Tip:  Go for the burn and rent a bike in town; the Monterey Recreation Trail links bikers to Marina and beyond.     

 

VISITOR INFO.
Monterey County is located 120 miles/192 km south of San Francisco and 345 miles/552 km north of Los Angeles along the classic California corridor.  The region boasts 99 miles of prime Pacific Coastline, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, three historic missions, 40,000 acres of premium vineyards, 25 golf courses and nearly 200 lodging properties.  Monterey County includes the Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur, North County and the Salinas Valley.  The Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), just three miles from historic downtown Monterey and minutes from the area’s major attractions, is served by non-stop flights to and from Denver (DIA), Salt Lake City (SLC), Las Vegas (LAS), Long Beach (LGB), Ontario (ONT), Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX and ONT), San Diego (SAN) and San Francisco (SFO).  www.montereyinfo.org.