Things to Do near Our Inn on Monterey Bay

The Martine Inn is a Pacific Grove, California hotel for visitors who enjoy having access to many activities! Our Monterey Bay ocean view location is close to many Pacific Grove, Carmel, Pebble Beach and Monterey, CA activities: Sailing, biking, nature walking, kayaking, surfing and whale watching opportunities can easily be found while the famous Cannery Row-Monterey Bay Aquarium waterfront street is just a few minutes’ walk from the Inn.

Other popular attractions nearby include Lover’s Point Park, Pacific Grove Golf Course, Point Pinos Lighthouse, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. All are short walking or driving distances from the Martine Inn. There are several National, State and Regional Parks and numerous golf courses in the area—including the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.

The towns of Pacific Grove, Monterey and Carmel provide many dining options, movie theaters and live shows that create a fun day or night out. Art museums, galleries, antiques and boutique shopping visits may contribute to a unique experience, while several wineries, tasting rooms and guided wine tours in the area make for a great adventure. There are enough local options to intrigue guests at the Martine Inn and add to a memorable stay.

Water

Brilliant Pacific Ocean sunset in yellow and blue

General

  • Adventures by the Sea – Kayak, bicycle and in-line skates rentals. Also kayaking and bicycle tours.
  • Aquarius Dive Shop – Go in and they can set you up with rental equipment, sell you a dive map or book, and give advice on the best places to dive given the conditions.
  • Chris’ Fishing Trips – A full service boat chartering company offering deep sea fishing cruises in the Pacific Ocean waters beyond Monterey Bay.
  • Elkhorn Slough Safari Nature Tours – A 2-hour, guided natural history tour on a 27-foot pontoon boat through Elkhorn Slough.
  • Kayak Connection – Kayak tours of Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough, as well as rentals and lessons.
  • Monterey Bay Diving – Regulator service and repair – Experienced SCUBA equipment technicians will maintain or return your equipment to factory standards. Replacement parts are always genuine manufacturer-supplied parts or kits. As well, Monterey Bay Diving is an accredited hydrostatic retesting facility. They also oxygen clean, tumble, and provide annual visual inspections by PSI certified inspectors.
  • Monterey Bay Kayaks – Rent kayaks and also take guided tours through the Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough.
  • Monterey Bay Sailing – A professional sailing organization with a mission of offering residents of, and visitors to, the Monterey Peninsula communities an affordable opportunity to sail the central coast.
  • Monterey Bay Whale Watch – Year-round whale watching, daily trips. Types of whales seen depends on time-of-year: Humpback, Blue and Gray Whales. Often see seals, sea otters and various types of dolphins.
  • J&M Sport Fishing (formerly Randy’s Fishing Trips) – Located on Historic Fisherman’s Wharf, Randy’s Fishing Trips offer a full service boat chartering that offers recreational sport fishing trips, as well as specialty cruises, sailing and more.

Surfing

  • Asilomar State Beach – Asilomar State Beach is a perfect mix of rocky shores and sandy beaches. This state beach is the perfect place to watch the sunset, explore the tide pools or take a stroll on the beach.
  • Lovers Point Beach – For over a century this is one of Pacific Grove’s most popular places for shoreline recreation. Surfers love the waves. Kayakers can launch from the beach and go explore the Bay waters. Scuba divers enjoy the kelp beds and marine life below them. Beachgoers can play volleyball on its court. Families enjoy the sandy cove and grassy park area with a local snack bar and restroom access.

Hiking

Backside of young woman hiking a hillside overlooking the vast and blue Pacific Ocean
  • Coastal Trail – The Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Trail is about 29 miles long stretching from Castroville to the Monterey Peninsula and parts of Pebble Beach. A large portion of the trail is actual bike path while some portions are still shoulder-of-the-road Well maintained and regularly used by joggers, skaters, walkers and cyclists.
  • Garrapata State Park – The park has a few miles of beach front, coastal hiking to higher points to view the Pacific Ocean. Trails span from the coastal region to the redwood forests.
  • Garland Ranch Regional Park – This park is home to a variety of landscapes and vegetation occurring at elevations from 200 to 2,000 feet. Stretching from the Carmel River to the northern mountain peaks, numerous trails provide diverse hiking experiences.
  • Jacks Peak Park – Jacks Peak Park has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Almost 8.5 miles of horseback riding and hiking trails wind through cathedral-like forests and to breathtaking ridge top vistas. More nature information is available at the visitors’ center there.
  • Point Lobos – The Reserve has often been called “the crown jewel of the State Park System.” Point Lobos State Reserve has outstanding recreation opportunities, including sightseeing, photography, painting, nature studies, picnics, SCUBA diving, and jogging.

Biking

Group of cyclists riding down a road along the Monterey Bay shoreline
  • 17 Mile Drive – Beginning at the Pacific Grove gate near Spanish bay, the 17-mile drive through pebble beach offers many sites along the way. Along the coast there many places to stop and enjoy including Bird Rock, Point Joe, the Lone Cypress and more. Inland you will drive through the pebble beach forest and view the amazing mansions, then by the world-famous golf courses.
  • Cachagua Loop – A 38.71-mile bike ride in Carmel valley village. Medium difficulty terrain.
  • Coastal Trail – The Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Trail stretches 29 miles from Castroville to the Monterey Peninsula and Pebble Beach. Much of the trail is a bike path while some areas are still on-the-shoulder road riding. It is maintained well and used regularly by outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fort Ord Trails – Bike riding, horseback riding and walking trails through Fort Ord Public lands. Maps.
  • Parker Flats – A 4.77 mile Seaside bike trail loop by CSUMB. Flat and hilly terrain.

Shopping

Small young boy holding his mother and grandmother's hands walking down a sidewalk lined with shops
  • American Tin Cannery – The American Tin Cannery is a retail and entertainment center, located in the original American Can Company building which was built in 1927. Linking Cannery Row’s past with its present, the indoor setting features a variety of outlet and specialty shops, restaurants and entertainment.
  • Barnyard Shopping Center – The Barnyard Village features more than 40 businesses, from fashionable shops, restaurants, services and art-galleries. The Barnyard hosts yearly events within the landscaped courtyards and is a popular destination location for locals and tourists.
  • Carmel – In a wholly unique setting, the most discriminating of shoppers is sure to find something of appeal along one of the many stone-paved alleyways or curlicue-roofed shops that line the streets of downtown Carmel. From outdoor malls to family-owned boutiques, Carmel offers a shopping environment that lacks nothing but infinite time with which to explore it.
  • Crossroads Shopping Center – A shopping mall located off of Hwy 1 and Rio Rd in Carmel with restaurants, services, boutiques and grocery stores.
  • Del Monte Center – Del Monte Shopping Center is a 675,000-square-foot, open-air, regional shopping center located at the main artery of Highway 1 and Munras Avenue in Monterey. The Center is the principal shopping destination on the Monterey Peninsula.
  • Downtown Pacific Grove – A Victorian shopping area comprised of shops, services, and over two dozen restaurants and bakeries, coffee shops and many unique boutiques. There are sixteen galleries and antique stores welcoming you with a friendly, hometown smile.

Historic

Point Pinos Lighthouse surrounded by green grass, blue skies and white clouds
  • Carmel MissionEstablished in 1771 the Carmel mission was home and later burial place to Father Junipero Serra. The mission is one of the few built of stone instead of adobe; with its historic architecture and lush garden, it is a site not to be missed. Visitors to the mission may tour the mission quadrangle, the church, or the room once occupied by Father Serra. Visitors are also welcome to visit the mission chapel where daily mass is still celebrated.
  • Colton Hall Museum – Built in 1849 to serve as a public school and town meeting hall, Colton Hall is now a museum and open for public viewing.
  • Hearst Castle – The magnificent estate of William Randolph Hearst.
  • Historic Cannery Row – At one time the 4th largest commercial fishery in the world. Now streets lined with shops, restaurants, coffee shops and entertainment places. A destination location for tourists and visitors worldwide.
  • Monterey State Historic Park – A collection of historic buildings and beautiful gardens in Old Monterey.
  • Museum of Monterey – Preserves the maritime and artistic history of Monterey.
  • National Steinbeck Center – An extensive museum in Salinas Ca. commemorating local writer/hero, John Steinbeck.
  • Old Fisherman’s Wharf – Built in 1870 for passenger and freight services, Old Fisherman’s Wharf now has a myriad of restaurants, shops and activities for the public.
  • Pacific Grove Victorian Homes – The Home Plaque Program, started in 1978, recognizes historic homes and their original owners. Since the program’s start, more than 700 plaques have been given out.
  • Point Sur Light-Station – Rugged and remote site on top of a mountain in Big Sur, available for viewing on weekends only.
  • Point Pinos Lighthouse – The oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast located in Pacific Grove Ca.
  • San Carlos Cathedral, “Royal Presidio Chapel” – A National Historic Landmark it is adjacent to Lake El Estero and within walking distance of Fisherman’s Wharf. Visitors, and pilgrims, from around the world visit the Royal Chapel, which stands as a legacy of faith and a living chronicle to our local and state history.
  • Tor House and Hawk Tower – Several historic houses in Carmel.

Horseback Riding

Backside of a man and woman riding on horseback surrounded by green pines
  • Holman Ranch – Offers private lessons and tours, practice and jumping arena. Located in Carmel Valley.
  • Pebble Beach Trail Rides – Lessons available, private and public rides through Pebble Beach, tours along the beach.

Motor Vehicles

View of an antique car through the side mirror of another yellow antique car
  • Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca – Watch world-class racing, take driving lessons, or even race your own car on the track.
  • Martine Inn Motorsports – Martine Motorsports is the auto division of the Martine Inn. Included on the site is information about vintage racing at major tracks and posted rally runs for autos built pre-1950’s autos. Martine Motorsports  displays some their special cars at Concours d’ Elegance and other car shows in the USA.
  • Monterey Bay Karters – It is a non-profit community organization formed to promote and conduct kart racing in the area. They are affiliated with the International Kart Federation and adheres to all their policies, rules, and technical requirements. Monterey Bay Karters sponsors a full season of kart racing at their track location at the Marina Airport in Marina, California.

Wine

Two wine glasses on a table next to a plate of fresh fruit overlooking the Bay
  • A Taste of Monterey – Purchase Monterey and California wines, as well as wine accessories, gourmet foods and gifts.
  • Bargetto Winery – Produces quality wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains with Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir being all grown in the estate vineyard.
  • Carmel Valley Tasting and Wineries
  • Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association
  • Pierce Ranch – Pierce Ranch Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in south Monterey County’s appellation valley. They produce limited case, vineyard-grown wines, with a major portion of Spanish and Portuguese varietals.
  • River Road Tasting and Wineries – The River Road Wine Trail is an association of twelve Monterey County winery tasting rooms, in the Santa Lucia bench above the Salinas Valley. These quaint tasting rooms specialize in vintages of limited releases. Visitors may enjoy wine sampling with the some of the present winemakers. These tasting rooms are situated just east of Monterey and Carmel.
  • Scheid Vineyards

Art

Steinbeck Monument: Patina statue of several men next to a building with red tile roof
  • Carmel Art Association – Features works from more than 120 professional local artists. The Carmel Art Association displays a wide variety of styles and media, changing exhibits every month.
  • Monterey Museum of Art – With two sites in Monterey, this museum features a wide range of art. The first is located across from historic Colton Hall in the heart of Old Monterey. Featuring eight galleries devoted to exhibitions of American and early California painting, photography and contemporary art.  The second contains Contemporary galleries which are complemented by the old-world elegance and lavish rose gardens of this gorgeous, historic estate.  Built in one of Monterey’s first neighborhoods, La Mirada originated as a small stone adobe built in the Mexican tradition.
  • Pacific Grove Art Center – In 1969, twelve local professional and business people borrowed $30,000 from the City of Pacific Grove and the Art Center was born. The goals of these founders were the three E’s in the arts: Educate, Exhibit, and Encourage community involvement.

Culture

Backside of a woman with long blonde wet hair holding an oar in a red kayak surrounded by water
  • CSUMB Theater – The theater at California State University, Monterey Bay, is a 457-seat performing arts facility located in Seaside. The venue houses a professional, live entertainment program, campus events, student productions, and concerts by local community groups.
  • Golden State Theatre
  • MPC Theater
  • National Steinbeck Center – Celebrating creativity inspired by the words of John Steinbeck, The National Steinbeck Center is located in John Steinbeck’s hometown of Salinas, a scenic 17-mile drive from Monterey and in the heart of Steinbeck Country. The Center offers three distinct visitor experiences in literature and history, agriculture and art, as well as special events and educational programs.
  • Pacific Repertory TheatreCelebrating the transforming power of the creative spirit, Pac-Rep Theatre produces bold and daring interpretations of plays from the world stage – ones that engage, excite, educate and inspire.
  • Sunset CenterThe Sunset Center is located near the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, only two blocks from the famed shopping and dining district of Ocean Avenue. The theater offers a church-like setting and a stage large enough to accommodate every kind of live entertainment event: including ensemble and chamber music, modern dance and classical ballet, vocalists and jazz combo performances, musicals, and a full orchestra and chorus for Beethoven’s magnificent Ninth Symphony.

Nature

Mother seal with her baby, nose to nose in the sand
  • Monarch Grove – Monarch Grove Sanctuary is 2.4-acre patch filled with Monterey pines, cypress and eucalyptus trees where thousands of beautiful monarch butterflies nest during the winter months. Visitors can walk the trail while viewing the canopy of butterflies overhead or just sit and enjoy the serenity of the sanctuary while learning about the monarch’s migration.
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium – A non-profit organization intent on preserving the Oceans, the Monterey Bay Aquarium holds unique and fascinating exhibits ranging from jellyfish, sunfish, sharks, penguins to sea otters.
  • Pacific Grove Natural History Museum – Your living, personal field guide to the California Central Coast. Explore the birds, wildlife, plants, geology and cultural richness of the region.
  • Pinnacles National Monument – Located between Monterey and San Benito County, this national park has countless things to see. Visitors to the park can view the breathtaking landscapes and wildflowers, hike the many trails or explore the caves. The park is home to 149 different species of birds, 49 species of mammals, 23 reptile species and countless species of insects. It also offers day and overnight camping and an information center. For those looking to relax and picnic in the sun, there is a pool surrounded by the natural beauty of the park.
  • Point Lobos State Reserve – With its rocky cliffs and sweeping vistas, The Point Lobos State Reserve spreads 550 acres on land and 750 acres underwater. It is home to more than 250 animal and bird species, and more than 300 plant species. Visitors to this majestic state park may tour the Wailers Cabin Museum, picnic, hike, scuba dive, or learn about the rich history behind Point Lobos.
  • Point Pinos Tidepools – Point Pinos is also known as the Great Tide Pool, as it is one of the richest tidepool habitats in the world. Even at higher tides some of the tidepools remain exposed.
  • Pfeiffer Beach – Drive a mile off Highway 1 through a fern-lined canyon. Pfeiffer Beach is a short walk through the cypress trees, which opens up to a beautiful sandy beach. With the rocky cliffs as a backdrop you can relax on the beach while viewing the rock formations with their many tunnels carved out by the ocean’s strong currents.

Beaches

Sandy beach with uneven shoreline lined with trees and houses
  • Asilomar State Beach – Asilomar State Beach is a perfect mix of rocky shores and sandy beaches. This state beach is the perfect place to watch the sunset, explore the tide pools or take a stroll on the beach.
  • Carmel Beach – Carmel Beach is a picturesque white sand beach that forms the western border of Carmel. Visitors to this beautiful beach will find that it is one of the few places that you can go to walk your dog, watch the surfers catching waves or enjoy a beautiful sunset over the water.
  • Del Monte Beach – Is popular for board surfing and beach fun. It is located west of Del Monte Blvd; on Casa Verde Way turn west and follow the road for the beach area and parking.
  • Lovers Point Beach – For over 100 years, Lovers Point Beach has been Pacific Grove’s most popular spot for shoreline recreation. Surfers love its reliable waves, while kayakers find it a perfect launching spot from which to get out on Monterey Bay and view the coastline and native wildlife. Scuba divers frequent the kelp forests here to get a close-up view of its marine denizens. Landlubbers can compete on the beach volleyball court.
  • McAbee Beach – Located on historic Cannery Row, this beach is used by SCUBA divers and surfers, and is within walking distance to many restaurants and shopping areas.
  • Pfeiffer Beach – Drive a mile off Highway 1 through a fern lined canyon. Pfeiffer Beach is a short walk through the cypress trees, which opens up to a beautiful sandy beach. With the rocky cliffs as a backdrop you can relax on the beach while viewing the rock formations with their many tunnels carved out by the oceans strong currents.

Drives

View of rolling amber meadow amidst blue skies with large clouds
  • Airline Highway #25 – State Route 25 is a state highway in California between Gilroy and State Route 198. This route is part of the California Freeway and Expressway System and is eligible for the State Scenic Highway System.
  • Cachagua Road – A winding scenic road through Carmel Valley.
  • Carmel Valley Road to Greenfield – A winding road through the Santa Lucia mountains then back to the Hwy. Lots of wineries on the route.
  • Highway 1 Cabrillo Highway – State Route 1, more often called Highway 1, is a highway that runs along much of the Pacific coast of California. It is famous for running along some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, leading to its designation as an All-American Road.
  • River Road – From Salinas south to Greenfield, this scenic road leads to many wineries along the way.

Family

Silhouette of a small child with his hands on the glass of a large aquarium looking at a school of fish swimming by
  • Dennis the Menace Park – Open daily 10 a.m. to dusk. Closed on non-holiday Tuesdays, Sept. – May. A favorite of locals.
  • Go Fly a Kite – One of the top 8 places to fly a kite in the USA is Monterey State Beach in Seaside.
  • Holman Ranch – Offers private horseback riding lessons and tours, practice and jumping arena. Located in Carmel Valley.
  • Skydive Monterey Bay – During your flight to altitude you will be treated to a scenic view of the Monterey Bay, Salinas Valley, the Santa Cruz area, and the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Old Fisherman’s Wharf – Built in 1870 for passenger and freight services, Old Fisherman’s Wharf now has a myriad of restaurants, shops and activities for the public.
  • Pebble Beach Trail Rides – Lessons available, private and public rides through Pebble Beach, tours along the beach.
  • Roaring Camp & Big Trees Camp – Ride a historic 1880 steam engine through the redwood forest in the Santa Cruz mountains.