In Pixar’s animated classic, “Finding Nemo,” tropical fish heroes Marlin, Nemo and ever-forgetful Dory won over audiences with their undersea adventures in Australia. “Finding Dory,” the 2016 sequel, finds everyone’s favorite amnesiac fish swimming “for the jewel of Monterey.” In search of her family, Dory’s destination is California’s Central Coast city and the peninsula of Monterey, a little over 100 miles south of San Francisco.
Here you’ll discover a wealth of natural beauty — from Monterey cypress tree groves to rocky, wave-lashed shorelines — as well as the relaxed atmosphere of the peninsula’s three towns: Monterey, Pacific Grove and Carmel. And you have to hit the outstanding Monterey Bay Aquarium, of course. It’s a star attraction and the real-life inspiration for “Finding Dory.”
Go Coastal at Cannery Row, Pacific Grove and Carmel
Much of “Finding Dory” is set at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, depicted in the movie as the Monterey Marine Life Institute. You’ll want to dedicate an entire day to visit one of the world’s largest aquariums, where tanks teem with an array of aquatic species, from great white sharks to orange-and-white clownfish like Nemo and Marlin. The two-story sea otter habitat and penguin-filled Splash Zone exhibits will be a definite hit with the kids. If your little ones love new “Finding Dory” character Hank the octopus, feed their new obsession with a stop at the giant Pacific octopus tank.
After the aquarium, stroll Cannery Row, a bustling street lined with old fish canning buildings that now house boutique and dessert shops, restaurants and wine tasting rooms.
Up for a cruise on Monterey Bay to see whales and dolphins? Head for Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf to arrange a boat trip with one of four wharf-based operators.
The seaside town of Pacific Grove sits a few kilometers north of Monterey. The downtown area, packed with colorful Victorian buildings, typically sees fewer crowds than Cannery Row. At Lovers Point, a cypress tree-shaded park, the pocket-sized beach and easy walking paths along the coastal bluffs make for idyllic spots to watch the sunset.
The Monterey Peninsula’s signature auto tour, scenic 17-Mile Drive twists and turns, passing wind-swept beaches and cliff-top views of waves crashing on the shoreline rocks below. The iconic Lone Cypress Tree and famed Pebble Beach Golf Links are must-stops. The Bird Rock and Seal Rock turnouts offer inviting spots for a picnic lunch.
Near Pebble Beach, art galleries, boutiques and bistros line the shady streets of upscale Carmel. For a taste of local history, check out the church and beautifully landscaped grounds of Carmel Mission, which dates to the late 1700s.
About a 15-minute drive south of Carmel on California Highway 1 lies Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Laced with hiking trails, the reserve delights, thanks to cypress tree-framed coastal views and an abundance of bird and sea life. Walk the easy mile-long Sea Lion Point/Sand Hill loop trail, where barking sea lions like “Finding Dory’s” Rudder and Fluke sun themselves on off-shore rocks. The reserve is popular and parking is limited, so it’s wise to arrive before 9 a.m.
Crack Crab and Suck Down Oysters
Seafood is a must on this stretch of the California coast. And whether you’re craving lobster claws or a cup of clam chowder, you can’t go wrong with Monterey’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf. Lined with fresh fish vendors, open-air oyster bars and sit-down restaurants (try Old Fisherman’s Grotto), this is the place to dig into a Dungeness crab and watch the world go by.
Of course, there’s more to the peninsula’s dining scene than the ocean’s bounty. Fresh produce from the inland valley, wild game from the foothills and locally produced wines provide inventive chefs with other premium ingredients. You’ll find a handful of delicious, bistro-style eateries in Monterey and Pacific Grove, and an especially high concentration in Carmel.
SEE ALSO: As Seen on Film: Experience “The Hunger Games” in North Carolina
This article was published as a part of a partnership with Visit the USA, inspiring travelers to explore America’s boundless possibilities.
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