Day Tripping to the Monterey Peninsula

If you have the good fortune to be spending enough time with us to take a day trip or two, we have some ideas for you.

Point Lobos State Reserve is part of the California State Park System and is in our opinion the best of the Sate Parks. It is located about 23 miles north of the Inn. You are likely to encounter Grey Whales passing on their annual migration November through April. Keep your eyes open for sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals and many ocean birds.

The Carmel Mission is just another three miles further north on Highway 1. Go to the first stop light and turn left on Rio Road. The mission is just about a half a mile on the left. It is open daily. Church services are also available - call for details 831-624-1271.

Carmel Valley is a sure bet if you are looking for sun. Turn right on Carmel Valley Road. It is the second light just after Rio Road. There is wine tasting at Chateau Julien Wine Estate, which is located five miles down Carmel Valley Road. Garland Park, next ot the Carmel River has great hiking and places to picnic. It is about ten miles further down the road. If you continue on to milepost 12, you will come to The Village, which has some wonderful restaurants.

Carmel-By-The-Sea is a wonderful village for shopping or eating. Take a left on Rio Road and drive past the Mission to the stop sign. Stay to your right until you come to the 5-way intersection. Find anywhere to park and you can wander all over by foot. If you go to the bottom of Ocean Ave. you will come to Carmel Beach with its famous white powdery sand. This is a great spot for picnics. 

The road that runs north along the coast is Scenic Drive. It is a lovely way to see the Carmel Coastline and views of Pebble Beach. One of Frank Lloyd Wright's houses is on the cliff on the right. Robinson Jeffer's Tor House can be seen on the left side. It is a stone house with a stone tower. Tours are available on Friday and Saturday by reservation only.