#10 Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Get inspired by the fascinating collection of marine life at this world-famous aquarium. Watch the sea otters play, enjoy the interesting exhibits, and see the world from a new angle. Afterwards, if you have any energy left that is, take a stroll through Cannery Row, named in honor of a John Steinbeck novel about the sardine industry.
www.MontereyBayAquarium.org
www.CanneryRow.com

#9 Drive or bike the 17-mile scenic course
For those of you who enjoy leisurely driving (you know who you are), this drive will lead you through one of the world’s most scenic natural treasures. It winds its way through Del Monte Forest and Pebble Beach.
www.pebblebeach.com

#8 Roast s’mores on the beach
Carmel Beach is open to the public for bonfires until 10PM. Grab some champagne, a couple of wire hangers, and a bag of marshmallows and head down to the beach to commandeer an abandoned fire. It won’t take you long to remember how it feels to be a kid again.

#7 Get Your Irish On
If the fog has rolled in and all this activity seems like too much, we suggest tucking in a couple (or more) Irish Coffees at the The Terrace Lounge at Pebble Beach Resort. You don’t have to be a guest of the resort to enjoy its beautiful vistas of Carmel Bay and the storied 18th green of Pebble Beach Golf Links. This is also a fun way to end the 17-mile drive.

#6 Kayak or go Canoeing in an estuary
Rent a kayak or canoe in Elkhorn Slough, near Moss Landing and just north of Monterey, and play chicken with the Sea Otters. The waves are calm here and you will get so close to these playful creatures you’ll forget they’re wild and want to pet them (at least that’s what Maeve does).
www.kayakconnection.com

#5 Take a Hike
Head to Point Lobos, for a walk or hike through dense groves of Cypress forest leading to hidden coves, beaches, and overlooks. Or drive down the coast to Big Sur and spend the afternoon hiking majestic trails at Andrew Molera State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. If you’ve never been, we promise it’s better than you can imagine.
www.pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us
www.BigSurCalifornia.org

#4 Go Dog Watching
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most dog-friendly towns in America!! You will see more interesting breeds here and establishments that cater to dogs than you will see anywhere else in the world. If you find yourself wishing you’d brought Dante/your best friend to this doggie-playland and needing a doggie fix, then do what we do and head to Carmel Beach—it is guaranteed you will spot an adorable puppy.

#3 Savor the Grape
Explore the 11.5 miles from Hwy 1 to Carmel Valley Village that are dotted with first-rate wine tasting rooms including Bernardus, Georgis, and Talbott, among others. Or, take a self-guided wine tasting walking tour in Carmel Plaza (there’s even a Cheese Shop stop!).
www.CarmelValleyChamber.com www.carmelcalifornia.com/index.cfm/travel_itineraries.htm

#2 Savor the City
Look, there's too much to say. Go whale watching, play a round of golf, go for a walk on the beach, go tide-pooling in Pacific Grove, take a midnight walk at Lovers’ Point, surround yourself with butterflies in Pacific Grove, visit Mission Carmel, get a massage, eat at world-famous restaurants... We love this town and are full of suggestions, but there is too much to write here. Ask us!

#1 Be Lazy and Have Fun
We're so thankful you're coming to celebrate with us. If nothing else, a weekend spent relaxing and enjoying friends and family is perhaps the best time of all. Our family and friends mean everything to us. Let's party!