Over 40 in Monterey Bay

Multi-City Fun

Monterey is the hub of many excellent ways to spend your day. You can start your visit with a tour of the historic presidio, visit Steinbeck's Cannery Row and spend a few hours at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. In between, you can treat your appetite with lunch in a quant restaurant or a gourmet dinner in Monterey, Pacific Grove or Carmel.

Monterey is a great city for kids – with lots to do and see. But, travelers over 40 in Monterey Bay will also find a variety of unique and memorable activities as well as special events and services that can be great fun for mid-aged adults.

Celebrate Great Music

• Monterey International Pop Music Festival – This annual musical event started in 1967, two years before Woodstock, when it featured the performers of the time like Otis Redding, Jefferson Airplane, the Mamas and the Papas and Jimi Hendrix. This is THE place to hear great pop from today's big name performers.
• Monterey Jazz Festival – This is one of the oldest jazz festivals in the world and has been a special event in the Monterey area for over fifty years. Big names in the jazz industry can be seen and heard at this well-attended festival.

Shop 'till You Drop

• American Tin Cannery – Not a lot of super-trendy stores in this two-story, inside mall, but there is a good selection of classic brands like Bass Shoes, Geoffrey Beene, Nine West and Monterey Bay Clothing.
• Cannery Row Antique Mall – Enjoy two floors of unique antiques and collectibles in the refurbished Carmel Canning Company building on Cannery Row. This is a mecca for antique lovers, regardless of their age, but best enjoyed without kids in tow.

Enjoy Excellent Food and Drink

• Crown and Anchor – An authentic, British-owned pub and restaurant in the old town area of Monterey. Enjoy the heated patio as you sip through their California wines, international and local beers and fine spirits. Step into the cozy dining room and enjoy a full menu served for lunch and dinner until midnight.
• Jacks – This is fine dining using the best of local ingredients, prepared to enhance their flavors and served with an attention to detail and elegance. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this special dining experience is located in the Portola Hotel & Spa. Be sure to enjoy their extensive wine list and outside fireside dining.

Rest in Luxury

• Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa – This Cannery Row restaurant is not an "over 40 only" hotel, but it certainly caters to the guest who wants to relax without having to keep track of their kids. The luxurious spa offers a wide variety of pampering treatments for men and women. For a more active day, you can launch a kayak from the beach, skate along the nearby recreation trail and sail or scuba dive in Monterey Bay which is right across the street.
• Jabberwock Inn – Enjoy the water front views from this beautifully-decorated, 1911 Craftsman-style home. Oversized Victorian beds, lacey sheets and fluffy comforters let you settle in the night. You can even end your evening with milk and fresh-baked cookies, perfect for the kid in you!

Bonus Fun for Over 55

• Elderhostel programs – Local hotels are the scenes of these five-night, live-in educational program for adults over 55. There are a variety of programs including "Magical Monterey" and "Dixieland in Monterey's Wine Country" which includes a great seat at the Annual Dixieland Monterey Festival.
• Discounted Taxi Rides – Adults over 65 can purchase a $20 booklet of taxi scrip (coupons) for only $10 from the City of Monterey. The coupons provide a 50 percent discount on taxi rides in the cities of Monterey, Seaside, Sand City and Del Rey Oaks. Booklets can be purchased from the Recreation Administration Office, 546 Dutra Street, Monterey.
• Annual Monterey City Senior Amateur Golf - Players aged 55 years and older are invited to participate in the Monterey City Senior Amateur golf tournament which is held annually in July. The tournament is held as a part of the regular Monterey City Amateur tournament.

Fun for Everyone Younger or Over 40 in Monterey Bay

The Monterey Bay area has many attractions and services available for their visitors – there is something for everyone, regardless of whether they are over 40 in Monterey Bay or a family looking for a variety of attractions and great food spots. Here are some sources for great ideas that can add to make your next visit to the Monterey Bay a memorable experience:

• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• City of Monterey
• Monterey Peninsula Airport
• Pebble Beach Resorts
• Monterey Visitor's Guide