More than 346 resident and migratory bird species are found in Elkhorn Slough. The Elkhorn Slough Reserve has six miles of trails through oak woodlands, wetlands and meadows. The reserve also includes a visitor center and picnic areas; guided walks are offered on Saturdays and Sundays. This makes it possible to explore a variety of habitats on foot, while the birdlife offers its own reason to visit.

Birdlife and Water

There are also ways to experience Elkhorn Slough on the water: kayaking is possible along a seven-mile main channel and smaller side channels. In Monterey County, you can watch whales and dolphins year-round. Species include blue whales, humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, sperm whales and orcas. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers opportunities for sailing, fishing, whale watching, kayaking, surfing and scuba diving. It is also a habitat for 26 species of marine mammals and 94 species of seabirds.

One specific whale-watching option is the Daily Monterey Bay Whale Watch Tour, which is offered every day. Check current times and availability before your trip. At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, two tanks offer different measures of scale: the Kelp Forest tank is 28 feet high, while the Open Sea tank holds 1.2 million gallons. Height and capacity represent two different dimensions.

Coasts, Rocks and Trails

Asilomar Dunes Habitat Natural Preserve sits above a coastal trail that runs along white-sand beaches and rocky tide pools. At Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, an 80-foot waterfall plunges from granite cliffs into the waters of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Redwood, tan oak, madrone and chaparral characterize the vegetation there.

Point Sur Lightstation stands on a large volcanic rock 361 feet above the Pacific Ocean. It was first commissioned on August 1, 1889. Pinnacles National Park features a different geological formation: past volcanic eruptions shaped its rock spires and deep canyons. The park is also known for its rare talus caves. Hiking options range from short, family-friendly outings to challenging treks.

At Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, diving is permitted only in Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove. The trails from Whalers Cove include the Cabin Trail. Fort Ord has more than 80 miles of trails through areas of scenic and historical significance. The 17-Mile Drive runs from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach; The Lone Cypress is one of its natural features.

History, Architecture and Literature

Monterey State Historic Park includes more than ten historic buildings and sites within a half-mile radius of Custom House Plaza. Guided historic walks and house tours offer different ways to explore these sites. On July 7, 1846, Commodore John D. Sloat raised the American flag at the Custom House, marking the official takeover of California by the U.S. military.

Asilomar State Beach is home to the historic Y.W.C.A. conference facilities, designed by architect Julia Morgan. Whalers Cabin is a museum of cultural history. The National Steinbeck Center offers insights into the life and work of John Steinbeck. Its offerings include interactive, multisensory exhibits for all ages, rare artifacts and seven themed theaters.

Regional Connections and Wine

Highway 101 crosses Monterey County and provides access to all the cities in the Salinas Valley as well as the Monterey Peninsula. Highway 1 offers scenic views of the California coast within the county. The two highways therefore represent different aspects of getting around: regional connections on the one hand and coastal views on the other.

Monterey County has walk-in tasting rooms in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Winery and vineyard properties can be found along River Road and in Carmel Valley. The tasting rooms and the properties in the valley or along River Road offer different places to visit for wine enthusiasts.

Discover more destinations: Big Sur, Carmel Valley, Carmel-By-The-Sea, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Sand City, King City, Greenfield, Salinas, Seaside, Soledad, San Lucas, Spreckels, Moss Landing, Las Lomas.

For the main travel overview: California.