Tag: Asilomar State Beach

5 Things to Do in California’s Monterey Bay Area

Did you know that Monterey was the first capital of California? Fun fact – Monterey was the state capital from 1774 to 1849. Did you know that this beautiful bayside city is considered the “Sardine Capital of the World” thanks to these tiny fish that populated the waters here and the subsequent canning boom of said little fishes? Monterey is rich in history and is definitely worth a look-see when glamping at nearby Marina Dunes RV Resort. Here are five things not to miss…

1. Monterey Coast Trail: With 18 miles of paved trail, this is a great way to experience scenic ocean views, frolicking sea lions, sea otters, and coastal birds and access all the things along the way like the fabulous aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf and more. You can choose to bike or walk this beautiful coastal trail.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium

2. Monterey Bay Aquarium: While the Aquarium has been in the news lately due to a certain t-shirt sported by Taylor Swift, this place is known for so much more like its unique, 28-foot high Kelp Forest, a multitude of interactive exhibits, including the newest exhibit “Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean”, and the more than 35,000 creatures that make their home here.

3. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: From the amazing shoreline views to the wildlife spotting and whale watching, do not miss the opportunity to visit what is considered the “crown jewel of California’s state parks.” Birders will enjoy a hike on the Bird Island Trail while China Cove and the Gibson Beach Trail offer hidden caves and high cliffs. Lovers of sea lions will want to hike the Sea Lion Point Trail to catch a glimpse of the sea lions lounging on the rocks. Don’t miss the historic Whalers Cabin, accessible from the Cabin Trail, which leads to this cabin built by Chinese fishermen in the 1850s.

Outside of the Historic Mission, Carmel Mission
Outside of the Historic Mission, Carmel Mission

4. Small-town Charm: There are several small towns in the area worth a visit and they include Salinas, home to the National Steinbeck Center that pays tribute to author John Steinbeck who was born and raised here; Pacific Grove, home to the Point Pinos Lighthouse and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, which is best when visited during migration season from November to February; Castroville, which is considered the “artichoke capital of the world” and is home to the world’s largest artichoke statue; and Carmel-by-the-Sea, home to the historic Carmel Mission, the unique Fairy Tale Cottages built in 1926 and plenty of shops and eateries. 

Glamping Cottage at Marina Dunes RV Park
Glamping Cottage at Marina Dunes RV Park

5. This and That: Don’t miss the murals in Sand City, the setting sun at Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove, the clam chowder at Old Fisherman’s Grotto in Monterey, and the scenic 17-Mile Drive.

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5 Things to Do in the Monterey Peninsula

Planning a trip to one of the prettiest peninsulas in the country? We’re talking about California’s Monterey Peninsula which has it all – great spots for outdoor fun, interesting cultural and historic sights, some wineries, some beaches, some small town charmers and, of course, Marina Dunes – the ultimate glamping location in the area that offers spacious cottages and brand new yurts! We found five fun things to do if you’re heading there:


1. Get Outside: You don’t visit this breathtaking, sunny, almost-always perfect weather location to stay indoors. Some outdoor adventure ideas include Asilomar State Beach, Elkhorn Slough, and the Path of History. Asilomar State Beach is where you will find the Asilomar Coast Trail, a 3.6 out-and-back trail along the rocky coast which is great for birding as well as viewing marine life and wildflower views. Take a nature safari at Elkhorn Slough and explore one of California’s largest wetlands, which is home to sea otters, harbor sea lions, and over 300 bird species. Tours last 1.5 to 2 hours and can be scheduled at elkhornslough.com. The Path of History is a unique way to learn the history of Monterey. This is a self-guided, roughly two-mile walking tour through the city that highlights historic structures as well as locations of historic events. For a detailed map, visit seemonterey.com. Or, follow the yellow tiles through town!

2. Storybook Homes: A trip to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula can seem to some like a fairy tale come true. What might make it seem even more so is a tour of the Storybook Cottages in the area. Designed by American designer and master builder Hugh Comstock in the 20s, 30s, and 40s, these are one-of-a-kind real life homes that look just like storybook cottages. Roughly 21 of the storybook homes remain in Carmel-by-the-Sea and a visit to the Carmel Visitor Center on Ocean Avenue will get you a map of them. Most of them are private residences so only the outside can be viewed, but The Tuck Box, an English tearoom, and the candy shop, Cottage of Sweets, are open to the public and are found in town.

Storybook Cottage

3. Carmel Valley Wineries: There are many interesting ways to sample the wines of the approximately 20 wineries that make their home in the Carmel Valley. For instance, there is the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk, a self-guided walking trail (carmelcalifornia.com/carmel-by-the-sea-wine-walk) around the lovely town or there is also the 5-hour, all-in with food and wine private trolley tour offered by toursmonterey.com. If you love the storybook homes, you may enjoy a visit to Folktale Winery and Vineyards, which is committed to 100% organic farming or if you’re looking for a French flair, Joullian Vineyards might do the trick. Georis Winery offers an adobe-style tasting room and the rustic Cowgirl Winery might be good for a gal’s trip tasting!

4. One of a Kinds: There are some experiences that can only be found in Monterey. For example, the Monterey Moon Tree was actually grown from seeds that were taken into space by Apollo 14 Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa. Roosa wanted to see what the effects of a trip to the moon could potentially have on the seeds. See the results for yourself – the coast redwood, aka The Moon Tree, can be found in Monterey’s Friendly Plaza, a small park near City Hall. Do you like bagpipes? Do you enjoy a good sunset? Combine them both with a one-of-a-kind experience at The Inn at Spanish Bay where each evening, rain or shine, a bagpiper comes to the first tee about 45 minutes before the sunset begins, and then strolls to the second tee and continues to play until the sun is set. Quite a lovely setting.

5. The Steinbeck Center: The National Steinbeck Center is dedicated to the legacy of author John Steinbeck, who was born in Salinas, the seat of Monterey County. The museum has an interesting array of displays depicting Steinbeck’s life and most famous books including The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden and Cannery Row (steinbeck.org). The Center offers more than just the history of John Steinbeck, but also provides exhibits that detail the agricultural and art history of the area. Another interesting Steinbeck experience could be a tour of his birthplace and boyhood home which is also a restaurant (steinbeckhouse.com).

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