Carmel, Monterey, which to choose?

Monterey is known for the aquarium, Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s a tough choice, and will be down to your preference. We visited both, and I suggest that you do the same as they are only 10 minutes apart by car.

Monterey has the world-famous aquarium, with its variety of exhibits, including sea otters, penguins and sardines! It has sculptures and exhibits about ocean pollution, and how we can make changes to reduce this pollution. The aquarium is at the end of Cannery Wharf, so a great location for exploring the old waterfront, tourist shops and a variety of restaurants. You can even do wine tasting overlooking the water, and if you are lucky you may see the sea otters.

Monterey also has a ‘downtown’ area a few blocks from Cannery Wharf, this offers more shops, restaurant and bars. This in turn is a couple of blocks to Fisherman's Wharf. As in many coastal towns there is a picturesque pier with interesting shops, seafood restaurants, and from here, you can head out on marine watching trips. We chatted to one of the boat captains and they’d seen five hump backs and a pod of orca the previous day – so it’s a great place to see the giants of the ocean.

Carmel has a different feel, it has top end shops and boutiques, fabulous restaurants and interesting delis around every corner and fewer attractions. What it does have is a fabulous beach. You walk downhill through the town, and then walk through the dunes, and onto a lovely wide sandy beach. It is a perfect place to picnic, paddle in the ocean, and even walk the dog (if you can borrow one!)

Regardless of which town you stay in, you can visit the other. If you are on a budget, then stay on the outskirts and drive into both.

We took a trip out for a short hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. It’s only about 15 minutes away, and worth the effort. It is a coastal park, and you walk through the dunes and trees on footpaths, giving you spectacular views of the ocean. You can see seals basking in the sunshine, otters playing in the kelp, and the blow spouts of migrating whales in the distance. If you turn in your car keys at reception, they will lend you binoculars for a better view. You can wander round on your own, or join a guided walk.

Between Monterey and Carmel is 17 mile drive. This winding road takes you past the homes of the rich and famous, golf courses and the stunning coastal views across rocky shores out to the vast ocean.

Whatever choices you make, you should take time to watch the sunset, don’t rush through these towns and check them off a list.

Top tip: the sparkling wine flight at the Clement Intercontinental, at happy hour, overlooking the water.