Magnificent Monterey

Monterey is a place where you can just 'be.' It's not a big city, so if you are always an on-the-go type of person, you might not like it. The Monterey area is best for unwinding, taking a walk and just staring at the ocean. If you have never been whale-watching, it is a near-spiritual experience.

Quick Tips:

Even during the summer busy season, the beaches were not crowded. The weather can be quite chilly by the water, though there were record high temperatures in June.

Best Way To Get Around:

Monterey is easy to get around by rental car. It is a relatively small area, and we found that we didn't even need a map by the third day. There are a lot of nice walking paths by the ocean.

Located in Cannery Row, Bubba Gump is an easy two blocks from the aquarium, overlooking the bay. This restaurant was inspired by the movie Forrest Gump. If you have not seen the movie, then this restaurant will seem like a generic seafood chain ala Red Lobster. If you have seen the movie (and liked it), you will enjoy the 'Gump' theme that runs throughout, from the signs on the walls to the ping pong paddles on the table. Additionally, if you are lucky enough to get a seat by the window, the view of the bay is fantastic. The menu is heavily focused on shrimp; however, there are a few non-shrimp meals such as a BBQ pork sandwich and chicken tenders. Servings are generous; food is good but not great. Expect to wait in line, though the ambiance and the view make it rewarding. The waiters even ask Forrest Gump trivia throughout the meal. Should you have a weakness for souvenirs, you will have to close your eyes as you walk out of the restaurant through the Bubba Gump shop.

Have you ever heard a whale breathe? Have you ever looked a whale in the eye? Going on a whale watching excursion is something that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime.

While in Monterey, do not pass up the opportunity to go whale watching. Whale sightings are so frequent in the bay area that some trips even guarantee that you will get your money back if you don't see one. Monterey Bay Whale Watch has a marine biologist on all trips to tell you what you are seeing.

It takes a good hour from the coast to get to the basin where whales hang out. Bring snacks and something to drink. Also, it is very chilly on the water, no matter how warm it is on land, so bring a warm jacket. Finally, don't forget your camera and film!

Many of the whale watching tours can be found on Fisherman's Wharf. The tours are available year-round but make reservations if you are in Monterey during the busy season (summer).

Charms are great travel souvenirs. They're small and relatively inexpensive. Most can be purchased for under $15. A charm bracelet with charms from your travels all over the globe is a one of a kind conversation piece.

Charms By the Bay is located in Cannery Row, about two blocks from the aquarium. The store has gold and silver charms for just about every hobby, place or lifestyle you can think of. The owner was quite helpful and patient as I purchased charms for my Monterey trip as well as for previous vacations I had taken. The store has a website, should you decide that you want to order more after you leave: www.charmsbythebay.com.