Family fun in Monterey, California

Family fun in Monterey, California

A quick flight from Seattle offers family fun aplenty

by JASMIN THANKACHEN

A whole world of wonder is a short flight away in Monterey, California.

Known for its turquoise-colored coast, abundant wildlife, nature preserves, sunny beaches and iconic Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, Monterey offers a range of adventure, from free beachcombing to more luxury-level activities and attractions.

Monterey Aquarium

Monterey Aquarium tops my family’s to-do list on the California coast. Located on Monterey Bay, the facility is home to more than 75,000 animals and plants, including hammerhead sharks, large sea turtles, a variety of majestically glowing jellyfish, a 557-pound sea bass and large schools of fish. Octopus camouflage themselves among the rocks and seahorses swirl in the rhythmic movements of water. And outside behind the aquarium the Pacific Ocean, where all this life came from, awaits. Grab a stationary telescope stand to view the area and possibly spot the seal, cormorant or pelicans native to Monterey Bay.

Interactive is the name of this marine game. Monterey Aquarium is dotted with touch tanks, including one where you can touch bat rays. Water play tables and a kids’ zone are on the second floor. Bring a change of clothes. It’s $180 for a family of four. A high cost, but worth it for the sea of surprises and learning we discovered.

Hiking Big Sur: Redwood forests to turquoise waters

Big Sur is a 45-minute drive from Monterey, cruising along scenic Pacific Coast Highway. The redwood forest has enormous trees, ranging from 200 to 350 feet, each aging gracefully at upwards of 500 years old. Stop at Big Sur Deli to gather food and drinks for your hike. Ours was led by a guide from Big Sur Guides and Hiking, but simply hitting these pristine trails on your own is a fine option.

Hint: Don’t skip a walk down the Partington Cove Trail to an old tunnel, carved into the mountainside. The scenery is jaw-dropping.

Horseback riding on Pebble Beach

Ok, it’s a splurge at $65-$125 per person, but viewing the Del Monte forest and the Pacific Coast on horseback with Pebble Beach’s Equestrian Center was a real thrill for my family. Riding is suitable for children older than 8. My kids had very little experience with horseback riding but felt comfortable with the trail and the calm horses that they were on. The center offers leisurely pony rides for younger kids too.

Ride a surrey along the coast

Peddling a four-person surrey was perhaps the most exciting and active part of our trip. Rent your ride on the Monterey Recreation Trail at one of many Adventures by the Sea retail shops ($50-$200 depending on size and season). If you want an activity that fosters teamwork, this is it. Parents take the wheel and ring the bell, while the rest of the family puts pedal to the metal. My youngest son couldn’t reach the pedals, so he cheered us on as we pumped up the hills. My kids still talk about this experience, one of our best memories from this vacation.

Butterflies everywhere

Not far from Monterey, in Pacific Grove, is the Monarch Sanctuary. Tucked at the very rear of The Butterfly Grove Inn, you’ll make your way past a colorful butterfly mural and into an inviting garden. Here the fragrance of fallen eucalyptus leaves intoxicates as golden-winged monarchs flutter about before landing on towering cypress trees. In fall, hundreds, if not thousands, are camouflaged between the shadows of leaves and branches. Placards around the garden provide fascinating facts about these insects and their migratory cycle.

Cruise control: The scenic 17-mile drive

It’s a 17-mile drive through Del Monte Forest and Pebble Beach, one of the most famous drives in California. An $11.25 toll at the beginning of the drive is the only cost (and it will be refunded if you dine at a Pebble Beach restaurant). A local pamphlet navigates you around the loop, providing destination names and a little history about all 17 points of interest. We were especially interested in Bird Rock and Seal Rock — both wildlife refuges. If you listen closely at these stops, you sometimes hear seals barking as they bob in the water or sun themselves on white rocks. Don’t miss The Lone Cypress stop to see the 250+-year-old tree that sits braving the elements and overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Fun in the sand: Tide pooling and beachcombing

We stopped at Lover’s Point Park in Pacific Grove during low tide and found a treasure trove of mussels and anemone lining the rocks. The kids found purple sea urchins, moon snails, clams and the gulls that were trying to break them open. Watching the sunset from the cliffs above with a cinnamon bun from a local cafe was the end of our pretty perfect day out.

Good eats right on the runway

Monterey has many family-friendly dining options. We loved Woody’s Restaurant & Bar at the Monterey Airport. Thinking mediocre sandwiches and watered-down drinks? Think again. Chef and owner Tim Wood is an award-winning culinary artist. The restaurant sits atop the airport runway. So head out to the observation deck to wave at pilots getting ready for takeoff while your meal is prepared.

Flights

Alaska Airlines offers a direct 2-hour afternoon flight from SeaTac to Monterey. The airline is planning to expand direct service and offer more flight times soon.

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