Beaches Galore at Presidio

If duty calls you to Presidio of Monterey, you’re heading to paradise! Sandy beaches, a vibrant community, and a multitude of attractions and amenities are waiting for you. The post is located near the ocean! Pebble Beach is a must-see, of course, with its world-famous golf course and beautiful coastline. Garrapata Beach is also a great option for observing local wildlife. There are over 110 species of birds living in this coastal woodland.

If you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll quickly fall in love with the area surrounding Presidio of Monterey. Monterey Bay is one of the most ecologically diverse bodies of water in the world. It is a perfect place for scuba diving. Depending on the time of year, whale-watching is also a very memorable experience, and there are plenty of boat tours available, such as Princess Monterey Whale Watching. Point Lobos is a scenic area for family hikes, and further south is the Julia Pfeiffer State Park with expansive views of the cliffs, the ocean, and a waterfall. Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove is a romantic spot (hence the name) with scenic beach walk and views.

Carmel is near Presidio of Monterey and is a great city to visit as well. A 15-minute drive from Presidio of Monterey, Carmel Beach is the only white sand beach in Northern California and has nice views of the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course. Forest Theater Guild in Carmel puts on Films in the Forest in an intimate outdoor venue that is geared toward families. For those of you with a sweet tooth, Cottage of Sweets in Carmel looks like the candy house straight out of the fairytale Hansel and Gretel.

For an adult getaway, visit Carmel Valley, which is a 21-minute drive from Carmel Beach. With 19 wineries and tasting rooms, there are plenty of wineries to pick from that will suit any palate. For pinot lovers, visit Mercy Vineyards. For European-style wines like Bordeaux varietals, head to Georis Wine. If you are interested in organic and sustainable wines, visit Massa Estate.

Whether you’re visiting Presidio of Monterey for the weekend, PCSing to the area, or calling it home for the next few years, enjoy this list of the area’s attractions, dining, and shopping options.

On-Post Dining and Amenities

• Hobson Recreation Center
• Outdoor Recreation
• AAFES Snack Bar (Building #517 next to the Post Office)
• Combs Dining Facility (Building #838)
• Belas Dining Facility (Building #838)

Off-Post Amenities around Presidio of Monterey

• Monterey Bay Aquarium: Over 35,000 creatures representing over 550 species fill 34 major galleries
• Cannery Row: Historic waterfront district with a range of attractions, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife
• 17-Mile Drive: Spectacular views of the California coast
• Monterey Museum of Art: Collections and exhibitions focused on California art—past, present, and futuristic
• Gizdich Ranch: Apple-picking available here, and it’s also a great place to get fresh jams, apple juice, and pies
• Big Sur: 30-minute drive from Monterey, and great for weekend getaways
• Mission Basilica – Carmel: Beautiful old Spanish church
• Monterey Coast Guard Pier: Lots of great wildlife, public access, and fishing from sunrise to sunset

Off-Post Dining around Presidio of Monterey

• Cantinetta Luca: Gread Italian food in a casual, modern setting
• A Taste of Monterey: Wine market and bistro with panoramic ocean views
• Tarpy’s Roadhouse: Five-star American country cuisine, with tasty deviled eggs
• Bruno’s Market and Deli: Family-owned and operated; food made from fresh ingredients
• Valley Hills Deli and BBQ: A local lunch favorite; delicious brisket sandwich
• Montrio Bistro: Locally sourced ingredients and sustainably caught seafood, and a European-inspired American menu that combines Italian, French, and California cuisines
• Esteban: Spanish-inspired cuisine, tapas, and classic selections; try the paella!
• Flaherty’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill: Great seafood spot with some of the best oysters around
• A.W. Shucks Oyster Bar: Casual atmosphere and great oysters
• Fandango: A well-reviewed, upscale option that is popular with locals and visitors

And if you’re looking for a little bit of R&R, there are a number of golf courses near the post. Play around on the greens for an afternoon or for a whole weekend. This list is just a starting point to feeling more at home at Presidio of Monterey. Feel free to share your local finds with the community here on this blog.

• The Links at Spanish Bay
• Pebble Beach
• Peter Hay
• Poppy Hills
• Spyglass Hill
• Carmel Valley Ranch
• Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club
• Rancho Canada
• Del Monte
• Bayonet and Black Horse
• Laguna Seca
• Monterey Pines
• Pacific Grove
• Eagle Ridge

Lastly, for military families and guests, staying on post offers huge advantages for work and life balance. At Presidio of Monterey, there is convenient on-post army lodging available at IHG Army Hotels on Presidio of Monterey. The hotel amenities include:

• Free high-speed Internet
• On-site Business Center
• Complimentary breakfast served daily
• IHG© Rewards Club points for stay
• Weekly dinner socials

For more information on other on post hotels on army installations nationwide, visit: IHG.com/ArmyHotels.