17 Mile Drive : Wind along this scenic coastal drive and be treated to views of the Pebble Beach Golf Course, multi-million dollar homes and landmark locations like the Lone Cypress. Known internationally as one of the most beautiful meetings of sea and land in the world. 17 Mile Drive is located in Pebble Beach and can be accessed through Carmel or Pacific Grove.
Fisherman's Wharf : Enjoy walking along this weathered pier while browsing at the various gift shops and candy stores. Besides the many wonderful ocean view restaurants, you can watch a variety of boats from whaling vessels to submarines coming into dock. Watch playful sea otters and harbor seals and sea lions frolic along the shore. For history buffs, Monterey's Path of History and Maritime Museum are nearby.
Golfing : The Monterey Peninsula features 18 terrific golf courses for all skill levels and all budgets. Old Del Monte, bordering the Hyatt, offers a challenge to beginners and professionals alike. Old Del Monte Golf Course, 1300 Sylvan Road, Monterey, California 93940; (831) 373-2436.
Hiking : Some of the best California hiking is located just south of Monterey along the Big Sur coast. Try Point Lobos and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for trails leading past waterfalls, out along the coast and through the Redwoods.
Horseback Riding : If you are interested in taking a scenic drive, travel down the Big Sur Coast to Molera Trail Rides and enjoy a trot through the redwood forests, sunny meadows, across sparkling streams and along the beach with magnificent views of the Big Sur coastline. Molera Trail Rides, Big Sur; (831) 625-8664.
Hot Air Ballooning : Glide across the sky in the oldest of air ships and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the vine covered Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay. Balloons by the Sea, Salinas, 71 Myrtle Court, Salinas; (831) 424-0111.
Kayaking : Launching from a small beach off Cannery Row, Adventures-by-the-Sea is the best bet for the novice kayaker. You will be paddling to Lovers Point in minutes and enjoying close up views of sea otters and sea lions. Adventures-by-the-Sea, Cannery Row, 299 Cannery Row, Monterey, California 93940; (831) 372-1807.
Laguna Seca Raceway : Get yourself ready for motorsport excitement as the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) and Laguna Seca Raceway bring you an amazing season of road racing action you won't find anywhere else in the world. Laguna Seca offers world class events like the famous Indy Car World Series, Monterey Historic Automobile Races, United States World Superbike Championship and Toyota AMA Superbike Series. For Information: (831) 648-5100.
Monterey Bay Aquarium : Quite possibly our greatest tourist attraction, located on historic Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium features more than 100 galleries and exhibits including a 3-story, 335,000 gallons of living kelp forest and an up close look at sea otters. Open 10AM - 6PM daily. 866 Cannery Row; (831) 648-4888.
Shopping in Carmel : If you are in the mood to shop, try downtown Carmel where you will find unique gifts, fabulous art galleries, quaint restaurants and a lovely beach at the streets' end. There are over 150 shops and more than 90 art galleries, not to mention 60 restaurants featuring almost every type of cuisine. Ocean Avenue in Carmel.
Wine Tasting : Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many wineries. Monterey County devotes more acreage to producing wine grapes than any other county in the United States. Try a Taste of Monterey, the Monterey Peninsula Winery, Ventana Vineyards and Chateau Julien. Taste of Monterey (831) 646-5446; Monterey Peninsula Winery (831) 372-4949; Ventana Vineyards (831) 372-4715; Chateau Julien (831) 624-2600.