A visitor's guide written by locals. Insider tips on the best restaurants, hotels, and things to do in Carmel, California.
Happy Memorial Day, visitors. We’re reposting our trolley follies in honor of the MST’s summer arrival!
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.
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:
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