We didn’t have much time to spend in Monterrey but we did stop for lunch at a little roadside, walk up restaurant at the corner of Ocean View Boulevard and Eardley Avenue, Archie’s American Diner.  There was a sit down counterpart as well, but the walk up window allows for either on the go eating or kicking back on their patio.  The area is surrounded by parking meters.  I suggest keeping a close eye on your time because as we had the misfortune to learn, the meter maids are really on top of their game…

On our next trip we are going to make time for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Somewhat ironically located on the site of a former sardine cannery, I’ve been told is one of the top rated aquariums in the country.  One of the big attractions is an extremely large tank home to a Giant Kelp forest, the first of its kind.

I’ve heard this is a great location for surfing, something I’m hoping to try one of these days.  I would have made time for it on this trip but it was still way too cold for me.  There were areas that we passed through that seemed ultra touristy but then other areas were quiet and quaint.  I’m very much looking forward to the opportunity to explore this area closer.