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What to Do in Monterey Sign up for a whale-watch cruise. The sight of these magnificent creatures bursting skyward from the sea creates lasting vacation memories.
Bask in the sun or take a walk on one of the peninsula's many beaches—Carmel, Fan Shell and Lovers Point are among the choices. Equestrians can ride horses on Pebble Beach's splendid stretch.
Visit the barking sea lions lolling on the Coast Guard Pier in Monterey Bay. Their hilarious antics are worthy of a circus act.
Spend time at Cannery Row, immortalized in John Steinbeck's classic novel. Restaurants and shops now inhabit the canneries, but the vintage structures provide a nostalgic sense of the 1930s fishing boomtown.
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Play a round of golf on a world-renowned course. Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Poppy Hills and Spanish Bay all boast spectacular scenery as well as challenging layouts that will give duffers a run for their money.
Peruse quaint shops and art galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea . This idyllic community has many quiet, tree-shaded side streets lined with architecturally interesting cottages and beautifully manicured gardens.
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Indulge in a bread bowl filled with tasty clam chowder on Fisherman's Wharf. Souvenir shopping, fishing and people-watching also are popular pastimes at the pier.
Take a drive; a portion of the Pacific Coast Highway winds along Monterey's craggy coastline. Pebble Beach's 17-Mile Drive is especially scenic.
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Tour a winery. There are 10 officially recognized wine-producing regions within Monterey County, and more than two dozen wineries have tasting rooms where you can sample award-winning selections.
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Do as the locals do. Take an evening stroll down Alvarado Street in Monterey and have coffee or dessert in a bistro. If you're around on a Tuesday afternoon, stop at the farmer's market and shop for fresh produce, baked goods and locally made crafts.
Monterey Peninsula, CA
Top AAA Diamond Hotels
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
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
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Members 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
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Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Monterey Marriott350 Calle Principal. Monterey, CA 93940
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Find a AAA OfficeAs 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.