Monterey Bay, California - 17 mile drive, day trip

The jelly fish exhibit is amazing at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Just over 2.5 hours away (depending on traffic), Monterey Bay makes for a great day trip.  I'm in love with the ocean, so, I'm down in that area quite a bit.  There are quite a few things to do in that area:

• Drop by Santa Cruz Boardwalk
• Carmel town/beach
• Big Sur (further south)
• Monterey Bay Aquarium 
• 17 mile drive/Pebble Beach

​For this post, I'm highlighting the 17 mile drive and the Aquarium!

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In a penguin egg shell! Lots of hands on exhibits in this section that are fun (like getting in a shell or learning to communicate like a penguin).

Monterey Bay Aquarium
If you've never been, it's a full day's worth of fun.  Slowly meander through the entire museum's vast grounds, spend time outside the back entrance taking in the sights and smells of the ocean, and grab dinner at one of the amazing seafood spots in the area afterward.  Some of my favorite spots that you might want to linger around a bit longer:

• Touch pools - even if you're not a kid, the guides are amazing here and there's a lot to explore, be ready to get a bit wet, though.  They do have towels and sanitizer around for those that are germaphobes.
• Jellyfish exhibit - those photos, however stunning, don't actually do this exhibit justice.  They have their dedicated section of the aquarium and there's plenty to learn about these amazing creatures.
• Penguins!  This is my all time favorite spot to explore while at the aquarium.  Learn how they communicate, watch a feeding happen live, and just enjoy how fun these creatures are.

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Always amazing, jellyfish.

Yum, sardines.

Climbing the rocks along the 17 mile drive with my pup, Cleo

17 mile drive
I love taking friends and family here when they visit - especially those that have seen the major sights in the SF Bay Area already.  It's stunning even in the gloom.  This is one of the most beautiful spots to enjoy the rocky, Northern California shoreline.  Second only to my fave beach, Montara Beach (closer to SF).  Here are a few tips:

• I'd save about 4 hours to get through the whole thing if you stop, meander, and don't rush
• There's a fee at the two entry points to the road - but it's worth it
• There are many stops along the way - definitely stop at the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, and Harbor Seals
• However, I encourage you to stop by anything that looks beautiful, climb on some rocks, check out a few tide pools, and get away from the crowds (especially if it's sunny out)
• Weather is usually cooler along the coast, so layer up

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At a tried and true spot - Sand Bar & Grill. Get the curried sauce (it's a light, french version, delicious here).

View of the pier outside of Sand Bar & Grill.