Category: Activities & Tours

  • New in 2022 in Monterey County

    New in 2022 in Monterey County

    From innovative culinary experiences and must-see attractions to new and renovated lodging properties, now is the moment to make a plan to explore the iconic destination along California’s central coast. Use the below bullets to navigate some of the new experiences you can find when visiting Monterey County in 2022: Expanded Dining and Drinking Spots Newly…

  • Celebrate The Women of Monterey County

    Celebrate The Women of Monterey County

    Monterey County has had a variety of influential women throughout its history who drew inspiration from the region and innovated beyond county borders. From famed socialite lighthouse keeper, Emily Fish, who took charge of Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove from 1893 to 1914, to Carmel Valley pioneer Isabel Meadows, who was the daughter of…

  • Bucket List Worthy Moments in Monterey County

    Bucket List Worthy Moments in Monterey County

    Vow to do more this year and check off some items from your bucket list! Get a head start in Monterey County with everything from skydiving to horseback riding. Here are a just a few “bucket list worthy” moments to get you started. Escape to Carmel Beach Iconic Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its many attractions, but…

  • Adventures in Salinas & Salinas Valley

    Adventures in Salinas & Salinas Valley

    At first blush, agriculture and literature might seem to be an incongruous pair, but not in Salinas. In addition to being the county seat of Monterey and a vibrant agribusiness hub, Salinas is most famous for being the ancestral home of Nobel Prize laureate John Steinbeck. As you continue to travel inland, you’ll come upon…

  • Films and TV Shows to Watch Featuring Monterey County

    Films and TV Shows to Watch Featuring Monterey County

    As social distancing has become the new norm across the U.S., Americans are eagerly seeking inspiring at-home entertainment ideas. Well, the team at the Portola Hotel & Spa has put together a list of some binge-worthy shows and movie recommendations, each with an ode to the Monterey Peninsula. So grab your favorite snack and beverage (maybe a glass…

  • 5 Romantic Places to Propose in Monterey County

    5 Romantic Places to Propose in Monterey County

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    Romance and Monterey County seem to go hand-in-hand. There is a picture-perfect backdrop almost everywhere you turn and are bound to capture some incredible moments that will forever go down in your hopeful history. Here's our list of some of the most romantic hot spots to pop the question that are sure to get you…

  • 10 Shops and Dining Experiences You Won’t Find Anywhere but in Carmel Plaza

    10 Shops and Dining Experiences You Won’t Find Anywhere but in Carmel Plaza

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    Carmel Plaza is known for its variety of specialty shops and restaurants as well as its garden setting. You will notice plenty of recognizable retailers as you stand in front of the directory and decide where to head off to but there are also a few one-of-a-kinds you won’t find anywhere else.   Most of…

  • Discover the Gorgeous Scenery of HBO's Hit Show 'Big Little Lies'

    Discover the Gorgeous Scenery of HBO's Hit Show 'Big Little Lies'

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    Monterey County has taken center stage in past seasons of the hit HBO show, "Big Little Lies." Although it's recently been confirmed that there will not be a third season, we can always revisit the drama and natural beauty of our destination in seasons one and two. The jaw-dropping backdrops of Big Sur, Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea and…

  • Follow in the Footsteps of 'Big Little Lies' Stars

    Follow in the Footsteps of 'Big Little Lies' Stars

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    Just as the ladies of “Big Little Lies,” raved about their hometown in the show, people all over the world have fallen head-over-heels for the show’s big star – the gorgeous scenery of Monterey County! The epic backdrops and awe-inspiring picture-perfect coastline will have you daydreaming about a California getaway. If you watched the hit show…