Carmel/Monterey Attractions & Things to Do

Carmel and the Monterey Bay area offer scores of fun things to do any time of year, including family activities, cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and crowd-pleasing festivals. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Big Sur, Cannery Row, and Pebble Beach are just a few of the top attractions located within close proximity to Best Western PLUS Carmel Bay View Inn.

Things to Do near Best Western PLUS Carmel Bay View Inn

Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a premier institution for marine science and exhibits pertaining exclusively to the Monterey Bay. The aquarium is home to more than 550 animal and plant species. The Out Bay Waters exhibit is the aquarium's largest. The million-gallon tank houses a variety of marine life including sea turtles, sharks and tuna. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is open daily, except December 25. Visit www.montereybayaquarium.org.

Pebble Beach.
Pebble Beach is the upscale beachfront community, that boasts the legendary and historic Lodge at Pebble Beach and Pebble Beach Golf Links golf course. Other Pebble Beach attractions include 17 Mile Drive, and The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and Poppy Hills Golf Course. Pebble Beach is the host site for such world-class events as the annual AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Golf Tournament,Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the 2010 U.S. Open Golf Tournament. Visit www.pebblebeach.com.

Carmel Mission.
Officially known as San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, the Carmel Mission is a stunning Carmel landmark. The mission was founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra and was designated as the headquarters of all California missions. Carmel Mission features five museums, including the room in which Father Serra died in 1784, and exquisite grounds flourishing with flower gardens. Catholic mass is observed daily at Carmel Mission. Visit www.carmelmission.org.

Point Lobos State Natural Preserve.

www.pointlobos.org, 3 miles Point Lobos State Natural Preserve, located three miles south of Carmel, offers hiking and jogging trails, picnic areas, and quiet areas for observing the unique natural beauty of the rugged coastline. Point Lobos is a popular site for nature photographers and artists. Docent-led walking tours are available. Visit www.pointlobos.org.

Big Sur.
Big Sur, located 26 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, is one of the most photographed regions of the California coast. Known for its rugged shoreline of rocky cliffs, Big Sur offers unparalleled scenic beauty. A number of quaint eateries and shops and lookout points dot Highway 1 through Big Sur. Visit www.bigsurcalifornia.org.

Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance.

The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is the premier automobile showcase that celebrates only 175 of world's most rare makes and models. The annual exhibition and fundraising event takes place on the famous 18th fairway at the Pebble Beach Golf Links golf course. Exhibitors are by invitation only. Automobiles are judged for technical merit, historical accuracy and style. Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is held on the third Sunday in August. Visit www.pebblebeachconcours.net.

AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

The annual AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is a PGA championship golf tournament held every February at the Pebble Beach Golf Links golf course. Top PGA professionals team up with celebrities, musicians and other professional athletes to compete for a prize purse worth $6.4 million. The field consists of 156 pros and 156 amateurs. Past winners include: Mark O'Meara, Phil Michelson, Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, and Jack Nicklaus. Past amateur competitors include: Peyton Manning, Bill Murray, Andy Garcia, Kenny G, Greg Kinnear and Huey Lewis. Visit www.attpbgolf.com.

Cannery Row
Long before Cannery Row in Monterey was a primary tourist destination of shops, restaurants, attractions and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it was an industrial hotbed for the nation's sardine canning industry. Life on Cannery Row was immortalized in John Steinbeck's novel Cannery Row. Today, Cannery Row is a bustling center offering a variety of family activities and fun things to do. Visit www.canneryrow.com.

Fisherman's Wharf Monterey

Located at Monterey Harbor, Old Fisherman's Wharf is a Monterey Bay landmark. Originally constructed in 1870 by the Pacific Coast Steamship Company, Old Fisherman's Wharf today offers dozens of delicious restaurants, gift shops, and activities such as fishing charters and whale watching cruises. Visit www.montereywharf.com.

Big Sur International Marathon

Runner's World magazine named the Big Sur International Marathon one of the three best marathons in the country and the nation's best destination marathon. Highway 1 is the course, offering stunning ocean, redwood forest and mountain views. The Big Sur marathon is limited to six hours due to its Highway 1 location. Participants much reach mile 22 within five hours in order to proceed to the finish line. The Big Sur International Marathon is the biggest rural marathon in the world. Visit www.bsim.org.