Area Attractions Monterey
Here are some fun, child-friendly activities when visiting the Monterey peninsula:
Monterey Bay Aquarium:
886 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 648-4888. Montereybayaquarium.org.
On April 6, 2009, the aquarium opened the exhibit, The Secret Life of Seahorses. The aquarium contains a splash zone and an outer bay exhibit, a million-gallon exhibit like an indoor ocean with sharks, tunas, and barracudas. We also saw a kelp forest, sea otters, and a jellyfish exhibit.
Dennis the Menace Playground: 777 Pearl Street, Monterey. (831) 646-3866.
The creator of Dennis the Menace, Hank Ketchum, a long-time Monterey peninsula resident, created this park, true to his vision, as bold and colorful. Features a maze, climbing wall, a vintage locomotive, and more.
Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo: 3080 Rio Road, Carmel. (831)624-1813.
Contains a basilica, chapel, museum, gardens, cemetery and store. The Carmel Mission stands as a monument to Junipero Serra and provides a peaceful and historical destination for both younger and older visitors.
Barnyard Shopping Village: 3618 The Barnyard, Carmel, CA 93923. (831) 624-8886. www.TheBarnyard.com.
If you hate the commercialized mall scene, visit this quiet complex of upscale shops and restaurants. Kids will enjoy the tranquil outdoor atmosphere and there are plenty of eateries for all.
Carmel-by-the-Sea beach: My personal favorite walk is this pathway that lurks high above the white sand and rugged beach. Follow Ocean Avenue, Carmel’s main drag, to the very end, and there you are overlooking the most tranquil view of the Pacific Ocean in the state. The path is set off by a fence but hold your little travelers’ hands so that they don’t get too close to the cliff as they journey along.
For more information, contact Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, located at 401 Camino El Estero in Monterey. (831)333-9703. Montereyinfo.org.
|
