Local regions will offer family travelers diverse attractions. An example of this is a visit to Monterey Bay in Northern California. Visitors may choose between the north side in Santa Cruz County with the outdoor attractions and boardwalk or the south side in Monterey County. Each side of the bay brings a distinctive experience.
It is fun to plan vacation trips to the south side of the bay around major festivals like California Salinas Rodeo in July, John Steinbeck Festival in August, and Monterey Jazz Festival in September. Families may also find many other things to do to keep active like the weekend events during the car race season at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and the Monterey County Fair in September.
Remember to get out of the hotel room, turn off the electronics, and look for smaller gems taking place around town. Discoveries may include:
- See an antique hot rod car parade in downtown Monterey like in the American Grafitti movie.
- Walk all the way to the end of Monterey Wharf and up the observation deck steps or behind the Cannery Row stores to see a few sea otters and sea gulls at play.
- Watch canoe teams at practice.
- Follow the history walking and biking path along the bay through the city of Monterey.
California Salinas Rodeo, Salinas, CA
After a visit to the oldest USA Rodeo in Prescott, Arizona continue the journey to Salinas, CA to see California’s oldest cowboy rodeo. This Wild West Show started in 1909. Find the schedule of activities on the website about parades, barbecues, Miss California Rodeo, and rodeo events like bull and saddle bronc riding at the Salinas Sports Complex. A price range of tickets are from $13 to $80 depending on one’s budget. Call for information about the rodeo (831) 775-3100 and tickets (800) 549-4989.
Steinbeck Festival, Salinas and Monterey
The John Steinbeck Festival in August is a well organized fun four days of events every August in both towns of Salinas and Monterey. They have thirty years of planning experience which they put together events, readings, lectures, tours, and picnics. Watch for current ticket information and a schedule of activities found at the National Steinbeck Center website or call (831) 796-3833. If one has limited time in the area, a tip is to purchase day tickets to this event.
Monterey Jazz Festival, Downtown Monterey
Monterey Visitors Center says this is the longest running jazz festival in the world. It is indeed a major event every year which one should attend at least once. This year 2010 brings Harry Connick Jr. as one of the many performers at the 20 acres of Monterey fairgrounds shaded with Oak trees. Visitors may get general admission tickets on Friday for $35 and Saturday and Sunday tickets for $45. Sunday is designated as family day with special events for children. Of course other packages are available to purchase for the Jazz enthusiasts. Call the Monterey Jazz ticket office at (925) 275-9255 for complete information and details.
Monterey Bay has several must see attractions and festivals for families during summer vacations. Each individual festival has a website plus a great research source is the Monterey County Visitors Center for things to do.
Donna West - Donna West is a Writer with an uncanny ability and passion of finding unusual ideas, off the beaten path, even in everyday occurrences.
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