Creatures Big and Small
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey’s gem for family fun & entertainment! Enjoy a day of exploring the ocean’s wonderful habitat. The aquarium is located on Steinbeck’s famous Cannery Row. Be sure to check out the aquarium’s website & the live cams of the sharks! Regular Hours: 10am – 6pm Summer & Holidays: 9:30am – 6pm Contact: 831-648-4800 – Website
Monarch Grove in Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove is known as the last hometown, but is also known as “Butterfly Town USA”. Each winter, thousands of monarch butterflies cluster in the trees of the Monarch Grove Sanctuary. It truly is fun to walk around the paths and look at these beautiful creatures. Don’t forget your binoculars! Hours to Visit: From dusk to dawn daily – Website Directions: The Sanctuary is located on Ridge Road, one block west of Lighthouse Avenue & 17 Mile Drive.
Monterey Zoo
Where the Wild Things are! Get up close and personal with wild, exotic animals from around the world in a beautiful natural setting. An unforgettable family adventure! Open daily tours. Dedicated staff will be your guide through one animal adventure after another. The new zoo is under construction but several exciting new exhibits featuring lions, tigers and bears are already complete! Monterey Zoo is located at 400 River Road in Salinas. Contact: 831-455-1901 – Website
Want to drive a little? Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Head South to:
Charles Paddock Zoo – Atascadero The Charles Paddock Zoo is the only zoo on the Central Coast and is home to hundreds of species from all over the world. Open seven days a week. Closed Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day. 805-461-5080 Website
Head North to:
Ardenwood Historic Farm – Fremont, CA A trip to Ardenwood is a journey back in time and a chance to discover what life was like 100 years ago. Enjoy the sights and sounds of elegant peacocks, peaceful livestock, busy pollinating insects and beautiful gardens. Discover the journey food takes from farm fields to your table. During your visit to the farm, be sure to join in Naturalist-led programs feeding and caring for the farm animals and planting, tending and harvesting organic crops. Also, lend a hand with traditional farm chores and learn about the transformation of wool from sheep to shawl. From April through November, you may also want to ride the horse-drawn train, tour the beautifully restored Patterson House Museum, watch the blacksmith at work and sample tasty old fashioned treats from our Country Kitchen. Every weekend is filled with activities for the whole family. Since Ardenwood is a working farm, the daily activities change from season to season- so no two visits are exactly alike! Special events throughout the year include an Old Fashioned Fourth of July, Historic Rail Fair, Harvest Festival, Sheep Shearing Day and Johnny Appleseed Day. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont, CA 510-796-0199 Website