I was chatting with a friend the other day when I realized that there are plenty of people who live in the San Francisco Bay Area that don’t know of all the great places that are nearby. For whatever reason, either having been new to the area or never having cause to leave the city, people can go years without venturing around the California coast. Our region of the world is full of beautiful places that any day-tripper would love to visit. The best part about being so close is that the trip does not have to be that costly!
For example, a day trip to the Monterey Bay. Leave early enough in the morning and you can enjoy a few hours on one of the best beaches that Santa Cruz has to offer, Seabright Beach. It is off of E Cliff Drive and has several access points.
By getting there early, you are guaranteed to get a parking space, which is more difficult later in the day. The beach is long and good for walking or running if that is what you like. They also allow dogs on leash which is a bonus for dog lovers. They do have fire pits in case you go on a chilly morning.
A quick drive over to the Santa Cruz Wharf and you are in the perfect spot for lunch. For convenience sake, we usually park on the wharf and pay the few dollars instead of having to deal with meters. You can choose from any restaurant that lines the wharf or order from the stand and eat at one of the tables provided on the end of the wharf.
Don’t forget to check out the sea lions before you leave! The wharf is also close enough to walk over to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It’s a great way to walk off lunch as long as you don’t stop at the candy shop or concession stands. The Boardwalk is nice because you only have to pay for attractions you want to ride, instead of an entry fee. The Giant Dipper is a favorite of ours and anyone brave enough can try the haunted house but sometimes we just enjoy the walk and leave the rides for next time.
A short drive down HWY 1 and you are in Monterey. This is a fantastic place to spend the afternoon. If you park at the Fisherman’s Wharf you have access to a paved pathway that wanders the beach for miles. It’s a gorgeous view and if you go far enough (about a mile) you will end up at Cannery Row.
Of course, you can’t leave Monterey without experiencing the best clam chowder ever! Free samples are offered by many restaurants on the wharf and chowder in a bread bowl makes for an excellent dinner. Leave the wharf early enough and you can get to Carmel by the Sea early enough for what is usually and amazing sunset.
These are just a few examples of the many places to go and things to do in the Monterey Bay. If you have a little travel fund saved, you can make a weekend out of the trip and expand your destination possibilities, but even on a budget the Monterey Bay can be a wonderful place to spend the day.
By Tara, Free Stuff Finder Contributor
