There’s plenty to do in Monterey, California, whether it’s going to the Aquarium, riding 17 miles, dining at Fisherman’s Wharf, browsing the art galleries in Carmel, or walking the shoreline at Pacific Grove. But if you’re eager to branch out a bit and explore some of the Central Coast’s fabulous offerings nearby, here’s a short list of day trip ideas to get you started.

1. Pinnacles National Monument – ​​East of Soledad, which is south of Salinas on the 101, is this magical place of stunning geographic beauty. The trails wind around strange rock formations that make you wonder if you’re still on planet earth. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and pack a lunch. Chalone Winery is nearby, in case you want to pay them a little wine tasting visit.

2. Point Lobos — Just south of Carmel is the Point Lobos State Reserve. It’s $8 per car ($4 if there’s a senior inside) and once in the park there are several small lots to choose from. From these lots you can access several trails, some inland and others that lead to coves of virgin beaches.

3. Santa Cruz: Venture north up the coast from Monterey and you’ll eventually arrive in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features a popular oceanfront roller coaster and fun zone, while the beach has warmer waters than most in Northern California and is popular with surfers. The Santa Cruz hill country, dotted with redwoods, has several wineries you can visit, as well as a narrow-gauge steam train, which leaves from Felton.

4. Big Sur – South of Monterey on Highway 1 is the Big Sur area, famous land of artists, writers, nature lovers, photographers and other lonely souls. Actually, there is no single destination called Big Sur, but to drive through it is to experience magnificent scenery on a winding road between impressive mountain cliffs and the sea lapping at your feet. There are some very special places to dine, like Nepenthe, which hangs out on the seaside of the road. There are several hiking trails in Big Sur, or you can walk along the beach at one of the beaches.

5. Carmel Valley Wine Tasting: If you’ve had enough of the fog, you’ll often find relief by driving down Carmel Valley Road for about 15 minutes into the (sometimes considerable) heat and sun. Several wine tasting rooms are located in or around this small town. Chateau Julien is a winery with a tasting room that sits off the highway before entering Carmel Valley proper. In town, you can visit the tasting rooms at Joullian Vineyards, Heller Estate, Robert Talbott Vineyards, and Bernardus Winery and Vineyard. If you really want to get away from it all, Galante Vineyards is located remotely inland.

6. Steinbeck Museum — Finally, why not take a drive to Old Town Salinas and visit the National Steinbeck Center? Inspired by the Salinas Valley and its people, John Steinbeck was the Nobel Prize-winning author of such works as “Cannery Row,” “Tequila Flats,” and “Grapes Of Wrath.” The museum has art exhibits, cultural exhibits, a museum store, and a cafe. In addition, they will soon have the Valley of the World Agricultural History and Education Center.

Then, when your out-of-town excursion is over, head back to Monterey and consider yourself lucky to visit one of the greatest places in the world: California’s central coast.