Right Near The Beach

Catching some rays and relaxing.


Monterey State Beach is clean and beautiful.



I think I should just hibernate here.



This is the life.

Fisherman's Wharf

My main reason for going to Monterey was to buy salt water taffy and caramel apples at Fisherman's Wharf. It was a perfect day to walk around the pier and look at the activity on the bay.

Along the water's edge are benches named for California's missions. Of course I had to pose on San Jose's bench.

Here is a picture of "The Black Pearl." Is it cursed?

Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey is small but cute.

Seals were swimming, barking loudly and attracting a lot of attention.

I am now out of taffy and am down to one apple. I wonder if I can fit another trip in next week.

A Day in Monterey

When I woke up this morning I had a few ideas of where I would like to spend some quiet time. Since I love the ocean and still had a mad craving for caramel apples, I narrowed my choices down to two: Santa Cruz or Monterey. I chose the latter, as I figured the Boardwalk would be full of people on spring break.

A pirate greeter on Cannery Row.


One of the many exhibits.


The Ocean's Edge area


One of the large tanks.



Not a great photo, but you can just make out a ray in this tank.


Peeking in an interactive exhibit.


Some decorative elements.



Big fish.


Ocean traveler's exhibit.


A Califia-sized entryway.



More fun props.


Upstairs there is a hands-on area for kids to explore and learn more about ocean mammals. In the corner is a place where one can make a crayon rubbing from plates of different marine mammals.


Getting some fresh ocean air on the upstairs deck.



While looking in the water I saw a family of otters frolicking, enjoying the sunshine.


It was a warm, sunny day with just a gentle breeze and not a cloud in the sky.



Getting a closer look at sea life.






The "new" Splash Zone, which is pretty much the "old" Splash Zone.


Is that Gil from "Finding Nemo?"


A giant shell, a great photo opportunity.



Cute penguins.





The gift shop in the background.


The Kelp Forest.








A tank of small mollusks.


Observing shore birds in the Aviary.



A Dwarf Perch.


Taking another fresh air break on one of the decks.








A bronze statue of an otter.


Another otter statue in the "Wild About Otters" exhibit.





My day at the aquarium was enjoyable. I blew through there and saw all I wanted to see in a short time. I had to refuel at the Starbucks in Cannery Row before heading to Fisherman's Wharf.