7 adventures to have in Monterey County

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Firmly launched into the spotlight thanks to two seasons of Reese Witherspoon hit, Big Little Lies, this charming region encompasses dramatic coastline, picturesque fishing villages, sprawing vineyards and fantastic food and drink. There’s an adventure to be had in every corner; here are Audley’s favourites...

1. Soak up its maritime heritage

Set right by the Pacific, the tiny town of Monterey has long been associated with seafaring, going back to Native American times. When the Spanish arrived in the 16^th century, fishing communities were established which remain to this day. Monterey’s waters are rich with the likes of salmon, halibut, rockfish, and, perhaps most famously, sardines; you can still visit the renowned Cannery Row, which was, until the aftermath of World War II, home to a booming sardine-canning industry which started in the 19^th century after the advances in preservation techniques. Today, rather than the busy hum of canning, the colourful buildings are now filled with galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Here you’ll also find the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is dedicated to marine conservation and education, and abounds with fascinating species.

2. Go whale-watching

It’s a sad truth that Monterey used to have a whaling industry – established in the mid 19^th century – but since that ended, numbers are thriving and today they’re only hunted by cameras. Attracted by the cold, food-rich and mile-deep submarine canyon just offshore, humpbacks, blue whales, grey whales, minkes, orcas, dolphins and porpoises can all be spotted around Monterey Bay. Another good departure point is Moss Landing, twenty miles north of Monterey; located at the mouth of Elkhorn Slough, it’s al so home to a diverse marine ecosystem. The scenery around Big Sur offers a stunning backdrop to any whale sighting, and you don’t necessarily even need to step onto a boat; you can often spot migrating grey whales from designated lookout points along Highway 1.

3. Try seafood in Old Fisherman's Wharf

A short stroll from Monterey’s Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a lively, buzzy part of the town which stretches out into the ocean. It started as a pier for passenger and freight ships in 1846, but was being used by commercial fishing boats by the 1900s. After over-fishing led to the collapse of the industry, the pier gradually evolved into a place for restaurants and shops, and gained a new lease of life. Today you can take your pick from dozens of seafood restaurants where what’s on your plate was, just a short time before, in the water. Chow down on authentic clam chowder at the Old Fisherman’s Grotto, tuck into Abalonetti Bar & Grill’s famous calamari, and don’t miss the Dungeness crab cakes at the Fish Hopper.

4. Hike through Jacks Peak County Park

Jacks Peak County Park boasts the highest point on the Monterey Peninsula, rising 325m above Monterey and Carmel. Sprawling over 525 acres, it originally got its name from Scottish immigrant David Jack, who acquired a tract of land which encompassed it in 1859. It offers outdoor enthusiasts nearly nine miles of hiking trails, which wend through cathedral-like forests of Monterey pine trees, oak woodlands and meadows, up to breathtaking ridge-top vistas. There are 11 trails to choose from, for every range of ability – take the Skyline Nature Trail up across the summit where you might even spot fossils along the path. Don’t forget to pack a picnic, as you’ll want to stop and marvel at the views over Monterey Bay, Carmel Valley and the surrounding mountains.

5. Wander its wineries

The first ever winemakers here were Franciscan friars, who planted vines in the late 18^th century. Monterey County only began commercially producing wine in the 1960s, but it’s made rapid strides in terms of quality and recognition since. This is aided in no small part by the region’s unique geography and climate: cool air coming in from the Pacific has led to excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, while Bordeaux and Rhone varietals thrive in warmer inland valleys. Today there are over 150 vineyards, many committed to sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming practices. One of the best places to start is by following the River Road Wine Trail, which tracks the western banks of the Salinas River. It’s lined with wineries and tasting rooms, including Pessagno, Manzoni, and Scheid Vineyards.

6. Drive along Big Sur

Big Sur is, quite simply, one of the world’s most spectacular stretches of coastline. Again, if you were a fan of Big Little Lies, you might have wondered at its beauty during the opening credits, which showcased some of its highlights - including the impressively-arched, canyon-spanning Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California. Running for 90 miles from Carmel down to San Simeon, there are many beautiful places to stop at along the way. Stretch tired legs at one of the magnificent state parks; explore the redwood groves at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, or enjoy the tranquillity of lakes and forest at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. And make time to stop for lunch at Nepenthe, whose hilltop location provides unbeatable ocean views.

7. Explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Wildlife and wild ocean views are just two of the reasons to visit this drop-dead-gorgeous coastal park and reserve, a few minutes drive south of Carmel. One of the richest marine habitats in California, you might spot sea otters, harbour seals or sea lions in its turquoise waters and even, in migrating season, grey or blue whales. Explore its beauty underwater; despite the reserve’s protection of the ecosystem, divers and snorkelers are allowed to observe its beds of kelp, anemones, sea stars and, of course, fish. On land, dozens of hiking trails traverse through meadows, forests, and along coastal cliffs, some leading to hidden coves or revealing spectacular ocean viewpoints. You can also take a guided walk to learn more about the history, ecology and geology of the area.

About the experts

If you have no idea where to start when planning a trip, put yourself into the safe hands of tour operator Audley, who have vast experience in California, and offer many different itineraries in the state. They can advise on the best places to go, where to eat, and what to do.

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