Monterey - The Land Of Sand, Surf And Fun At Reasonable Prices

Ah, California! Land of sand, surf, sun and fun! Wouldn't it be great to make this your next vacation destination? Too bad everything here is so pricey, right? Well, not necessarily. Just south of San Francisco lies the town of Monterey, California. While growing in size and reputation, Monterey has managed to retain much of its small-town charm and reasonable prices. You can start your sensible planning with a visit to one of the lodging sites, where you will find listings of Monterey hotels and other Monterey vacation rentals. Among them you will surely find the Monterey lodging to fit your vacation needs. Following are just a few of the many activities right along the waterfront that you can fit into your budget on a Monterey getaway.

Visit Cannery Row for a unique and quirky shopping experience. Choose your Monterey memento from among an array of bobble head dolls at Fuzzybops Toys. (Do you want Kelly Osbourne? Jacqueline Kennedy? Anyone in between? They're probably here.) Pick up a miniature painted pony at Duke and Rosie's. Or find a cypress tree pendant at Steinbeck Jewelers or a photography reproduction at the Ansel Adams Art Gallery. If you get hungry while strolling, you'll have plenty of options as well. Dine at one of the restaurants with spectacular views overlooking Monterey Bay, or just stop in for a treat at Ghiradelli Chocolate or the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Perhaps you'd just like to pick up some of the incredibly fresh seafood and produce to fix your own meals back at your Monterey lodging.

Many families or other groups traveling together opt for one of the Monterey vacation rentals with a kitchen. Fixing your own meals can help you stick to your vacation budget. It's also wonderfully convenient to have your favorite snacks or fresh foods ready whenever a snack attack hits.

When you've had enough strolling through town, you might want to take a surrey bike ride (for up to four people) along the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary coastline. This federally protected area was established to safeguard the incredible diversity of marine life here. If you visit in winter and spring, you'll be here during whale-watch season. Stop for a view of the gray whales migrating at one of the world's premier whale-watching sights. Even if you're not here then, you can experience marine life at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Many of the Monterey hotels provide easy access to all this activity along the oceanfront.

Of course, many visitors want to spend their time out in or on the water themselves. Choose one of the rentals just steps from McAbee Beach, and enjoy your days on the shore. Or rent a kayak to explore Monterey Bay and its amazing ocean life. After full days of fresh air and outdoor adventure, you will appreciate the comfort of returning to your lodging.

Isn't it time to stop dreaming about how someday you might visit California and instead start planning which days you WILL visit California? Start your getaway planning online. You will be pleased at the selection of hotels and other rentals you can choose for your delightful escape.