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    Where to stay? The choices are as varied as Monterey County's landscape. Quaint, decadent, understated, austere - which beckons you? From historic mansions...more
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    Monterey County is a mecca for all things active. By paddle, pedal, foot or golf cart, you're going to have ample opportunity to move and do. Only here,...more
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    Food & Wine

    Gastronomic stimulation is a hallmark of any memorable travel experience. And here again, Monterey County does not disappoint. The diversity of culinary...more
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    Destinations

    You would never tire of driving the 99 miles of Monterey County coastline in either direction. But as hard as it might be to take your eyes or mind off the...more
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Monterey County's Top 20 Secret Spots

Tucked away within Monterey County are places that you may not have heard of, but will definitely want to explore. Here are some of our favorite "secret spots" to play, taste and discover.

1. UFO (unscheduled feeding opportunities) and wildlife sightings at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Visitors can sign up for text message alerts to be notified of feeding and enrichment programs with sharks, a giant Pacific octopus, bat rays, sardines and more.

2. Pacific Grove's Museum of Natural History has exhibits that intrigue all ages. The Point Pinos Lighthouse exhibit features haunting images of shipwrecks dating back to the 1870s. Call ahead at (831) 648-5716 to find out when docents are on site for free tours.

3. Undercover foodie find! The chef's table at Marinus at Bernardus Lodge is the hautest seat in the house, where you can watch course after course prepared by Chef Cal Stamenov. The table area's wall is covered with notes from celebrities who have dined here including Leonardo DiCaprio and Julia Childs. For reservations, call (831) 658-3595.

4.Designed by famed architect Julia Morgan, Asilomar Conference Grounds is home to the Proposal Bench, perfect for catching sunsets and taking on all matters of the heart. You'll see it as you stroll along Asilomar's boardwalk through the sand dunes.

5. Twilight bike rides at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca are a great way to experience the track for just $10. No Ferarri required! Upcoming rides are set for May 18, June 15, July 20, August 10, September 14, October 19, November 16 and December 14.

6. Secret, wild and teeming with wildlife, China Cove at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a top spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Currently, visitors are reporting sightings of female harbor seals and their pups.

7. 17 Mile Drive is no secret, but few cyclists know they can cruise right past the toll booth and ride their bike along this scenic road for free. Don't miss picnic tables tucked along the way for views of the waves crashing onto craggy rock formations that dot the coast that frames Pebble Beach.

8. Follow the Monterey Path of History and stop by Monterey City Hall at 570 Pacific Street to see century-old oil paintings of the area.

9. The Soberanes Canyon Trail in Garrapata State Park offers dramatic microclimates, several creek crossings and towering redwoods. Here, steep climbs are rewarded by impressive ocean views. For a more leisurely hike across the coastal bluffs, try the trails that lead to Garrapata State Beach. Garrapata State Park is truly a hidden gem and tricky to spot from the road. For park information and driving directions, visit our page on Garrapata State Park.

10. Head into the Ventana Wilderness and point your compass to Arroyo Seco Gorge for super secret swimming holes. The lower pools near the Arroyo Seco Campground are the easiest to get to, but a challenging hike to the upper pools is rewarded with a more private Shangri-la.

11. Many know of Carmel's San Carlos Borroméo de Caremlo Mission, but Mission San Antonio de Padua tends to fly under the radar. The mission's museum, complete with an archeological exhibit of artifacts excavated from the grounds, is fascinating. Mission San Antonio is located on a military base, so bring your photo identification and registration for your car.

12. The otters floating near Moss Landing State Beach add to the laid-back surfer vibe at the southern end of the parking lot. Looking east towards the marina, you'll see a large group (called a "raft") of these beloved critters that reside in this spot year-round.

13. Head to the outdoor fire pits at the Inn at Spanish Bay for alfresco beverages. A lone bagpiper plays a serenade everyday at sunset.

14. Fort Ord Public Lands hosts a network of trails. Park on Inter Garrison Road and head towards Henneken's Ranch Road. The trail winds through grassy bluffs and eucalyptus forests toward Impossible Canyon. Hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers in the know go here to feel completely alone and one with nature. A complete map can be found at the Bureau of Land Management website.

15. Kids go wild over Dennis the Menace Playground at El Estero Park in Monterey. Make sure to rent a paddle boat to peddle around nearby Lake El Estero.

16. The Cheese Shop at the Carmel Plaza is the perfect spot to slip in for cheese tastings and cheese and wine pairing advice. Discover new international and regional cheeses in this friendly setting and you'll know why locals rave about this place.

17. The view from Holman Ranch overlooking Carmel Valley will take your breath away. The property also offers horseback rides on a network of private trails.

18. Monterey County is a golfer's paradise, with courses like Pebble Beach topping many golfers' bucket lists. For tee time on a dime with similar views of crashing waves and stoic cypress trees, head to Pacific Grove Golf Links, known as the "Poor Man's Pebble Beach." Green fees here start at under $40.

19. It's no secret author John Steinbeck was born in Salinas, but did you know you can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the house where he was born? The Steinbeck House, located at 132 Central Avenue (two blocks from the National Steinbeck Center) in Salinas, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hours of operation vary; call (831) 424-2735 for reservations.

20. It's hard to beat the iconic coastal scenery, sea spray and lavender-tinted sand at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. There's no sign on scenic Highway 1 that marks the entry, but coming from the north it's easy to spot the turnoff, just past the entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The sharp right turn onto Sycamore Canyon could be what makes this treasured beach such a well kept secret!