Carmel & Monterey
A Storybook Village with a Soupçon of Drama
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a storybook town nestled into an impressive stretch of coastline. It is home to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance which you can not afford. However, the hike along Point Lobos after a storm will make all other coastal hikes look like a trip to the grocery store. Our favorite hotel is La Playa with their dark, wood paneled pub and stunning champagne breakfast which you can almost afford if you don’t eat for a day or so afterward. The 17 Mile Drive is a leisurely cruise with several places to get out and enjoy the view. The fact that you have to pay to drive the route does stick in my craw, however. You can make up for all of this road snobbery by hiking for free!
The Monterey Aquarium is probably the best in the US, maybe the world, and it’s not just for kids! The jelly fish are the main attraction, but you can easily spend all day there. And you should.
