Monterey Bay Aquarium area???

[casaazul]

We are planning to head to San Francisco and area. We would like to stay on the beach somewhere. Has anyone stayed near Monterey at a condo or cottage on the beach? We will be going next Spring Break, so we want to be on the beach to watch for whales.

Thanks in advance!

 

[birkner]

We are planning to head to San Francisco and area. We would like to stay on the beach somewhere. Has anyone stayed near Monterey at a condo or cottage on the beach? We will be going next Spring Break, so we want to be on the beach to watch for whales.

Thanks in advance!

I have never seen whales from the beach but have taken the following tour. The website has package deals with hotels but we did not use the package.

http://www.montereybaywhalewatch.com/

Spring break will be fairly expensive so you may want to check around for prices. We stayed on Cannery Row in the Monterey Bay Inn on a Monterey Bay Aquarium package (which included tickets for two) that was 258.90 per night plus tax and $13. per night for parking.

If you are looking for a condo or cottage, try this site:

http://www.findvacationrentals.com/states/Searches/Monterey-Bay.asp

Don't forget if you are in the area to check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium

http://www.mbayaq.org/

Hope this helps.

 

[casaazul]

We plan on a day in Napa Valley, not too much fun with a 13 year old, so a quick drive through. Then SF for 2 days, seeing the main sights, taking a harbor cruise and then heading to Monterey. The Aquarium is top on our list, and I'm thinking of getting a membership, just to be able to go a few days.

We want to go on a whale watching cruise, so I'll look at the info you posted. From what I have read, people are saying you can see whales from the beach. I've seen dolphins when I was on Huntington Beach, so maybe...???!!!!

We mostly would like to find a place to just relax, maybe with a kitchen to make breakfast and pack lunches. After our WDW trip this Spring Break, dh wants to plan the next trip and has picked San Francisco and the area! I was thinking of playing golf at Pebble Beach, but found out it is $450 each, not gonna happen, LOL!!!

 

[deletedpenguin]

The aquarium is an amazing place, don't get me wrong, but to go multiple days may not be needed. You can pretty much see everything in one day. Here's a shot of the really cool jellyfish exhibit I took.

 

[RMH]

If seeing whales is high on your priority list, I would recommend a Whale Watching Cruise rather than taking your chances on the beach. The odds are much higher from a boat and if you do see whales (no guarantee) from the boat you will likely see a lot of their body including the fluke. If you spot them from the beach you will most likely only see the spout and not any of the whale at all. The boats can get within something like 100 yards of the whale and sometimes they swim up by the boat because they are curious.

 

[deletedpenguin]

I agree with RMH. If you're on the shore, keep an eye out for sea lions and sea otters. They'll be just off shore, whereas the whales will be a ways out.

 

[MOMTOCUTESTDOGEVER]

The aquarium is an amazing place, don't get me wrong, but to go multiple days may not be needed. You can pretty much see everything in one day. Here's a shot of the really cool jellyfish exhibit I took.

DH and I will be visiting the aquarium in July. Your picture makes me so excited!! Beautiful shot!

 

[deletedpenguin]

DH and I will be visiting the aquarium in July. Your picture makes me so excited!! Beautiful shot!

Thanks!

 

[amjt660]

The aquarium is an amazing place, don't get me wrong, but to go multiple days may not be needed. You can pretty much see everything in one day. Here's a shot of the really cool jellyfish exhibit I took.

DP - Awesome pic of the jellies dude!!!
The whole family loved the aquarium (especialy the jellies and the otters).
I agree with you that one day is enough time.

Don't forget to do the 17 Mile drive - we caught a sunset while near the ocean and it was breathtaking

Drew