It's a good place to shop for clothes, shoes, wallets, and other accessories. But it's not a place for guys and children looking for electronics, game shops, anime goods, or similar items. Anyway, I liked this place's warm summer day shopping vibe. There's a food court that provides different kinds of food that will keep you fueled for a long shopping spree. I recommend this place.

An outlet mall that features large stores from almost all major brands. The mall is quite large and involves a lot of walking. There is a proper food court along with smaller coffee and ice cream shops, as well as vending machines spread across the mall. The pricing at all stores is considerably discounted, while majority of the stores have further larger discounts available. Not much tech available in this outlet mall, however definitely a good place for shopping clothes, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. The free parking lot circles around the mall, and for short trips it’s better to find the store and park closer to

Place is big , clean, restrooms are in good shape, lots of parking, really just went to sole & laces this time, but lots to choose n shop from

This outlet mall has a great selection of large stores from nearly all major brands. It’s quite spacious, so be prepared for a bit of walking. You’ll find a full food court, smaller coffee and ice cream shops, and even vending machines conveniently located throughout. Most stores offer significant discounts, and many have additional sales that make the deals even better. While there aren’t many tech stores here, it’s an excellent place to shop for clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. Parking is free and surrounds the entire mall. If you’re planning a quick visit, it’s best to find your store first and park nearby for easy access.

Update: I had a great experience in San Francisco Premium Outlets! All the stores were well maintained, stocked, and clean, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. The decorations as I walked through many different brands felt like a mall but outside, and it had many sitting benches and resting places plus restrooms which were convenient. Overall, it’s a great place to visit if you are looking for apparel and shoe stores near you in Livermore/Pleasanton area. (Comment originally posted a year ago from: “Pretty good.”)

Great shopping experience! Huge selection of top brands with amazing discounts. The outlet is clean, well organized and easy to get around. Perfect for finding deals on clothes, shoes and accessories. Brazilians will love it too as there are many favorite brands with much better prices than back home. Totally worth the visit!

I luv a bargain and I do not find particular joy in clothes shopping. So I try to maximize my time, energy, and dollars when I do. With that in mind, I planned a shopping excursion out to the San Francisco (SF) Premium Outlets. I purposely did not go on a weekend. I did that to avoid the crowds and lack of sufficient parking. Overall my first ever experience at the SF outlets was a success ... I survived! I was able to purchase clothes, in my hard to find size, at bargain prices. These outlets include a good mix of brands (designer , luxury, and mid-range). The luxury brands include Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Burberry, Prada, Tory Birch, Zegna... just to name a few. There was a food court and food stalls scattered about the outlet. The outlet is beautifully designed and landscaped with art sculptures and plants; adding to a more pleasant shopping environment. But my gripes are the parking lot and the lack of janitorial staff. The parking lot has only one exit/entrance. The flow of traffic gets logged jammed and it becomes the Wild West of line merging. Regarding the janitorial needs, I spent practically the entire day at the outlet and do not recall seeing any janitorial staff. The women's restroom closest to the food court was atrociously dirty and got more so during the day. Trash bins were overflowing and there was a strong sewage smell. The other restrooms were not as worse, but not clean either and less likely f a strong odor. Plus the food court dining area was a hot mess as well. Tables needed to be cleared and cleaned.

Came by on Saturday after July 4th. Pretty busy, but still had openings. A bit awkward at FOH with some disorganization. Nonetheless, we were able to get sat outside. Chair's cushion kept falling through for some reason so that was a bit annoying. Tasting cost is $30/per head. Decent weather. Parking available on-site.

Probably the best wine tasting experience within a short driving distance of the Bay Area without going to Napa. This place is simply excellent with fantastic wines, indoor tasting rooms, outdoor patio seatings, a large grassy field where you can buy a bottle of wine and picnic with friends, and an outdoor wine bar. This is an excellent place to visit with friends. I recommend making reservations if you wish to sit inside or on any of the tables that are covered. However, the outside uncovered tables and the entire grassy field are completely open! When we came, we bought a bottle of white wine, brought a blanket, and just hung out and had a picnic. It was a great time. The facilities are super clean and the staff are really nice. Just be aware that sometimes people will book events here and you might not be able to stay as long as you want without a reservation, so take note of that and call ahead. There is plenty of parking here and it's pretty easy to get to. I'd recommend bringing sunblock if you plan on being outside. Also, bring a camera because there are some fantastic places to take pictures and you are welcome to walk around the immediate property to take photos!

We had a great tasting experience with Ashely. My dog was welcomed and comfortable. Lots of shade. Great atmosphere and ambiance. Thank you!!!

Concannon Vineyard is situated in Livermore CA founded by James Cannon in 1883. Excellent vineyard supposed to be the 2nd biggest in California. Went there on 16th April on weekend. Is huge but at the time of my visit there was no grapes crop, may be not the season however the vinery was functioning. You can taste their wines and also purchase. Excellent wine to taste but if you are in a group of 8 or more then you have to take prior reservation or else you can walk in for tasting and purchase. There was a discount of up to 40% in purchase of 6 or more bottles of wine. Lots of place for sitting to consume your wine both inside and outside the billing. There's a big lawn with chairs and table for that. Excellent Vineyard.

Busy busy busy. At the wine tasting room no one was there to tell us where to start, finally found a place by the counter and it was just several empty glasses no one was cleaning up. We moved from there because again no one helped us, by the third counter a lady told us somebody else will help us because she was waiting for a group, the guy tried to help but the cashier register didn’t work. We decided to go outside and more than 1/2 of the tables where reserved. We got a bottle of Chardonnay and it was ok not great. By the time we left it was extremely busy.

That's a solid winery and I would recommend going. Beautiful grounds for a picnic or some Instagram stuff if you're into that. I am not a wine connoisseur, so I won't pretend to know what I'm talking about. We got a bottle of white wine cause it was real hot out and I didn't hate it at all, that's a win!

Enjoy the wine selections they have but you can't get a hold of anyone to speak to on the phone EVER. Can you normalize answering the phone during the normal biz hours, please...?

Del Valle Regional Park really lives up to its nickname—“Little Switzerland” of the Bay Area. The trail offers stunning views of rolling hills and the lake itself is absolutely beautiful. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a perfect spot for a relaxing hike. Along the trail, I spotted some lovely wildflowers that added a nice touch of color to the path. The only downside? The public toilets were honestly pretty horrible—definitely something the park could improve on. But if you’re prepared for that, the rest of the experience is totally worth it.

Beautiful park, lots of wildlife. The drive up there is lovely as well. Great place to go if you want to get away from it all.

Great place for a hike and walk. You do have to pay for the main parking lot, so please be aware. There are other trail heads that doesn't require payment.

Great space for a variety of activities. Hiking/Cycling trails for every skill and fitness level. Staff are knowledgeable and make every effort to ensure the best visit. Will definitely return!!

🏞️ Serenity in Livermore at Lake Del Valle. 😌 So many opportunities to connect with nature & ground yourself through hiking🥾, biking 🚴, swimming 🏊, fishing 🎣, walking 🦮, camping 🏕️, boat rentals 🛶 , picnicking 🧺 🍗 , and much more. 😎

Beautiful natural area sadly ruined by humans. When I was there, EBRPD had 4 lifeguards in one tiny cordoned off swimming area. But they can't pay for maintenance apparently, there was garbage everywhere. Dangerous stuff for kids too, metal cans and even a needle

I went camping for 2 nights this August and it was so nice! The facilities are well maintained and they have a good amount of t of activities for families with kids. The lake is awesome too. Lifeguards on duty, free flotation devices to borrow. Clean and not extremely busy. The water was refreshing too! Not cold at all.

It could be that I'm a southern girl, Falcons fan, and season ticketholder to the Benz, with great food options, but the food looked good at Levi's stadium but was pretty awful. Chicken nuggets tasted like sawdust from organic chicken. The tater tots were soggy and old. Stick with adult beverages!

Levi’s Stadium is a modern, spacious, and impressive venue the home of the San Francisco 49ers and host to many great events. The design is sleek, with comfortable seating, great visibility, and an excellent sound system. The atmosphere during games and concerts is energetic and exciting, and the large screens make it easy to follow all the action. The stadium is very clean and well maintained, with good food and drink options throughout. Parking and entry are well organized, though traffic after events can be slow, as expected for big venues. Overall, Levi’s Stadium is a top-notch sports and entertainment arena that offers a fantastic fan experience modern, comfortable, and full of energy. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in the Bay Area!

Great stadium. Access to get in was easy and pretty quick. The app did a good job telling you what you can and cannot bring. The stadium was clean and plenty of friendly security staff. The food on the other hand hlwas not so! The chicken tenders were okay but the fries were like cold cardboard. I would have asked for new ones but when you order for 4 and it piled on, didn't notice till seated! Over priced. The staff taking orders were cool but the staff serving food were a bit not friendly, but not unfriendly.... just meh?. We had. Great time at the 9ers game though! Will go again. Just find better places to eat I guess. Oh ya paid $70 for 2 whiskey mules from Joe Montana's Whiskey! What? I guess if they dont list the price, be prepared to pay!

Great big stadium! Loads of fun and good food as well as great drinks choice! Our seats were sec 120, row 29 - great view

Levi stadium is always a lot of fun. Especially when the Niners win!!! The food is very high price it was $18 for a little brisket sandwich and $20 for one tall can of beer. I suggest to pregame it before you even enter the gates. Security is all around so it is pretty chill. It is a nice stadium. In fact one of the nicer ones I've ever been to.

Levi Stadium is nicely built. We went for a 49ers game and I loved the layout and that their sound system is so great. Usually in stadiums, you can’t understand what they’re saying but glad it was different here. Such a cool place for the game with a nice variety of food & drinks! Can’t wait to go back!

We went to see Morgan Wallen and it was AMAZING!! I had nose bleed seats but I could see very well and the sound was excellent. After the concert so many people were trying to exit the stadium and even though it looked intimidating it wasn't bad at all. I'm looking forward to my next event at Levis stadium whether it be a concert or a football game.

This was my first time entering and experiencing the park. I’ve passed by several times in the past few years and I always wanted to experience the rides especially after I hear news on closure. Luckily my friend had a seasonal pass and we got discounts on daily tickets. A good place to bring kids and spend a day here. We went in all the big rides as we were adults. It was thrilling and our adrenaline was pumped. Parking was a bit expensive and I suggest you to take light rail or park in Santa Clara convention center as you might get free parking. Avoid going here on days when Levi’s stadium has events as it will be packed. Overall we had a great one day experience which rejuvenated the kid inside me.

California’s Great America in Santa Clara is a fun and well-rounded theme park that offers something for just about everyone. Whether you’re into high-speed thrills or laid-back family rides, the park’s lineup delivers — especially with coasters like Gold Striker, RailBlazer, and Flight Deck. If you visit on a weekday or arrive early, you’ll beat the crowds and get more ride time without long waits. The layout is easy to navigate, and there’s plenty of shaded seating to take breaks between attractions. Food options are surprisingly diverse for a theme park. You’ll find everything from funnel cakes and burgers to sushi rolls and boba tea, with most meals priced between $10 and $20. Seasonal food festivals like Taste of Orleans add extra flavor with Cajun-inspired dishes and live music. Dining plans are available and can be a good value if you’re planning to stay all day — just keep in mind that some locations may have limited menus or longer lines during peak hours. Overall, the park is clean, well-staffed, and packed with entertainment throughout the year. Events like WinterFest and Red, White & Brews bring extra charm, and Planet Snoopy keeps younger guests happy with gentle rides and character meet-and-greets. While occasional ride closures and crowding can be a downside, the overall experience is memorable and worth the visit.

It was a marvelous experience, Loved all the rides and the atmosphere. Enjoyed very bit of it. A hidden gem I would say. Hoping staff could smile more but regardless, A never forgotten moment. Couldn’t go on all the rides so will have to come back for water park. But make sure your whole day is reserved for California’s Great America.

We got the annual pass, and it has been totally worth it! It pays for itself in just a few visits and gives us the freedom to come and go without feeling rushed — especially helpful during busy summer days or holidays when lines can get really long (sometimes over an hour for popular rides). California’s Great America is great for all ages — there are thrilling coasters for teens and adults, gentle rides and splash areas for younger kids, and a full water park (South Bay Shores) that everyone can enjoy. If you’re planning to visit the water park, it’s best to arrive early — lounge chairs fill up quickly, especially on hot or crowded days. Going early also means shorter lines for the water slides and more time to relax. The park is clean, the staff are friendly, and there are plenty of food options. Parking is easy, and the annual pass comes with great perks like discounts and early entry on select days. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot for families and anyone looking for a full day (or season!) of fun. Highly recommended!

California’s Great America has a special kind of charm you don’t find often anymore. Right in the heart of Silicon Valley next to Levi’s Stadium, this park blends nostalgic vibes with legit thrills. RailBlazer is a wild, fast, one-of-a-kind coaster that twists and dives like nothing else. And GoldStriker? One of the best wooden coasters anywhere—fast, loud, and an absolute blast from start to finish. It’s heartbreaking that this park is closing for good. There’s so much soul here, and I truly hope some of these iconic rides, especially RailBlazer and Gold Striker, get saved and relocated. If you’ve never been—or haven’t been in a while—go while you still can. You’ll walk out smiling, guaranteed.

This is such a cute and amazing amusement park. I went two weeks ago when I was visiting the Bay Area, and I had a great experience. It was very clean, well-maintained, and I got to ride all the roller coasters in the park in a couple of hours. The coaster line up is pretty solid as well. The Gold Striker, RailBlazer, and Flight Deck were my absolute favorites. The Demon, the Patriot, and the Grizzly are really fun classics as well. This park is totally worth the trip. I’m really sad to hear they’re going to close in a few years, but I will definitely come back for another visit before that happens!

Enjoy it while it lasts, people. This place is set to close in two years.😔 I’ve been coming to Great America with my siblings for 31 years. Now, we have our kids and they’re enjoying their time at the park. The rides are amazing. The children’s spot is Snoopy Themed. They’ve upgraded the water park within GA. It will be greatly missed!🥹

Our grandson lo es this place he just turned 3. The membership is well worth it for seniors and reduced parking as well. We have already used it twice! Granddad even had fun!

This is a very unique zoo. We absolutely loved it! It has a lot of rides especially for young ages and has a lot of entertaining activities. The tickets price is quite decent as well. There is a parking lot across the river and a short walk to the zoo over a bridge. The food in the food court is pretty tasty and priced within reason. There are lots of plants and greenery all the way around which make the zoo even more enjoyable. We loved it and would definitely come back.

A must for little ones. They have a zoo, picnic areas, shows, rides, and a food cafe. My 3 year old loves coming here. They have lots of beautiful play areas and they did renovate a lot of things. Also all the employees from the parking lot, to entrance, guest services, ride operators, and animal keepers were great! Excellent customer service from all.

The overall environment was alright. The capybara was super cute! That said, quite a few animals weren’t there, like the jaguar, red panda, and fennec fox, which was honestly a bit of a letdown... The petting zoo had goats, which were fun to interact with up close. In general, the variety of animals isn’t that big, so if you’re mainly coming to see lots of different animals, it might not be worth it. But if you’ve got little kids, it’s a great spot, since there are plenty of rides and activities for them.

A perfect size park & zoo. Geared more towards under 10; rides, puppet shows, playgrounds, face painting, and small zoo area. The purchased entry ticket gets the kids on rides. Paid parking via machine. Plenty of disabled parking. The rear entrance parking is a bit of a distance from the main entrance so be prepared. Danny the Dragon train was closed for repairs but is scheduled to reopen mide July, 2025. They have amazing helpful staff and an adorable souvenir shop. General Admission: $18. Memberships: Starting at $45 *Summer camps available including overnights at the park *Senior Day (over age 50): Once per month (see City of San Jose). Seniors only enter once per month, 0900-1000, before the general public and can remain for free for the remainder of the day. Free parking for seniors on Senior Day.

Cute zoo with very interesting, uncommon animals, including capybara! Kids friendly. Many tiny entainments for kids and a theater for puppet shows three times a day. The sheep and goats are outside and can interact with guests. Very lovely place for a day trip or half-day trip.

Tiny and poor quality zoo with very few exhibits. The animals are very sad in their tiny enclosures, and most of the interesting exhibits (such as the jaguar and red panda) were closed. Meanwhile, the price of admissions is exorbitantly high at $22 per person plus $10 for parking. In the end, we saw fewer than 10 animals after paying $54. Very disappointing.

Such huge and excellent infrastructure situated on a hill top with an excellent view of the valley. Very well organised and extending service with selfless motives and preservation of Indian culture here in USA.

A serene & divine place of worship for Sikhs is open for all irrespective of their religion, cast, creed & gender. The peaceful environment adds to the divinity. One can sync in the divine recitation of Shree Guru Granth Saheb, meditate & attain eternal peace of mind. We had the blessings here & had lungar (free lunch offering). The overall cleanliness, sense of spiritual consciousness, selfless service of the carsevaks (volunteers) are all so admirable. A must visit place in San Hose.

I have come here for the first time, what a nice view of valley. Beautiful Gurudwara, calming experience, amazing people and very tasty langar seva. Definitely coming here back soon. Lots of free parking on both sides of building. EV charger also onsite.

Beautiful place of worship. I often go there as I find it very peaceful

A great place for spiritual awakening, service for mankind, city views and tranquility.

If you in bay area and need peaceful, grounding experience then must visit gurudwara shaib of san jose.The space is clean, well-maintained, and welcoming to everyone. The community volunteers were supportive and guided visitors respectfully. The langar was simple, warm, and served with genuine hospitality. A serene place that leaves you with a sense of calm and respect.

We visited the Sikh Gurdwara in San Jose on a Sunday evening, and the experience was truly peaceful and grounding. The evening kirtan was in full flow, filling the entire space with a sense of devotion and serenity. We sat for about 15 minutes, immersed in prayer—it was exactly the kind of spiritual calm we needed. Afterward, we received Prasad, and it was the most amazing, blessed sheera Prasad—warm, comforting, and made with love. We also saw the Langar Seva in action, and what stood out was how open and welcoming the environment is. You can even go into the kitchen and volunteer to help, which adds to the sense of community and purpose. Absolutely loved the entire visit. We will definitely be coming back—such a beautiful place to pause, reflect, and connect.

Beautiful views, clean trails and campsites, knowledgeable staff!Backpacked overnight for the first time. About 7 hrs round trip hiking to and from China Hole for me. Awesome manzanita groves. Saw frogs, deer, quail, woodpeckers, poison oak, vulture, and a red and black bug but can't figure out the name. Perfect temp swimmable water there (July '25) but getting more murky. Nights get pretty cold, even in peak July.

An incredibly beautiful park well worth the drive up in a car or truck for hiking or tent camping. Hikes take you all over through forests and wheat fields from the old COE Homestead with tons of wildlife because there is a no dog policy. Dogs terrify wildlife and they are not allowed on the trails. In the campground there are primitive campsites some with a built shade arbor (that allow dogs on leash), very few that are level. In addition there are many beautiful primitive walk in sites and quite a few backpackers on the weekend. What this all means is tons of wildlife, no generators, dark skies full of stars and birds in the morning. Manny and John were a wealth of knowledge, really appreciate the time and information they imparted. Last thing is be very careful and slow on the road going up there is a lot of wildlife. Saw one large accident, hoping no one was injured.

Henry Coe State Park is an excellent destination for day hikes or overnight camping. It offers over 250 miles of trails and old ranch roads suitable for all seasons. Hikers can choose from various routes, from easy 1.5-mile loops featuring minimal elevation changes to more challenging backpacking loops exceeding 50 miles. We completed several trails here. We hiked the 15-mile Mount Sizer Loop with about 3,500 foot elevation gain that took us almost 7 hours to finish. If you are going there, get ready to tackle rivers along the way, with water levels reaching up to your knees in some areas and even your bellybutton in others. But don't worry, the water isn't freezing cold 😀. Recently, we explored the 9.5-mile Wilson Peak Loop on our recent trip, which we completed in 3.5 hours. Both trails were sun-open, had no shadow, but were well-maintained and were well marked. Still, it is a great idea to carry a paper map due to limited cell service in the area. Be prepared for steep sections along certain trails. During our hikes, we observed a variety of wildlife, including a bobcat, a coyote, and a tarantula. We also spotted numerous bird species, such as California quail, acorn woodpeckers, and wild turkeys. The Coe Ranch Main Entrance has a visitor center for parking where credit card payments are accepted. Alternatively, the Hunting Hollow entrance requires a $6 cash payment through a self-registration envelope system.

It was a cloudy and cold day in the Southern Bay Area, so we decided to go hiking. When we drove up the mountain, the sun was shining brightly, and the mountains in the distance were shrouded in clouds and mist. It looked very beautiful. We had a wonderful afternoon hiking here, and it was very relaxing. We like it here.

3 day/2 night backpacking trip. It was unseasonably cool for a late July weekend. Set camp at Skeels Meadow both nights. Very serene stay. Lots of water at Coyote Creek and at all springs along the way. Summitted Mt. Sizer late AM and it was already quite hot. Coe seems to prefer long, steep slopes over switchbacks in the north-western part of the park so get good at the stairmaster. All in all it was a great trip.

Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails. At all. Signs posted everywhere, no dogs. Dogs disrupt nature. "Karen's" in the parking lot reminding you of the rules. Fences everywhere. No trespassing signs everywhere. No parking signs everywhere. Itr beautiful but not very welcoming. After making the long journey to get there. Mucho disappointed.

We did a hike from the visitor center to frog lake. Secluded trail. Frog lake is quiet and peaceful. We saw frogs , wood peckers and butterflies along the lake. Very nice hike in the fall season.

Great experience! It had one of the cleanest restrooms and showers in a public campsite. We stayed there for two nights, and the employee's were helpful and friendly. However, some campers did not respect the 10 PM - 7 AM quiet policy, and music played until 2 AM. The campsite was conveniently located near the walking path to the waterfall. We had a great time, but not much sleep.

Gorgeous trails! Reservations are required but because we were there during a slow season, we were able to make our reservation and pay for parking online when we arrived. Restroom facilities are very clean and there are lots of trails depending on what you’re looking for. We opted for the 1 mile loop waterfall trail however the posts weren’t always clearly marked so unfortunately we ended up on a different trail. Nevertheless, the trails are well maintained and there is no shortage of wonderful things to see.

We have been coming here for many years and were surprised on our last trip to learn you needed to book a reservation online in advance. Still, this is a favorite out of the way park with great hiking and beautiful waterfalls in the rainy season. Uvas Canyon is well suited for families as well as avid hikers. It may be too challenging for people mobility issues. During the winter rains the waterfalls make this a 5 star park, maybe 4 stars in the dry season. Hikes range from fairly easy with some elevation changes to moderately difficult with extended sections of steeper climbing.

We believed the reviews and came here. There are quite steep slopes to reach the waterfalls, and contrary to the pictures, there isn't much water, making swimming difficult. I searched for hours and finally found a small pool, but it was difficult to reach. You'll see reservation signs along the way before arriving here. Don't be fooled; reservations are made at the entrance; the staff is helpful. The first parking lot to the right of the entrance is for day visitors; the others are for campers. It's not worth it if you're coming from afar. It's one of those classic parks you can find anywhere. If there's water, they'll definitely charge you a fee. The entrance fee is $6 for a standard car.

Timed entry reservation seems to be working well. There was no need for circling around looking for parking spots. The hike was also pretty nice, first section runs along the creek with several water falls along the route, easy access for all, some families bathing in the water falls. Later section climb up the hills, which will get a bit strenuous but as elevation gains, there will be occasional view down below.

You need advance parking pass purchase online. It is $6 for a car and it is timed for an entry hour. The hike is great. Not too long or strenuous. Nice water stream running next to you and you keep hearing the water. Additionally there is shade so the sun doesn't bother much. Very clean and well maintained.

The hike was beautiful. The street close to the park was not well maintained and had several pot holes. So be careful. There was a community as well close to the park. So you might see some people as you go closer to the park. The trail was beautiful and we came across several waterfalls. Would love to go there again and recommend others.

Fun and unique place to visit! 🌲 Buy tickets online ahead of time (we waited 3½ hours because we didn’t know). No cell service, but we enjoyed a beautiful hike while waiting (watch little ones — steep drop-offs!). Downtown Santa Cruz and the boardwalk are only about 10 minutes away, so you can explore while you wait. Tour was short but our guide Megan was hilarious and made it great. Overall, awesome experience and worth checking out!

Finally visited The Mystery Spot after 10 years in the Bay Area and numerous trips to Santa Cruz. First impression: it’s just a dilapidated house - I expected much more from the area than that. But honestly, that’s more than enough. The marketing of this place is on another level. The tour guide’s presentation alone is worth more than the $10 ticket - they put in so much effort, and you really fall for their presentation. Plus, they’re hilarious. Definitely a fun experience. I don’t believe it’s otherworldly; it’s just an optical illusion at its best, presented the right way. Book your tickets online ahead of time - we did, and we were in and out in an hour. Enjoyed the experience.

This place was so cool. It was such an amazing experience. I am very sensitive to everything around me and I really felt an odd feeling whenever I entered into what they call the 'Mystery Spot'. It wasn't just because everything looked cockeyed, but it was literally a feeling in my body. I felt like I was carrying around an additional 50 lb on each of my legs. It was the weirdest feeling. It was really cool how everything in this place seem to defy physics. Our guide was super knowledgeable and made it even more fun just because of her great personality. Highly recommend checking this place out and if you can buying your tickets online beforehand especially if it's going to be during a busy time.

Wow this is definitely a very cool and trippy experience nestled in the beautiful redwoods. There’s a few demonstrations which are cool and some photo opportunities as well. Whole tour takes about 45 minutes and the tour guides are always interesting. The gift shop is great too and totally worth the 10 bucks. Buy advance tickets if you plan on visiting during a busy weekend.

I grew up around the Santa Cruz area and have always wanted to come to the mystery spot since I was a kid. Since I had to move out of state, on vacation 23 years later, I got to bring my family with me to enjoy this small but great attraction. We had fun and enjoyed every moment. The tour guy was awesome, too! Great memories!

Cute little side adventure to take kids on. Tour is roughly 45 min. If you have bad knees or ankles def not a tour for you sadly as it is very angle heavy and when coming down the grade is rough. But overall tour guides run on dad jokes and it was a nice odd spot to visit.

The mystery spot is tucked away in the gorgeous spot in the woods. I love their little sitting area to relax while you wait for your tour time, and the gift shop was fun to look through as well. The waiting area and the bathrooms were kept clean, and the weather was just right when we went. The drive into/out of this spot can be a little sketchy in certain spots depending on how big your vehicle is as some spots of the road are a bit narrow for two cars to be going side by side. This was a fun spot to visit with my family, our tour guide was energetic and did a great job. The Mystery spot itself is neat, it was pretty crazy to see the demonstrations because they really do seem to defy gravity and how you perceive what is 'normal'. I honestly can not remember how long the tour was, but it was a decent amount of time and they allow you enough time to take some fun photos. This spot is not handicap or stroller friendly. The slope up to the little shack which is the mystery spot is quite steep and with the slanted angles your ankles/body will be in while walking through the shack will be hard on certain people.

The most intimate place to safely watch charismatic sea lions up close! The pier is a long series of seafood restaurants, with a couple of souvenir stores, & otherwise is just a huge pay parking lot. But it juts out surprisingly far out into the water, giving unique views of the sea, the cliffs, & the Boardwalk. I met several fisherman scooping up tons of anchovies out of the water below. Very limited metered parking immediately outside the pay gate. Several public restrooms along the wharf.

Been coming here since I was a teenager. Lots of foods choices. Gift shops and fishing. Sea lions are a cool thing to watch. Relax on the pier for the day is a good getaway

We did bingo pumpkin hunt this year and it was really easy! I enjoy the zombie shake (not as impressive as last year, last year I got two eyeballs and blood!) and mummy marshmallow and a chocolate bone Oreo! For the rewards of pumpkin hunt you get: ducky, candy, mochi squishy, or other Halloween themed trinkets.

As wharf go, this one is very long and has a few good restaurants and a few stores. If you go to the Boardwalk it would be a nice add on.

Old pier under renovation with excellent restaurants and shopping. Nice views of Sea Lions too!!! #california #pacificcoast #pch

There are restaurants and a few souvenir shops along the pier. Good views of the nearby beaches and amusement park

Iconic place in Santa Cruz, I like the restaurants and sea lions. The view of the fair are also great.

Summer Nostalgia at Its Best 🎡🌭✨ So many great summer memories of coming here with my family — and even from when I was a kid myself! While a few things have changed (no more darts to pop the balloons and the games are now cashless), the magic is still there. Who Can forget going on the carousel and getting the ring that you tossed to the clown to make his eyes light up The corn dogs and funnel cakes are just as amazing as ever, and the people-watching? Still unbeatable. 🎠💛

The Boardwalk and the entire beach is such a fun place to visit with friends or family. The beach is great to relax and play some sports. Lots of arcades and rides for young people and kids. The walk is long with lots of shops and restaurants to dine in, and of course, the seals make a lovely side attraction. Best to visit in the morning to beat the traffic and find parking a little more easily.

A perfect mix of fun, food, and ocean views! The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is such a lively and nostalgic place full of energy, music, and that classic seaside charm. The rides are fun for all ages, the food stands have everything from churros to garlic fries, and the beach right next to it is beautiful for a sunset walk. It’s a bit crowded on weekends, but that’s part of the fun vibe. Definitely a must-visit spot if you’re in Santa Cruz

This is a really cool spot to walk, people watch, and have a little fun, but our feelings were mixed on our visit. First, parking across the street is $20 flat rate. So even if you’re there 30 minutes you’re in for $20. Second, rides are extremely expensive. They REALLY want you to buy wristbands but the lines can be very long so it wasn’t worth it for us. The fair style food was good but the other options seemed mediocre at best. The arcade was actually outstanding and had reasonable rates, which my family enjoyed quite a bit!

Had a blast!! Been going here since I was 12! Seen lots of changes thru the years. This is one of the best visits. Ride and attractions and food options improved. Love the addition of the tables and benches to eat!! Overall it was a great experience Thank you!!!

Amazing place to visit! The family had so much fun waking along the boardwalk. The food and games were awesome! The only downside is that everything closed at 5pm. We went on a Saturday and it was disappointing to see it close so early! I know it’s off season but 5pm on the weekend is wild!

We had so much fun! Family of 4 with a 12 year old and a 3 year old. There was stuff for all ages. Key height was 36" that allowed the 3 year old to go on some rides unattended and some with us. Plenty of options for him. And the big kid had a blast as well. It's free to enter and just walk around and enjoy sites or cross through to the beach. You buy an unlimited pass for rides (worth it if you have 4+ hours and a big kid wanting to go on everything) or a card you fill with credit and tap at the rides of various amounts. We started with one card which we could tap multiple times for # of rides. But ended up getting a second card, so one parent took the big kid and one took the little. Parking is crazy if you are wanting to arrive at opening on a Saturday give yourself plenty of time to wait to get into the parking lot (extra fee), or just come a few hours after opening. You'll still have plenty of time and the park is magical after the sun sets. The pier is not too far and a lovely walk with shops and food.

It’s a beautifully clean and tidy beach. Not too big in the area but good for anyone who loves the beach. If you love the beach and want a peaceful place to enjoy your beach time this is a must-visit place. Washrooms were okay, not bad not too good. But the overall experience is good and the view is just mesmerizing.

Love the Visitor Center. Also, has bathrooms and picnic tables.

It was freezing and really windy the day my cousin and I went to visit. Because of the cold weather, we looked down onto the beach and took in the salty air and the coolness of the wind, instead of walking down to the sand. The view from up top was clear, a bit grayish, and really crisp, but it was still refreshing, just to be at a beach. It wasn't very crowded, some cars were using the upper lot as a turn out space. If I had a better camera or if the day wasn't so hazy, a better clearer picture of the two rock formation bridges would be visible. It really is a nice pleasant calm beach, the waves are low and smooth and parking was really easy, the day my cousin and I visited. We found parking really quick. There's a paid lot, a free lot with a small handful of spaces that overlook the beach, so you can stay in your warm car and still enjoy the view, and there's plenty of free street / residential parking. It's also a nice drive along the shoreline. If I still live in the Bay Area, I'd like to be able to return to the beach on a warmer sunnier day.

Nice place to walk and enjoy the peace. But the beach will close from 11am to 5pm, the parking lot was closed. But you may find a place along the street. Biking here is so fun with the different sceneries.

⛱️🌊🏄🥾🌼📷 💡Here's a tip: walk off to the right of the beach, climb the ridge (it can be slippery at some points) and keep walking. You'll find a more secluded beach section down a bit Popular beach spot, with surfers and sail boats right off the shore. This beach is known for its natural stone arch. If you head towards the back you can find some nice trails with boardwalks through the park.

Beautiful formation of the rock...so photogenic...the walk along the Coastline to the lighthouse is very scenic. A good 4 mile easy walk round trip. Absolutely gorgeous coastline!

Thankful for this small visitor center! Get some good facts and a good souvenir shop inside too. I would say this is a part of visiting this beach. Stop in!

As someone who loves shopping, I was really looking forward to visiting the Gilroy Outlets. With three separate shopping areas and a wide variety of stores, there’s definitely potential for a great shopping experience especially if you're looking for good deals. However, a few things made the visit frustrating. I was disappointed to see that most of the stores had signs saying “no public restrooms,” and unfortunately, none were available throughout any of the outlet sections. It became a hassle to leave the shopping area just to find a restroom at a nearby fast food place. Another issue was the limited store hours. Opening at 12 p.m. and closing by 6 p.m. just doesn’t feel reasonable, especially when there are long lines to try things on or check out. Extending the hours would really help, particularly for weekend visitors and out-of-town shoppers who want to make the most of their trip. I also noticed a lack of visible security throughout all three sections of the outlets. With how busy it can get, having a stronger security presence would help shoppers feel safer and more comfortable. Lastly, I wish there were more dining options nearby. After hours of shopping, it would be great to have convenient places to eat without having to leave the area entirely. Overall, while the Gilroy Outlets offer a wide range of stores and deals, the experience could be improved with better amenities, longer hours, visible security, and more food choices.

Shopping so close to home is perfect! A few favorites are Lululemon, Converse and Coach stores. I treat myself to a road trip 1-2 times a month!

We all know buying at renowned outlets is the way to go to save money. This place has everything you need and then some, always at great prices. All kinds of food near. Spend a whole day there. You won't regret it.

Something for everyone. Shopping is in 3 large sections, so you can stroll for hours. Public restrooms. Some restaurants. Loads of free parking.

@Columbia So, I love a good deal as much as the next girl, but this visit? Not it. From the second I walked in; the energy was off. I felt WATCHED instead of WELCOMED, which if I'm being honest, killed my shopping mood. As if that wasn't enough, my card decided to act up at the checkout (love that for me lol), so cue me feeling even more stressed and awkward as the same employee that was following my partner & I was hovering. That being said, everyone has their days, but I did want to drop a gentle PSA for retail folks: customers can feel when we're being treated as problem instead of a person. Maybe next time, less surveillance energy, and a little more "Hey, how's your day going?"

Gilroy outlets definitely changed over the years, not as much selections as they used to as far as options in the stores they have. Other than that its still a good time to go out and enjoy time with family.

Definitely a place to visit when around. It easily takes a day to Rome around. There are 145 Brand outlets spread across this area. Lookout for a deal over there portal so you can avoid so much walking but then miss the deal in the next brand. They have huge parking space spread across the premises so just look for around if you even don't find instantly. They have public toilet, look for the Guide board for one nearest to you.

We had a good time today with family at Gilroy Gardens. The trees and focus on nature and food is great. The landscaping is beautiful. They have a couple different water play areas one more for toddlers, another for bigger kids. It's ideal for little kids through day 10-12 years. They have swan boats and a train that runs around the perimeter. Unfortunately, some of the rides weren't working. Still we had a good time and will be back again for a couple more days.

Buy Tickets in Advance! Went for the Boo Bash. It was fun and they did a good job decorating and the theme of Halloween. Fires are for 6 and under. Lots of the same ride style but repurposed. Great price if you live in the area and do the annual pass. Food choices are a little sparse. It they do include Chick Fil A. The water park was closed but looked like it would be great for young families.

We went to Glory Garden during the Halloween season, so it was even more fun! There were a few designated spots for Trick or Treating, and the kids had such a great time with just that!

We used our Great America Gold pass to go to the Big Boo. You need to reserve your Boo ticket online using your Gold Pass on Gilroy Gardens website. There were about 8 candy stations and several shows to watch. The candy stations gave out 1-5 pieces of candy each and had 0-5 kids in line. The lines were very short for rides. We got dinner around 5pm and the wait was really long at Castroville corners. Plenty of tables! We will come again when it’s not raining.

It was a great experience visiting the park with my 3 years old. It was a Halloween evening and the park had a complete vibe of it. Loved the rides (carousel, Strawberry ride, banana ride, train, pumpkin patch, Hotair balloon ride and many). Time just flew by and we couldn’t complete everything in this first visit, but had good time. Will come back soon. Plenty of parking. First stop is parking ticket, then after you park, it’s the entry ticket booth, after crossing that there is a security check and then it’s all fun stuff. The souvenir store is near the exit and had some good stuff. I felt there is not many food options inside the park.

Such great family fun. The park is awesome and I love seeing the same familiar faces when I bring my son here. He likes to bug the ride operators and ask them how everything works. Often times they know the answers to his questions which are pretty elaborate for an eight year old. I recommend getting a season pass because that's what we've always had and it just seems worth it especially since I live in Gilroy. The employees went above and beyond to help me locate my son's friend who has a bad habit of slipping away and hiding as a "joke". The employees handled it quickly and I spoke with a couple of men who work to keep the rides going, they are the real backbone of this park. I always fascinate over how such a large place can operate so smoothly. I can't stand the big amusement parks like Disney. This is a real non profit and education is around every corner if that is what you seek! Big shout out to Jess who saved my new iPhone last year when it slipped from my hand on timber twister AND Jess, once again saved the day when we got stuck on sky trail I was nervous and he quickly calmed me and had us off the ride in a jiffy! I buy all my friends and family with children tickets every year. I love that my kids get to grow with this as their big treat several times a year. Even better that is basically in our back yard! Thanks GG and team. You guys are pros and rock! Thanks for keeping the children safe and smiling!! P. S. Christmas is my favorite time of year at the park, summer can get sooooo hot, it's a good thing they added the water features for summer time!! I loved ice skating with my kids for their and our first times trying to ice skate!!

This place was a blast! We went for the pumpkin patch, but there was so much more. Great corn maze, great food, cider was good, and the haunted house was genuinely wonderful! Excellent spot for a family day, but make sure you do your waivers prior to going!

AMAZING 🤩!!! We did the morning tour at the end of July, and saw so many whales! Captain Kate and her crew were excellent!! Never felt nauseous. So glad we chose this tour! It was a small group of us plenty of space on the boat. Highly recommend!!

Amazing experience! We had great clear weather in early November and saw 20+ humpback whales. Saw risso’s dolphins (a pod of at least 50), sea lions, a fish feeding frenzy, and lots of different birds. Our tour guide Bryan was enthusiastic and very informative. Huge props to the crew and highly recommend!

I got super seasick and it was still worth it! We saw mola mola eating jellyfish, we saw black footed albatross, we saw a handful of humpback whales, we saw Risso’s dolphins and an egg yolk jellyfish. We also saw Harbor seals and sea otters in the harbor. The captain was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot. I did rent one of the wristbands for sea sickness, and it did not work for me. I did not know I was going to get seasick so I would recommend taking Dramamine no matter what just to be safe, it was not fun being sick off the back of the boat but right before I did a whale tail surfaced right in front of me so I can’t say I regret it lol

Eric and Captain Kate were both very kind, polite and knowledgeable. We were lucky with the weather and the whales. We saw 3 separate humpback whales many times and a large pod of Risso’s Dolphins as well as sea lions and lots of birds. Moss Landing is a charming, working harbour.

Went on a 4h trip last month and it was amazing! Firstly Captain Kate can turn the boat on a dime and it’s almost worth going just for the seamanship. The whole crew were super knowledgable and friendly. We had been further out on an 8h trip from Monterey and this was the perfect follow up. Less diversity as not as far offshore, but super focussed on quality of sightings. We had amazing close views of Humpbacks breaching, blowing, fluking up and even a bit of young males fighting a little. When they go past a Humpback saying there’s better ones up ahead, trust them, they know what they’re doing. This was one of the most enjoyable wildlife boat trips I’ve done, and I’m lucky enough to have done quite a few.

Had a great time with Chase and his wife Captain Kate. The boat had plenty of room and was a big and stable. We saw a lot of whale action and Chase's commentary was spot on. We'll come back one day. Thanks

We had an amazing morning tour with Blue Ocean! Our marine biologist was Brian and i can’t say enough good things about his enthusiasm, education and ability to create such a fun outing! On top of that we saw over 100 whales ! Literally could not count ! Humpbacks and even Orcas were found! In addition, we saw a rare shark, birds, sea lions galore, and 3 species of dolphins. The number of people on the boat is minimal and i so appreciate that this company keeps it small. I cannot wait to go again some day!!

Our experience was so wonderful! We loved every second of it!! The crew were super nice and knowledgeable about the wildlife and so I learned a ton!! The crew also made sure we were all following safety rules which made us feel safe just in general. I felt like we were in good hands as the crew were very confident. One of the crew members came by and talked to every passenger and I thought that was super classy. The other gentleman was super kind yoo!! It made us feel that they really care. I would recommend your services to anyone, hands down. Thank you for the ability to see my favorite animals in the world, and for helping with my reservation snafu without any trouble. That was greatly appreciated!! Thanks again for a really great time enjoying the ocean with my family!

First of all, I would like to say the whale-watching tour was awesome. Orcas, Humpback Whales, sea lions were all spotted in one tour. The captain took us to watch how orca pod practice hunting for fish nearby. Then the boat drove further offshore for the humpback whales. Meanwhile, a group of sea lions swiftly swam away afar maybe due to the proximity of the orcas. Chris, our tour guide, not only provided educational fact on these beautiful creatures but also promptly point out where the whales popped out of water. We were also lucky enough to observe a jumping humpback whale but it was too quick to be captured on camera. Beside the tour, their customer service is also very efficient and friendly. I double-booked accidentally the tour via Groupon and a regular payment. They quickly issued a refund for the regular payment. I would highly recommend a tour with Sea Goddess if this is your first time to visit Monterey Bay for whale watching. And I already look forward to another tour in the future with them for great white sharks.

Excellent experience. Emily ~ one of the naturalists was fabulous. She spent a good amount of time with us and other guests answering questions and sharing information. Saw some whales and seals. Maybe a bit decreased post tsunami warning … cool and cloudy out. Overall a great trip. Checkin seamless. Look for Groupon rates!

Lots of big humpback whales. Saw a breach and a tail flip. First in over 2 weeks according to the guide. Covered boat with two restrooms. Bit rocky so if you are prone to seasickness then be aware. The upper deck was closed for some reason. Private party or did we miss that option? Traffic there from the Bay Area was a mess on Labor Day Sunday. Took twice as long as usual.

Hands down one of the most informative and interesting experiences while visiting family in monterrey. Recommend booking in advance and getting there early for parking and bring a jacket. Although sunny, in the water its very cold.

We had an amazing experience whale watching! The wildlife absolutely spoiled us with incredible sightings. The crew was energetic, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. They hey made the entire trip even more enjoyable. They were always ready to answer questions and shared fascinating facts along the way. Truly a memorable and breathtaking adventure! Some of the animals we saw on this trip were Orcas and humpbacks.

We had a wonderful time on the boat. The guide was knowledgable and the crew was friendly. It was was am amazing day!!

Absolutely incredible! Went out at 11:30am one day and decided to join the next day at 8am because it was such a great trip. The crew is fantastic and gets you the best experience possible. The first day we saw a baby breach right next to us and the second day we had a group of 9 whales feeding together including a few mom and calf pairs. I definitely recommend!

Whale watching with sanctuary has been the best summer experience ever! We’ve been there 3 times and each time we got to see very active humpbacks jumping, breaching, or lunge feeding! The crew is a dream local team. Chase is a marine biologist and wildlife photographer, and he knows the best angles to take photos or videos of these amazing mammals; Captain Joey is very experienced, and he knows whales so well that he can always get us to see the most cooperative and active ones! Unlike big tours that have many passengers and can be quite standardized, Sanctuary offers intimate and unique experiences. This has been an amazing summer and we will definitely come back whenever we can! For photographers, Sanctuary offers customized workshops in the fall with limited seating. Don’t miss it!

We went out with Sanctuary Cruises on a late morning whale watching tour in mid-July 2025, and it was absolutely unforgettable. The tour lasted almost four hours and was worth every minute. Our guide, Chase, was fantastic—super knowledgeable, passionate about marine life, and made the entire experience engaging from start to finish. We were lucky enough to see around 15 humpback whales, including a mother and her calf, which was such a special moment. We also saw about 10 Risso’s dolphins cruising through the water. The boat was comfortable and not overcrowded, which made it easy to move around and get great views from every angle. Snacks available for purchase on board plus a bathroom. This was hands-down one of the highlights of our trip to Monterey Bay. If you’re considering a whale watching tour, Sanctuary Cruises is the way to go. We’ll definitely be back!

I attended the cruise on July 4th (11:30 am). The conditions were a (little) rough but manageable. The crew was easy-going, entertaining and customer oriented. I learned a lot about whales. But most important they know the area and got us to pretty good spots. We spent 3h on the water and saw lots of whale activity. All in all it was a very nice experience.

My husband and i came out for our 1 year wedding anniversary. We loved it so much Saturday morning, we came back today. Chase and the team are passionate about the animals, and care about your experience. Thanks team. Until next time!

Captain Joey is amazing! He knows just where to go to make the experience epic for everyone! Seeing the Risso Dolphins was super awesome, the Orcas where breath taking and the Humpbacks were absolutely incredible!!

My dad absolutely loves whale watching and ever since I moved to the Monterey Peninsula, we've gone whale watching with Sanctuary almost every year for the last 5-6 years. They're really professional, really knowledgeable and we've always gotten some good whale sightings in. We also used their personal charter services to lay my Aunt to rest at sea. They will forever have a special place in my heart and that of my family.

My son and I totally enjoyed the trip. Excited to see otters, seals, “piles” of noisy sea lions, and so many birds. John the naturalist and captain Roberta were very knowledgeable and amiable. Hot chocolate with oatmeal cookie on boat was an extra delights! Highly recommended!

I love marine wildlife and especially whale watching but my mom not so much. The boat and swells are to intense for her. The Elkhorn Slough Safari was a perfect slow and relaxing cruise for her and I, it also created a new way for both of us to appreciate the beauty of the marine ecosystem. We both loved the tour and were ecstatic to see 20+ sea otters on our tour and tons of harbor seals. Our naturalist John was also very informative and fun to engage with. I can't wait for the next time we visit the area because the Elkhorn Slough Safari is a must and we will be more than happy to experience it again.

My husband and I had the pleasure of being a part of the Elkhorn Slough Safari this past weekend for my 62 birthday. This was our third time on the Safari over the past ten years but this tour was Sea Otter focused and it did not disappoint. The tour is fantastic, the boat is so comfortable and accommodating. The boat captain is wonderful as was the talented and highly educated Marine Naturalist. We highly recommend this tour and the wonderful company that runs it!!

Had a fantastic time on a slough safari, took thousands of photos during the two hours , tons of otters, cormorants, sea lions and other wildlife. The naturalist on board was funny and informative and had a great rapport with the driver and guests, the driver was clearly having a good time too.

I can’t recommend this safari enough. This is a must for anyone visiting the area and who enjoys wildlife. My son said all he wanted to do is see otters on our vacation. Well this safari is the place to see them. The wildlife is abundant on this safari. The Elkhorn Slough Safari staff were exceptional and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend for kids and adults alike.

Best way to see and photograph the otters and birds in the slough. Comfortable ride in the pontoon boat. Naturalist and driver point out all the wildlife and get as close as possible. Even serve hot drinks and cookies. Great trip.

Great tour with our guide Zane. We booked the 1 ½ hour safari and the crew worked hard at describing to us all the nature in the Slough. Sea Lions, seals, otters, and a million types of birds. Zane was always very informative and answering question as the guests inquired. The captain would slow the boat down so everyone on board, had a chance to view the sighting being discussed. The Safari is on a small open catamaran, so everyone has a good view! We are in the bay, so there is only a little rocking. There is no roof, so bring a hat. They supply binoculars (one per each two-person bench seat). Also, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cookies were provided. Since this was a midday cruise, it was a little too warm for us to try, but it would have been perfect for a evening or cooler day trip.

The mission is incredible and rustic. The museum is s must see. It's right next to the church. It is small, but there is so much to see and learn. I recommend going!

I had no idea this mission even existed, except for the sign I saw on Hwy 101, but it was well worth the detour even though I got here after everything was closed. The mission is surrounded by buildings that are also owned by the state parks, and all are well-preserved. They open at 10:30 every morning and close at 4:30, which is a little too early in the summer, but you can see a lot of the stuff through the windows. The last few photos are of the 3rd street, which is one block over, and which also preserved it's 1800s character. The park across the street has a little log cabin they moved over there after they tore down the old Wells Fargo hotel, which is really a shame. But definitely take the detour and go visit this place cuz it's better preserved than most of the other California missions, blessed house all of the surrounding buildings that are also well-preserved.

Mission San Juan Bautista is beautiful. It is big and full of history. I visited on a Saturday and it was hosting a wedding. The museum is big. It has a gift shop and bathrooms. I recommend 100% it is free but donations are recommended. Also, commercial photography is not allow it, so I recommend you to inquire. I parked outside the mission, and even though there was a wedding taking place, there were still a lot of parking spaces. I hope you enjoy the Mission if you visit.

Such a great bit of history. The views are amazing! In the center of town

Such a beautiful mission!! We came with our child’s 4th grade class. Had the best time! Come early for good parking and photo opts as it gets busy with other schools visiting.

Historic place. Definitely visit if you are in area. There are plenty of street parking. Weekdays are pretty empty but get busy in weekends. Nice garden outside. Great gift shop. Clean restrooms. Church is serene and beautiful. They have maintained the old building really well. Entrance free but they accept donations.

What a beautiful and big Mission Church. It located in a small business district in downtown area. It was the first time I saw the Mission with two extended wings. The museum has a lot of historic tools and valuable antiques at this place. It was the most experienced for my family to be at this mission. This place was really bigger compared to the others we have been in.

It was a fun stop. The water crashes here so the sound is wonderful. That being said the waves are really dark like dirt is in them. There are better beaches around Monterey Bay but is was still fun.

We love this beach/trail. It has been a different experience every time we visit Asilomar (depending on the season and the tides), but always good. Tidepools are available when tides are lower, but we see seals and sea otters when it's high. Such a beautiful place to spend some hours ☀️🌊🐚

I came to this beach specifically to watch the sunset and boy oh boy it did not disappoint! 🤩 I lucked out with convenient parking next to a staircase and a good spot on the beach. I would love to spend the whole day here … even enjoy a bonfire after sunset (which is allowed on one side of the beach).

Tide pools are amazing! 10/10 recommend for a stop to see the miniature crabs in the tide pools!

A great beach! Plenty of sand, big waves, and tide pools.

So beautiful. So much sea life to see and cool tide pool type areas to see.

This beach walk was beautiful! The road is busy but once you’re on the trail it’s very safe. There are several social trails and beach access points so it never felt overcrowded even when there were lots of people out enjoying the trails. Great for dog walks, people walks, running and photos.

My girls friends and I came into town and bought tickets in advance because we knew this was a must see and it did not disappoint. We started with the feeding of the sea otters which was so cute. Then we stopped for a quick coffee at the cafe. Everything in their cafe looked delicious. We enjoyed the many exhibits and enjoyed the touch tanks. There was do many things you could touch and see up close. I would highly recommend going. Couple tips buy your tickets online in advance and get there early it gets really crowded!

This aquarium boasts an incredible variety of species and is a perfect spot for quality family time. The kids were absolutely enthralled by the environment! It truly is a must-see destination in California. My personal favorites were the mesmerizing Sea Otters, Jellyfish, Penguins, and the immersive aquarium theater. A practical tip: The aquarium is huge, and you might feel rushed trying to see everything in one day. We highly recommend buying an annual pass—it's excellent value for money if you plan to visit multiple times a year and want a more relaxed experience.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an absolutely world-class institution that I believe is well worth the visit, offering a truly immersive window into the Pacific Ocean's ecosystems. I found that it excels not just as a display of marine life, but as a dedicated center for conservation and education. The standout exhibits, which I saw are beautifully maintained and thoughtfully designed, showcase the region's unique biodiversity. I think the Kelp Forest exhibit is a breathtaking, three-story spectacle, featuring towering fronds that create a dynamic, lush habitat for leopard sharks, wolf-eels, and schools of fish. Equally impressive to me is the massive Open Sea exhibit, where I was able to watch tuna, sea turtles, and dazzling schools of sardines swim past a spectacular 90-foot viewing window, which really emphasized the vastness of the open ocean. A newer, must-see addition is the Into the Deep exhibition, which successfully brings the mysterious creatures of the dark abyss to light. Beyond the major tanks, I noticed the Sea Otter exhibit is consistently a visitor favorite, allowing you to watch the playful, charismatic otters romp and groom. The mesmerizing Jellyfish exhibit was also an ethereal highlight for me, using controlled lighting to showcase the delicate beauty and graceful pulsing of various jelly species. The aquarium is perched right on the edge of the bay, and the Great Tide Pool and ocean-view decks provided a wonderful opportunity for me to spot wild marine life, including sea otters and sometimes even whales. While I know admission is on the higher end, I feel the quality of the exhibits and the aquarium's non-profit conservation mission justify the cost. Be aware that the aquarium can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. To make the most of your trip, I recommend buying tickets online in advance and aiming to visit on a weekday or arrive right at opening time to experience the most popular exhibits, like the Kelp Forest and Sea Otters, before the large crowds arrive. I would plan to spend at least four hours to fully appreciate the two main floors and attend one of the informative animal feedings or programs. I can say this is more than just an aquarium; it's an unforgettable educational experience and a vital force in ocean protection.

Great place! When I went there there was a bit of a line, but it move quick. The animals were so interesting a wonderful and I learned a lot about the animals that like in the near by sea. Would definitely recommend for all ages.Great fun for everyone!

Informative and interactive exhibits. Bit pricey for how big it is. Membership is worth it if you visit twice a year. Feeding schedule is different and the fish doesn’t eat everyday so we missed the feeding of the tuna and sharks. They also didn’t feed crabs or clams to the otters but only put food in some toys. I was hoping to see them strike the clams with rocks and see how they’d eat. Saw a free educational center in Santa Cruz that’s sponsored by the aquarium right near the pier.

Hands down the best aquariums. It was incredible. You can easily spend 2-3 hours here. Highly recommend catching the otter feeding. Went on a weekday during the day and didn’t feel too crowded.

oh my God. Best aquarium I've ever been to. I typically don't care about places like this but as we passed by the exhibits I was freaking GASPING. mesmerizing displays and fun little presentations and just a beautiful sea to go outside and watch. AUGH. highly highly highly recommend. ESPECIALLY if you love otters like I do <33

My girls friends and I came into town and bought tickets in advance because we knew this was a must see and it did not disappoint. We started with the feeding of the sea otters which was so cute. Then we stopped for a quick coffee at the cafe. Everything in their cafe looked delicious. We enjoyed the many exhibits and enjoyed the touch tanks. There was do many things you could touch and see up close. I would highly recommend going. Couple tips buy your tickets online in advance and get there early it gets really crowded!

This aquarium boasts an incredible variety of species and is a perfect spot for quality family time. The kids were absolutely enthralled by the environment! It truly is a must-see destination in California. My personal favorites were the mesmerizing Sea Otters, Jellyfish, Penguins, and the immersive aquarium theater. A practical tip: The aquarium is huge, and you might feel rushed trying to see everything in one day. We highly recommend buying an annual pass—it's excellent value for money if you plan to visit multiple times a year and want a more relaxed experience.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an absolutely world-class institution that I believe is well worth the visit, offering a truly immersive window into the Pacific Ocean's ecosystems. I found that it excels not just as a display of marine life, but as a dedicated center for conservation and education. The standout exhibits, which I saw are beautifully maintained and thoughtfully designed, showcase the region's unique biodiversity. I think the Kelp Forest exhibit is a breathtaking, three-story spectacle, featuring towering fronds that create a dynamic, lush habitat for leopard sharks, wolf-eels, and schools of fish. Equally impressive to me is the massive Open Sea exhibit, where I was able to watch tuna, sea turtles, and dazzling schools of sardines swim past a spectacular 90-foot viewing window, which really emphasized the vastness of the open ocean. A newer, must-see addition is the Into the Deep exhibition, which successfully brings the mysterious creatures of the dark abyss to light. Beyond the major tanks, I noticed the Sea Otter exhibit is consistently a visitor favorite, allowing you to watch the playful, charismatic otters romp and groom. The mesmerizing Jellyfish exhibit was also an ethereal highlight for me, using controlled lighting to showcase the delicate beauty and graceful pulsing of various jelly species. The aquarium is perched right on the edge of the bay, and the Great Tide Pool and ocean-view decks provided a wonderful opportunity for me to spot wild marine life, including sea otters and sometimes even whales. While I know admission is on the higher end, I feel the quality of the exhibits and the aquarium's non-profit conservation mission justify the cost. Be aware that the aquarium can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. To make the most of your trip, I recommend buying tickets online in advance and aiming to visit on a weekday or arrive right at opening time to experience the most popular exhibits, like the Kelp Forest and Sea Otters, before the large crowds arrive. I would plan to spend at least four hours to fully appreciate the two main floors and attend one of the informative animal feedings or programs. I can say this is more than just an aquarium; it's an unforgettable educational experience and a vital force in ocean protection.

Great place! When I went there there was a bit of a line, but it move quick. The animals were so interesting a wonderful and I learned a lot about the animals that like in the near by sea. Would definitely recommend for all ages.Great fun for everyone!

Informative and interactive exhibits. Bit pricey for how big it is. Membership is worth it if you visit twice a year. Feeding schedule is different and the fish doesn’t eat everyday so we missed the feeding of the tuna and sharks. They also didn’t feed crabs or clams to the otters but only put food in some toys. I was hoping to see them strike the clams with rocks and see how they’d eat. Saw a free educational center in Santa Cruz that’s sponsored by the aquarium right near the pier.

Hands down the best aquariums. It was incredible. You can easily spend 2-3 hours here. Highly recommend catching the otter feeding. Went on a weekday during the day and didn’t feel too crowded.

oh my God. Best aquarium I've ever been to. I typically don't care about places like this but as we passed by the exhibits I was freaking GASPING. mesmerizing displays and fun little presentations and just a beautiful sea to go outside and watch. AUGH. highly highly highly recommend. ESPECIALLY if you love otters like I do <33

It's a nice place to shop and dine. I just wish the weather was a lot warmer. It's very chilly by the ocean, like 64 degrees, but 30 minutes out, it's 80 degrees.

Great place to walk around enjoy shopping, restaurants, and the lovely scenery

Very touristy but some nice shops and good atmosphere. You often see cool and old cars driving around this place.

Meh. If you like shopping for souvenirs and over priced food you would like this place. Pretty much the same as every other souvenir shop area but it does have a great view.

Nice little downtown area Lots of restaurants for seafood lovers

Gorgeous seaside views, fantastic restaurants, quaint shops; Cannery Row is an iconic oceanfront boardwalk attraction that is definitely worth a visit when you're in Monterey. Upon approach, it may seem that there isn't all that much to it, but once you're on the boardwalk, you realize that a lot of the good stuff is tucked away, a little out of sight, so exploration rewards the traveler. Apparently the aquarium here is also quite the draw, although we didn't pop in during our brief stay here. Lastly, the old Fisherman's Wharf, a little ways to the south-southeast, is almost an extension of all the things that make Cannery Row worth checking out: more shops, more restaurants, and more history. All together, one of the best attractions, and most exciting tourist destinations, in all of Monterey!

This review is for the beach at Canary Row. I like this place. Very scenic.

I booked a whale watching excursion with Discovery Whale watching. I was not disappointed. We seen all kinds of whales. I was starving and the crew was kind enough to suggest Cafe Fina in the main row of the Old Wharf. If you mention the excursion they give a free cheesy garlic bread. It did not disappoint. Delicious, fresh Italian food. They are a long time restaurant thats been there over 30 years. A must try if you can.

We love the food here. Clam chowder is awesomely creamy. Jambalaya is great! You ought to try it. Calamari is free and soft, not chewy.

Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a charming spot filled with great restaurants, shops, and unforgettable views of the sea. A highlight of our visit was seeing a whale and sea lions in their natural habitat, which made the experience truly special. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxing, perfect for strolling, enjoying seafood, and creating lasting memories.

We did whale watching tour here. It was amazing experience. We pre booked our trip and really enjoyed the 3 hour tour. The deck has so many restaurants, shops. You will get most of the stuff here. Overall quite a good experience

Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey is always a fun stop! Great place to hang out and people-watch—especially spotting the tourists braving the weather in shorts. 😄 The restaurants serve up some fantastic food (can’t go wrong with the clam chowder!), and the views are absolutely picture-perfect. You can even spot seals lounging around, which makes the experience even better.

It’s small and charming, like you’re stepping back in time. However, with so many other options with more selection of shops and scenery, this one wasn’t a favorite. I preferred Cannery Row.

It was nice to come back here again. This Wharf offers an assortment of restaurants and shops. A few candy and ice cream shops. Seafood galore! Souvenir shops at every turn, it seems! Individual vendors at the entrance. It provides a stage for talented musicians. It's even a popular hangout for wildlife from seagulls, pigeons, squirrels, otters, and sea lions. Lots to see and do for sure!

Wow. we had such a great time. This zoo has a quant feel. The animals are well cared for and happy.The staff is very experienced. We stayed in one of the bungalows. They are very charming. It was very relaxing. We are planning our next trip😊

Had a wide and unique collection of animals. Perfect for families with children who have special needs (sound and crowd sensitivities). The zoo had a calm, quiet, and relaxed environment. Animals were very friendly. Would recommend to everyone to check out.

We visited the Monterey Zoo for the first time this weekend. We stayed 2 nights in their BnB safari tent cabins. The zoo is small, but has a lot of different animals to see. Reptiles, birds, cats, primates, rhinos and much more. Most of the animals seem to be rescues from private collections or surplus from other zoos. The animal enclosures are well kept and the whole zoo is very clean. We took a couple of special tours and got to see "behind the scenes" and those areas are also immaculate. All the animals seemed well cared for and happy. We interacted with many staff and all were top notch, knowledgable and happy to be there. Allow 2 to 3 hrs to see everything at a leisurely pace. Pack lunch or snacks as there is no food for purchase in the zoo. Food is not allowed in the zoo, so plan to eat in the car. All parts of the zoo are easy to access, and ramps are provided for folks who can't do stairs.

Our family truly loves the Monterey Zoo. The animals are well cared for, the grounds are clean, and the staff is genuinely exceptional. Our kids adore this place, which is why we’ve continued visiting. But on at least two separate visits, we overheard the director loudly mistreating his staff—belittling them in front of guests with a tone and attitude that were completely uncalled for. It was uncomfortable, disappointing, and hard to ignore. We attended the recent rhino event hoping for a positive experience, only to hear him openly brag about how poorly he treats his own team—saying half of them won’t even speak to him right now because he’s such a “perfectionist” and claims “OCD.” Sir, that’s not perfectionism; that’s dictatorship disguised as leadership. A director who talks about wanting to be “someone’s hero every day” should start with the people keeping his zoo running. Human decency shouldn’t have to be taught, but at this point he’d clearly benefit from some leadership and compassion training. The zoo itself is incredible—but its director might need to learn how to value the very staff who make it that way. We won’t be renewing our membership.

A fun spot to take the family for an adventure! We had tons of fun and enjoyed our time in the zoo. Easy walking for strollers and plenty of space to let the kids run around and have fun.

Well laid out, very clean and entertaining zoo! Not huge, but a fun way to spend a few hours with the family. Animals seemed well cared for and many seemed to enjoy the human attention—even one of the lionesses!

Great exhibits. Animals were very active. Place is very clean and well kept. Staff was so kind as well. Will return!

Love! Love! Love! This place we have been coming here over 20 years. Wine is amazing! Service is amazing! Patio is cozy. A must visit! Don’t be afraid to ask questions

We went on Halloween and participated in their Pumpkin decorating contest and I hope our pourer, Sally won! She poured more than 1 chardonnay and included details about the process that goes into making these awesome wines! Our next pour was pinot and we ended with their flagship wine, Marinus 2018. Highly recommend because whether you like reds or whites or both there is something for everyone! Highly recommend for tourists and the locals! Thank you Sally!

We stumbled upon Bernardus Winery during our 2-day stay at Carmel Valley. We went in on Day 1 to ask for info on wine tasting. We came out a few hours later after tasting 4 different types of wine: Rose, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Marinus Bordeaux Blend ($30/person) We sat in comfy chairs in the patio area. Very relaxing latmosphere for wine tasting particularly on a warm September day. Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. They allowed us ample time to enjoy each wine before introducing the next one. We like the Marinus Bordeaux Blend 2015 so much we even bought a bottle! We totally enjoyed our wine tasting experience. Thank you Rouark for looking after us so well. Highly recommended if you are in the area.

Bernardus Winery is absolutely one of our favorites in the Carmel Valley. If you are in the area this stop is a must. Their tasting room is a former Bank of America location that was thoughtfully and beautifully remodeled. The staff here are extremely friendly and knowledgeable of the wines they have available. We were delighted by the entire tasting and ended up grabbing a bottle of the Marinus to take home!

Avoid Bernardus Hotel – Overpriced, Underwhelming, and Not Worth the Hype We stayed at Bernardus Hotel for one night to celebrate my birthday and my wife’s baby moon. What should have been a special, relaxing experience turned out to be a massive letdown. Yes, the grounds and ambiance are beautiful—but don’t be fooled. The service? Barely 2 stars, and that’s being generous. Let’s start with the spa. We booked 50-minute massages and asked to extend them to 90 minutes while en route. We were told they couldn’t accommodate because there were appointments right after us. Fair enough—except no one used the massage room after we left. Suspicious. We asked to check in early (and were willing to pay for it) but were denied right as we arrived. At check-in, they offered us a glass of wine—nice gesture—except they never actually gave us any. Just…forgot? Then the valet. We specifically asked him to bring in my wife’s Yeti water bottle (she’s pregnant and didn’t want to carry it around). He assured us he would—but of course, it never showed up with the luggage. And those massages? We were charged a staggering $680 for two 50-minute sessions that were easily the worst we’ve ever had. My “deep tissue” massage had no pressure at all, and my wife’s prenatal massage was essentially an oil rub. No real technique, no relaxation, no skill—just a waste of time and money. It honestly made us wonder if these massage therapists were even licensed. Staff were generally friendly but not the least bit proactive or accommodating. There’s clearly no focus on customer experience here—everyone we encountered seemed indifferent and undertrained. When we finally got to our room, we were greeted with a small plate of dried fruit and two macarons. Nice touch—but when we tried to order more macarons through room service (they weren’t on the menu), we were told “no,” but that they could bring us cookies instead. What kind of luxury hotel can’t offer more of a basic amenity they already gave us in the room? This stay cost us nearly $1,400 (yes, one night + two massages), and what we got was a below-average experience at best. Food was okay—nothing memorable. Service was unpolished and inconsistent. For a property that markets itself as upscale and charges accordingly, they completely miss the mark. If you’re thinking about staying here—don’t. There are plenty of other places in Carmel Valley that actually understand hospitality. Bernardus is a textbook example of style over substance. Huge disappointment.

Delicious wines across all the spectrums. For white lovers, I highly recommend the Sauvignon Blanc, rosé, the Provence, and all of the reds I tried were delicious, particularly the Pinot Noir and especially the Bordeaux blend (so delicious). The staff are wonderful and they even had a phenomenal singer/guitarist serenading us all as we sat and drank insanely delicious wine. I am definitely coming back!

Enjoyed a birthday kickoff wine tasting at Bernardus for a friend - a beautiful setting, terrific wines, a knowledgeable host in a young man named Roarke. 🍷 Highly recommend as a fun gathering spot for friends and great wine!