Now that travel restrictions from the pandemic have eased a bit and people are choosing to travel again, many have wondered what activities are available to do while visiting the beautiful County of Monterey.
Read on for just a few ideas on the many available safe outdoor activities to do while you are here!
Golf
From the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links to the Del Monte Golf Course, the oldest continually operating course west of the Mississippi, Monterey County offers some of the world’s finest fairways. Now that many of Monterey’s golf courses have reopened with modified operations to follow proper safety and health requirements, you can get back to doing what you love. Pick a golf course and you will most likely be playing where the pros play. Pebble Beach may be on your bucket list as a place to play, but you will also want to remember Spyglass Hill and Poppy Hills, two courses that have co-hosted the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. With over 20 public and private courses in Monterey County, you can take your pick and play to your heart’s desire while you golf one of the top ranked golf destinations in the world.
Kayaking in Monterey Bay
Kayaking is a great activity to do with friends or family where social distancing is as easy as pie. When you visit one of the many kayak rental operations in Monterey, you open the door to a world of wonder! After getting your safety briefing and tips on the best spots to visit, you can launch your kayak right from the beach and start your adventure. This area has so much to explore and see! As you paddle through the kelp forest canopy along Cannery Row, you will be kayaking with the sea lions, seals, and otters. You may see harbor seals swimming alongside you or lazing on the rocks of the shoreline. And do not be surprised if you see a raft of otters rolling and playing in the kelp! You will have a front row seat to the beauty of nature in the bay. If a tour is more to your liking, many of the kayak businesses in Monterey offer guided tours to some of the most breathtaking and picturesque areas, so get yourself a kayak and a paddle and go have fun!
Paddleboarding
Monterey Bay is an ideal location for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), which is another great outside activity to do during these times when social distancing is so important. Whether you are an experienced SUP’er or you want to take a lesson, there are several places in Monterey that offer rentals and/or lessons. If you are a beginner, Monterey has small coves to get you started before you venture out into the bay. Whether you are just starting out or you have been paddleboarding for a long time, grab a SUP and get your adventure started in beautiful Monterey.
Whale Watching
Monterey has year-round whale watches, along with pelagic seabird trips in the Summer/Fall seasons. The good news is that boats are now operating at approximately half of their regular capacity due to the new regulations for social distancing, so you can still safely experience a whale watching trip. On whale watching trips in Monterey, you will experience the beauty of seeing one or more of a variety of whales and sea creatures, such as gray whales, humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins, porpoise, orca whales (aka killer whales), seals, sea lions, sea otters, and seabirds. Bring your camera for some excellent photographic opportunities too! No matter the time of year, the opportunities to see something amazing is always there.
While many indoor businesses and attractions, like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, still remain temporarily closed due to the pandemic, there are many outdoor activities for you to enjoy. Monterey County beaches are open, and restaurants are also open for outdoor dining or take away orders. If you stay a bit flexible and love the outdoors, now is a great time to visit Monterey!