Congratulations graduating seniors. You’ve reached your final semester at CSUMB and now only 16 weeks stand between you and a degree. Whether you’ve savored every moment or spent the years buried in your books, you have one semester left to make the most of it. Here are five things to check out in Monterey that are worth a try before you go.
Go kayaking
You’ve probably gone downtown and walked the trail leading to Cannery Row, or looked into the kelp forest at the Aquarium, but nothing can replace actually going out on the water and experiencing what makes our local waters a marine sanctuary. Kayak rentals are fairly cheap, and looking out on Monterey from the water offers a new view of the city. And you can even see the animals which inspired our mascot Monte Rey (but make sure to keep a respectful distance).
Photo courtesy of Monterey Bay Kayaks
Take a tour of the Tor House
Monterey has a long history of poets and artists in the area, far beyond John Steinbeck. Jefferson Tor was a very influential poet in the area, but his biggest legacy is probably the handmade stone tower he built next to his house. If you book a tour you can learn more about the history of art in Monterey and tour his creation.
Photo courtesy of the Tor House
Visit Marina Donuts and Bagels
Probably the most niche pick on this list, Marina Donuts and Bagel isn’t exactly trendy or exciting, so you probably haven’t checked it out. But the donuts are fresh every morning and the Vietnamese iced coffee is especially good. The bacon egg and cheese is my perennial favorite.
Photo courtesy of Marina Donuts and Bagels
Drive or hike in Big Sur
If you’ve limited yourself to the Monterey-Marina area you’re missing out on some of the most premier natural beauty in the world. Numerous hikes and national parks exist up and down the coast, but if those aren’t your thing even a drive down Highway 1 (recently back open) gives views worth a lifetime. Just watch out for landslides.
Photo courtesy of See Monterey
People watch from the balcony at the Stanton Center
Another attraction you may have walked past, the Monterey Museum of History and Art in Stanton Center has plenty of interesting exhibits detailing local history. Especially worth the admission is the balcony hidden off the second floor. It’s been empty every time I’ve visited, with a perfect view of Fisherman’s Wharf and the water. If you need time to bask in the area before you’re gone for good it’s the perfect location for some people watching.
Photo courtesy of Monterey History and Art Association