Pacific Grove. Bordering Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the Pacific Grove community offers breathtaking views and abundant recreational activities, including 17-Mile Drive, a nationally-recognized 18-hole golf course, a monarch butterfly habitat sanctuary, sandy beaches, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and Pt. Pinos Lighthouse, the West Coast's oldest operating lighthouse. Historic downtown Pacific Grove is decked out with Victorian-era houses and wonderful shops. Lighthouse Avenue is a collection of boutiques and stores, including Holman's, an antiques mall that was mentioned in Steinbeck's Cannery Row. Situated along PG's rocky coastline shore, Asilomar State Beach on Sunset Drive features tide pools and is a superb beach for picnics, kite flying, walks and watching sunsets. Lover's Point is paradise for diving, kayaking, picnics and beach volleyball.

Carmel - Cultured, quaint and artistic, Carmel-by-the-Sea is renowned for art galleries and fine restaurants. First settled by artists, this famous seaside community features Tudor buildings that house galleries, shops and hotels, often tucked down pocket-sized courtyards. Enjoy pristine white beaches, golf courses and panoramic views. Carmel Plaza offers more than 50 shops and restaurants in an elegant courtyard setting. The dog-friendly plaza has lovely landscaping and centers around a beautiful fountain. Carmel Valley Village consists of interesting shops, winery tasting rooms, restaurants and cafés.

Monterey Outdoors. If you love the outdoors, go tide-pooling along the rocky shore, horseback ride over open meadows, or hike in Monterey's nature preserves. Learn about wildlife in the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, cruise through Pebble Beach's 17-Mile Drive - home to shoreline birds, harbor and elephant seals - or hike the towering cliffs in the Pinnacles National Monument. Find spiritual inspiration at Esalen in Big Sur, or by walking the labyrinth near the mouth of Carmel Valley.

Family Play in Monterey. Monterey offers wonderful activities and attractions for families and kids, such as MY Museum, a hands-on place where kids can make a TV program, and the adventure playground of Dennis the Menace Park, where tots can climb aboard a locomotive. Kids love watching sea otters roll and tumble in the Monterey Bay Aquarium, riding the merry-go-round in the old Edgewater Packing Company on Cannery Row, kite flying on Seaside's sandy beach, paddle boating on Lake El Estero, or peddaling a four-wheeled surrey along the Recreation Trail. Older children can kayak past seals or scuba dive in Monterey's sheltered bay, or jump rails at the skateboard park.  [Top]

Monterey Peninsula Attractions

Monterey Bay - Monterey Bay is a lively port for fun and exploration of both sea and land life. Venture into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the world's largest protected ocean habitat. Dive lush kelp forests, watch sea otters, kayak waterways shared with dolphins and sea lions, sail indigo waters, and glide with gray whales migrating through the sanctuary in winter and spring. Touch a starfish and marvel at the greatness of an 87-foot whale skeleton while exploring underworld mysteries at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. As evening falls, watch the last orange streak of sunset fade into the resting waters.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - The largest aquarium in the US, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, is internationally acclaimed for its interactive marine life exhibits, and is dedicated to marine research and bay conservation. Probe the deep wonders of Monterey Bay from this Cannery Row attraction as you tour the matchless near-shore and coastal exhibits that explore the habitat and ecosystem of the tide-pools. Venture to the Outer Bay exhibit, showcasing hammerhead sharks, schools of sardines, enormous sun fish and green sea turtles. Splash Zone features kid-sized exhibits and South African penguins, and at the bay ray pool you can pet the fish. Don't miss feeding time in the giant kelp forest exhibit or the sea otter tank. Check out the exhibits: Jellies: Living Art, a combination of rare and delicate jellies and fine art; and Sharks: Myth and Mystery, which features sharks and rays (some rare) in two vast tanks and touch pool. Check out their newest resident - a Great White Shark! Save yourself a wait in line by purchasing your 2-day Aquarium tickets at our front desk. For information, visit www.mbayaq.org.

Cannery Row - This historic 2-mile waterfront district immortalized in John Steinbeck's novel, Cannery Row, has witnessed a resurgence. A shopping paradise, there are more than 150 stores, restaurants, bars, cafés, hotels and art galleries - restored from old sardine canneries - along the six block stretch between Reeside and David Avenue. Cannery Row is home to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium housed in the former Hovden Cannery. Several hotels and quaint inns allow visitors to experience the Cannery Row of yesteryear. Visit A Taste of Monterey and sample local wines, or brush up on the art of cooking by taking a class at the Culinary Center of Monterey. Interesting art galleries, a factory outlet center, and views of Monterey Bay round out the Cannery Row experience. The Recreation Trail parallels it the entire way. Visit www.canneryrow.com.

Fisherman's Wharf - Fisherman's Wharf is an exciting waterfront district in downtown Monterey. A couple of miles away, this is a great place to take in the sights and sounds of Monterey. With its lighthearted collection of shops, kiosks and restaurants, Fisherman's Wharf is the perfect place to watch dinner being unloaded fresh from the fishing boats.

Neighboring Wharf 2 is the heart of the area's thriving fishing industry, so you can watch the working trawlers unloading the catch of the day and the flocks of seagulls on the Bay. Stroll down the wharf with a cup of hot clam chowder or stop by one of several restaurants featuring fresh Monterey Bay seafood. You can photograph sea lions and otters frolicking in the calm harbor waters, or take a glass bottom boat tour, deep-sea fishing trip or whale watching cruise.

Pebble Beach and 17 Mile Drive - Located within Pebble Beach, this scenic circuit offers a cornucopia of notable sights - the Lone Cypress, Seal and Bird Rocks, Fanshell Beach, Point Joe, and the colliding currents of The Restless Sea. Discover Nature's treasures as you explore the serene majesty of the Del Monte Forest. You'll see black cormorants, brown pelicans, California sea otters, harbor seals, and idle sea lions all in their natural habitat. Colorful native wildflowers dot the scene, adorning the cool, soothing hues of the seashore and carefully preserved dunescape. Along the way, you'll encounter the emerald fairways of such famous golf courses as The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill and the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links. For a gourmet picnic lunch along 17-Mile Drive, visit Pebble Beach Market adjacent to The Lodge at Pebble   Beach. Admission is free to walkers and cyclists.

Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca - Discover exciting motorsports racing action at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, a world-class raceway and county park with space to pitch a tent or park your RV. Laguna Seca is home to the Honda Grand Prix, motorcycle racing, the Sea Otter Classic, Cherry's Jubilee, NASCAR events, historic auto races, and several festivals and concerts throughout the year. Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca is located between Monterey and Salinas on Highway 68. For more information, visit www.laguna-seca.com.

Lover's Point - Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the ocean, beach and a lovely park with magnificent views of the Monterey Bay. Lovers Point Beach is paradise for diving, kayaking, family beach picnics, and volleyball. Just a short walk from the Inn, Lover's Point is the perfect place to relax and watch a magical Monterey sunset.

Point Lobos State Reserve - Located 2 miles south of Carmel, Point Lobos State Reserve is one of California's most treasured coastal spots and one of the most beautiful places in the world. The ever-changing skies and shifting seas are a kaleidoscope of Nature's exquisite handiwork. The Reserve encompasses 750 acres of underwater wonders and 550 acres of protected land full of trails and views. Whales and dolphins can be seen in the distance, seals bark on the rocks, and a variety of birds soar over head. A mile of bold headlands, irregular coves, and rolling meadows, Point Lobos is popular park for sightseeing, picnics, scuba diving, jogging, photography, painting and nature study. In addition, there are rare plant communities, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and rich flora and fauna of both land and sea that are of scientific interest. Deriving its name from the offshore rocks at Punta de los Lobos Marinos - Point of the Sea Wolves - where the sound of the sea lions carries inland, the reserve is the crown jewel of the State Park System.

Asilomar State Park and Beach - Located in Pacific Grove, Asilomar State Park and Beach offers swimming, surfing, tide-pooling, walking and kite-flying in a setting of great natural beauty. From the beach, visitors can enjoy native plants, otters, seals, sea birds, deer and other wildlife, to say nothing of spectacular sunsets. The boardwalk makes for a pleasant walk on the edge of Spanish Bay Golf Course. Caution is advised as large waves are not uncommon. Open sunrise to sunset; free.

Monterey Path of History - The Monterey Path of History encircles a thriving downtown shopping area with tree-lined streets filled with shops, movie theaters, cafés and bars, and some great Italian restaurants. The history of Monterey is part of its charm, with its rich heritage written in its adobes, mission bells, gardens and lighthouses. History buffs enjoy walking Monterey's Path of History, finding landmarks like Custom House, Cooper-Molera Adobe, and The House of the Blue Gate. Point Pinos Lighthouse, built in 1855, on the northernmost tip of the peninsula is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Alvarado Street closes every Tuesday afternoon for an extensive framers market and crafts fair.

Monterey Wine Country - The largest California wine region, Monterey County consists of 45,000 acres of planted wine grapes, and production that exceeds any California county. Within the world-class designation of Monterey County, the region has seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) that are unique winegrowing appellations: Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands, Arroyo Seco, San Luca, Hames Valley, Chalone, and Carmel Valley. Visit the tasting rooms of Bernardus, Chateau Julien, Talbott and Galante vineyards in Carmel Valley, or take a drive south on Highway 101 to Riverland Vineyard, Smith & Hook/Hahn Estates or Chalone Vineyards. In November the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association hosts the Annual Great Wine Escape Weekend, which features a gala reception, wine and food pairings, educational seminars, open houses at the wineries, narrated bus tours, winemaker dinners throughout Monterey, a silent auction and the grand finale. Take a day or half-day to visit the tasting rooms located along Carmel Valley Road. Call (831) 375-9400.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary - The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a federally-protected marine area offshore of California's central coast. Stretching from Marin to Cambria, the MBNMS encompasses a shoreline length of 276 miles and 5,322 square miles of ocean. Supporting one of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems, it is home to numerous mammals, seabirds, fishes, invertebrates and plants in a remarkably productive coastal environment. The MBNMS was established for the purpose of resource protection, research, education, and public use of this national treasure. Aquatic types can explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary either afloat or submersed. Board one of the professional sport fishing boats in search of Pacific salmon, ling cod or albacore tuna. Kayak or outrigger canoe companies dot the bay's shores, offering rentals and guided tours to get a close look at the otters and seals. Scuba divers and snorklers roam the waters of Monterey Bay and the vast kelp forest, exploring a diversity of undersea life.

Monterey Recreational Trail - One of the nation's most scenic byways, the Monterey Recreation Trail is 18 miles of paved cycling and walking path from Castroville to Pacific Grove, with much of it rated Grade A (no major roads or railroads to cross). The Trail accommodates skaters, bicyclists and pedaled four-wheeled surreys that seat up to four people. The section between Seaside and Pacific Grove is busy with surreys, rollerbladers, and joggers, but elsewhere cyclists rule the road. Bicycle rental companies along the trail can set you up with gear, tandems, reclining cycles, scooters, skates and baby trailers.

Monarch Butterflies of Pacific Grove - Witness the over wintering phenomenon of thousands of Monarch butterflies clustering together pines and eucalyptus on a few select acres in Pacific Grove. Each year, beginning in late-October, when the Monarchs return to spend the winter in "Butterfly Town, U.S.A.", tourists and residents visit Pacific Grove's Butterfly Trees to see the spectacle of clustering Monarchs. On the second Saturday of every October, the Pacific Grove School District holds the annual "Butterfly Parade." For this popular event, children and their teachers dress in costumes and parade through town to celebrate the return of the Monarch.

Pinnacles National Monument - Rising out of the chaparral-covered Gabilan Mountains, east of central California's Salinas Valley, are the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano. Massive monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons and talus passages define millions of years of erosion, faulting and tectonic plate movement. Within the monument's boundaries lie 24,000 acres of diverse wildlands for hiking, climbing, bird watching and sightseeing. The monument is renowned for the beauty and variety of its spring wildflowers and its rich diversity of wildlife. The rock formations of Pinnacles, which divide the park into East and West Districts, are connected by miles of trails that access geological formations, spectacular vistas and wildlife communities. There are over 30 miles of trails at the park - from easy loops to wilderness trails - challenging both the casual and experienced hiker. The Pinnacles' rock formations are a popular for technical climbers. A day-use park, Pinnacles offers full-moon hikes and dark sky astronomical observations led by ranger-interpreters. Visit www.nsp.gov/pinn.

Monterey County Parks - Exploring the great outdoors is right at your fingertips in Monterey County, where several state and regional parks are open year round for your recreational enjoyment. Jacks Peak Park in Monterey and Garland Ranch Park in the Carmel Valley offer excellent hiking trails for enthusiasts of all levels, and gorgeous mountain and coastal views. Point Lobos State Reserve off Highway One in Carmel is very accessible and a perfect destination for an afternoon picnic. Down the coast, Andrew Molera State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur offer camping, hiking, and horseback riding tours.

Monterey County Fairgrounds & Exposition Park - Monterey Fairgrounds is home to the annual Monterey County Fair each August, featuring carnival rides for kids of all ages, 4-H livestock competitions and auctions, live music and entertainment and other traditional fair exhibits. The Monterey Jazz Festival, Blues Festival, World Music Fest, the Book Fair, and many popular events and festivals are held here throughout the year. Visit www.montereycountyfair.com for more information.

National Steinbeck Center - Works of literary art created by Monterey County's favorite native son, Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck, are on permanent display at this new museum in the heart of Salinas. Let the diverse, interactive exhibits take you into the heart of Steinbeck's novels - Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, and Cannery Row. The Steinbeck Center features rotating art exhibits, a gourmet café, full catering and meeting facilities. The Valley of the World agricultural wing shares the stories of the Salinas Valley.

Old Monterey Market Place - Held every Tuesday throughout the year, the Old Monterey Market Place features a wide variety of vendors selling their wares in an open-air street fair. Farmers throughout California's Central Valley and coastal regions offer fresh fruits and vegetables in season, while other vendors offer jewelry, clothing, handmade soaps, and arts and crafts. Local restaurants serve lots of local favorites, from pizzas and BBQ to Indian burritos and Greek gyros. This fun weekly festival is held Tuesdays from 4-8pm April to October, and 4-7pm November to March on Monterey's Alvarado Street.

Dennis-the-Menace Park - This famous playground is known throughout California for its whimsical equipment, which includes a drinking fountain inside the mouth of a lion, a swinging rope bridge, a roller slide, and a life-sized hedge maze. Young conductors can climb all over the real steam train engine and pretend they are rolling down the track. Created in 1956 by cartoonist Hank Ketcham, the park celebrates the right of kids to be kids. A snack bar is directly outside the park. The park is open daily at 10 a.m., and admission is free.

San Carlo Beach - Habitat to more than 70 percent of the world's invertebrate life, Monterey Bay offers some of the best scuba diving in California. Despite its chilly temperatures - averaging between 55-62 degrees F - many underwater enthusiasts consider Monterey a diver's paradise, and make the pilgrimage on a regular basis. San Carlos Beach, adjacent to the Coast Guard pier, is one of the most popular sites for recreational beach dives because of its easy access. A grassy area, several picnic tables, restrooms and an outdoor shower make this park a great place to spend the day.

Ventana Wilderness Sanctuary - For more than 20 years, the Ventana Wilderness Sanctuary has been defending the animal and plant species native to the Central Coast of California. The Sanctuary's wildlife protection and habitat restoration, education, and research programs are leading efforts to preserve endangered species in California. Their programs include, the California Condor Recovery Program, which has been responsible for reintroducing several near-extinct birds along the Big Sur coast, a bald eagle monitoring program, and the Creamery Meadow restoration. Go to www.ventanaws.org.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk - Located on a mile-beach between Monterey and San Francisco, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is your hot spot for beach vibes, classic rides and family fun. The only major seaside amusement park on the West Coast, the Boardwalk offers more than 30 carnival rides, place games, arcades, miniature golf and laser tag. You'll have a thrilling time, from the heart-pounding rush of the Giant Dipper - one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the US - to the family fun of Bulgy the Whale. The park's latest rides - Fireball and Cliff Hanger - are packed with oceanview thrills. Other attractions include the Climb & Conquer climbing wall, Venturer Simulator motion theater, Trampoline Thing, the 3-D Fun House, the Boardwalk Grand Arcades, the Casino Arcade, and Neptune's Kingdom. Visit www.rwsplash.com.

Monterey Conference Center - Located in the heart of historic Monterey, the Monterey Conference Center features 58,000 square feet over three levels of outstanding meeting space including an exhibit hall, ballroom, a 490-foot theater, luxurious boardroom, breakouts, patios, galleries, terraces and banquet facilities. The conference center is just steps away from Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Del Monte Shopping Center - Located between Monterey and Carmel, the Del Monte Center features more than 100 stores, diverse restaurants, a grocery store, a multi-screen movie theater and a classic California garden. Macy's and Mervins anchor this spacious, outdoor shopping center that offers a wide selection and beautiful surroundings.

Monterey State Historic Park - Monterey State Historic Park includes historic buildings, restored gardens, adobes, and the State Historic Park Visitor's Center located in the Custom House Plaza. The Center suggests a walking tour of approximately five hours that will acquaint you with Old Monterey's historic adobes. One fee of $5 per person gives you entrance to all the MSHP properties on the walk. It's an informative and enjoyable activity for individuals or families, and one of the best bargains around.  [Top]

Sea and Land Adventures

Monterey Bay Whale Watching - Monterey Bay is one of the world's prime whale watching zones, attracting visitors to beaches and boats to observe the spectacular diversity and abundance of whales and dolphins inhabiting Monterey Bay as they migrate through the Bay, from their summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to their winter breeding grounds in the Baja Peninsula. The best place on the West Coast to view Gray Whales, marine life and seabirds, Monterey Bay offers year-round whale watching trips, with commentary and information from the captains and on-board naturalists.

The Monterey Submarine Canyon is close to the shore, allowing deep-water whales and dolphins to live and breed near the coast. These waters are an extremely productive feeding area for many species, such as the Gray Whale, Killer Whale, Humpback Whale, Blue Whale and Baird's Beaked Whale. Both Monterey and Moss Landing harbors offer whale watching excursions during the popular gray whale migration every winter and spring, as well as opportunities to see humpbacks, blues, orcas, dolphins, porpoise and nearshore animals throughout the year. Setting out on a whale watching cruise is the best way to guarantee seeing whales.

Kayaking - Set within the nation's largest marine sanctuary, Monterey provides an exciting and diverse sea kayaking experience. Paddle through the sheltered waters of the harbor or explore the expansive, vibrant kelp beds along Cannery Row in the National Marine Sanctuary.

Scuba Diving - Monterey has some of the best beach diving in the country. Lovers Point cove, one of the most popular beach dives, is just a short walk from The Centrella Inn.

Walking and Biking - Extraordinary walking and biking paths follow the ocean along Monterey Bay from Fisherman's Wharf all the way around through Lover's Point and onto Pebble Beach.  [Top]

Museums & Missions

Monterey Museum of Art - Ranked the "best small town museum in the US," the Monterey Museum of Art offers permanent and rotating exhibits featuring early Californian art and contemporary and traditional American artists. See California and the Central Coast through the eyes of these artists. The Museum's exceptional collections, exhibitions, and educational programs reflect the unique cultural heritage of the region and its distinctive influence within the global cultural community. The museum's permanent collection includes California paintings, sculpture, works on paper and photography, Asian art, international folk art, and features significant bodies of work by Armin Hansen, William Ritschel, Ansel Adams, and Edward Weston. Visit both locations in Monterey at 559 Pacific Street or in the historic La Mirada adobe near Lake El Estero. Casual and free, viewings are held on the third Thursday evening at the main museum and first Sunday afternoon at La Mirada. Visit www.montereyart.org.

Monterey Maritime Museum - Monterey's maritime past comes alive at the Maritime Museum situated across the Custom House Plaza from Fisherman's Wharf. This museum showcases Monterey's seafaring heritage, explaining the role this protected harbor played in early California history and as a home to the US Navy. A treasure hunt for youngsters is held daily, and the gift shop features a variety of souvenirs for every sailor at heart.

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History - Climb the city's most beloved cetacean, Sandy the Whale, a life-sized bronze gray whale sculpture in front of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Inside, kids learn about the life cycle of one of Pacific Grove's more famous residents - the Monarch Butterfly - and can see the area's native local animals in full life dioramas. A special "kid's corner" allows youngsters to touch baleen, pet a bobcat and quiz themselves on local animals. Admission is free.

Mission San Antonio de Padua - The Mission San Antonio is the third California mission, founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1771. Still active as a parish church, this historic mission is a wonderful place to picnic, with tables under the shade tress where you can relax and enjoy the peace and solitude. There is a one-dollar fee to visit the grounds and museum. For information and directions, call (831) 385-4478.

Carmel Mission Basilica - The Carmel Mission Basilica has some of the most significant religious artifacts in California. Founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1770, the mission is still home to a thriving Catholic community. Today, visitors get a taste of mission life as it was back then. An on-site museum houses California's first library, as well as a collection of tools, equipment and appliances used by the Spaniards and Native Americans in their day-to-day life at the mission. The Spartan cell where Serra lived is also recreated in detail. While the grounds and mission are free, the $2 adult and $1 child museum entrance donation is to restore the mission. Open Monday - Saturday, 9:30 am-4:15pm. Open one hour later on Sundays and remaining open until 7:15pm June through August. Call (831) 624-3600.  [Top]

Golf

Pebble Beach Resorts - For more than 80 years, Pebble Beach Resorts has been celebrated for its unparalleled golf, resort and spa facilities, and breathtaking scenery. Ranked the No. 1 golf resort in America by Golf Digest Magazine in 2002, Pebble Beach Resorts features four courses - Pebble Beach Golf Links, Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill Golf Course and Del Monte Golf Course - and the famed Pebble Beach Golf Academy.

Pebble Beach Golf Links - The exquisite beauty and unique challenge of Pebble Beach Golf Links thrills golfers and spectators alike. Ranked the No. 1 Public Course in America by Golf Digest in 2003 and 2004, Pebble   Beach has been the site of golf's most prestigious tournaments, including the annual AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, and the 1972,'82,'92 and 2000 U.S. Open Championships. Designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, the 18-hole, Par 72 course hugs the rugged coastline, providing wide-open vistas, cliffside fairways, and sloping greens. Pebble   Beach Golf Links includes chipping and putting greens, the Peter Hay Par-Three Golf Course and practice range, and a Golf Shop.

The Links at Spanish Bay - Spanish Bay is a true Scottish links course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson and Sandy Tatum. Links is an old Scottish word for sandy wasteland, usually near the sea, with bristly grasses and ever prevailing wind. The Links at Spanish Bay are so authentic that even the Monterey coastline mirrors the rugged, natural beauty of Scotland. The 18-hole golf course provides you with the choice of using your regular shot or a low, running shot to play the firm turf while keeping the ball under the steady ocean breezes. The Links at Spanish Bay, built with a deep respect for environmental preservation, has designated "environmentally sensitive" areas to preserve the native plants, birds and animals that make this course so special. Also available are chipping and putting greens. The Links at Spanish Bay is located at The Inn at Spanish Bay, off 17-Mile Drive near the Pacific Grove Gate.

Spyglass Hill Golf Course - Ranked five on "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" list by Golf Digest for 2003 - 2004, Spyglass Hill Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. along Del Monte Forest's shoreline. Opened in 1966, this challenging course features two distinctly different kinds of terrain that influence the way the holes look and play. The first five holes roll through sandy seaside dunes challenging the golfer to carefully pick the safest path. The following 13 holes are cut through majestic pines with elevated greens and strategically placed bunkers and lakes to grab the errant shot. Spyglass Hill is rated one of the toughest courses in the world from the Championship tees, boasting a course rating of 75.3 and a slope rating of 148. The PGA Tour consistently lists Spyglass Hill's holes 6, 8 and 16 among the toughest on the tour. "The Glass," a local nickname referring to the slippery greens, is an annual co-host to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Spyglass Hill co-hosted the 1999 United States Amateur during medal play rounds, and hosts many world-class professional and amateur events each year. Spyglass Hill also offers putting greens and a practice range.

Del Monte Golf Course - Opened in 1897, Del Monte Golf Course is the oldest course in continuous operation west of the Mississippi. Designed by golf and polo enthusiast Charles Maud, this inland 18-hole, Par 72 course boasts a meandering layout that has challenged golfers for more than a century. The original and still host of the California State Amateur, Del Monte features narrow, tree-lined fairways and small, well-protected greens, and serves as one of three courses on which the Callaway Golf Pebble Beach Invitational is played. Adjacent to Del Monte Golf Course, the Del Monte Pavilion offers an inviting outdoor special event setting for corporate outings or a tournament awards ceremony.

Bayonet Golf Course - Built in 1954 at historic Fort Ord, the two golf courses the Army left behind - Bayonet and Black Horse - have risen to national prominence. Bayonet's 7,117 yards include magnificently long and narrow fairways lined with towering oak and cypress trees. The 18-hole, Par 72, waterless course features "Combat Corner," a series of sharp doglegs on holes 11-15 that were designed to fit the slice of southpaw General Robert McLure, the course designer. Bayonet hosts a PGA Qualifying Tournament every November, along with the Bank of America Monterey Peninsula Classic in October. With relatively mild hills and speedy greens, this splendid Monterey course entices long hitters and rewards them with picturesque strolls.

Black Horse Golf Course - Built in 1967, Black Horse Golf Course in Seaside is a Monterey golf jewel and part of the PGA tour event schedule. The 18-hole, public course stretches 7,009 yards from the longest of its four tee placements and demands accuracy over the fairway undulations and speedy greens. With more expansive bay views, tighter fairways, smaller greens and greater elevation changes than Bayonet, Black Horse offers a distinctively different look while still sharing the benefits of Monterey Bay golf. The courses share a complete pro shop, driving range, and clubhouse offering delectable meals and libations for your post-golfing pleasure.  [Top]

Nearby Neighborhoods

Carmel - Cultured, quaint and artistic, Carmel-by-the-Sea is renowned for art galleries and fine restaurants. First settled by artists, this famous seaside community features Tudor buildings that house galleries, shops and hotels, often tucked down pocket-sized courtyards. Enjoy pristine white beaches, golf courses and panoramic views. Carmel Plaza offers more than 50 shops and restaurants in an elegant courtyard setting. The dog-friendly plaza has lovely landscaping and centers around a beautiful fountain. Carmel Valley Village consists of interesting shops, winery tasting rooms, restaurants and cafés.

Big Sur - From gorgeous beaches to mountains, from sea air to stately redwoods, Big Sur is one of the world's top destinations. Geographic Traveler listed Big Sur as one of the 50 Places of a Lifetime. Hike along streams in the tree-lined valleys. Climb the high ridges for a spectacular view of the coastline on the western slope and gaze into three million acres of wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest. Dine in restaurants from fanciful to exquisite. Camp out in campgrounds, or luxuriate at the local health spas. Several State Parks and beaches offer hiking and horseback riding opportunities. Andrew Molera State Park, the largest state park on the Big Sur Coast, is famous with bird watchers. A wide, scenic, mile-long path leads to a sandy beach that is sheltered from the wind by a large bluff. The path winds you through a meadow filled with wildflowers and sycamore trees, offering great views of the coastal mountain range to the east. The path parallels the Big Sur River, which enters the sea adjacent to Molera's beach. Photographers love the turn-outs of Highway One, especially at Bixby Bridge, which at 714 feet is one of the highest single-span arch bridges in the world.

San Francisco - Old World charm and ethnic neighborhoods combine with a picturesque ocean setting to make San Francisco a hip, unique city. The orange towers of the Golden Gate Bridge are visible from almost every high point in the city. You will be captivated by the extraordinary charm, character and ambiance of San Francisco and its many eclectic neighborhoods - Pacific Heights, Richmond District, South of Market, Nob Hill, North Beach, The Marina, Mission District, Haight-Ashbury, and the East Bay communities. San Francisco offers a diversity of arts, attractions, nightclubs, museums, art galleries, restaurants, festivals, entertainment and sightseeing tours. Experience all the highlights including, Twin Peaks, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, the San Francisco Zoo, and Union Square.

Santa Cruz - Synonymous with surf, sand and sun, Santa Cruz offers amazing beaches, majestic redwood forests and vibrant cityscapes. Taste fresh cuisine and fine wines, and experience rich history, acclaimed arts, and year-round events. Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of sun-splashed, fun-filled beaches are perfect for building sand castles, learning to surf, playing beach volleyball, hiking the coastal bluffs, feasting on a picnic, and taking a romantic sunset stroll. From the dramatic windswept cliffs to the wide expanses of sand and sea, you're sure to find your sweet spot on the sand. Santa Cruz County is also a den for shopping diversity. Galleries and shops are tucked into appealing neighborhoods, with flower sellers and garden shops sprinkled around town.  [Top]

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