Monterey County, CA

Trek from the Pacific’s edge to California’s fertile farmlands and back again, visiting wineries, farms, museums, and the wildly rugged Big Sur coast. Keep tapping to learn more and find the full itinerary in the link below.

Old Monterey

Monterey, California, United States

In seafaring Monterey, rewind time with a hands-on history lesson. Before California joined the Union as the 31st state, this city served as the capital of Mexican Alta California. Relics from the time of Spanish rule—1776 to 1848—are preserved in Old Monterey’s historic quarter... Find the full itinerary in the link below.

886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA

A former sardine-fishing hub made famous by novelist John Steinbeck, Cannery Row buzzes with family-friendly attractions: arcades, escape rooms, even an immersive pirate-themed ride. Its beating heart is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a sprawling museum and research institution that calls to the sea-curious with 200-plus exhibits of aquatic creatures, from fuzzy sea otters to glowing jellyfish... Find the full itinerary in the link below.

Salinas

Salinas, California, United States

One of California’s most important agricultural towns, Salinas is known as “the Salad Bowl of the World.” Get your fill of just-picked strawberries, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, artichokes, and lettuce at the city’s abundant farm stands, then head downtown to discover Salinas’ outstanding literary legacy... Find the full itinerary in the link below.

3050 Hecker Pass Hwy
Gilroy, CA

Gilroy hangs its hat on the stinking rose, so almost every eatery in town features garlic-infused food. If you’re traveling with kids, take them to Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park to ride the Garlic Twirl—the ride’s cars are shaped like garlic bulbs... Find the full itinerary in the link below.

Modesto

Modesto, California, United States

The Central Valley city of Modesto is turning heads with its vigorous arts culture—including downtown’s colorful array of outdoor murals, the Mistlin Gallery’s community art center, and a full roster of shows at the Gallo Center for the Arts... Find the full itinerary in the link below.

5021 W Shaw Ave
Fresno, CA

The Central Valley’s central hub, Fresno offers shopping, dining, and nightlife in hip neighborhoods like the Tower District, named after its centerpiece, the neon-lit 1939 Tower Theatre. There’s more to explore on Fresno’s outskirts: Tour the subterranean passageways and courtyards planted with fruit trees and grapevines at Forestiere Underground Gardens... Find the full itinerary in the link below.

7350 Linne Rd
Paso Robles, CA

The wine-centric town of Paso Robles boasts 200-plus tasting rooms. Make Cass Winery your base—not just for sipping Syrah but also for sleeping. Perched on the vineyard’s hilltop, Geneseo Inn’s chic shipping containers feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks... Find the full itinerary in the link below.

Cambria, CA

This pine-dotted seaside village overflows with galleries, eateries, and come-hither trails lacing the shoreline. Start by exploring Cambria’s wild coastline: Stroll Moonstone Beach's south end and hunt for smoothly polished jadeite and moonstones... Find the full itinerary in the link below.

Big Sur, CA

A magnet for painters and poets, Big Sur is the romantic rendezvous of sandstone cliffs, surly waves, and the sundown sea. The coastal views from your car are divine, but they’re even better if you get out and walk. For eye-candy drama, stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to watch the silver ribbon of 80-foot McWay Falls plunge off a cliff and flow into the Pacific... Find the full itinerary in the link below.