Top Five Reasons To Visit Monterey County This Winter

MONTEREY, Calif., Dec. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- If you are looking to enjoy a winter getaway without having to shovel snow, then beautiful Monterey County is for you! It's always a great time to experience the bounty the region has to offer, but the winter months also bring some of our best weather without the crowds. From whales and sea otters in Monterey Bay to the wineries of Salinas Valley to hiking trails in Big Sur, there are plenty of activities to do that don't include having to pack your ski jacket and winter wear.

NO SNOW!
Need we say more? The air may be cool and crisp but it rarely dips below 45 degrees on the Monterey Peninsula, which is the perfect weather to take that hike you have been putting off. After, enjoy a glass of wine at one of our tasting rooms in Salinas Valley, Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Monterey. Fog is not usually an issue in the winter months, and it's often our sunnier time of year.

FIREPLACES WITH A VIEW
Cozy up next to someone special and enjoy a winter night snuggling by the fire. Whether you're looking for a scenic view, a people-watching view or a view made for two, you'll find the perfect fireplace just for you. Make some new friends around a fire pit at The Bench overlooking the iconic 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links. For a more intimate take, book a room at the Spindrift Inn on historic Cannery Row where several rooms come with their very own crackling wood fire and an ocean view. 

WARM UP WITH A STEAMY BEVERAGE
Several restaurants and cafés in Monterey County hope to warm you up from the inside out with one of their cozy concoctions ranging from traditional Irish coffee to hot cocoa. Sip in the legendary views of the Big Sur coastline at Nepenthe where they brew up a legion of coffee drinks, the highlight of which is without a doubt the Keoki Coffee, made with specialty coffee, Kahlua, Créme de Cacao and brandy. Indulge in luxury and a liquor libation at The Inn at Spanish Bay. Sit by the fire pits on the patio to admire the surf and the bagpiper at sunset. Every hot drink is done to perfection from the less traditional Nutty Scotsman to the utterly decadent (and delicious) Chocolate Raspberry Nutty Truffle, a must for every chocolate lover. 

WINTER WHALE SIGHTINGS
Monterey Bay is unique in that you can catch a whale watching tour just about every day of the year. Winter is especially a prime time to catch the action in the bay as gray whales begin their migration. You'll even have the opportunity to see the usual residents like dolphins, sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions. Celebrate the return of gray whales to the Monterey Bay during Whalefest Monterey! Old Fisherman's Wharf and Custom House Plaza throw quite the migration party for these much loved gentle giants on January 27-28, 2018. This two-day family fun festival hosts a variety of activities including live entertainment, face painting, educational exhibits, historic walking tours, chalk art, live music and much more.

BOOK NOW AND SAVE MONEY THIS WINTER!
Book your room and attraction tickets now and save! We've uncovered hotels and attractions in Monterey County that are offering discounts to visitors booking in advance. Be sure to book directly with the hotel and/or attraction's website to ensure the best rate! Please visit seemonterey.com/bookdirect for more information.

We look forward to welcoming you to Monterey County this winter season!

CONTACT: Jessica Keener, Monterey County CVB
(831) 657-6413
[email protected]

SOURCE Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau