Monterey in Two Days

With just a little more time to spend, the sightseeing opportunities open to short-stay visitors increase dramatically.

Spend the first morning on Cannery Row exploring the shops, galleries and world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Grab a coffee and stroll the Recreation Trail to Fisherman's Wharf and downtown Monterey to spend the afternoon whale watching. If weather discourages, spend a cozy lunch at the Wharf with a steaming bowl of chowder while watching the seals and otters frolic in the water below. Later, suggest that guests walk the Path of History through Old Monterey. Start at Custom House and Pacific House Museum, both near Fisherman's Wharf, and then go on to visit Cooper-Molera Adobe, Casa Serrano and Casa Soberanes.

On Day Two, drive the beautiful coast road connecting Monterey to Carmel, passing into Pebble Beach, celebrated for its superb golf courses and picturesque 17-Mile Drive. Carmel's leafy streets beckon guests to wander at their leisure, investigate innumerable art galleries, antique shops and quality boutiques, or play on its sugar-sand, dog-friendly beach before lunch.

As afternoon descends, head out to Carmel Valley. This is the sunniest part of the coast, equally regarded for its outstanding golf courses, horseback riding and hiking trails and world class wineries. Some offer winery and vineyard tours as well as tastings.

At Laureles Grade, choose to continue straight on to Carmel Valley Village for more wine tasting and antiquing, or return to the main highway and wind through oak- and sun-dappled hills to Salinas and the National Steinbeck Center.