Introduction A sea lion basks in the sun at Monterey's Coast Guard Pier while tourists eagerly snap photos. Soon bored with the attention, he slips into Monterey Bay's chilly waters and floats next to Fisherman's Wharf, where visitors feast on fresh catches at seafood restaurants or wait to board a whale-watch cruise. A gaggle of people aim their cameras at the sea lion, hoping for a souvenir-worthy shot, but instead he goes into an underwater nosedive, oblivious to the stylish boutiques, cafés and wine-tasting rooms lining Cannery Row.
Hardly breaking for air, the sea lion cruises by Lovers Point Beach, the stately white lighthouse at Point Pinos and pastel-colored Victorians in the seaside community of Pacific Grove. He passes golfers tackling challenging championship courses at Pebble Beach, motorists pulling over to admire the gorgeous views along 17-Mile Drive and beachgoers lazing the day away along Carmel's picture-perfect stretch of sand. Finally, he wriggles onto a sun-warmed rock at Seal Point, joining hundreds of his loudly barking kin at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. This sea lion may not know it, but he's just traced a route that sums up the Monterey Peninsula's enduring appeal for generations of visitors.
Monterey Peninsula, CA
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AAA/CAA Preferred Best Western Rewards® members who complete 2 eligible nights, either separate or consecutive, between February 6 and May 7, 2023 at any Best Western® Hotels and Resorts-branded hotel in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean will earn 8,000 bonus points following completion of the eligible nights.
Best Western Park Crest Inn1100 Munras Ave. Monterey, CA 93940
Book NowMembers save up to 10% and earn World of Hyatt points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Hyatt Carmel Highlands120 Highlands Dr. Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay1441 Canyon Del Rey. Seaside, CA 93955
Book NowMembers save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Monterey Marriott350 Calle Principal. Monterey, CA 93940
Book NowAs a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.