Monterey, CA

I think this is a fabulous place to visit – especially if you are visiting California. I have been fortunate to visit several times and each time I am in awe of the beauty & variety that one can find. This trip, I stayed in Pacific Grove which to me is a hidden gem! First of all, it is a beautiful area & not known by many tourists, so you get the chance to walk on the sidewalk above the ocean for miles. Dog friendly, kid friendly & especially adult friendly.

One of the highlights is driving down Hwy 1 along the coast and to my surprise, I stopped at a Taco Bell that sits on prime property. This Taco Bell sits on the beach in Pacifica, and not only does it have the regular items on the menu, but it offers beer & wine . You can order & sit out on the deck or inside they have a fabulous fireplace. Now that is how I like to eat my TB!

After a quick bite, I continued down the coast, until I arrived at my destination in Pacific Grove. It was so beautiful, I immediately got out, dropped off my luggage and headed to the walkway. The sidewalk along the coast goes for miles and I wanted to share some of the sites before I talk about the Monterey Aquarium.

After a wonderful walk to see wildlife & scenery, it was time to head to the Monterey Aquarium. I realized if you stay in Pacific Grove you are within walking distance to the Aquarium.

I was given great advice by one of the workers at the Monterey Aquarium, they said do not get in line first thing in the morning because it is so busy, wait about an hour and half and then go – brilliant!!!! Waited in line maybe 5 minutes.

Since Covid, they limit the amount of people so make sure to buy your ticket in advance. As I entered, I immediately was blown away. The entire place is a must see! The colors and variety of marine life in the habitats are spectacular. I will share just a few of my favorites.

Jellies have no bones, brains, teeth, blood or fins which makes them nature’s strangest wonder. Jellies are called gelatinous zooplankton. Their body is 95% water. They can detect light, gravity, and hormones using rhopalia-small sensory structures on the edge of their balls.

African penguins live in cold currents along the coast of South Africa, which is very similar to the Monterey coastline.

Take your time and really enjoy the Monterey Aquarium, it is a California gem. I stayed approximately 3 1/2 hours and was very leisure in walking around. Parking in the area is difficult so just beware. After coming out you can stroll down through Cannery Row. It is the site of the now-defunct sardine canning factories. The last cannery closed in 1973, it is replaced by shops.

After leaving the aquarium, I headed down to the docks to watch the fishing boats and was delighted to run into the animals below – which was very entertaining!

AFTERNOON LUNCH CROWD

AFTERNOON LUNCH CROWD

On your travels back, if you happen to go back up HWY 1, stop at Cameron’s Pub, just past Half Moon Bay. Fabulous pub – makes me feel like I am in London. The food is good & the beer is always flowing.

I hope you enjoyed this blog. Since my accident, I have not traveled back to Africa, but as I mentioned before – Safari can be in your backyard, town or out of the country. It means to explore – go out on a journey, so until I can get back to Africa I will be blogging on places that I think are worth visiting.

Until we ride again…

Let your friends know I am back & plan to begin blogging on a regular basis. All pictures you see on my website are for sale in all different sizes and can be put on anything. Just contact me at KLSafaris.org