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CA Road Trips: Monterey & Carmel

Last Leg of Our California Road Trip

Revised 4/2021

Dear Polite Travelers,

For those of you who have been following along with my latest road trip, the next few sentences probably read like, “Blah, blah, blah.”  However, for those of you who have just tuned in, here is a little background to my road trip series of posts.


My baby sis enjoying her birthday
My Sis Cheryl
My baby sister just turned 60 and wanted to spend her special day with family at the happiest place on earth.  Since LA is a mere seven hours from our California hamlet, we decided to drive and take the slow road home through some of the most beautiful places in our state.  Sounds great, huh?  Well, besides the southern California drive.  (SOCAL has crazy traffic!!)

Note: Follow CDC and county guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.   

Smell that salt air.

Leaving Paso Robles early in the morning, we headed up highway 101 to Monterey.  It is a lovely 2-1/2-hour (includes a short stop at a Starbucks—yum) trip.  Most of the landscape is agricultural—green and fertile.  Reaching the salad bowl of the west, Salinas, we took the CA68 west toward Pacific Grove/Pebble Beach highway.  It didn’t take long before a familiar smell wafted through our vehicle.  Ah, the Pacific!  

Monterey Bay, CA

Monterey

As our destination was Carmel, we had a measly few hours in this iconic ocean-side city.  Even though I’ve visited countless times, I always find something new, especially when visiting the wharf.  I love the vibe of the place.  The people...the restaurants...the shops...perfect.   During our short stay, servers of almost all the restaurants welcomed passersby with samples of clam chowder.  It smelled yummy.   



As we looked out into the bay, we could see several different types of seals, sea lions, and otters.  It isn’t unusual, however, to also see dolphins and humpback whales.  For our next trip, I vow to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  The current buzz is around their amazing, colorful octopus.

Note: Pandemic rules change most everything right now.  But remember.  This is only temporary.  Be kind and plan well.  Some deals, restaurants, and even activities, such as the aquarium, may change or be nonexistent for now.

Shops on Monterey Bay wharf

It was a typical sunny day for this temperate climate, and I had forgotten my wide-brimmed hat.  Consequently, we dipped into several souvenir-filled shops where we found countless knickknacks representing the coast/California/sports teams, etc.  You name it.  If it is California coast-related, you will probably find it here.  However, even though there were numerous shirts and baseball caps, I didn’t find one that spoke to me.  I have a surprise coming in Carmel.

Dunes of Carmel CA

Carmel by the Sea

Carmel can be a tad chilly since it is so close to the ocean and those ocean breezes.  However, we were lucky to find mild warm weather for our 1-1/2 days devoted to this idyllic ocean-side city, home to the, now deceased, Doris Day and Clint Eastwood.  References to these two celebs were everywhere.  If you are lucky, he could be sitting next to you at one of the abundant, excellent restaurants.  One of which we visited for a marvelous early dinner.

A Girl’s Gotta Eat...Wait!  They’re gone?

Since this is an update on my previous post.  I’ve found the pandemic hit one of our favorite dining establishments and one we visited on this last trip.  If possible, please visit a local diner to support them so they don’t suffer the same fate as: Le St. Tropez.  Very sad. 

One of the many art pieces found around Carmel, CA

About Town

In my opinion, the most rewarding activity in Carmel is walking the enchanting streets.  There, one can find family-friendly parks, a cadre of shops, bars and restaurants, and the occasional street art.

Unfortunately all the businesses I visited on my last trip are gone.  Check with the Carmel Chamber of Commerce for an update on what is available before your visit. 

My Surprise

As I mentioned previously, I forgot my wide-brimmed hat to protect me from the bright sunshine.  So, even though I doubted I would find anything reasonably priced in this touristy town, I kept my eyes open for an opportunity.  

Rebecca Black enjoying morning coffee in Carmel, CA

Since Carmel is actually a small-town catering to a large number of tourists, there are many unique boutique shops tucked inside courtyards located between street-facing buildings—very interesting.  Thus, as we were venturing around town, we came across one such courtyard full of classy boutiques.  One, luckily for me, was an old-fashion hat shop.  They even make many of their own hats.  Although I don’t typically favor baseball caps, I instantly fell for the beauty in the above picture. 

I hope you enjoy your visit to Monterey and Carmel.  Please share your experiences with us. 

Please Read

Mobility Issues: Paso Robles, CA

Review: Paso Robles, CA

Amtrak Coast Starlight Review 




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