Monterey County bucket list, short edition: 26 things you must do in Monterey, California

I present to you a cultivated assortment of the things that I recommend the most after three years living in this magical area with awesome weather and lovely flowers. Many simple pleasures, some great deals and a few splurges. Of course, there are plenty more excellent culinary options and outings to be enjoyed. 

If you're looking for more right now, some of my other articles feature brunch suggestions in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties and night out/date night ideas for Monterey and Santa Cruz counties (RIP Salinas Valley Food & Wine). For more suggestions, check out two hour after-work Monterey adventures and outdoor activities around Monterey. If you're looking to give back while exploring the community, see these volunteer opportunities for families around Monterey county. And if you make the trip to SF, here are some recommended San Francisco art museums--check with each museum for the latest events.

​Required activities:

1. Have a latte in the garden behind Alta Bakery and Cafe (We often park on Munras near the library and walk over)
2. Visit the Monterey Aquarium to say hello to the otters
3. Hike Inspiration Point in Carmel (Warning: it is steep but worth it. There is a port-a-potty at the bottom of the big hill)
4. Buy bread from Ad Astra Bread Co.
5. Attend First Friday in Pacific Grove and visit the Pacific Grove Art Center (and keep an eye out for the Tiny Treasures fundraiser and raffle!)
6. Enjoy all of the chips and salsa at Peppers in Pacific Grove
7. Say hi to the cows in the field outside the entrance to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (You can also park there and walk in to skip the park entrance fee)
8. See a movie at the Lighthouse Cinema
9. Eat weekday breakfast outside at Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant
10. Eat bees knees ice cream from Revival Ice Cream

Bonus activities:

1. Visit the Cannery Row Antique Mall
2. See a show at Carmel's Outdoor Forest Theatre
3. Attend Carmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week
4. Bike part of 17 Mile Drive (bikers enter for free)
5. Christmas: buy a ticket for Christmas in the Adobes 
6. Order dessert at Jeju Kitchen
7. Try out the running/walking group with Fleet Feet Monterey (typically Monday nights at 6 pm, but check the schedule)
8. Splurge on a Refuge spa pass
9. Trick or treat (or just people-watch) around Candy Cane Lane in Pacific Grove (Park across the street near Pacific Grove High School or similar) 
10. Order at the bar (inside the lobby on the left, the restaurant is to the right) at L'Auberge
11. Try the international coffee options at Seaside's Creperie Cafe
12. Check out the events schedule at Earthbound Farm Stand
13. See "calla lily valley" in Garrapata State Park in late January through March
14. Christmas: buy a ticket for Christmas at the Inns
15. Consider a relay team for the Big Sur Marathon Relay in April (Warning: you will have to wake up really early) and/or work the expo volunteering with Monterey Public Library
16. Join the cheapest wine club at Taste of Monterey and have a free weekly happy hour staring at the ocean (Note: parking is kind of weird and they close early)

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