Frequently Asked Questions
Destinations
Where is the Hog's Breath Inn?
This well-known restaurant, formerly owned by Clint Eastwood, is located
on San Carlos between 4th and 5th St in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
How long does it take to get to Hearst Castle from Monterey.
Are tours available? How much does it cost?
It's 90 miles from Rio Rd in Carmel to San Simeon on Highway One; allow
about 3 hours? drive time in clear, dry weather. Admission is $14.00
for adults. If you're a first-time visitor, take Tour One for a good
general look at the mansion.
How do I get to the entrance of 17-Mile Drive, and how much
does it cost?
Price is $8.25 per car (no motorcycles allowed). There are several gates,
but the best place to begin is to take Highway 68 to the Pacific Grove
gate off Sunset Ave. Follow the signs.
How long does it take to drive to Monterey from San Francisco?
It's 123 miles, about 2.5 hours of driving, depending on traffic. Try
to steer clear of rush-hour traffic and avoid Friday or Sunday evenings
when weekenders are heading to destinations or going home.
How can I get to your area without a car from the San Jose or San
Francisco Airports?
Take the convenient Monterey-Salinas Airporter Airbus. It's only $30 one
way from SFO or San Jose to the Salinas Amtrak Station or the Monterey
Transit Center. Amtrak and Greyhound both serve the area, as well. The
Amtrak station is in Salinas with buses connecting to Monterey. The Greyhound
station is also in Salinas with connecting service to Monterey.
Recreation/Attractions
Can you see whales throughout the entire year?
Yes. The Central Coast enjoys sightings of whales all year. See grays from
December to April, humpback whales and blue whales from May-October.
See Whale Watching
Could you recommend any good hiking trails in the area?
Monterey County is blessed with beautiful hiking trails that take in
the full range of difficulty, from easy to challenging. For sea views,
visit Point Lobos State Reserve, three miles south of Carmel on Highway
One. For valley views, try Garland Regional Park in Carmel Valley.
What are the opening hours of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, how
much does it cost?
Winter hours are 10:00-6:00pm daily; closed Christmas. Summer hours are
9:30-6:00pm. Prices are as follows: adult $17.95, seniors over 65 and
students aged 8-17 $17.95, disabled persons $7.95, kids 3-7 $7.95, under
3 free. No discount coupons are offered.
Where does Clint Eastwood live and is he still your mayor?
Clint currently lives in Pebble Beach. He was mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea
in the mid 1980s and served for two years.
Where can you purchase posters and videos of the area?
The Wharfside General Store on Fisherman's Wharf is a great place to buy
posters. Tourist shops and galleries along Cannery Row, in Carmel or Big
Sur also have posters; in Pacific Grove, try Spanish Bay Gallery. The El
Estero Visitor Center sells tapes; the Maritime Museum Visitor Center sells
videos and other goodies besides.
Food and Lodging
Which hotels are located on the water?
The Monterey Plaza and Spa, Spindrift, Monterey Bay Inn, The Beach Resort,
and Marina Dunes Resort are a few of the lodgings on the water. Numerous
hotels and motels are near the water or have ocean views.
Where can I find reasonably priced accommodations?
Accommodations along Fremont St and Munras St are reasonable. Check Marina
and Seaside for possibilities as well: they are somewhat further out,
but are worth it if you're on a budget, or traveling during an especially
busy time. Don't forget that off-season prices can be a real bargain.
Also, you might consider camping.
Can you recommend a seafood restaurant on the water?
There are some excellent seafood restaurants along Fisherman's Wharf
and Cannery Row, but don't limit yourself!
Where can we get coupons for discounts on Aquarium, lodging,
restaurants?
The Cannery Row Coupon Book offers discounts. Several restaurants give
10-15% off. You can find them at Visitor Centers. No discounts are offered
at the Aquarium, but you can get a free audio rental. Remember, off-season
rates are lower for lodging.
We would like to get married on the Peninsula. How do we obtain
a marriage license?
The Monterey Peninsula is a prime destination for couples who want to
tie the knot. Both bride and groom must be present at the Salinas Courthouse
with acceptable photo identification. The cost is $54 and the license
is valid throughout California for 90 days. If you are residents of California,
you can obtain a license in your home town ? just remember to bring it
with you! Call the Salinas Courthouse at 831-755-5450 from Salinas, or
831-647-7906 from Monterey, for more information.
What are the typical weather patterns for the year?
The temperatures and weather patterns of the Monterey County vary. Coastal
areas are mild. Inland temperatures tend to be more extreme. Generally,
autumn is the warmest and sunniest season. Conditions can vary from city
to city and throughout the day. Dressing in layers and bringing a light
jacket or sweater is wise. |
