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!🥹

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.

Clean, narrow beach. Got video of a juvenile humpback whale feeding just offshore! At least two of the bathrooms are closed for maintenance (June 2025). Lots of picnic tables, many need maintenance. Amazing views from upper parking lot. Seals and otter play in the surf, and you can sometimes spot a young Great White shark.

Easy to get to. Family friendly. The ship wreck makes a great photo backdrop. Good place to walk the dog or bring the kids. Wasn’t too crowded. A couple of ways down to the beach. One not so bad with a few stairs. One with lots of stairs from the parking lot.

Very nice beach, clean and family friendly. You need to pay $10 parking fees. You can park next to the beach and the parking lot that you see next where you pay it is an over flow parking if you didn't find parking down next to the Beach you can go up again and park there and use the stairs to go down. Bathrooms are clean and there is a lot of bathrooms. Also there is a picnic tables first come first serve with shade they are amazing.

Great local beach to catch the sunset. Visited and walked down the beach from upper parking of state beach. Nice staircase to walk down and back up. You can even view sunset and sit down to have a glass of wine eat a picnic :-)

Great place to spend a day with your family and friends.We were able to park in the upper parking lot and walk down the stairs to the beach. Lower Parking lot gets full during weekends and holidays so plan accordingly. A clean beach and you can spend hours watching the birds nose diving to catch fish!

Very nice beach. Best part is it has some shaded picnic area with barbeque tables . Plenty of sitting available. If you like ,you can take a staircase to get to beach or you can directly park at beach level. Stunning views,there is structure right near the shore . Looked interesting.

It's pretty, but if the lots are full below then you have to park at cliff level where you'll have to walk down and eventually up these flights of stairs. I was not prepared for that. My legs and calves were very sore the next day.

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!

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.

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!!

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!!

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.

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.

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!

Nice beach for watching sunsets. Sand is purple at a few places, and it does get very windy at times. Paid parking lot ~ 2miles once you divert off Highway 1.

Pfeiffer Beach is a stunning and hidden gem along California’s Big Sur coast. Its uniqueness comes from purple sand. The color shows up especially after rain or surf washes the minerals down the hillside. Accessed via a narrow, 2-mile Sycamore Canyon Road off Highway 1, better drive a small vehicle.

I’m a Big Sur wedding and elopement photographer and definitely would recommend this spot for couples wanting to get sunset portraits for their elopement or wedding! It’s 100% worth the detour if you’re getting married in Big Sur and it’s a sunny day. Just be prepared for wind - this beach is known for being windy (they even have signs for it!) Bring cash for the entry fee as well as it’s not always manned.

No signage from Highway 1, but a 2 mile drive off of Sycamore Cannon Road. The road down to the beach is windy and narrow so be careful! The beach is secluded and feels untouched. We came in the morning, saw the purple stained sand, and just sat down to enjoy the waves for an hr. A nice stip after a hike at Pfeiffer State Park. I bet sunset /sunrise is beautiful here but that 2 mile drive seems a bit dangerous in the dark~

Spectacular beach!! Try to go at low tide!! The sea stars, yellow slugs and crabs are all out in abundance at the most northern edge before it gets rocky. The caves are very cool and dramatic. The sand was warm in the sun and the water cool. It's not recommended, but i did swim up to my chest height in a calmer section on the northern end, near a moody canyon with trees. This is a very special place.

A bit of a white knuckle drive to get there , but worth it! You’ve seen this place before (even if you didn’t know it ,but awesome in person. Nothing here but coastal California beauty.

Absolutely beautiful beach, definitely worth the entry fee and a great spot to spend a few hours and catch a dramatic sunset. Big beach too so it shouldn’t be too busy.

The Most Beautiful mountain peaks i ever been in my Life so far!Just a wonderful place to visit. For the hike the camping BBQ the peace and fun. A must see place on your bucket list lol. I encourage every to take a visit one day you won't be disappointed.

I'm glad we took a chance on this park during a longer camping trip. It's small and not well known, but it is a very special place. Plan for hiking very early since it gets hot there, but the trails are beautiful and varied. The trail signs have a lot of detailed info, such as grade, surface, and even cross slope, so you can tell how hard they will be. I was impressed by their dark skies policies, such as no lights or fires after 10pm. The stars are incredible, with dry air and no nearby large cities. It has some of the strongest wilderness ethics of any park I've been to, and it's well explained in the park signage. That said, they have nice amenities such as showers and a camp store. One thing to know about this park is that it has 2 entrances and no connecting road through. In my opinion, the west entrance isn't worth the drive (though it is a nice drive through vineyards). There are good views of the rock formations there, but to hike to them you'd have to get there very early (after the drive, because you can't camp on that side) and then hike on sunny trails with little shade. The east entrance has the campground and a road to one of the prettiest and shadiest trails. The nice thing is all the trails in the park connect up, so you could go anywhere from the East Entrance if you want a longer hiking experience There's a lot of wildlife, including very mischievous raccoons and all kinds of birds. My one complaint would be that some of the campsites have an unreasonably long walk to a bathroom (loop B in particular), so if that is a need for you, take a very close look at the campground map before reserving a spot

Pinnacles National Park — Forged by Fire, Ruled by Time Carved from ancient volcanoes, Pinnacles is raw, wild, and unforgettable. Towering spires, twisted canyons, and shadowy caves create a landscape that feels alive with power. This isn’t just a hike — it’s an adventure. From calm meadow strolls to heart-pounding climbs, every trail tests your grit. The heat is fierce, the terrain relentless, but the views? Absolutely breathtaking. Come prepared. Conquer the wild. And feel the earth’s fire beneath your feet.

Definitely doesn't get enough love. It may not have views as grand as Yosemite but the hiking trails are so fun to go through, with lots of features, and the views are still awesome. This place gets HOT though. Bring lots of water.

Great underrated park. Rock climbers paradise with great wildlife viewing. Spent a half day here and just did the bear gulch loop and felt like I got to see everything. The condor viewing was the only thing I would have liked to add. Great picnic area as well with showers for campers.

The park mostly consists of moderate to strenuous hikes. The sun's heat starts to set in around 9-10am so plan routes accordingly. I recommend the High Peaks Steep/Narrow trail for up-close condor and vulture viewing. Bats can be seen skirting across the surface of Moses Spring Reservoir after sundown. The trails are very sparsely populated, aside from the Bear Gulch area which has some traffic. I took the Old Pinnacles - Balcony Cliffs - High Peaks - Blue Oak loop 7am-12pm on a weekday and did not see a single other person on the route.

It was our first time visiting this National Park. Unfortunately, it was during a government shutdown in mid-October. The staff was limited and we were relieved to know that the East side entrance was open along with the campground. We learned that the west side entrance were closed. We stayed 4 nights in the campground. We stayed mid-week and the parking lots were not full. There were school kids staying in the campground. Pinnacles is an amazing National Park with spectacular rock formations, views, and wildlife. We lucked out to encounter 2 condors up close. The trails are well kept.

This is a beautiful scenic spot that is easily overlooked. Since part of Highway 1 is blocked, many tourists will not drive here. Because of this, it has pristine scenery and plant resources. It is more primitive and peaceful than ordinary outdoor parks. You can see pure wild animals and plants. This is definitely an outdoor paradise. Occasionally, you can see some professional outdoor players walking on some wild paths, which is an experience full of adventure and passion.

We were excited to visit this state park. Unfortunately, only one trail was open, so we took it. It was a good hike, quite steep. We didn't make it to the end of the trail,we were about 1/2 mile away and there was more incline. Another hiker told us that the view from there wasn't worth the effort. We did see some nice views of the coast. There's very little information at this park. There isn't a trail map with distances. It seems you have to research everything before because there's no cell service in the area.

Absolutely beautiful! Even though the waterfall trail was closed we were still able to view it from a small pull out. There is no through access south so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re visiting now. Beautiful colors. Some people even saw whales off in the distance.

This place is absolutely breathtaking! The views are incredible, the scenery is gorgeous, and the trails are super easy to enjoy. You'll usually see plenty of tourists along the main paths snapping photos—which makes sense, the whole area is stunning!

A natural wonder! Saw Partington Cove and Mcway Falls and hiked part of the Ewoldsen Trail. Despite major trail closures, the scenery is unmatched. There's lush forests, sweeping views of the California coastline, and a sense of serenity that's hard to find elsewhere. Definitely plan to revisit when it's fully open! ⛰️🌲🌊☮️

I had a wonderful time hiking this area. The views are fantastic!

This state park, which is about 10 miles past the main drag of Big Sur going south, is the entryway to the McWay Waterfall, Canyon trail, and the Ewoldsen trail. There are a few other trails here, too, but they are currently closed. I'll say that the three trails mentioned above easily give you a few hours of adventure and entertainment.

Beautiful waterfall with breathtaking views. Ontop of that, it's pretty easy to get there. Went on the weekends and there were many free parking spaces by the road. Definitely recommend.

The McWay Falls trail at the state park is closed unfortunately. You can walk up the highway a little way and see a view of it. It's nice but not much at this time of year (late Sept) because it's toward the end of the dry season. I'm glad that we saw it though. The coast is spectacular.

McWay Falls is one of the most iconic and breathtaking natural sights along California’s Highway 1, nestled within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in the heart of Big Sur. This 80-foot waterfall dramatically cascades directly onto a secluded beach or into the Pacific Ocean, depending on the tide, creating a picture-perfect view that looks like it belongs on a postcard. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it's one of the few waterfalls in the U.S. that empties directly into the ocean. Located right off Highway 1, the park is accessible via a short, well-maintained trail that leads to an overlook with a spectacular, panoramic view of the falls and the turquoise waters below. The trail is flat and easy, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. There is also a historic house site nearby and interpretive signs that tell the story of the park and the McWay family's legacy. While access to the beach is restricted to protect the fragile ecosystem, the viewpoint alone is more than worth the stop. Parking can be limited during peak times, so it's best to arrive early. Overall, McWay Falls is a must-see destination for travelers exploring Big Sur—offering a serene, almost magical experience that's perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking peace and inspiration from the natural world.

It was such a beautiful day, and I am happy about that. No fog, and the fall was easily visible from the viewing area. Unfortunately, the last part of the trail is still closed, but as you can see from the photos, the fall is visible. The trail is super easy. It turned out to be a hotter day than I expected, so I didn't stay there long. There is a bench if you want to relax a bit before heading back. ***Parking is self registered. Pick up the cash envelope on your way in OR park to the side to complete. Remember to leave the top portion on dash. Park staff were present, checking and walking the trail as well. If you pay for parking at any state park, keep your receipt because it will cover all state parks in the area for the entire day. Restrooms available.

Even though it’s a tiny fall, it definitely worth going to this place. We first went to Pfeiffer beach but parking was not available and they told us to check back later so we drove about 20 mins ahead to checkout these falls and went back to the beach. We took our stroller along as well. It’s a beautiful sight and definitely worth going. I believe this is the last destination in this route because the road was closed ahead during our visit in June 2024. Paid parking is available but limited otherwise I saw people park on the main road and walk inside to the falls point.

As far as I know this the only waterfall in the world which is found at the beach. I had seen many people posting photos and videos captured from the tunnel under the waterfall but looks like the path has been closed for the trekking. In a way its good, this view is more beautiful without humans 😊 There are limited parking spaces near the visitor center, parking inside charges around $10, the inside parking was full and we were asked by staff to park at parking areas away from the entrance. The center has public restrooms, entree is free. As the Route 1 was closed we had to come to this place from north which adds up 3 hrs drive one side. But if you are driving from LA then it adds to the advantage as when you drive from the North you get better views of the Pacific coast You can trek to the view point which is easy and may take hardly 10 minutes. You might try to get the photos from the farthest view point. The view you get is astonishingly beautiful and you would love to stay there for longer time just to get more glance of the natural beauty. You can observe The waves swallowing all the water falling from the waterfall. A point where a sweet water loses its identity and meets into Ocean and becomes like it. Dont miss it.

Such a nice a place to visit in Bigsur. Definitely its disappointment to see a small water falls but at the end of the day it’s very scenic and pretty photographically location. Drive from Monterey to here might not have network carrier. Highly recommend downloading offline maps. Walk in under 10mins from parking to the view point. There is always a cop in this location. Dont park in wrong places. Overall good experience and must visit place

What an adventure hiking the River/Valley View Trail in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park ~ it was certainly a peaceful and rewarding experience!!! The trail winds gently (but also steeply) through redwoods and oaks, with filtered sunlight and shade for much of the trail. The bulk of the hike is a climb, with amazing views of a stunning overlook of the Big Sur River Valley… totally worth the effort. But I will emphasise that it takes effort!! The hike is a mix of forest serenity and panoramic views, plus if you decide to visit Pfeiffer Falls it’s an additional hidden gem. Perfect for an adventure in the Big Sur!

First visit and easily one of my favorite parks! Spent the whole day hiking and wandering, seeing wildlife and seals! So many accessible paths, no extensive hiking experience required. Just be sure to bring water, a light snack, and a friend!

Beautiful park, trees. Saw wildlife skunks, foxes, deer, lots of birds. Kids played with crawfish. Nice river kid friendly nice to float like a lazy river. Gorge was nice too but busier.

Purple sand! What I came for, and it did not disappoint. It is a beautiful stretch of beach, a little rough, with some rock formations. Sunny, windy and chilly in early July. You could def make a day of it, if the weather is nice. This park does require you to pay $15 to get in (America the Beautiful and State Park passes do not work here) The drive and views to get here were amazing!

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is an absolute gem in the heart of California’s coast. Walking through the park feels like stepping into another world — the towering redwoods create a peaceful canopy, and the fresh forest air instantly makes you slow down and breathe deeper. The trails are well-marked and offer something for everyone, from easy riverside strolls to slightly more challenging hikes like the Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View trails. The highlight for me was standing among the massive redwoods — some so tall you can barely see the tops — and realizing how old and resilient they are. It’s humbling and inspiring at the same time. The waterfall hike adds a beautiful touch of serenity, and if you climb up to the Valley View lookout, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Big Sur Valley all the way to the Pacific. Whether you’re coming for a short visit or spending the day exploring, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a must-see. It’s the perfect blend of majestic redwoods, peaceful river spots, and accessible trails. Truly a place that leaves you refreshed and grateful for nature’s beauty.

Come see Big Sur redwoods, smaller species than Northwestern redwoods. Two trails, take the one to the falls, other leads to a overlook but it's mainly the valley and Highway 1 and not that remarkable. Trail is steepish but many stairs to make it easy for little kids.

We made a quick visit here, and will be back. We hiked to Pfeiffer Falls. It's a relatively short hike from the lodge, maybe 2 miles out and back. We were happy that the falls were there since it was late Sept, which is near the end of the dry season.

Small but cute, perfect to camp and have a day at the beach, there’s a fresh water creek running so soaking on it after all the salty water is amazing. I highly suggest to camp, their camping spots are steps away from the creek and a few more steps away from the beach, the ones in red woods are so cool, make you feel like you are in the forest

Limekiln is a magical place, but sshhhh, don’t tell anyone. I would get there asap and enjoy it, before it opens to the north crowds. It’s such a therapeutic walk through the redwoods, along the beautiful creek. Checkout the old Lime Kilns and then hike up the longer trail, to the upper Redwood grove and creek crossing. You’ll be glad you made the extra hike, to such an amazing place on earth. Get out and check it out!

This place was wonderful for a camping vacation. Park staff was extremely friendly and the accommodations were top notch. Bathrooms were always clean and easily accessible. The 2 minute walk to the beach was one of the trip highlights, because the clear view of the sunrise and sunset was incredibly beautiful. I definitely recommend hiking up the waterfall trail. If you are feeling adventurous and don't mind a little brush in your path, try taking the left path up to the ridge. The views are breathtaking!

The beach is incredible and idyllic, with a crystal clear stream running into the ocean. You can hear the sound of the pebbles as the waves go in and out. Wow! So wonderful. You can stand on a huge rock as water comes whooshing around you. Bring $10 cash. They don't give change. So you must have a $10 bill! There is shady parking which is nice. You have to take off your shoes and socks to cross the creek to get to the shoreline, or else hop over rocks to cross the creek.

My favorite hike from my trip to Big Sur. At the trail head you can go left(to falls) or right (along the river) both of very easy hike. Some trees have fallen on the river hike so you do need to crawl over them. You have to cross thin bridges over the river on the falls hike. It was all around maybe about 4 miles there and back for both hikes. We took our time and were there for about 3 hours. The campsite is great. We did not stay there but did picnic on the beach after the hike. Bring picnic stuff and leave it in the car. You can do the hikes and go back to the car before the beach since they are on opposite sides of the park. Beautiful redwood forest hike!!!! We had the river hike all to ourselves and saw a few groups on the falls hike. It's a must do!!!! We did not do the hike to see the kilns.

Limekiln State Park is amazing. Situated between the redwoods of the central coast and the ocean, it is an amazingly beautiful camp site. There are two main types of camp, ocean and woods. We stayed in the ocean sites at space 10 under the shade of some beautiful old California live oak trees (which were great for hanging hammocks). It's one of the most unique places I've ever camped because there's both a steam running behind the space and the ocean waves only a small distance away. I've been lulled to sleep by both before, but never at the same time. While camping here the in the summer is likely challenging as finding any available space without book 6 months in advance is nearly impossible, winter camping is much easier and there were open empty sites around us each night. If you have a big camper this may not be the best place for you. We stayed in our tent trailer which is about 16' when towing. Anything later than 20' and your camping space options will be pretty limited. If you are tent camping it's wide open. And if you have to have a boat that can get you there I think they have space for people who sail to the campground. There are sites to see to the North, South and directly out of the camp itself, though it was closed for trail repairs when we were there. I would highly recommend spending a few nights. We were there for five days and I'm ready to go back. I'm including some pictures from the camp site. Things to note, very few sites have electric or water hook ups, so be prepared with your own power, make sure to secure your food at night, there are plenty of raccoons and other small animals all too happy to raid things while you are sleeping. They do have really hot showers! Happy camping!

We spent the day here while camping down the road at Kirk Creek. Staff was super friendly, and gave us info on what to do/ expect. We hiked up the the kilns, the waterfall, then back down to the beach. Not a taxing hike. Well worth the small creeks and logs to hurdle! Can't even describe the feeling of peace and tranquility these woods give you. You're in Big Sur, hiking, then there are redwoods! (Learned a lot from the signs!)

This mission is in the middle of nowhere but one of a kind. It's worth a drive if you want to visit a mission that's kind of tucked away and feels forgotten but very well-maintained. Since it is next to a military base, the area isn't developed like most of the missions I've visited (mostly in Southern California). If you walk around they have remains of their aqueduct, tannery, etc., and a map the mission grounds next to the museum gift shop entrance to put things in perspective how vast those missions were. The tubing i must mention, they have a nice collection of have intricately woven baskets. Frankie, the older lady who runs things in the museum shop is a very kind person with lots of information about the area and interesting stories to tell. The shop also sells items by local artists (paintings / greeting cards / etc.) curated to the region.

This is a very beautiful area and mission. It is so peaceful and the people there are very friendly. It also has a great gift shop that helps with the upkeep of the mission and its ground . Make a road trip out of it. There is no admission fee but recommend a donation for the upkeep of grounds and mission

Well worth the side trip. So many things to learn about and see here. The least visited mission, so I'm sure it's never crowded. They also have retreats! Very quiet & peaceful. Big gift shop with many wonderful things!

Very much off the beaten path, but a beautiful mission and wonderful staff. I was able to attend a very enjoyable mass one Sunday.

My favorite mission. Superbly restored. The surrounding countryside is probably what Father Serra saw when setting up the mission. Active church scene too. Only one Mass at 10:30.

This place is so beautiful. My friend who has already visited this place arranged our trip to this mission. There were still roses blooming in the courtyard when we visited there this month, October. There are a nice gift shop and museum that is larger than I expected. We stayed for 2 nights there for retreat. We had to bring food and drinks and had them at the outside porch. Also we had a museum tour with Joan who was so knowledgeable and friendly. It was very educational and interesting to know the history behind those exhibits. I definitely will visit there again.

My son did his 4th grade mission project here. It was one of the most interesting missions I've ever seen. There's such a great and wonderful history. So much to see that I think. I may have to come see it again, just to get the entirety of the spectacularness of this place.

Absolutely 💯 percent awesome! I loved everything about the castle and the grounds. Your tour guides are very informative and so are the bus drivers. It's a lot warmer at the top of the hill then at the visitors centers, so dress accordingly. Yes, you can bring bottled water. I would suggest u bring your own or it's $4.85 in the gift shop.

One of the best places I've ever visited. Did two hour Julia Morgan tour during the day and two hour art under moonlight tour at night. Both tour guides were patient, highly knowledgeable and excellent hosts, soliciting questions from tour members and gave expansive answers to all questions, some of which were way off topic. The place itself is historic, artistic and design overload, way too much to take in during the course of your visit. Don't have a fear of missing out--trust the process, the guides and enjoy what you are seeing and experiencing in the moment. My visit sparked a desire to learn more, which I plan to research so when I revisit will have a more solid foundation about the historic art in the collection. The rules in place are there for a reason and have succeeded in ensuring the place is maintained immaculately. Visitors center is spacious and educational, definitely recommend the movie before you head to castle. I dreaded the bus ride but it was way better than it sounds, bus driver acted like tour guide, pointing out artifacts and wildlife. The zebras were a nice surprise! The evening tour was a fantastic contrast to the daytime tour, allowing a perspective of what it was like to be an overnight guest. The change from sunlight to manmade light shifted focus on artwork and design aspects, allowing a more complete appreciation.

It gets 5 stars just for the magnitude of it and what it takes to keep this place tour worthy! It's absolutely massive, everything about it from the sprawling buildings to the huge decor. Columns everywhere, giant statues, church pews, fire places, pools, everything is over the top! We did the Grand Rooms tour, the one suggested for first time visitors and it was wonderful. Our tour guide was amazing, funny and very engaging. We knew very little about William Randolph Hearst before we arrived and we left knowing more than we should!! I highly recommend visiting if you get the chance, it's definitely a bucket list item and we'll probably go back some day for another tour!

Really enjoyed the upstairs tour, cost $35.00. There were only 4 people on the tour, our guide, she was very knowledgeable and nice. We then took the grounds tour, there were about 45 people on this tour, saw the grounds, pool table, movie theater and both pools. Upstairs tours was worth visiting

What an amazing site to see. This castle was so strikingly gorgeous. As you turn into the property the first thing you see is the zebras wandering the property. At the welcome center you purchase the type of tour you want to see. A tour bus drives you up to the property. The castle is jaw dropping. The whole property is filled with amazing art. Learning its rich history was amazing. So worth the trip to see it. I highly recommend!

The castle is absolutely beautiful. I would love to come again because the tour is so limited in what you see. It’s definitely worth checking out, very grand and interesting. Cons: The tour is rushed, the tour should be 1 hour not 45 minutes. The guide talked with a pretty bad mumble (maybe trying to rush) so I couldn’t understand most of what he was saying. Side note: The group of people we were with in the tour (not the castles fault) were super rude and aggressive- you could tell the tour guides were used to it. It was mind blowing.. full grown adults nearly pushing each other over to get a first look, arguing with the guides, cutting each other off, continuing to ignore the guides instructions to help with preservation, etc. Don’t be these people. Enjoy yourself. Relax. Don’t be rude.

Hearst Castle This information comes from websites that provide details about the castle. On the central coast of California, USA, Hearst Castle is located on Route 750 in San Simeon, near Los Angeles. The castle was designed by architect Julia Morgan as the residence of William Randolph Hearst between 1919 and 1947. After his death, it became a National Historic Landmark in California. The castle sits atop a hill overlooking the stunning Big Sur, a popular tourist destination on the California coast. The castle has 165 rooms, including grand rooms and penthouse suites with luxurious interiors where William Randolph Hearst and his guests spent time. It also features attractions such as flowing water features, pools, and landscaped gardens with colorful trees, plants, and flowers. There are also beautiful walkways and scenic views, among other things.

Love to visit the rookery and loved the visitor center. Information and hands on options! Plus very friendly staff!

Everyone here is super sweet and very welcoming!! Especially Melissa, who spent extra time telling us fun facts about these magnificent beasts. Truly worth a visit if you love marine life :)

So friendly & such a cute stop, definitely recommend stopping in before or after visiting the seals! We learned so much from the ladies there about the elephant seals, got to watch the livecam, picked up a few adorable souvenirs & children's books illustrated by local authors, and our little one got to check out the children's coloring/activity area!

Such a sweet visitor center. We visited after going to see the elephant seals and we had a lot of questions. They answered very throughly. They also have some sweet merch and a small area for little kids to color and play.

I have been going to see the elephant seal rookery for years. Last year I discovered The Elephant Seal visitors center n San Simeon. They have wonderful displays and good insight into their seasonal migration, artifacts and more. My advice is to include this visitors center, because it is well worth your time.

A must for anyone, I wish I had our grandchildren with us! They are massive and a male can grow to 5,000 pounds. They blended in with the sand and unless they move you hardly know they are there. We were here in July and the temperature was 58 degrees. An absolute wondrous sight and so happy to know they are growing in population.

Always stop here and speak to staff about the latest with the Elephant Seals before hitting the observation area. They are so helpful and easy to talk to. And, all your puchases go towards funding the preservation, protection, and public education for the elephant Seals. I always leave a little donation as well as purchasing gifts for the grandkids. They also have coastal sightseeing maps for great stopping points on your way up the coast. Love the Elephant Seals and the brigade of volunteers at the gift shop and the observation area. Ask them anything about the seals. They are very informative and love public interaction.

The beach is absolutely stunning as was the water! The rocks are perfect for rock hounds and treasure hunters alike! However, I want to say, there has to have been a ship that ran ground recently or something because there was oil throughout the rocks as well as in the sand (you couldnt see it) but the smell was strong. I was barefoot and that's when I noticed all of the oil stuck to the bottom of my feet. Made it a challenge to clean off. BUT BUT BUT the park was cool and the squirrels were AWESOME! I know the sign said don't feed them, but she was pregnant(not pictured) and kept saying "please ma'am, can I have a crumb". The bathrooms are clean and stocked with TP. Clean. Will stop again but won't likely go down to the sand.

Such a nice place. Fresh food, fast service. Beautiful scenery.

Very peaceful place!

Pleasant and quiet place , beautiful & colorful tiny rocks

Wonderful beach! Tjis is one of our favorite travel stop. There is parking along the hill of the beach. No dogs are allowed on the beach. Beautiful views and sunsets. There are several lookouts along the boardwalk. All of the lodgings face the beach. We walk our doggies on the boardwalk which is about a little over a mile each way. They love the walk. Lots to sniff around and greet squirrels. Its a relaxed calming atmosphere. Not crowded at all. It's very quiet. All you hear is the ocean. People are very friendly and polite.

Nice Sunset Views

Beautiful beach with lots of beautiful pebbles

The beach is absolutely stunning as was the water! The rocks are perfect for rock hounds and treasure hunters alike! However, I want to say, there has to have been a ship that ran ground recently or something because there was oil throughout the rocks as well as in the sand (you couldnt see it) but the smell was strong. I was barefoot and that's when I noticed all of the oil stuck to the bottom of my feet. Made it a challenge to clean off. BUT BUT BUT the park was cool and the squirrels were AWESOME! I know the sign said don't feed them, but she was pregnant(not pictured) and kept saying "please ma'am, can I have a crumb". The bathrooms are clean and stocked with TP. Clean. Will stop again but won't likely go down to the sand.

Such a nice place. Fresh food, fast service. Beautiful scenery.

Very peaceful place!

Pleasant and quiet place , beautiful & colorful tiny rocks

Wonderful beach! Tjis is one of our favorite travel stop. There is parking along the hill of the beach. No dogs are allowed on the beach. Beautiful views and sunsets. There are several lookouts along the boardwalk. All of the lodgings face the beach. We walk our doggies on the boardwalk which is about a little over a mile each way. They love the walk. Lots to sniff around and greet squirrels. Its a relaxed calming atmosphere. Not crowded at all. It's very quiet. All you hear is the ocean. People are very friendly and polite.

Nice Sunset Views

Beautiful beach with lots of beautiful pebbles

This wine estate is a bit farther from most of the wineries here but they have some really tasty wines! I recommend making reservations for lunch ahead of time so you can enjoy a flight with some food. The burger here is really fantastic and juicy too. Great open space and pretty busy on the weekends too.

Beautiful tasting/restaurant space. Our well mannered pups were welcomed and treated like family. ❤️ Our server, Kevin, was absolute perfection. He balanced information about the wines and winery with personal stories of his life. So glad we took the sideways way home from Cambria to Auburn today! We WILL be back again with friends! The Sauv Blanc was the best choice for the warm day, the Cabernet Sauv was also delightful. Worth the drive.

Every time we visit Justin Winery, downtown, Jose goes above and beyond to make our experience truly meaningful. He is delightful. From the moment we arrive, he treats us like royalty, always greeting us with the warmest smile and genuine hospitality. Jose has an incredible way of making you feel welcomed and valued. He takes the time softly to explain each wine, sharing the details behind every pour,, which makes tasting experience so much more meaningful and enjoyable.

We went to the Restaurant today and it was disappointing from a few perspectives: 1. The service until they find out that you are not buying a lot of wines is good. 2. Once wine selected, checkout at the desk (and not at our restaurant table) was very disappointing A. They did not offer the check as such. Just quoted a total number that was hard to decipher. B. They asked us to pay tip on total amount including the wines we were paying to take home. Who does that? c. Despite asking for detailed bill, he did not offer one. 3. Seating asked in the patio in sun was not even explored. We sat some place we did not like. The place is less than welcoming and shows a bit snobbish style.

Just came back from THE amazing experience dining at Justin. We have been a fan of Justin wines for years but didn't have the dining experience until tonight. The creativities, the artistry, the brilliance behind every dish... we were so overwhelmed! The service and staff was amazing. Rest assured that they are not cutting corners in every way in my opinions and give you the best experience you possibly have. Please please dont be less than what you are and that how you maintain if not gain more loyalty to your brand. We walked away with SB reserve, Savant and Justification ♥️♥️♥️.

Remarkable all around. Our reservation initially started with some bumps, we had an ATV tour booked but unfortunately it was cancelled due to the weather. We did not see this until we arrived at the Winery due to spotty service on the way up. With the ATV tour cancelled, that seemed to put a damper on the day but the manger did the most to make sure we had a great experience. Long story short we ended up having a fantastic day at Justin. Very impressed with management and staff on how they handled this situation.

Do not go to this place if you are a person of color. Manager Luke is racist, we were ill treated and had to leave the place in the middle of the tasting. While the restaurant had only one other white family, Luke asked us to stop our 2 year old girl from crying as it would disturb the others. Others?, there were only one white couple in the tasting place and they seemed to not care about it. Luke’s tone was impolite and we had to leave. We ended up going to Dau which has expectacular view and amazing hospitality. I see lot of other people of color have left a bad review for Luke, I am not sure why the management is still keeping this guy and letting go of there business. DO NOT RECOMMEND.

Very great place for history. Lots of artifacts and the self tour only $12 a great value. There is a map to follow and can go at your own pace. I'd say this mission gets forgotten about. It needs about 4 million to complete restoration from a 06 earthquake

Aside from all the dark history behind the construction of the missions, I think seeing some of this structures still standing is pretty cool. Makes your mind wander about ways of living/thinking that just feels so different from today and yet they took happened where you are standing (the mission, not where you are actually standing with your phone).

Stopped here on our way back home and my kids enjoyed it. We just walked what we could. There is a self guided tour for $12 but with a cranky toddler we chose to skip and just grab some goodies from the gift shop.

A must stop on your Hwy 101 trip just north of Paso Robles. Gorgeous interior with original wall paintings!! This mission is authentic from 1797. It is the 16th mission of the 21 California Missions. $10 every donation for seniors. Definitely worth the fee to help keep this mission intact.

The walk thru is a self guided tour with lots to read and learn about this Mission. All the paintings on the wall have the original paint and have never been restored. The Chapel is especially nice.

Drove by while traveling the 101. It was closed unfortunately because we came after 4pm, but still stopped and took some pictures from outside. Beautiful old mission from the outside.

Fantastic history and surroundings --- lovingly restored after an earthquake did damage in 2003. Definitely worth a stop as it's right off the highway.

We had a wonderful experience at this winery in Paso Robles! The atmosphere was beautiful and welcoming, with stunning views and a relaxing vibe. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and made our tasting feel personal and memorable. Each wine we tried was unique and delicious—clearly crafted with care. It was the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy great conversation, and sip on some truly exceptional wines. Highly recommend visiting if you're in the area!

We had an absolutely wonderful experience at Daou Winery! From the moment we arrived, the views took our breath away ~rolling vineyards, endless hills, and that incredible California sunshine made it feel like a dream. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, the kind of place where you just want to linger for hours, sipping wine and taking it all in. Our wine tasting was perfectly curated ~every pour was delicious, showcasing the care and passion that goes into each bottle. The hosts were friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to share the story behind each wine. It never felt rushed or overly formal, just a warm and welcoming experience. We also loved the setting ~comfortable seating areas, beautiful design, and music that made the experience even more enjoyable. It’s truly one of those wineries that combines luxury with heart. If you’re visiting Paso Robles, Daou is a must! Whether you’re a serious wine lover or just looking for a place to relax and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon, this winery is perfection. We left with a few bottles to bring home and memories that will last much longer. Can’t wait to come back! ✨🍷🌿

We are on a road trip and booked for wine tasting experience at DAOU vineyards - it was fantastic. Best wine tasting we ever had with amazing landscape, products and warm hospitality. What a day we had and we look forward to going back there. Our big thank you's to Marino, Gabriel and William for being such great hosts to our family (we are travelling with 3-year-old son and he also had a great fun there even he is way too young to drink!). If we could rate more than 5-star - we will! Highly recommended!

We get DAOU wines in our Whole Foods so weren’t sure if it’d be a cliche . Much to our surprise this was the best tasting experience we had. The settling is spectacular, the wines reliably good and the kids had fun roaming around the beautiful estate spotting hummingbirds, finches and exploring the flower gardens. Won’t show up in your Gemini chat bot as kid friendly but our experience was super good. Thanks to Tyler for being a spectacular and engaging. Have to come back here again

Excellent experience if you ever get a chance to come out and enjoy a beautiful place highly recommend. The staff is extremely Excellent especially a person named Kenny he makes you feel welcomed into the wine world if you get a chance to experience this place I highly recommend you request him you will not regret it. Im fairly new to the wine world and he made me feel like I have always belong and to be honest I could not ask for a better experience.

If you love great wine, amazing service, and beautiful scenery, this is mandatory. If you enjoy these things and you do not make this trip, I— well, I’m shedding a tear thinking about you missing out on this experience. Think I’m exaggerating? You’ll see. 2,200 ft elevation. Bonuses— Went in July, could smell the lavender when the wind blew. They sell estate olive oil. There were quail hopping around—- humming birds, condors flying above, c’mon it was ridiculous. The juxtaposition of vineyard sections were mesmerizing, the rows flowing over the hills, Italian Cypress— just— just— go already. APPT MANDATORY— don’t be trying to show up on a whim.

My husband and I popped into DAOU during our trip to Paso Robles as we’d had it recommended by a few people. We’re so glad we did, the views alone were spectacular. Whilst we didn’t do a full wine tasting we did try their Rose which was lovely and we’ll definitely return to try their food in the future.