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TOP WAYS TO GRAB LIFE BY THE MOMENTS IN MONTEREY by SeeMonterey.com
Adventure & Outdoor Challenges
- Hike to the top of Garrapata State Park, it's quite the view!
- Borrow a trusty steed and gallop along Moss Landing's pristine stretch of coastline.
- Sleuth the seas via Seven Seas Scuba with a SCUBA training program.
- Don't let the old military base intimidate you, Fort Ord National Monument is outstanding for mountain biking and hiking.
- See where fresh water meets the ocean at the 80-foot McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
- Catch some air with Monterey Bay Skydive and see the Monterey Peninsula with a bird's eye view.
- Hit the trails and explore the rugged beauty of Monterey County with a day hike.
- Get down to earth and pitch a tent at one of these Top 10 Campsites.
- Seek a rendezvous between a rock and a hard place while rock climbing at Pinnacles National Park.
- Roll down the windows, breath the fresh coastal air and venture down spectacular Highway One. Photo opps all along the way include the famous Bixby Bridge on your way to Big Sur for views like you've never seen before.
- Take a rollicking surrey ride with the family along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.
- Take to the sky and give hang gliding a try at above the sand dunes at Marina State Beach.
- Channel your inner cowboy and "dude up" for a cattle drive at V6 Ranch in Parkfield.
Food & Wine Challenges
- Sip a handcrafted wine in one of the many tasting rooms in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley.
- Eat like a local and sample a variety of ethnic munchies from Marina's diverse eateries.
- Challenge yourself to find the best clam chowder on Old Fishermen's Wharf.
- Savor fresh-off-the-farm fruit and veggies at one of our Farm Stands or a local Farmers' Market.
- See why Salinas Valley is the "Salad Bowl of the World" with an Ag Venture Tour through the lettuce fields.
- Take the road less traveled and jaunt around River Road in the Salinas Valley for epic views of the valley and tastings of killer Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
- Wet your whistle with a new local craft brew at Peter B's Brewpub or Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill.
- Try Monterey's favorite thistle at the Pezzini Farm Stand in Castroville or hit up the Artichoke Festival in late May.
Wildlife & Attraction Challenges
- Burn off excess energy at El Estero Park's Dennis the Menace Playground in Monterey.
- Watch sardines dance about the Open Sea exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- Book an African bungalow at Vision Quest Ranch and have an elephant deliver breakfast in bed.
- Connect with the most massive mammals of the sea on a year-round whale watching tour.
- Test your fear of heights at the Point Sur Lightstation in Big Sur.
- Gaze at the "greatest meeting of land and sea" at Point Lobos State Reserve where you might just spot a spouting whale in the distance.
- Go fly a kite above Monterey State Beach in Seaside.
- Lust over the million dollar mansions and Lone Cypress Tree along Pebble Beach's 17-Mile Drive.
- Feel miniature next to the farmer sculptures scattered around The Farm.
- Wave to a sea otter from your kayak or stand-up paddle board on Monterey Bay.
- Discover the orange and black beauties at Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary.
Art & History Challenges
- Take a stroll through memory lane and take the self-guided Path of History to many of Monterey's unique adobes and "firsts."
- See why the founder of the California mission system (Father Junipero Serra) found Carmel Mission to be his favorite.
- Visit the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, aka Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove.
- Learn about the romantic history behind Robinson Jeffers' Tor House in Carmel.
- Hop on a Segway Tour and see the historic sites in Monterey on a 21st century device.
- Recreate a scene from Clint Eastwood's "Play Misty For Me" as you drive passed the iconic Sardine Factory near Cannery Row.
- Munch on lunch at John Steinbeck's childhood home in Salinas.
- Drool over unique art pieces in the galleries and art exhibits in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- Take in an exhibition of natural history or nineteenth and twentieth century art and exciting work by todays emerging artists at one of the fine museums.
Romance & Relaxation Challenges
- Demand to be pampered at an award-winning spa with a view.
- Feel the "euphoria" after a few rounds of hot and cold plunges at the Refuge.
- Pucker up with your sweetie at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove.
- Cozy up at a beach fire on Carmel Beach and watch nature's spectacular sunset show.
- Kick back and relax in an Adirondack chair at the Big Sur River Inn.
Other Challenges
- Tee off at Bayonet Blackhorse Golf Courses; try not to be distracted by the view!
- Romp with "Fido" on beautiful Carmel Beach and afterwards head to Forge in the Forest where he will have his very own doggy menu.
- Take a selfie at Hurricane Point in Big Sur; it's sure to make your Facebook friends jealous.
- Make a wish list of all of the major events and festivals you plan to hit up throughout the year.
- Watch the luminous fog roll in around the banks of Pebble Beach.
- Mark your calendar for one of the adrenaline pumping races at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
- Play where the pros play and book a tee time at the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links or one of the other 25 courses in the county.
- Get weird at Sand City's West End Celebration happening every August.
THINGS TO DO IN SAN JOSE by SanJoseCa.Gov
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
1300 Senter Road, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: (408) 277-3000
Located in Kelley Park on the corner of Story and Senter Roads, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo has been providing affordable family entertainment, education, and fun since 1961. After closing its doors in 2000 for a $70 million green renovation, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo reopened its doors on March 20, 2010. The renovation included upgrades to beloved attractions such as Danny the Dragon and the Puppet Show Theater, as well as the additions of new animal exhibits, veterinary and commissary buildings, an education center, gift shop, public art, a sit-down restaurant and a new children’s roller coaster and carousel. This marvelous update has meshed the old with the new while maintaining its retro charm and solidifies Happy Hollow Park and Zoo as one of San Jose’s prime destinations for families with children.
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is a peaceful, creative, and safe place for children of all ages - with the main focus on "little ones" between the ages of 2-10.
Japanese Friendship Garden
1300 Senter Road, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: (408) 277 2757
Open Hours: 10am-sunset
Located in Kelley Park, this garden is modeled after Korakuen Park in Okayama, Japan, which is one of San Jose's sister cities. In a very peaceful, relaxing setting, enjoy the unique bridges, ponds and pathways that exquisitely demonstrate the fine art of classic Japanese landscape gardening. Visitors can even feed the fish. Visitors will always be immersed in a wide variety of colors, varying from wisteria lavenders to azalea pinks and depending on the season.
History Park
1650 Senter Road, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: (408) 918-1040
History Park is located at the south end of Kelley Park at the corner of Senter Road and Phelan Avenue. With 27 original and reproduction homes, businesses and landmarks History Park highlights Santa Clara Valley's past. Complete with paved streets, running trolleys and a cafe, this 14-acre site has the charm and ambiance of times gone by. Begin your visit at the Museum Store in the Pacific Hotel located in the center of History Park. Pick a map of the grounds and a list of open buildings or sign up for a docent led tour. Visit the stunning exhibit in the Main Gallery. Browse through the Museum Store for book by local authors and interesting gifts. Stop by the Museum Cafe at O'Brien's Candy Store for lunch and some treats!
Los Lagos Golf Course
2995 Tuers Road, San Jose, CA 95121
Phone: 408-361-0250 ext. 10
Los Lagos Golf Course Practice Facilities - wants to supplement your golf experience every step of the way. Beside lessons and club fitting to improve your golf game, the course also provides a variety of practice facilities; two-tiered driving range is the most apparent practice facility that is offered to customers. It includes a self-service, state-of-the-art swing recording system, the impractical Digital Swing Recorder.
Los Lagos Golf Course Pro Shop - is one of the best spots to find some of the best golf apparel and equipment. The store carries name brands such as Titleist, Cobra, Ping and FottJoy.
Los Lagos Restaurant - offers traditional American Cuisine with a taste of the local influences. Signature Omelettes and Burritos are some of the choices for breakfast while the lunch menu features a NY steak sandwich, Gilled Chicken, and ½ pound burger. Homemade Soup and salads are also available daily. Relax with a refreshing beverage as you enjoy the natural beauty of Los Lagos Golf Course.
The Capitol Flea Market
3630 Hillcap Ave, San Jose, CA 95136
Phone: (408) 225-5800
The Capitol Flea Market supports a diverse array of vendors selling unique and interesting items and produce at bargain prices. The market offers a complete snack bar with product from Nathan's famous Hot Dogs, Orville Redenbacher Popcorn and red Baron Pizza at value price.
Come and Visit Capitol Flea Market: Car Sale, Farmer's Market, Live Music, Old Fashioned Family Fun!, San Jose's Largest Garage Sale, No Reservations Necessary, and Free Parking. There is a Nice and Beautiful Movie Theater next to the Flea Market parking area.
Capitol Drive-in
3630 Hillcap Ave, San Jose, CA 95136
Phone: (408) 225-5800
Capitol Drive-In is the Largest Drive-In in town. It is owned by America's largest movie chain which is proud to keep the drive in running with first-run Hollywood movies. The drive-in presents double-features every night along with a generous children policy.
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
344 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95111
Phone: (408) 494-3247
Santa Clara County FairGround is the Silicon Valley's most affordable and accessible venue!
The County Fair is produced and presented by the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation, a non-profit service / educational organization under the auspices of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
GROUNDS: The Fairgrounds encompasses 158 acres with seven major buildings, an Arena with 35,000 sq. feet of space, five event stages, and a satellite wagering facility.
A flexible facility perfect for Trade Shows, Home Shows, RV Shows and Sales, Corporate Meetings, Team Building, Weddings, Quinceañeras, Concerts and Festivals, Auto Shows & Sales, Fund Raisers, and any indoor or outdoor event. The Fairgrounds offers 167,000 square feet under roof, 20 acres of lawn and paved outdoor space, plus 40 acres of parking.
The Velodrome at Coyote-Hellyer Park
995 Hellyer Ave, San Jose, CA 95111
Phone: (408) 225-0225
Are you an avid or aspiring cyclist? Would you like to learn how to ride a fixed gear bike in a safe, controlled environment? Come to the Velodrome at Hellyer Park! There are beginner sessions Saturdays at 8:30 AM year round (rain cancels). Juniors (under 18) can rent track bikes, train, attend coaching sessions and contest many races for free. Adults are $5 for beginner and training sessions, $5 to rent a track bike. This is an excellent opportunity for adult and junior cyclists to participate in skill development sessions and learn how to ride the velodrome, one of only 22 in the US. Spectators are always welcome, no charge, and you might have the opportunity to watch a State, National, World champion or Olympic hopeful training at the Velodrome.