The upshot? I’m opening this space up to everyone else who loves, visits, or works in Carmel.

Do you want to rave about your favorite restaurant? Promote your business/service (for free!)? Write a “top-ten” article about Carmel Beach — just for the experience? Send along your text and photos, and I’ll edit and publish your content.

1. Articles/photos must relate to Carmel and the surrounding areas (Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Monterey). I want site visitors to find what they’re looking for, not an ad for a completely unrelated business in Ontario.

2. This is a family-friendly site. Keep it PG.

3. I may edit your content, or even choose not to publish it, but will always notify you of my intentions for your work.

4. Please include your name and status as a local/visitor/business owner with your work; we’re all about transparency here.

Please send submissions to:

Editor@hotelmarketingstrategies.com

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Katie

The Outlet Mall's Buried Treasure -- Cannery Row's Best Coupon Booklets

Clearly, an impromptu coupon test-drive followed by a full report back to our awesome visitors (you!) was in order. Here are The 2010 Book of $aving’s best deals, Tin Cannery highlights, lots of photos and extra insider-tips — because we love you, so.

Warmer... Warmer... Disco. The Coupon Booklets are Down this Corridor, on the Ground Floor.

Before we dive in, I’ll spare you loads of eye-straining small print with an all encompassing disclaimer — none of these offers can be combined with another discount, most businesses prefer that one person per day use a coupon, they all turn back into pumpkins at the strike of midnight (or at closing time) on December 31st, 2010, and only a real sleaze would try to pull a photo-copy switcheroo, right? So we don’t even have to go there. Stay classy.

The 2010 Book of $avings: Awesome Cannery Row Coupons

Discounted Summer Kicks at Nine West

1. Nine West $avings Coupon: 10% off any one item. CODE: 058402102. Not valid at Nine West specialty stores or ninewest.com. Not valid on previous purchases or purchases of gift cards. Not redeemable for cash or store credit.

2. Bass $avings Coupon: 10% off a purchase of $50 or more.

Nine West may sell the cutest kicks, but comfy sole-seekers are better off at the Bass outlet, next door.

Archie's Diner, Home of The Row's Best Garlic Fries

3. Archie’s American Diner $avings Coupon: 50% off second item/entree purchased of equal or lesser value.

You’ll get a kick out of Archie’s retro-1940’s vibe, and the atmosphere is family-friendly; the paper table cloths and crayons are the perfect backdrop for silly sketches, tic-tac-toe, and any other pre-garlic fries game you can think up.

It's Nothing Personal, Sharky

Imax Sharky Coupon: $2 off an adult ticket, or $1 off a child’s ticket to Ultimate Wave: Tahiti 3D.

vs.

4. Imax $avings Coupon: Purchase 1 full price Imax ticket, receive 50% off 2nd Imax admission ticket of equal or greater value.

Let’s do some Imath on this one. 2 tickets at $15 each = $30. With two Sharky coupons, $26, and with one $avings coupon, $23, and you can see any show. It’s nothing personal Sharky — we can still be friends.

Visit Central California's ONLY Full Dippin' Dots Shop. Those 4-Flavor Carts are for Sissies.

Follow the Dots to Some Seriously Nostaligia-Inducing Cups of Flash Frozen AWESOME

Crossing Abbey Road with the Dippin' Dots

5. Dippin’ Dots $avings Coupon: $1 off purchase of $5 or more.

I work at Dippin’ Dots Cannery Row every weekend (and painted the mural), so I can promise, coming from a place of utmost authority, that “Yes — those granulated rainbow pebbles ARE, indeed, ice-cream. Flash-frozen, mixable, ‘funky-preservative’-free, negative forty-five degree ice cream.”

They’re also delicious, which you may already know, thanks to childhood trips to the Santa Cruz boardwalk, just about any amusement park, Chicago’s Navy Pier, or Minnesota’s Camp Snoopy (holla). Unlike those nostalgia-inducing little stands, however, the Cannery Row location serves over 20 flavors, including a new (caffeinated) Mocha Cappuccino, a dairy-free Rainbow Ice, and the eternally best-selling Banana Split. Stop in for a sample… or two… or a cup — and remember your coupon!

The Smiley Orca Lady-Artist is a Hoot, and Amazing with Kids

Smiley Orca AND The Monterey County Youth Museum's Wheelie Mobilee. Now it's a party.

6. Smily Orca Face Painting $avings Coupon: Buy one face painting and get one FREE of equal or lesser value.

Visit Lisa at her Smiley Orca face-painting stand any Saturday, on the corner of Cannery Row and Prescott, and if you don’t have a second kid — use that coupon on yourself, big guy. You’re on vacation.

Rocky Mountain's Gourmet Candy-Apple Factory

Rocky Mountain Illustrates Reason #743 You Should Get Married on The Monterey Peninsula

7. The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory $avings Coupon: One free caramel apple when you purchase any Gourmet Caramel Apple of equal of lesser value.

These aren’t normal caramel apples. They’re hand-dipped, multi-layered, generously-sized gourmet desserts, so take a box back to the hotel — where you can slice and savor them properly.

Wine Tasting, an Appropriate Prelude to the Mirror Maze and Blacklight Miniature Golf?

8. Scheid Vineyards $avings Coupon: Complimentary tasting for two with this coupon. ($20 value)

We’re all about FREE. Free wine — even better! Remember your I.D.

Try the All-Day Mirror Maze Challenge, If You Dare.

9. Monterey Mirror Maze Lazer Challenge $avings Coupon: $2 off a 5-pack combo: Unlimited Mirror Maze and Lazer Challenge.

Hey parents — unlimited-”lazer”-tag-induced early slumber for them, a night of rightly earned solitude for you. Winners all around.

Bubba Gumps, Cannery Row

10. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market $avings Coupon: Complimentary Bubba’s “Far-Out” Dip with purchase of 2 entrees.

Watch the movie, first — you do know which movie, right? How old are you, anyways, readers?– then try to stump Bubba’s quizzical hosts and servers. Ice-cream contests, spontaneous song-and-dance processions and outstanding ocean views are commonplace here. If you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves and getting handsy with your meal, order the 1/2 pound “peel n’ eat” cajun steamed Shrimper’s Net Catch.

Coming this June to Cannery Row: Monterey's First On-Site Brewery!

11. Cannery Row Brewing Company $avings Coupon: One Free Dessert to share with two paid entrees. Limit TWO coupons per table.

The Cannery Row Brewing Company is Monterey’s first on-site brewery, and they allow two coupons per table, awesome. Only one hitch. It isn’t open yet — leaving only one possible explanation — we found a coupon from the future!

Really though, their coupon initiative is impressive considering Monterey’s notorious procrastination, which the city formally acknowledged in 1985 with a plaque titled:

“Grand Procrastination. This simple bronze plaque honoring the work of John Steinbeck was sculptured in 1938 by William Gordon Huff. It was dedicated that same year by noted Western historian Dr. Charles L. Camp with all the unwavering oratorical profundity which traditionally distinguishes this ancient and honorable order. It took 47 years, however, to get around to mounting it. Credo Quia Absurdum.

Rededicated and mounted at last on this 13th day of July, 1985.”

The plaque adorns one of the city’s historic Wave Street buildings — the very same building that The Cannery Row Brewing Company will soon call home. True story.

I have a sneaking suspicion, reinforced by their under-construction website, that the coupons aren’t early; the Brewery’s opening is late. Permanently-affixed homage to foot-dragging jokes aside, the local buzz is that this spot is worth the wait; I think you’re gonna dig it, too.

Candy World, and if You like Variety: Taffy Heaven

12. Candy World

It’s so big, you can’t help but feel like a little kid again. The best part? Thanks to Jelly-Belly style dispensers, some of which are full of actual jelly bellies, you can pick and choose between dozens of candies, creating a perfect grab-bag. No more putting up with inferior flavors sullying your sweet treats — I’m looking at you, green Sour Patch Kids. Another way to feel like a little kid, or Alice after one too many cake crumbs, for that matter….

One Last Silly Squeeze at the American Tin Cannery -- Don't get Stuck!

For the hyper-vigilante planners out there — I count myself among your proudly neurotic ranks — here’s the entire Book of $avings retail list. How good are the rest of the deals? You’ll have to pick it up and see for yourself… or send me an email; that’s cool, too.

2010 Book of $avings Retailers and Restaurants:

American Tin Cannery: Archie’s American Diner, Bass Shoes, Capt’n Ben’s, Enstyle 11, Izod, Monterey Bay Espresso, Pendleton, Mrs. Z’s Gem Lab, Mr. Z’s Fine Jewelry, Nine West Outlet, Oceans 18 Miniature Golf, Pet Pal’s Dog and Cat Grooming, VanHeusen

Cannery Row Shops: California Classics, Candles & Clay, Cannery Row Sardine Co, Charms by the Bay, Del Sol, Coastal Painting Gallery, Down Family Lane Gifts, European Jeweler and Goldsmith, For Garlic Lovers, Galleryi Fine Art, Great Things Home, la Dolce Vita, Let it Bead, Lids, The Light Garden Antiques and Home Decor, The Little Hat Shop, Monterey Bay Harley-Davidson, Jewelry Art N’ Stone, Pebble Beach on Cannery Row, Sand to Glass, Silver Sand and Stone, Sockshop Cannery Row, Steinbeck Jewelers, Super Silver, Tamara G Custom Jewelry Design, Tiny Dot Toys and Gifts, Z Folio Gallery, Zucchini’s Tricks N’ Things

Cannery Row Activities/Spas: Aqua Massage of Monterey, Doc Wenzel’s Old Time Portraits, The Energia Spa, GG’s Salon and Spa, Cannery Row IMAX, Mirror Maze Lazer Challenge, Smiley Orca Face Painting, Vista Blue Spa

Cannery Row Restaurants: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Captain Bullwacker’s Pub and Restaurant, Cannery Row Pizzeria and Wine Cellar, C Restaurant and Bar, Cafe La Strada, The Cannery Row Brewing Company, The Duck Club Grill, El Mariache Restaurant y Cantina, El Torito Mexican Restaurant, The Fish Hopper, Louie Linguini’s, Schooners Bistro on the Bay, The Sardine Factory, Blue Fin Cafe and Billiards

Cannery Row Wineries: A Taste of Monterey – Wine Center, Bargetto Winery, Baywood Cellars, Scheid Vineyards Wine Lounge

Cannery Row Treats and Cafes: Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream, Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, MYO Frozen Yogurt, Nestle Toll House Cafe, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Lilly Mae’s Cinnamon Rolls

*** Obviously, the top picks are skewed by my personal tastes, which inevitably reward the most entertaining, sugar-loaded, tipsy-making, juvenile-behavior-enabling businesses of the bunch. Enjoy.

Have a favorite of your own? Share it in the comments.

Related Articles:

Vacation Karaoke: Because Nobody Knows Your Name

Ten Trolley Follies, and How to Avoid Them

Cooking for Solutions with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, May 21-22 2010

Free Starbucks Coffee on Cannery Row Tomorrow: Happy Tax Day!

Hot Pink Flamingos and Beyond: A Sneak Peek Inside The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Newest Exhibit

Four Ways to Watch: The Peninsula’s Best Movie Theaters

Centsational Post About Carmel: Carmel-by-the-Sea is for Me

The P.G. Farmer's Market, Lighthouse Avenue -- with Eventual Plans to Relocate to Central Avenue

Monday: The Pacific Grove Farmer’s Market
4pm – 8pm (summer)
3pm — 7pm (winter)
Lighthouse Ave. between Forest Ave. and 17th St.
Pacific Grove 93950

Head to P.G. on Monday for some Farmer's Market Flora

You’ll Love: These freshly cut flowers, especially the 50 cents-a-stem gerbera daisies.

I Bet You Know a Gerbera Daisy-Lover Who Could Use a Pick-Me-Up...

* According to the Monterey Herald, the Pacific Grove city council has unanimously voted to relocate the farmer’s market to Central Avenue, between Fountain and Forest, and halfway up Grand towards Lighthouse Avenue. Until the permits are changed, the market will remain on Lighthouse. I’ll keep you guys updated.

Pacific Grove Farmer's Market Map

Tuesday: The Carmel Farmer’s Market (May-September)
9am-1pm
3690 The Barnyard
Carmel, CA 93923
Monterey Herald Shout-Out

Carmel Farmer's Market Photo Courtesy of MontereyBayFarmers.org

Carmel's Market-Fresh Produce, Photo Courtesy of MontereyBayFarmers.org

You’ll love: Environmental crusader and bee-keeper Lynne Bottazzo’s organic Amen Honey stand.

Itty-Bitty Honey-Stand Photo Courtesy of MontereyBayFarmers.org

Carmel Farmer's Market Map

Tuesday: The Old Monterey Marketplace
4pm-8pm (summer)
4pm-7pm (winter)
Alvarado Street and West Franklin Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Reviews

Tuesday's Old Monterey Marketplace, on Alvarado

You’ll love: The delicious and broad selection of internationally inspired prepared food. OldMonterey.org elaborates, “Arts and crafts vendors come from around the world, selling treasures from Africa, Colombia, Mexico, Russia, Japan, China, and Yugoslavia, just to name a few.”

Browse Surprisingly Affordable Cashmere Scarves on Western end of Alvarado

“Our food vendors also serve up delicacies that are as international as our products serving up Indian, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Mediterranean, and BBQ delicacies. In our Baker’s Alley you can find fresh pastries like baklava, European breads, cookies, muffins, pies, and cakes.” When in doubt, go for the gourmet cupcakes!

Smoky BBQ Goodness at Monterey's Farmer's Market

The Best. BEST. Root Beer Around.

Monterey Farmer's Market Map

Wednesday: Santa Cruz Farmer’s Market (Downtown)
2:30pm – 6:30pm
Lincoln and Cedar Streets
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

You’ll Love: The (ever-expanding) size, selection, cooking demonstrations, veggie valet, and unofficial but enthusiastic sitar-playing hippies. It’s a market for market-lovers, and you’d have to be; Santa Cruz is an hour’s drive north of Carmel. Ideally, you’ll plan ahead and pass through Santa Cruz on the way to, or home from, Carmel. Imagine the car-ride snacking opportunities!

Downtown Santa Cruz Market Photo Courtesy of SantaCruzFarmers.org

Santa Cruz Farmer's Market Photo Courtesy of SeasonalChef.com

Downtown Santa Cruz Farmer's Market

Thursday: The Monterey Peninsula College Farmer’s Market
2:30pm-6pm
Monterey Peninsula College
930 Fremont Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Monterey Herald Shout-Out

You’ll love: Kay Gatanaga’s roses, and the Community College’s ample public parking.

Kay Gatanaga's Roses, at the MPC Farmer's Market, Photo Courtesy of MontereyBayFarmers.org

Monterey Peninsula College Farmer's Market Photo Courtesy of MontereyBayFarmers.org

Monterey Peninsula College Farmer's Market Map

Friday: Local Grocery Favorites

Visiting during the only market-free day? If you’re dead-set on eating in, want some tasty locally prepared snacks to tide you over between meals, or spaced out and forgot to pack a toothbrush — resist the Walmart-urge; check out these independently owned groceries:

Bruno’s Market and Delicatessen in Carmel-By-The-Sea
6th and Junipero
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-3821
Reviews

You’ll love: Bruno’s sandwiches — legendary among locals.

Bruno's Produce, Photo Courtesy of www.brunosmarket.com

Bruno's Deli Map, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Nielsen Bros. Market in Carmel-By-The-Sea
7th and San Carlos
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-5939
Reviews

You’ll love: The huge wine selection and early-afternoon tastings!

Nielsen Brother's Market & Deli, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Neilsen's Brother's Map, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Grove Market in Pacific Grove
242 Forest Ave
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 375-9581
Reviews

You’ll love: The homey small-town vibe, and experienced meat department staff. Last year, they rightfully earned The Monterey County Weekly’s “Best Butcher Shop and Hometown Market” title.

The Grove Market, Pacific Grove, Photo Courtesy of Yelp.com

Grove Market Map, Downtown Pacific Grove

Troia’s Market in Old Montereyy
350 Pacific Street
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 375-9810
Reviews

You’ll love: The rare international goods, and friendly run-ins with the market’s worldly neighbors — Monterey Institute of International Studies students.

Troia's Market, Photo Courtesy of Yelp.com

Troia's Market Map, Old Monterey

Saturday: Salinas Certified Farmer’s Market
9am-2pm
Main Street and Central Avenue
Salinas, CA 93901

You’ll love: The affordable prepared food (2 dollar tacos!) and ample picnic table seating.

Salinas Farmer's Market Hot Dog Vender Photo Courtesy of Flikr.com

2 Dollar Tacos at Salinas' Certified Farmer's Market, Photo Courtesy of Flikr.com

Salinas Certified Farmer's Market Map

Sunday: Del Monte Farmer’s Market (June-October)
8am-noon
Del Monte Shopping Center
1410 Del Monte Center
Monterey, 93940
Monterey Herald Shout-Out

You’ll love: The location. Post-market, spend a lazy Sunday afternoon browsing The Del Monte Center, and anything accidentally omitted from your grocery list can be snagged from Whole Foods — right next door.

A Still from the Del Monte Market's Televised Grand Opening

Del Monte Farmer's Market Map

Sunday: Marina Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Market
10am-2pm
215 Reservation Road
Marina, CA 93933

You’ll love: The market’s dedication to the community and small-scale family farmers.

Marina Everyone's Harvest Market Photo Courtesy of EveryonesHarvest.org

Marina Everyone's Harvest Farmer's Market Map

Share your favorite markets and vendors in the comments; happy foraging, visitors!

Related Articles:

Earth Day, Any Day. The Peninsula’s Top Ten Eco-Friendly Activities

6 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Carmel, California

8 Reasons to Rise and Shine for Carmel’s Best Breakfasts

Service dates and hours of operation for The WAVE (Waterfront Area Visitors Express) , which loops around downtown (old Monterey), The Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and The Monterey Bay Aquarium:

Memorial Weekend – July 4th

10am to 7pm daily

July 5th – Labor Day

10am to 7pm weekdays

10am to 8pm weekends and holidays

Service dates and hours of operation for The Carmel Trolley, which loops around downtown Carmel, Carmel Beach, Carmel Mission, and the Sunset Center:

Weekends Only + Labor Day

Saturday, July 4th – Monday, September 7th

10am to 6pm

*MST trollies are wheelchair accessible, and depart every 10-12 minutes.

Avoid These Trolley Follies:

1. Fumbling for you wallet. It’s free. The Free MST Trolley. Gratitude and courtesy are the only currency you’ll need.

2. Not practicing common courtesy. Treating everyone like your own grandmother/child/best friend is always a good idea. Go ahead, make their day.

3. Tuning out. Local tidbits, current attractions, and upcoming stops are piped through the sound system, so yank out those earbuds. Frequent riders are understandably exempt from this suggestion.

4. Taking the wrong trolley to the Aquarium… on purpose. There are a few occasions, notably at the Fisherman’s Wharf stop, where it may be tempting to take the first trolley that arrives. Yes, they all end up at the same place, but wait three extra minutes for the right trolley, and save yourself a 25 minute detour through old Monterey.

5. Forgetting the hours of operation. Missing the last trolley home is a major bummer. Scroll back up the “the basics” and take note. Your aching feet will thank you.

6. Sneaking food. The driver is your friend. They don’t want to hassle you, so don’t make them. Wait for your stop, then break out those delicious foodstuffs.

7. Not asking for help. About three quarters of your trolley compatriots are visitors; the others are area info gold-mines(hi!). Voice those concerns, ask for suggestions, and if you’re still unsure, ask your driver.

8. Rushing the door. Standard public transit rules apply:

a. Passengers exit.

b. New passengers board.

9. Not checking the routes ahead of time. You’re in a hurry and just missed your ride. Luckily, you studied these maps, walk to a nearby stop, and catch it on the flip-side.

The WAVE Map

The Carmel Trolley Map

10. Trying to flag down the trolley between stops. (S)he’s jumping, waving, stepping into traffic to catch the driver’s attention, and totally obnoxious. Frequent stops negate any need for these antics. Please don’t be “that guy”.

Have a favorite stop, trolley story, or travel tip? Share it in the comments.

Related Article:

Carmel-by-the-Sea Launches Free Shuttle Service

When it’s not too windy, Monterey’s Del Monte Beach is an ideal picnic spot. While you’re there, scope out the local Bay-life. We spotted a Southern Sea Otter yesterday, and followed it with our Flipcam for a couple minutes — check it out!

Southern Sea Otter Video (YouTube)

Sea Otter, Photo Courtesy of TylerCrockerPhotography.com

Related Articles:

Pacific Grove’s Asilomar State Beach: Video Tour and Tips

Oh Deer! And More Central Coast Wildlife

Earth Day, Any Day: The Peninsula’s Top 10 Eco-Activities

Carmel Beach Surfing Tips from a Local Expert

Hot Pink Flamingos and Beyond: A Sneak Peek Inside The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Newest Exhibit

Travel Trend: Vacation Volunteerism

Let’s Talk About the Weather

1. Lover’s Point Park
638 Ocean View Blvd
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Map

The View from Lover's Point

Lover's Point-ing?

The most activity-packed spot on our list, Lover’s Point has a beach-volleyball court, a children’s swimming pool, kayak, bicycle and surrey rentals, oceanside biking/running trails, and great climbing rocks. Water-adventurers can also try their hand at scuba diving, windsurfing, and fishing.

While you’re there, visit Lattitudes Lover’s Point Restaurant — a local favorite, especially around brunch-time.

Restrooms: Yes
Picnic Areas: Yes
Parking Lot: Yes
Camping: No
Weddings: Oh heck yes.
Visitor Reviews

2. George Washington Park
897 Pine Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Map

George Washington Park Signage

G.W. Park's Spacious Picnic Area

Looking Down into G.W. Park's Baseball Field of Sweet Summer Dreams

The Park's Awesomely Old-School Playground

Delightfully Dangerous

Giving the Much Slower Plastic Version a Whirl

The largest of P.G.’s Parks, George Washington also has, in our opinion, the coolest play structure. It’ll make you nostalgically recall, if you’re old enough, the days when play-grounds were a little less sterile, a little more challenging, and weren’t completely wrapped in soft, sissy plastic. They’ve updated the metal and wood structures over time, but plastic pieces extend, rather than replace, the awesomely old-school playground. Genius!

More Features: a baseball diamond, bbq pits, and nature trails.
Restrooms: Yes
Picnic Areas: Yes
Parking: Curbside
Camping: No
Regulations: A fee of $50-$100 (depending on size of group) and a use permit are required for the large group picnic area, barbecue pit, and ballfield. Apply at the Recreation Department office.

3. Jewell Park
575 Park Place
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Map

The Jewell Park Gazebo, Photo Courtesy of www.farm3.static.flickr.com

A sprawling green oasis tucked into the middle of downtown P.G, Jewell Park is perfect for mid-day picnics, especially if you’re craving some open space, but don’t want to wander to far from Pacific Grove’s urban attractions. Jewell Park’s wooden gazebo embodies its charming character, and makes this another great P.G. wedding ceremony locale.

Restrooms: No
Picnic Areas: Yes
Parking: Curbside
Camping: No
Regulations: Use permits are required for the gazebo and “Little House”.

Perkins Park
840 Ocean View Blvd.
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Map

Perkin's Park: Go Ahead, Take the Scenic Route.

Pink Ice Flowers, Originally Planted by Mr. Perkins, Himself. Natch.

Can't Get Enough of This View

Covered in gorgeous pink ice plants, especially in the spring and summer, Perkin’s Park features our favorite coastal walking trails, which stretch between Lover’s Point and Esplanade.

Parking: Curbside

Asilomar State Beach (Shoreline Park)
800 Asilomar Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Map

Asilomar Walking Trails

Asilomar Poppies: Keep in Mind the Hefty $1000 Picking-Fine.

Leash these Pups!

Home to Pacific Grove’s best tide pools and bird-watching opportunities, Asilomar also features miles of flaura-lined pathways, and beautiful white sand beaches, which you can also see on this video tour.

Asilomar's Beachy Trails

The State Park Guide details the mile-long coastal trails, which are absolutely worth a stroll, and if you can visit around sunset — all the better. Bikes are only welcome on a few select trails, so watch for signage. Sunset Avenue has a bike lane, allowing for an easy 1 mile ride north to Lover’s Point, where you can hop onto the Coastal Bike Trails and breeze all the way up to Seaside.

Restrooms: At the Conference Grounds
Parking: Curbside
Picnic Areas: Yes
Regulations: Dogs Must be Leashed, Stay on Recreational Trails, Follow Posted Signage

Look Down and All Around for Posted Regulations

Tell me about your favorite Monterey Peninsula green spaces in the comments, happy trails, visitors!

More Asilomar Flora

Related Articles:

Our Favorite Monterey Peninsula Online Resources

Pacific Grove’s Asilomar State Beach Video Tour and Tips

Oh Deer! And More Central Coast Wildlife

Let’s Talk About the Weather

All Events Located at:

The Monterey Bay Aquarium
Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Website
Directions and Parking

Cooking For Solutions Gala and Silent Auction
Friday, May 21 (7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.)
$150 General Public/ $120 Members
To purchase tickets, call (831) 647-6886 or (866) 963-9645.

MontereyBayAquarium.org Screen Shot

Celebrity Chef Cooking Demonstrations
Saturday, May 22 (8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.)
$75 General Public/ $60 Aquarium Members
To purchase tickets, call (831) 647-6886 or (866) 963-9645.
Meet the Chefs

MontereyBayAquarium.org Screen Shot

Food and Wine Adventures
Saturday, May 22 (9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)
$225 General Public/$175 Aquarium Members
(Tax-Deductible Portion: $140 General Public/$90 Aquarium Members)
Tour Details
To purchase tickets, call (831) 647-6886 or (866) 963-9645.

MontereyBayAquarium.org Screen Shot

Sustainable Foods Information Fair
Saturday, May 22 (10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.)
Included with General Admission

MontereyBayAquarium.org Screen Shot

Five Delicious Ways to Save our Oceans

1. Check out these Aquarium-Provided resources for savvy home chefs:

Seafood Watch

The State of Seafood

2010 Culinary Chart of Alternatives

2. Sign up for email updates from the aquarium: Become a Seafood Watch Advocate

The Aquarium Recreates the Monterey Bay's Barnacle Covered Pillars

3. Visit The Monterey Fish Market, largely a local secret, and take home The Peninsula’s freshest, most affordable seafood.

Fish Market Fresh Wild Salmon

4. Follow the Aquarium’s Super Green List.

5. Try out Rick Bayless’ Sustainable Scallop Recipe

Seared Scallops Photo Courtesy of www.MontereyBayAquarium.org

Related Articles:

Earth Day, Any Day: The Peninsula’s Top Ten Eco-Activities

Hot Pink Flamingos and Beyond: A Sneak Peek Inside The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Newest Exhibit

Carmel-by-the-Sea Delivers the Shiny

Okay, so you’re not an auto enthusiast, but anyone planning a visit to Carmel can surely be considered a fun enthusiast, and when it comes to Laguna Seca, they’re really one and the same. Our beginner’s guide to The Monterey Sports Car Championships will arm you with the basics, and a newfound enthusiasm and appreciation for this internationally celebrated event. At the very least, you’ll learn to avoid any awkward conversational comparisons to Nascar. You’re welcome.

The Basics: When, Where, and How Much is it Gonna Cost me?

Mazda Laguna Seca Map

May 21-23, 2010

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Hwy 68
PO Box 2078
Monterey, CA 93942
Phone: 831-242-8201
Email: frontdesk@mazdaraceway.com

Website

Laguna Seca's Mazda Raceway

A Few Admission Options

(Children 12 and under are free for general admission)

Saturday General Admission and Paddock (American La Mans Series Race Day): $25

3-Day General Admission and Paddock: $60

Flag Room – 3 Day: $295

Flag Room includes 3-Day General Admission, Paddock Access, Parking Pass, Souvenir Program, Hospitality consisting of continental breakfast, light lunch and dinner on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday, with beverages available both days.  A canopied tent with closed-circuit TV (open Sat/Sun).

All Admission Options

Mazda Raceway FAQs

4 Big Reasons Why it’s not Nascar

1. The Cars.

Photo Courtesy of mazdaraceway.com

“The Mazda Raceway Pace and Safety Car Program has an impeccable safety record of over 5,000 track laps without a single injury, accident or failed car part.” Nascar’s current safety standing? Not as impressive. Le Mans Series races don’t need the threat of mortal peril around every corner to attract attention; the magnificently powerful and technologically advanced cars, which include Porsches, Aston Martins, Audis, BMWs, Corvettes, Ferraris, Jaguars, and Panoz, skillfully out-maneuver each other around Laguna Seca’s challenging track, and rightfully earn their fans’ devotion. Simply put, “The diversity of auto manufacturers whose cars appear in the Monterey Sports Car Championship are simply unmatched by NASCAR, Champ Car and the IRL.”

2. The Track

The Laguna Seca Track Map

Laguna Seca’s world-renowned track has experienced a few renovations since its 1957 inception, but its character and position as the West Coast racing community’s gold standard remains intact. The track’s “corkscrew turn”, which sends racers down a blind apex with a 300 foot elevation change, is considered one of “the most challenging corner in racing.”

Laguna Seca's "Corkscrew" Turn, Photo Courtesy of www.rondet.com

Alex Zanardi’s Infamous Laguna Seca Corkscrew Pass [VIDEO]

3. The Fans

Photo Courtesy of mazdaraceway.com

Laguna Seca fans enjoy exclusive access, perks, and a litany of organized activities. SeeMonterey.com elaborates, “Unlike other motorsports series, the American Le Mans Series has an open paddock, allowing fans to get an up-close look at the cars that burn up the race track. This unmatched access continues at the pre-race grid; once the cars line up on the grid in preparation to race, fans are allowed on the grid for a half hour to check out the cars, take photos and ask questions of the drivers and teams. Fans will have the chance to learn more about the vehicles and their drivers at Tech Talks, Fan Forums and Driver Chats, where they can find out the key advances that make the American Le Mans series an R&D platform for car, tire and chassis manufacturers. Fans will also have the chance to attend driver autograph sessions.”

Check out all of Laguna Seca’s race-week fan activities.

4. The Races

Photo Courtesy of mazdaraceway.com

If you can only catch one, make it Saturday’s American Le Mans Series afternoon-into-evening race into the darkness, which runs from 2:30 – 8:30, and features a fireworks finale. The exotic cars, which have unique speed capabilities, are clustered into four classes, and only directly compete with cars in their class, but this race throws them all together on the same track, encouraging tons of exciting passes.

If you get a weekend pass, check out Sunday’s Playboy Mazda MX5 Cup, Cooper Tires prototype Lites Championships, the Patron GT3 Challenge by Yokohama and Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear.

The Full Race Schedule

Carmel and Laguna Seca: Stay Here, Play There

Carmel-by-the-Sea's Carriage House Inn

Consider lodging away from the crowds, in peaceful Carmel-by-the-Sea, where you’ll experience a sweet sweet juxtaposition between the awesomely grimy raceway and your comfy, cozy, Carmel bed. This flow chart can help you find the perfect Inn.

* If you’re extra auto-literate, and looking for more nitty gritty specs, you can revel in all of the glorious race-day factoids here , here, and here.

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CarmelCalifornia.com — Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Official Travel Site
Featuring an extensive gallery list, and coupons!

Carmel.com Events Calendar Screen Shot

Carmel.com
Their events calendar covers local happenings that aren’t widely promoted elsewhere, including Mission Ranch’s nightly piano bar, yoga classes, Pacific Repertory Theater shows, and Sunday service information for each of Carmel’s four churches.

BigSurBlog.com Traffic Update

The Big Sur California Blog
A wonderfully up-to-date traffic report resource.

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SeeMonterey.com and BlogMonterey.com
This professionally maintained, well written and information-packed regional guide, and their blog, are especially helpful if you’re exploring the areas surrounding Carmel. They also produce an excellent monthly newsletter, which you can subscribe to here.

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AmericanTowns.com
They provide area visitors with a unique and constantly evolving cultural snapshot by compiling local tweets and blogs, which brings us to…

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The Visit Carmel Twitter Feed
Our growing tribe of followers are privy to frequent Carmel area updates and discounts, along with blog update alerts.

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The Official Pacific Grove Site
A great resources for local festivals and city-sponsored events.

Monterey.org Parking Services Screen Shot

Monterey.org — The City of Monterey’s Visitor’s Guide
The best place to find information on Monterey’s parking and city services.

BigSurCalifornia.org Screen Shot

BigSurCalifornia.org
Love their outdoorsy guides, complete with suggested trails, animal descriptions, natural attractions, and Big Sur’s History.

PebbleBeach.com Golf Links Screen Shot

PebbleBeach.com
A must-view for golf fans.

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MontereyBayFarmers.org
Our favorite Farmer’s Market resource. Use it to find each day’s market — then pick up some locally crafted wares and treats to take home.

MontereyBayGreenBusiness.org Screen Shot

MontereyBayGreenBusiness.org
Check out this awesome non-profit — they make it oh-so-easy to find and support the Monterey Peninsula’s many eco-friendly businesses.

We hope this link-list helps you avoid an unpleasant search-overload-induced headache, and, while it may be unconventional to promote and reveal one’s biggest travel guide competitors, we’re confident that you, our awesome readers, appreciate the original content, area tips and insider guidance that set us apart from the pack, and will check back later for even more ways to rock your next Central California vacation.

ASILOMAR BEACH VIDEO TOUR

Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove California

Animals: Yours and Asilomar’s

An Asilomar Star Fish

Dogs are welcome on the beach, but, unlike Carmel-by-the-Sea Beach, they must remain leashed to protect bird and other wildlife. Also, tide-pool critters need to remain where you find them — even the little guys have a big impact on the coast’s ecosystem.

Lazy Otter: Photo Courtesy of Tyler Crocker Photography

Watch for sea lions and otters, which laze about in the beds of kelp.

Pacific Pelican: Photo Courtesy of Tyler Crocker Photography

Bird-watching enthusiasts love Asilomar’s diverse and abundant species. The full check list can be found within this  www.parks.ca.gov PDF. Quiet, low voices and smooth movements increase your ogling odds, and binoculars are always a good idea. Want more insider bird watching guidance? The good folks at The Asilomar Conference Center are also happy to answer your questions.

Trail-Blazers

A Wooded Pacific Grove Trail, Near Asilomar

The State Park Guide details the mile-long coastal trails, which are absolutely worth a stroll, and if you can visit around sunset — all the better. Bikes are only welcome on a few select trails, so watch for signage. Sunset Avenue has a bike lane, allowing for an easy 1 mile ride north to Lover’s Point, where you can hop onto the Coastal Bike Trails and breeze all the way up to Seaside.

Surf

Crashing Surf: Photo Courtesy of Tyler Crocker Photography

Asilomar surfing conditions are “challenging”. You can expect strong undercurrents, rocks, and generally frigid water. The Conference Center encourages visitors to dive in, but personally, I’d suggest that beginners start with Carmel-by-the-Sea Beach. Feeling brave? Check out the Asilomar Surf Report and Forecast, first.

Practicalities

There aren’t any restrooms at Asilomar State Beach. The nearest fascilities can be found at the nearby Conference Grounds, or Lover’s Point Park — about a mile north.

Ample parking can be found along Sunset Avenue. If the beach is especially busy, you may have to park a ways down and walk back — there aren’t any lots, but it is a beautiful walk.

Don't Miss Asilomar's Gorgeous Pacific Sunset

Let’s talk about the weather. May-November are the area’s warmest, sunniest months, but even Pacific Grove’s cool foggy days are outrageously beautiful.

Related Articles:

Carmel Beach Surfing Tips from a Local Expert

Oh Deer! And More Central Coast Wildlife

Let’s Talk About the Weather

Carmel, California’s Elusive Public Restrooms