The Great California Road Trip

2015 Fall Getaway to Monterey County

Buckle up for the great California road trip. Destination: Monterey County! Autumn on this part of the California Coast is simply magnificent. Gas up, here we go!

The Great Beach Connection: Whether it's sinking your feet into the soft lavender sands at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, cozying up to a bonfire at dog-friendly Carmel Beach, or exploring the turquoise tide pools of Point Lobos State Park, Monterey County makes beach-goers giddy with options: Check out the 7 secret beaches of Monterey.

Food, Wine, Music Fest: Outdoor events hit all the right notes in Monterey, especially the one voted the world's best jazz festival four times over: the Monterey Jazz Festival (September 18–20). Hungry for more? Try Taste of Carmel!

Favorites + Hidden Gems: Surprise! Some of Monterey's most famous spots also harbor hidden gems. Cannery Row has the Monterey Bay Aquarium, whose creative exhibits are a favorite with visitors. But did you know you can enjoy a Monterey County wine tasting experience next door? A Taste of Monterey—set right above the lapping waters of Monterey Bay—serves a variety of the region's top-rated wines. Tip: Pair your tasting with sunset for a Bayutiful moment.

See all the upcoming food, wine, and cultural events, plus find great deals on fall lodging and dining at SeeMonterey.com/Fall.

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  1. Talk of the Town

    We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).

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  2. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

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  3. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

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  4. woman kneeling and signing peak book at Mount Olympia in Mount Diablo State Park

    Double Up on Diablo

    Set the tone for 2024 with this twofer summit hike at Mount Diablo State Park. Embark on a 7-mile out-and-back up Mount Olympia and Diablo’s lesser-known summit, North Peak.

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  1. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

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  2. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

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  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

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  4. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

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