Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties - Monterey, Big Sur and Santa Cruz
plus John Steinbeck Country and the Salinas Valley
Monterey Spanish and Mexican History, plus the Fremont Street Market
So much attention is devoted to Monterey tourism elsewhere that I will just mention my favorite hotels, places and events. Let's start with the Fremont Street Market.National Steinbeck Center and Historic Downtown Salinas - A Step Back in Time
The National Steinbeck Center is a great experience - don't miss historic downtown Salinas (adjacent to the museum). Monterey may be a more famous travelers destination with fine hotels, golf courses and the Aquarium Don't miss the Aquarium, and don't miss the Steinbeck Center.Just a short 30 minute drive from Monterey along Highway 68, the National Steinbeck Center is a new-style interactive museum. It will be interesting to adults whether they have read Steinbeck or not, plus the kids will find many hands-on interactive museum exhibits.
My favorite item in the National Steinbeck Center is the authentic truck camper from Travels With Charley. Once you're done in the museum, take a stroll through downtown and find a great mix of traditional businesses alongside new and modern restaurants. You can find Thai food if you want, or check out the special opening times and menus at the Steinbeck house just blocks from the museum.
DRIVING NOTE - Highway 68 is a two lane highway commute route between Monterey and Salinas. Expect heavy traffic toward Monterey in the morning rush, and expect long lines returning to Salinas after 3:30-4pm, lasting until 5:30-6:30pm.
Big Sur -- The Last Frontier
Big Sur is isolated by geography and politics. Jutting suddenly out of the ocean, the Santa Lucia Range makes up the dark mountains that John Steinbeck wrote of. Just a (relatively) short distance east of the Santa Lucia Range is the Salinas Valley that was the setting for East of Eden and other works, including famous Steinbeck short stories.About 30 miles south of Corral de Tierra is the political isolator for Big Sur. Forth Hunter Ligget, an army training base, is accessible from either the north or south Jolon Road exits which straddle King City along Hwy 101. At times you can access Big Sur via Fort Hunter Ligget and Ferguson-Nacimiento Road. It's wise to call ahead to the CHP and ask in times of bad weather.
I should make a clarification here: when I speak of Big Sur, I have in mind a stretch of coast and inland mountains beginning just South of Carmel Highlands, including Point Lobos State Park, Palo Colorado road,
NOTE on FERGUSON-NACIMIENTO ROAD and Fort Hunter Liggett Military Reservation: If you plan to take this route, be sure to have you license, reg and insurance in good order! You must pass a military checkpoint before you drive across the military land to access either the mission or the Big Sur Coast via Ferguson-Nacimiento Road.
The guard will check your car, and will definitely issue a ticket if anything is not in order. Take my word for it, I got a ticket for "no registration in possession." I was happy to have an excuse to return and pay off the ticket at the Police HQ on the base. It's probably not necessary to tell you not to carry drugs or any other illegal items here, by entering the base you are subject to search and federal law! Hippies should take the coast route via Highway 1.
Crown and Anchor Pub
Mucky Duck Pub
Monterey Cafe
Historic Adobe Tours
Marine Museum
If you stand at the beach in Big Sur and look back up at the mountains you might see these views.
Monterey Hotels
You will have to look elsewhere for ratings on motels -- there are many good ones.
I only stay in Monterey with family, otherwise I camp. I can say the following hotels have always provided excellent service, on-balance. Just don't pay much more than $100/night for a room, try going more off season, ask for a AAA discount or a senior discount.
Monterey (Hilton) Doubletree - 831 649 4511 Best location, right on the historic plaza by Fisherman's Wharf. Bills itself as 5-star, I call it "a great convention hotel." It's hard to have decent prices and personally serve 1000+ guests. Nicely remodeled rooms, great bayview rooms for a price. My favorite.
Monterey Marriot - Never stayed there, right behind the Doubletree, better views, higher prices, should have that typically great Marriot room service
Monterey Hyatt -- Golf Course Resort
831 372 1234 This older but modern property has a more casual pace than the beehive downtown hotels. Located a bit out of downtown, conveniently next to the freeway. This is classic 1970's Monterey living at it's best. The tradition of golf course view rooms continues. Often quotes $200+ prices, ask for senior or other discounts. I wouldn't pay more than $130 to stay here, watch for specials.
