Winter Wonderland Monterey County California Style

MONTEREY COUNTY, CALIF. -Migrate to Monterey County this winter for nature lovers escape and cool deals. Come find the destination that is bursting with scenery and adventure, the perfect place for a quick fly in getaway. Beat the crowds and beat the blues, Monterey’s winter season packs a secret punch.

Unleash your wild side with an Animal Planet-style adventure of the region’s natural assets. The winter parade of nature hits full stride with everything from migrating butterflies to pods of prodigious whales lounging at 36В° latitude. Nature escapes and seasonal activities abound that will cater to your adventurous side. Check out an outback estuary safari, naturalist-led kayak tour, hike to the famous cypress gardens at Point Lobos or trek through the ancient volcanic ruins of the Pinnacle National Monument, just outside of Soledad. From birders to botanists, Monterey County is one of the nation’s top migration treks for a variety of birds, whales and butterflies. Bald eagles, sea otters and a litany of lively critters make a stay along the bay a true outback adventure. Pair in the prime coastline that goes for miles and Monterey County is a gem awaiting your discovery.

REAL DEAL FOR NATURALISTS

Whale Watching
Nutrient-rich and naturally wonderful, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the United States’ largest protected region and a prime viewing area for exotic species including blue, humpback, minke and orca whales. Winter delivers the magnificent California Gray Whales on their annual migration south from Alaska to Baja, California. http://www.seemonterey.com/whale-watching; 831-375-4658, 831-372-7440, 831-372-2203

Whale Watching at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (Weekends throughout January):

Don’t miss these California State Parks ranger-guided whale watching presentations. Celebrate the migration of the California gray whales off the Big Sur Coast. Meet at the vista point on Highway 1 at mile marker 37, just north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. http://www.seemonterey.com/julia-pfeiffer-burns-state-park; 831-667-2315

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
A feast for the eyes, hundreds – sometimes thousands – of beautiful Monarch butterflies flutter in this protected shelter of eucalyptus and Monterey pine trees. Docents are available to answer questions and point out the ‘hanging butterflies’ as they rest camouflaged in the trees. http://www.seemonterey.com/monarchgrovesanctuary; 831-648-5716

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Before a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary stop by this informative natural history museum to learn about the migration patterns of the wintering Monarchs, whales of Monterey Bay and other mammals, birds and wildlife of Monterey County. http://www.seemonterey.com/pacificgrovemuseum; 831-648-5716

Bald Eagles Retreat at Lake San Antonio
One of the largest winter habitats for bald eagles in Central California, Lake San Antonio is also home to deer, rabbit, quail, and a variety of other wildlife. The lake covers 5,000 acres and birders can explore 40 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails and 60 miles of shoreline. http://www.seemonterey.com/lake-san-antonio-recreation-area-california; 888-588-2267

Ventana Wildlife Society
High tail it to Big Sur or the Pinnacles National Monument for a glimpse of the majestic California Condors overhead. Both parks are successful designated release areas for the recovering native species. Or, visit the Ornithology Lab at Andrew Molera Park in Big Sur to watch bird banding activities. Winter banding is weather dependent, but normally takes place on Mondays and Tuesdays. http://members.seemonterey.com/ventanawildilfesociety/; 831-455-9514

Pt. Lobos State Reserve
Hike the scenic trails of the 554-acre state preserve, home to some of the region’s most dramatic seascapes and thousands of seabirds, seals, sea lions and migrating whales. Noted as “The crown jewel of the state park system,” Point Lobos is also home to the only two naturally growing strands of Monterey Cypress trees. See wandering deer, watch sea otters and sea lions frolic in the surf. Cypress groves, Bird Rock and Whaler’s Cove round out the adventure. http://www.seemonterey.com/point-lobos-state-natural-reserve-carmel-california; 831-624-4909

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Dive in for a day of play at the nation’s top-rated aquarium, home to 250,000+ animals and plants representing more than 550 species of invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, birds and plants. Book a Morning Rounds: Behind-the-Scenes Tour for a rare opportunity to interact with the aquarium’s exhibit animals as an aquarist would with the daily sea otter feeding and training session, rare look at food preparation and chance to feed some of the animals in the aquarium’s Discovery Lab classrooms. http://www.seemonterey.com/monterey-bay-aquarium; 831-648-4888

Elkhorn Slough Safari
All aboard this thrilling pontoon ride scouting some 1,400 acres established as a Globally Important Bird Area. Reaching nearly seven miles inland from the coast, the slough’s freshwater wetlands and marshes are home to some 340+ types of birds, 400 plant species a full raft of otters and 80 species of fish. This is an excellent tour for birders. http://www.seemonterey.com/elkhorn-slough-natural-estuarine-reserve-moss-landing-california; 831-633-5555

Sea Kayaking, Surfing, Biking
Rock the boat aboard a guided sea kayak tour of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Adventurers after a true adrenalin rush can hit the surf solo or take to the two-person kayak for a little speed at sea program. Surf lessons stand up paddling and biking rental/tours along the popular waterfront Recreation Trail round out the offer. http://members.seemonterey.com/adventuresbythesea/; 831-372-1807

Sailing the Bay
Take the helm aboard a yacht and delve into the deep under the command of one of the region’s top captains. Abundant marine mammals and avians await the avid enthusiast. http://members.seemonterey.com/montereybaysailing/; 831-372-7245

Carmel Walks (Ongoing):
Discover the unique charms of Carmel on a two-hour guided walking tour through secret pathways, hidden courtyards, award-winning gardens and enchanting fairytale cottages…the homes, haunts, and history of famous artists, writers, and movie stars. http://members.seemonterey.com/carmelwalks/; 831-642-2700

VISITOR INFO
Monterey County is located 120 miles/192 km south of San Francisco and 345 miles/552 km north of Los Angeles along the classic California corridor. The region boasts 99 miles of prime Pacific Coastline, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, three historic missions, 40,000 acres of premium vineyards, 25 golf courses and nearly 200 lodging properties. Monterey County includes the Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur, North County and the Salinas Valley. The Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), just three miles from historic downtown Monterey and minutes from the area’s major attractions, is served by non-stop flights to and from Denver (DIA), Las Vegas (LAS), Long Beach (LGB), Ontario (ONT), Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX and ONT), San Diego (SAN) and San Francisco (SFO). www.SeeMonterey.com

November 25, 2009   Posted in: United States West