Schmap Monterey and Carmel Educational Outings

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Monterey and Carmel - Educational Outings
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Monterey and Carmel Home
Schmap Monterey and Carmel guide and map

Carmel Mission

Father Serra's favorite

3080 Rio Road
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93923
United States
+1 831 624 3600 / +1 831 624 1271

Also known as Mission Carmel Basilica and more formally, as Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, this was the second of the nine missions founded by Father Junipero Serra. The area was originally chosen for its agricultural possibilities in 1771, but the temperate climate and exquisite landscape soon made it Father Serra's favorite. Indeed, he is buried, as per his wishes, in front of the church's main altar. The building, which fell into ruins in the 19th century and has since been completely restored, exhibits classic Mission-style, fortress-like architecture, with thick, bougainvillea-covered adobe walls and a central courtyard. A Moorish-style bell tower contains nine bells and is open to the public. Though some may find the climb up the steep staircase taxing, the views from that vantage point are magnificent.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Chris' Fishing Trips & Whale Watching

Over 26,000 Whales Seen 48 Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940
United States
+1 831 375 5951 Want to sail out from the Monterey Bay and explore the process of deep-sea fishing? If so, climb aboard one of Chris' boats. These are spectacular tours led by several experts in the field. All of the skippers have been fishing Monterey Bay for most of their lives. Several boats are available, each one being over 50 feet long. Cod trips are USD35; salmon USD45; and for USD125, you get an albacore trip, which includes live bait and lasts 12 hours. Children pay less and group rates are available.

Enjoy a spectacular two-hour tour where you can see thousands of whales in the Monterey Bay. In the early part of the year, you can see the gray whales as they migrate to and from Alaska. Also in sight will be sea otters, sea lions, and many dolphins. The tours are guided by skilled skippers, each of whom have been doing this his or her entire life. Naturally the service is great, as you are accompanied by true experts in the field. It is an excellent adventure for the whole family. Tickets: USD18 adults; USD12 kids up to 12; group rates available.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Monterey Bay Aquarium

World class aquarium 886 Cannery Row
(at the corner of David Avenue)
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940
United States
+1 831 648 4888 This is one of the best designed aquariums going. A unique feature is the two-story tank, home to a kelp forest in which swim sunfish, sharks, and the occasional diver tasked with squeegeeing the algae off the tank walls. Sand dabs are displayed in shelf-like tanks ideally suited to the flat fish, and a school of sardines swim in an endless circle in their cylindrical tank home. If you want to interact with some aquatic dwellers, you're invited to pet the bat rays (oddly velvet-like). The jellyfish display shows that they are like something from another planet.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Monterey Bay Whale Watching Cruises

Whales, Whales, Whales! 96 Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940
United States
+1 831 372 2203 Climb aboard the boat named Top Gun, and have an expert naturalist guide take you out on the water to view some of the many kinds of whales in the Monterey Bay. You will see grays, killer whales, humpbacks and more. In addition, the boats come with a state-of-the-art audio-visual system, making your whale-watching experience an unforgettable one. Prices vary, but generally expect to pay around USD35 for a two- to three-hour tour. Group rates are available, and the company also offers special nature tours as well as private boat rentals.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Monterey County Youth Museum

Hands-on stuff for kids 601 Wave St
(Suite 100, at the corner of Hoffman St)
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940
United States
+1 831 649 6444 Go ahead, touch it! Your kids are allowed to touch everything in this museum, which was designed to encourage hands-on discovery. Children can come in and explore the many exhibits including Creation Station, The Grill, and other exhibits which allow the kids to dress up, become a chef, run their own business, or get a geography lesson. This is a great place for the entire family.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Sea Life Tours

A glass-bottom boat! 90 Old Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940
United States
+1 831 372 7151 See the magic of Monterey Bay Harbor from a glass-bottom boat. You'll see otters, seals, and sea lions as you travel the gentle waters. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and the service is great. For a little more, you can take a longer sunset cruise, which takes you past Lover's Point and the lighthouse. Other tours include the coastal nature tours and the famous sea otter excursions, where you can watch the animals gorging on shellfish.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Steinbeck's Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum

Over 100 Figures 700 Cannery Row
(Suite 2, at the corner of Prescott Street)
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940
United States
+1 831 375 3770 Want to see John Steinbeck sitting around and drinking with friends? Then come to this wax museum. You can get a glimpse at almost 450 years worth of Monterey history here. The museum stocks more than 100 realistic wax figures, depicting a number of scenes throughout time. See figures of old cannery workers, prostitutes and Indians. This is one of the newest attractions in Cannery Row and a great place to bring the entire family. Admission: $4.95 adults; $2.95 kids 7-12. See website for more.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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