
One run of the European weather model on Monday afternoon suggested a track that briefly wobbles closer to the Peninsula, stalling over the region between 6 a.m. While the path of the storm was unclear late last week, its track has been trending away from the Santa Cruz Mountains over the past few days. Some of these gusts will radiate north into the Santa Cruz Mountains and the hillsides in San Mateo County facing the Pacific Coast. Some of the strongest winds are slated for the Central Coast, with gusts likely above 65 mph along Highway 1 between Monterey and San Luis Obispo. Tuesday’s storm will spin south toward Monterey Bay this morning, tapping into a Pineapple Express that will fuel its rains, winds and thunderstorms. Gusts over 50 and 60 mph will be possible near the water and some of the region's tallest peaks. Tuesday's wind forecast calls for gusts along Monterey Bay, the Salinas Valley, Big Sur mountains and most of the Central Coast. The stage is set for a return to turbulent weather in the Bay Area. These downpours will have the potential to raise gusts, lightning and small hail. Some of the biggest impacts to the Bay Area on Tuesday will be heavy rainfall during the morning commute and the risk of thunderstorms around the evening rush hour.

It’s a leisurely, flat mile around to Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. Not a water person? Rent a bike and take the adjacent and well-maintained bike trail as far as you feel like pedaling.

This is an A-plus experience on a sunny day - you really can’t quite believe your luck out on the water, and it requires very little athletic effort. Make a reservation (at the 685 Cannery Row location) and, after you put on waterproof gear in the changing room, they will do the rest - carry the kayak across the street and get you out on the water. It’s $65 to go out in a guided group, and $85 for a private tour. Adventures by the Sea rents kayaks including gear and instruction for $40 per hour. It’s the easiest and most pleasant paddle - and it comes with a side of sea otters. Now that you’re wholly familiar with the ecosystem and the view, it’s time to get on the water. Take advantage of them and ask questions, and touch things - it’s a rare opportunity. Throughout the aquarium, marine biologists are available and interesting, happy to introduce you to creatures they study and want you to appreciate. (the naturalist in the tank hand-feeds all the fish - including the sharks!). (huge, fast swimmers, green turtles and a school of sardines) and at the Kelp Forest at 11:30 a.m. (adorable), at the Open Sea exhibit at 11 a.m. There are quite a few feedings to pick among, but our favorites are: sea otters at 10:30 a.m. To best enjoy the aquarium, organize your morning around a feeding time and get in position about 10 minutes beforehand. There’s no time limit on a daily visit, and you can get a reentry hand stamp at the door if you want to duck out and come back later in the day.
10 DAY WEATHER SANTA CRUZ CA FREE
It takes only two visits to justify the cost of a membership, and benefits include skipping the line in addition to free visits for a year and supporting the health of Monterey Bay - it’s also fully tax-deductible). Assuming that we all have a bit in common, here are my suggestions for a day in Monterey.Īquarium tickets must be purchased in advance, online, and they are not cheap ($60 for adults, $50 for youth 13 to 17, $45 for children 5 to 12 and free for 4 and younger). We are both generally amused by the unexpected, forever in search of good food, and happily curious. Somewhere in the middle is a day with enough structure to reduce hassle and lots of room to go off script.

Our marriage works because he’s always looking for adventure, and I enjoy the predictability of a reservation. My husband is the sort who suddenly pulls off the highway for a Big Ball of String attraction, and the whole family has learned to dread a “scenic overlook” sign. I aim for a game plan that reduces the stress of planning and logistics, with a decision tree of options based on weather, budget and our collective desire to exercise - or putter. The Central Coast has a lot to offer, and being a tourist in your own backyard is a great way to spend a day if you can avoid the pitfalls of crowds, underwhelming food, and the decision fatigue of sorting through a myriad of online ratings. Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers.
