Monterey Peninsula Golf - California

Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel and Carmel Valley represent a treasure box of intriguing shops, along with restaurants that utterly destroy your will to remain slim. There are a seemingly infinite number of art galleries, photographic studios, antique shops and more. Many of the items are made by talented local artists. But then, not everyone likes to shop. So how about a visit to Monterey's museums of history, literature (including the John Steinbeck Library) and art?

You can tour the exciting Monterey Aquarium or any of the numerous wineries. If music is your thing, there is the Carmel Bach Festival, the Monterey Symphony, the Chamber Music Society, the Monterey Jazz Festival or the Monterey Mozart Festival. And you should not miss the famous Carmel Mission.

If none of these activities appeals to you, then consider sailing or kayaking in magnificent Monterey Bay, hot air ballooning, or a helicopter tour over Big Sur and the entire Peninsula. There is also Steinbeck's Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, whale watching, fishing, and the beaches of fabled Carmel-by-the-Sea.

I have saved the best for the last - a ride along the enchanting 17 Mile Drive. It takes in the beach area of Carmel, the white sand, deer so sure of themselves they almost come to you, quail, ducks, and rabbits, and the overwhelming Pacific Ocean.

Adding to the magic of this area are five fabulous resorts: Carmel Valley Ranch, Hyatt Regency Monterey, the Inn & Links at Spanish Bay, The Lodge at Pebble Beach, and Quail Lodge.