All Season Pardise
Situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco , Monterey 's dramatic ocean scenery, pristine pine forests and historic communities beckon adventure seekers, seafarers, artists, writers and vacationers to California 's spectacular Central Coast . With 99 miles of breathtaking Pacific coastline, Monterey County is a all season paradise for an array of recreational activities, attractions, water sports, special events, fine dining, arts and culture, wine tasting or for a romantic getaway. The Monterey Peninsula is famous for its exceptional natural beauty and golf courses.

Exciting Attractions
From the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium to the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas , Monterey County offers an abundance of things to see and do. Cannery Row, an eclectic collection of shops, restaurants, clubs, galleries and a turn-of-the-century carousel; Fisherman's Wharf; The Maritime Museum; Monterey Wine Country; Carmel by-the-Sea; whale watching; cuisine from continental to California, and all kinds of aquatic activities are a few of Monterey's exciting attractions.

Monterey 's Rich History
The history of Monterey is part of its charm, with its rich heritage written in its adobes, mission bells, gardens and lighthouses. History buffs enjoy walking Monterey 's Path of History , finding landmarks like Custom House, Cooper-Molera Adobe, and The House of the Blue Gate. Point Pinos Lighthouse, built in 1855, on the northernmost tip of the peninsula is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Discover Nature
If you love the outdoors, go tide-pooling along the rocky shore, ride horseback over open meadows, or hike in one of Monterey 's nature preserves . Spiritual seekers might find inspiration at Esalen in Big Sur, or by walking the new labyrinth near the mouth of Carmel Valley . Learn about wildlife in the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, drive through Pebble Beach 's 17-Mile Drive , home to shoreline birds, harbor and elephant seals, or hike towering cliffs in the Pinnacles National Monument .  [Top]

Family Fun!
Monterey offers wonderful activities and attractions for families and kids, such as MY Museum, a hands-on place where kids can make a TV program, and the adventure playground of Dennis the Menace Park , where tots can climb aboard a locomotive. Kids love watching sea otters roll and tumble in the Monterey Bay Aquarium , riding the merry-go-round in the old Edgewater Packing Company on Cannery Row, flying kites on Seaside 's sandy beach, paddle boating on Lake El Estero, or steering a four-wheeled surrey along the waterside Recreation Trail. Older children can kayak past seals or scuba dive in Monterey 's sheltered bay, or grind at the new skateboard park.

Downtown Monterey - The path of History encircles a bustling downtown shopping area, with tree-lined streets filled with shops, movie theaters, popular cafes and bars, and some great Italian restaurants. Alvarado Street closes every Tuesday afternoon for an extensive framers market and crafts fair.  [Top]

Monterey Conference Center - Located in the heart of historic Monterey , the Monterey Conference Center features 58,000 square feet over three levels of outstanding meeting space including an exhibit hall, ballroom, a 490-foot theater, luxurious boardroom, breakouts, patios, galleries, terraces and banquet facilities. The conference center is just steps away from Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Monterey Bay - Monterey Bay is a lively port for fun and exploration - a playground for both sea life and land-kind. Venture into the vibrant Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the world's largest protected ocean habitat. Dive lush kelp forests and watch sea otters scoop up lunch. Kayak waterways shared with dolphins and sea lions. Sail indigo waters and glide with gray whales migrating through the sanctuary both in winter and spring. Touch a starfish and marvel at the greatness of an 87-foot whale skeleton while exploring underworld mysteries at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center . As evening falls, watch the last orange streak of sunset fade into the resting waters.

Monterey Bay Whale Watching - Monterey Bay is one of the world's prime whale watching zones, attracting visitors to the beaches and whale-watching boats for a glimpse of the whales as they migrate through the Bay, traveling 12,000 miles round-trip from their summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to their winter breeding grounds in Baja California. The Monterey Submarine Canyon is close to the shore, allowing deep-water whales and dolphins to live and breed near the coast. These waters are an extremely productive feeding area for many species, such as the Gray Whale, Killer Whale, Humpback Whale, Blue Whale and Baird's Beaked Whale. Both Monterey and Moss Landing harbors offer whale watching excursions during the popular gray whale migration every winter and spring, as well as opportunities to see humpbacks, blues, orcas, dolphins, porpoise and nearshore animals throughout the year. Setting out on a whale watching cruise is the best way to guarantee seeing whales, with commentary and information from the captains and on-board naturalists.  [Top]

Fisherman's Wharf - Fisherman's Wharf and the waterfront district in downtown Monterey is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. Head to the museums of Fort Mason and the expanse of green parkland along the Marina district , which afford excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge . This is a great place to take in the sights and sounds and smells of Monterey . Because neighboring Wharf 2 is the heart of the area's thriving fishing industry, you can usually watch the working trawlers unloading the catch of the day and the flocks of seagulls hoping for a handout on the Bay. Stroll down the wharf with a cup of hot clam chowder or stop by one of several restaurants featuring fresh Monterey Bay seafood. You can photograph sea lions and otters frolicking in the calm inner harbor waters, or take to the waters with a glass bottom boat tour, deep-sea fishing trip or whale watching cruise.

17 Mile Drive - Located within the entire community of Pebble Beach , this scenic world-famous circuit offers a cornucopia of notable sights - the Lone Cypress, Seal and Bird Rocks, Fanshell Beach , Point Joe, and the colliding currents of The Restless Sea. Discover Nature's treasures as you explore the serene majesty of Del Monte Forest. You'll see black cormorants, brown pelicans, California sea otters, harbor seals, and idle sea lions all in their natural habitat. Colorful native wildflowers dot the scene, adorning the cool, soothing hues of the seashore and carefully preserved dunescape. Along the way, you'll encounter the emerald fairways of such famous golf courses as The Links at Spanish Bay , Spyglass Hill and the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links. For a gourmet picnic lunch along 17-Mile Drive , visit Pebble Beach Market adjacent to The Lodge at Pebble   Beach . Admission is free to walkers and cyclists. For more information, call (831) 624-3811.

Del Monte Shopping Center - Located between Monterey and Carmel , the Del Monte Center features more than 100 stores, diverse restaurants, a grocery store, a multi-screen movie theater and a classic California garden. Macy's and Mervins anchor this spacious, outdoor shopping center that offers a wide selection and beautiful surroundings.  [Top]

Pacific Grove - Sharing borders with the Monterey Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the Del Monte Forest, Pacific Grove offers breathtaking views and abundant recreational activities, including a nationally-recognized 18-hole golf course, a monarch butterfly habitat sanctuary, sandy beaches, 17 Mile Drive, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and Pt. Pinos Lighthouse - the West Coast's oldest continuously-operating lighthouse. Historic downtown Pacific Grove is decked out with Victorian-era houses and wonderful shops. Lighthouse Avenue is a pleasing collection of boutiques and larger stores, including Holman's, an antiques mall that was mentioned in Steinbeck's Cannery Row . Pacific Grove beaches represent diverse outdoor activity along the rocky coastline shore. Asilomar State Beach , located on Sunset Drive, features tide pools, a diverse ecosystem, and great places for picnics, kite flying, long walks and viewing fabulous sunsets. Lovers Point Beach is paradise for diving, kayaking, family beach picnics, and volleyball.

Carmel - Cultured, quaint and artistic, Carmel-by-the-Sea is renowned for its galleries and fine restaurants. First settled by artists, this famous seaside community features Tudor buildings that house art galleries, shops and hotels, often tucked down pocket-sized courtyards. Enjoy pristine white beaches, golf courses and panoramic views. Carmel Plaza offers more than 50 shops and restaurants in an elegant courtyard setting in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The dog-friendly plaza has lovely landscaping and centers around a beautiful fountain. Carmel Valley Village consists of many interesting shops, winery tasting rooms, restaurants and cafes.  [Top]

Pebble Beach Resorts - For more than 80 years, Pebble Beach Resorts has been celebrated for its unparalleled golf, resort and spa facilities. Each a haven of pampered relaxation and luxury, The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, and Casa Palmero maintain time-honored traditions of exemplary service and amenities. Ranked the No. 1 golf resort in America by Golf Digest Magazine in 2002, the four courses at Pebble   Beach - Pebble Beach Golf Links, Links at Spanish Bay , Spyglass Hill Golf Course and Del Monte Golf Course - and the Pebble Beach Golf Academy offer a unique golf heritage and breathtaking beauty.

Point Lobos State Reserve - Located 2 miles south of Carmel , Point Lobos State Reserve is one of California 's most beautiful coastal spots. A mile of bold headlands, irregular coves and rolling meadows , Point Lobos is popular with picknickers on land and scuba divers beneath the waves. Deriving its name from the offshore rocks at Punta de los Lobos Marinos - Point of the Sea Wolves - where the sound of the sea lions carries inland, the reserve has often been called "the crown jewel" of the State Park System. Point Lobos State Reserve offers outstanding recreation, such as sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, scuba diving, and jogging. In addition to the spectacular beauty, there are rare plant communities, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora and fauna of both land and sea that are of scientific interest.

Monterey Recreational Trail - One of the nation's most scenic byways, the Monterey Recreation Trail is 18 miles of paved cycling and walking path from Catsroville to Pacific Grove , with much of it rated Grade A (no major roads or railroads to cross). The Trail accommodates skaters, bicyclists and pedaled four-wheeled surreys that seat up to four people. The section between Seaside and Pacific Grove is busy with surreys, rollerbladers, and joggers . . . but elsewhere cyclists rule the road. Bicycle rental companies along the trail can set you up with gear, including tandems, reclining cycles, scooters, skates and baby trailers.  [Top]

Monterey Bay Aquarium - Discover life in Monterey 's bay at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the United States . Dedicated to marine research and conservation, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is internationally acclaimed for its interactive exhibits and ability to present marine life on a grand scale. Probe the deep wonders of Monterey Bay from this Cannery Row attraction as you tour the Aquarium's matchless near-shore and coastal exhibits that explore the habitat and ecosystem of the tide-pools, and venture to the Outer Bay exhibit, showcasing hammerhead sharks, schools of sardines, enormous sun fish and green sea turtles. Kids love the "Splash Zone", featuring kid-sized exhibits, South African penguins, and much more. Little ones are particularly intrigued by the bay ray pool, where you can actually pet the fish. The most spectacular new exhibit is Jellies: Living Art , a splendid combination of rare and delicate jellies and fine art. Don't miss feeding time in the giant kelp forest exhibit or the sea otter tank. Another "must see" exhibit is Sharks: Myth and Mystery , which features living species of sharks and rays (some rare) in two vast tanks and in a shark touch pool. Complementing the living creatures are displays of the artwork, masks, stories and dances that illustrate man's interaction with sharks, collected from cultures as disparate as Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Northwest . For more information, visit www.mbayaq.org .  [Top]

Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary - The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a federally protected marine area offshore of California 's central coast. Stretching from Marin to Cambria , the MBNMS encompasses a shoreline length of 276 miles and 5,322 square miles of ocean. Supporting one of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems, it is home to numerous mammals, seabirds, fishes, invertebrates and plants in a remarkably productive coastal environment. The MBNMS was established for the purpose of resource protection, research, education, and public use of this national treasure. Aquatic types can explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary either afloat or submersed. Board of the professional sportfishing boats in search of Pacific salmon, ling cod or albacore tuna. Kayak or outrigger canoe companies dot the bay's shores, offering rentals and guided tours to get a close look at the otters and seals. More than 65,000 scuba divers and snorklers visit the waters of Monterey Bay annually, roaming the vast kelp forest and exploring a diversity of undersea life.  [Top]

Cannery Row - This historic 2-mile waterfront district was once the heart of a thriving sardine-packing industry, immortalized in John Steinbeck's novel, Cannery Row. Now a tourist's shopping paradise, there are more than 150 stores, restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and art galleries along the six block stretch between Reeside and David Avenue. Cannery Row is also home to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium , itself housed in the former Hovden Cannery. Several hotels and quaint inns allow visitors to experience the Cannery Row of yesteryear. Visit A Taste of Monterey and sample local wines, or brush up on the art of cooking by taking a class at the Culinary Center of Monterey . Interesting art galleries, a factory outlet center, and views of Monterey Bay round out the Cannery Row experience. The recreation Trail parallels it the entire way. Visit www.canneryrow.com .

Monterey County Parks - Exploring the great outdoors is right at your fingertips in Monterey County , where several state and regional parks are open year round for your recreational enjoyment. Jacks Peak Park in Monterey and Garland Ranch Park in the Carmel Valley offer excellent hiking trails for enthusiasts of all levels, and gorgeous mountain and coastal views. Point Lobos State Reserve off Highway One in Carmel is very accessible and a perfect destination for an afternoon picnic. Down the coast, Andrew Molera State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur offer camping, hiking, and horseback riding tours.  [Top]

Monterey County Fairgrounds & Exposition Park - Monterey Fairgrounds is home to the annual Monterey County Fair each August, featuring carnival rides for kids of all ages, 4-H livestock competitions and auctions, live music and entertainment and other traditional fair exhibits. The Monterey Jazz Festival, Blues Festival, World Music Fest, the Book Fair, and many popular events and festivals are held here throughout the year. Visit www.montereycountyfair.com for more information.

Monterey Wine Country - Monterey County is wine country-a fact that has not gone unnoticed by connoisseurs and restaurants throughout the world. Larger than other California wine regions, Monterey County boasts over 45,000 acres planted in varietal winegrapes. Within the world-class designation of Monterey County , the region has seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) that have been identified as truly one-of-a-kind winegrowing appellations: Monterey , Santa Lucia Highlands , Arroyo Seco, San Luca, Hames Valley , Chalone, and Carmel Valley . Visit the tasting rooms of Bernardus, Chateau Julien, Talbott and Galante vineyards in Carmel Valley, or take a drive south on Highway 101 to Riverland Vineyard, Smith & Hook/Hahn Estates or Chalone Vineyards. In November, the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association hosts the Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend. This fabulous fall festival features: an opening reception gala, wine and food pairings along with other educational seminars, open houses at the wineries, narrated bus tours, winemaker dinners throughout Monterey County, a silent auction and the grand finalé at the Inn at Spanish Bay. For information on planning your own wine escape or a Wine Country brochure with winery listings, tasting events and a map, call (831) 375-9400.

Monterey Museum of Art - Ranked the "best small town museum in the US," the Monterey Museum of Art offers permanent and rotating exhibits featuring early Californian art and contemporary and traditional American artists. The Monterey Museum of Art is where you will see California and the Central Coast through the eyes of artists. The Museum's exceptional collections, exhibitions, and educational programs reflect the unique cultural heritage of the region and its distinctive influence within the global cultural community. The museum's permanent collection includes California paintings, sculpture, works on paper and photography, Asian art, international folk art, and features significant bodies of work by Armin Hansen, William Ritschel, Ansel Adams, and Edward Weston. Visit both locations in Monterey at 559 Pacific Street or in the historic La Mirada adobe near Lake El Estero. Casual and free, viewings are held on the third Thursday evening at the main museum and first Sunday afternoon at La Mirada . Visit www.montereyart.org.  [Top]

National Steinbeck Center - Works of literary art created by Monterey County 's favorite native son, Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck, are on permanent display at this new museum in the heart of Salinas . Let the diverse, interactive exhibits take you into the heart of Steinbeck's novels - Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, and Cannery Row. The Steinbeck Center also features rotating art exhibits and a gourmet café. Full catering and meeting facilities are available seven days a week. Now open: The Valley of the World agricultural wing sharing the stories of the Salinas Valley "from field to fork."

Old Monterey Market Place - Held every Tuesday throughout the year, the Old Monterey Market Place features a wide variety of vendors selling their wares in an open-air street fair. Farmers throughout California 's Central Valley and coastal regions offer fresh fruits and vegetables in season, while other vendors offer jewelry, clothing, handmade soaps, and arts and crafts. Local restaurants serve lots of local favorites, from pizzas and BBQ to Indian burritos and Greek gyros. This fun weekly festival is held Tuesdays from 4-8pm April to October, and 4-7pm November to March on Monterey 's Alvarado Street .

Mission San Antonio de Padua - The Mission San Antonio is the third California mission, founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1771. Still active as a parish church, this historic mission is a wonderful place to picnic, with tables under the shade tress where you can relax and enjoy the peace and solitude. There is a one-dollar fee to visit the grounds and museum. For information and directions, call (831) 385-4478.  [Top]

Carmel Mission - The Carmel Mission Basilica has some of the most significant religious artifacts in California . Founded by Father Junipero Serra, the mission was built in 1770 and is still home to a thriving Catholic community. Today, visitors get a taste of mission life as it was back then. An on-site museum houses California 's first library, as well as a collection of tools, equipment and appliances used by the Spaniards and Native Americans in their day-to-day life at the mission. The Spartan cell where Serra lived is also recreated in detail. While the grounds and mission are free, the $2 adult and $1 child museum entrance donation is to restore the mission. Open Monday - Saturday, 9:30am-4:15pm . Open one hour later on Sundays and remaining open until 7:15pm June through August. Call (831) 624-3600 for a schedule of services.

Dennis-the-Menace Park - This famous playground is known throughout California for its whimsical equipment, which includes a drinking fountain inside the mouth of a lion, a swinging rope bridge, a roller slide, and a life-sized hedge maze. Young conductors can climb all over the real steam train engine and pretend they are rolling down the track. Created in 1956 by cartoonist Hank Ketcham, the park celebrates the right of kids to be kids. A snack bar is directly outside the park. The park is open daily at 10 a.m. , and admission is free.

 Monterey Maritime Museum - Monterey 's maritime past comes alive at the Maritime Museum situated across the Custom House Plaza from Fisherman's Wharf. This museum showcases Monterey 's seafaring heritage, explaining the role this protected harbor played in early California history and as a home to the US Navy. A treasure hunt for youngsters is held daily, and the gift shop features a variety of souvenirs for every sailor at heart.  [Top]

San Carlo Beach - Habitat to more than 70 percent of the world's invertebrate life, Monterey Bay offers some of the best scuba diving in California . Despite its chilly temperatures - averaging between 55-62 degrees F - many underwater enthusiasts consider Monterey a diver's paradise, and make the pilgrimage on a regular basis. San Carlos Beach , adjacent to the Coast Guard pier, is one of the most popular sites for recreational beach dives because of its easy access. A grassy area, several picnic tables, restrooms and an outdoor shower make this park a great place to spend the day.

Ventana Wilderness Sanctuary - For more than 20 years, the Ventana Wilderness Sanctuary has been defending the animal and plant species native to the Central Coast of California. The Sanctuary's wildlife protection and habitat restoration, education, and research programs are leading efforts to preserve endangered species in California . Their programs include, the California Condor Recovery Program, which has been responsible for reintroducing several near-extinct birds along the Big Sur coast, a bald eagle monitoring program, and the Creamery Meadow restoration. Go to www.ventanaws.org.

 Big Sur - From gorgeous beaches to mountains, from sea air to stately redwoods, Big Sur is one of the world's greatest destinations. Geographic Traveler listed Big Sur as one of the 50 Places of a Lifetime. Hike along the streams in the cool, tree lined valleys. Climb up on the high ridges for a spectacular view of the coastline on the western slope and gaze into three million acres of wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest on the eastern slope. Evenings offer the opportunity to dine in restaurants from fanciful to exquisite. Camp out in the many well equipped campgrounds. Luxuriate at the local health spas. Several State Parks and U.S. Forest Service beaches are open to the public all year, offering hiking and horseback riding opportunities. Andrew Molera State Park, located 23 miles south of Carmel, is the largest state park on the Big Sur Coast and famous with bird watchers. A wide, scenic, mile-long path leads to a sandy beach that is sheltered from the wind by a large bluff to the north. The path itself is as much a delight as the beach, taking you through a meadow filled with wildflowers and sycamore trees, offering great views of the coastal mountain range to the east. The path parallels the Big Sur River , which enters the sea adjacent to Molera's beach. Photographers love the turn-outs of Highway One in Big Sur, especially at Bixby Bridge , which at 714 feet is one of the highest single-span 'rainbow arch' bridges in the world.

 Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca - Discover exciting motorsports racing action at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, a world-class raceway and county park with space to pitch a tent or park your RV. Laguna Seca is home to the Honda Grand Prix, motorcycle racing, historic auto races, and several festivals and concerts throughout the year. Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca is conveniently located halfway between Monterey and Salinas on Highway 68. For more information, visit www.laguna-seca.com .

 Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History - Climb the city's most beloved cetacean, Sandy the Whale, a life-sized bronze gray whale sculpture in front of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Inside, kids learn about the life cycle of one of Pacific Grove 's more famous residents - the Monarch Butterfly - and can see the area's native local animals in full life dioramas. A special "kid's corner" allows youngsters to touch baleen, pet a bobcat and quiz themselves on local animals. Admission is free.  [Top]

 San Francisco - Old World charm and ethnic neighborhoods combine with a picturesque ocean setting to make San Francisco a unique and hip American city. The orange towers of the Golden Gate Bridge are visible from almost every high point in the city. You will be captivated by the extraordinary charm, character and ambiance of San Francisco and its many eclectic neighborhoods - Pacific Heights , Richmond District, South of Market, Nob Hill, North Beach , The Marina, Mission District, Haight-Ashbury, and the East Bay communities. San Francisco offers a diversity of arts, attractions, nightclubs, museums, art galleries, restaurants, festivals, entertainment and sightseeing tours. Experience all the highlights including, Twin Peaks , Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, the San Francisco Zoo, and Union Square .

 Santa Cruz Boardwalk - Located on a mile-beach between Monterey and San Francisco , the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is your admission-free hot spot for beach vibes and classic rides. An easy day trip from Monterey , just 40 miles north on Highway One, the Boardwalk is a great place to experience family fun in the sun. The only major seaside amusement park on the West Coast, it offers more than 30 carnival rides, place games, arcades, miniature golf and laser tag. You'll have a thrilling time - from the heart-pounding rush of the Giant Dipper - one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the country - to the family fun of Bulgy the Whale. The park's latest rides - the new Fireball and Cliff Hanger - are packed with ocean-view thrills. The Boardwalk Grand Arcades the Casino Arcade and Neptune 's Kingdom are open daily. Other special attractions include the Climb & Conquer climbing wall, Venturer Simulator motion theater, Trampoline Thing, and the 3-D Fun House. The Boardwalk Bowl across the street from the Boardwalk is a state-of-the-art bowling center for the entire family. Visit www.rwsplash.com for hours and events.  [Top]

Pinnacles National Monument - Rising out of the chaparral-covered Gabilan Mountains , east of central California 's Salinas Valley , are the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano. Massive monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons and talus passages define millions of years of erosion, faulting and tectonic plate movement. Within the monument's boundaries lie 24,000 acres of diverse wildlands for hiking, climbing, bird watching and sightseeing. The monument is renowned for the beauty and variety of its spring wildflowers and its rich diversity of wildlife. The rock formations of Pinnacles divide the park into East and West Districts which are connected by miles of trails that access geological formations, spectacular vistas and wildlife communities. There are over 30 miles of trails at the park - from easy loops to wilderness trails - accommodating both the casual and experienced hiker. The Pinnacles' rock formations are a popular destination to challenge technical climbers. Pinnacles is a day-use park, with occasional full moon hikes and dark sky astronomical observations led by ranger-interpreters. For information, seasonal closures, trails and climber safety, visit www.nsp.gov/pinn .  [Top]

Golf Courses

Pebble   Beach Golf Links - The exquisite beauty and unique challenge of Pebble Beach Golf Links thrills golfers and spectators alike. Ranked the No. 1 Public Course in America by Golf Digest in 2003 - 2004, Pebble   Beach has been the site of golf's most prestigious tournaments, including the annual AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, and the 1972, '82, '92 and 2000 U.S. Open Championships. Designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, the 18-hole, Par 72 course hugs the rugged coastline, providing wide-open vistas, cliffside fairways, and sloping greens. Pebble   Beach Golf Links also includes chipping and putting greens, the Peter Hay Par-Three Golf Course and practice range, and the Golf Shop.

 Del Monte Golf Course - Opened in 1897, Del Monte Golf Course is the oldest course in continuous operation west of the Mississippi . Designed by golf and polo enthusiast Charles Maud, this inland 18-hole, Par 72 course boasts a meandering layout that has challenged golfers for more than a century. It was the original host of the California State Amateur, still played on Del Monte's narrow, tree-lined fairways and small, well-protected greens, and continues to serve as one of three courses on which the Callaway Golf Pebble Beach Invitational is played. Adjacent to Del Monte Golf Course, the Del Monte Pavilion offers an inviting outdoor setting for any special event. Whether you are hosting a corporate outing or a tournament awards ceremony, all events meet the impeccable standards of Pebble Beach Resorts.  [Top]

Bayonet Golf Course - It's been just a few years since residents and visitors to the Monterey Peninsula have had access to historic Fort Ord. But in that time, the two golf courses the Army left behind - Bayonet and Black Horse - have risen to national prominence. Bayonet's 7,117 yards include magnificently long and narrow fairways lined with towering oak and cypress trees. The 18-hole, Par 72, waterless course features "Combat Corner," a series of sharp doglegs on holes 11-15 that were designed to fit the slice of southpaw General Robert McLure, the course designer and Commanding Officer during its 1954 debut. Bayonet hosts a PGA Qualifying Tournament every November, along with the Bank of America Monterey Peninsula Classic in October. With relatively mild hills and speedy greens, this splendid addition to Monterey golf entices long hitters and then rewards them as they move to their ball with some of the most picturesque strolls in the golf world.

Black Horse Golf Course - Built in 1967 as mini-style complement to Bayonet, Black Horse Golf Course underwent a radical shift when both courses came into public domain and the City of Seaside decided Black Horse merited a multi-million dollar upgrade. When completed in late 1998, Black Horse became another Monterey golf jewel and was added to the PGA tour event schedule. The 18-hole, public course stretches 7,009 yards from the longest of its four tee placements and demands accuracy over the fairway undulations and speedy greens. With more expansive bay views, tighter fairways, smaller greens and greater elevation changes than Bayonet, Black Horse offers a distinctively different look while still sharing the benefits of Monterey Bay golf. The courses also share a complete pro shop, driving range, and clubhouse offering delectable meals and libations for your post-golfing pleasure.  

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