By: Skye Harrop
Are you craving takeout food but you don’t want to eat it at home? Fear not, The Monterey Peninsula offers many breathtaking options for you to venture out to and chomp into your takeout!
In this list, I will include three spots from my personal library of chomp spots and include:
- How to get there
- The amount of effort needed to reach the spot
1. Fort Ord Dunes State Park – Devouring Dune Delights
The Fort Ord Dunes State Park offers many spots to eat, as well as many views. Located at the end of 8th Street close to the Marina Target, you can expect a medium-sized trek or short car ride, bike ride or bus trip from campus.
Within the area, there are three spots where I like to eat. They all depend on if I want to get out of my car or if the outside weather is bad. The first spot is to just stay in my car in the parking lot. Here, you have the pro of weather protection but the con of a limited view of the peninsula.
The second spot is off to the right of the parking lot, at a picnic table that offers a better view of the peninsula and is surrounded by plants. The final spot is a small, sandy path that leads to an observation area. Here you have an unobstructed view of the peninsula which will elevate your takeout experience!
2. Cal State University Monterey Bay – Stone of Savory Solitude
Located close to the Promontory dorms and down a large hill, you can find a large stone next to a tree. To get there, start from the Otter Student Union and walk to Inter-Garrison road.
You then want to start walking in the direction of North Quad until you see a road on your right. You next want to walk down this hill until you reach the bottom where you will see the aforementioned large stone next to a tree on your right. This spot is a personal favorite of mine as it’s on campus and doesn’t take too long to reach, making it a good spot to chill in between classes.
When you reach the site, you can expect to see a large open field with native plants and trees surrounding said field. There also isn’t too much foot traffic at the lower part of the hill making it a good spot to go if you want to be alone.
3. Monterey Peninsula Coastal Trail – Tasty Tioga (ave) Takeout
Located in Sand City, this spot is the furthest but most rewarding spot by far. The spot is located behind the Costco at the end of Tioga Ave.
This spot is not recommended to be reached by bus or walking as it can take a long time to get there and you would have to plan your whole day around the adventure. However, accessing the spot via bike is a rewarding and challenging experience.
The spot is best enjoyed by parking your car on the side of the road and hunkering down. From the comfort of your car, you are presented with an unobstructed view of the Monterey Peninsula where you are unaffected by the wind and weather.
