Monterey County's "Wild for Nature" Package Spotlights the Region's Natural Assets

From Slough Safaris to Migrating Monarchs, Visitors Can Tap Into Lions, Tigers and Whales

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. October 14, 2008

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA, December 12, 2005. The time is right for visitors seeking a little up close and personal time with Monterey County's wilder side. This January/February the parade of nature hits full stride with everything from migrating butterflies to pods of prodigious whales lounging at 36^0 latitude. From offbeat estuary safaris to nature tours, kayaking with sea otters or bedding down at an exotic animal training farm, the options are endless for travelers seeking an "Eco-tourism" escape with nature. Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau's "Wild for Nature" package features discounts at 20+ area hotel properties and value-added deals on tours and adventures throughout the region. Available January 1 through February 28, 2006, the "Wild for Nature" package can be reserved via www.montereyinfo.org.

From birders to botanists, Monterey is one of the nation's top migration treks for a variety of birds, whales and Monarch butterflies. Bald eagles, sea otters and a litany of lively critters make a stay along the Bay a true outback adventure. Factor in 99 miles of prime Pacific coastline, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and a string of national parks from Big Sur to the Pinnacles National Monument, and winter on the coast is a win-win.

HOTEL DISCOUNTS

Cash in on savings across the board at 20+ participating hotel properties from cozy B&Bs to classic Victorian inns and four-star oceanfront properties. Depending upon dates, rates start as low as $49/night (Carmel River Inn and Monterey Hotel). Other great deals include the Carmel Mission Inn (starting $69/double midweek) or Pacific Grove's newly remodeled Olympia Lodge (starting $59/night midweek) - ideally situated near the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. For true sybarites, cash in on a full ocean view and rooftop hot tub at the newly renovated Monterey Bay Inn (starting $179/night midweek), set smack on historic Cannery Row. For a complete listing of hotel properties visit www.montereyinfo.org.

OUTBACK DEALS & STEALS

Wild Things

Lions, tigers and...reindeer. Take a walk on the wild side and meet 110+ wild animals used in films, television and advertising. Kangaroos, primates and reptiles round out the two-hour visit led by a trainer/naturalist. Couples can enjoy an optional overnight stay with breakfast delivered by a resident pachyderm. Deal: One free child admission with purchase of full-priced adult admission to the daily two-hour facility tour at Wild Things. www.wildthingsinc.com.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Dive in for a day of play at the nation's top-rated aquarium boasting the new Ocean's Edge display, wet and wily "Splash Zone" interactive area and stunning display of jellies and blown glass jelly art. The aquarium is home to 250,000+ animals and plants representing more than 700 species of invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, birds and plants. Deal: One free child admission with the purchase of a full-priced adult admission. www.montereybayaquarium.org.

Elkhorn Slough Safari

All aboard this thrilling pontoon ride scouting some 1,400 acres established as a Globally Important Bird Area. Reaching nearly seven miles inland from the coast, the slough's freshwater wetlands and marshes are home to some 340+ types of birds, 400 plant species and 80 species of fish. Deal: Weekday discount of 50% for second guest at Elkhorn Slough Safari. www.elkhornslough.com.

Whale Watching

Nutrient-rich and naturally wonderful, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the United States' largest protected region and a prime viewing area for exotic species including blue, gray, humpback, minke and orca whales. Winter delivers the magnificent California Gray Whales on their annual migration south from Alaska to Baja, California. Deal: $4 off adult/child whale watching tours at Monterey Bay Whale Watch. www.gowhales.com. $3 off each ticket plus a micro brew, or receive a free Sanctuary Cruises tee-shirt with a reservation of four or more at Sanctuary Cruises. www.sanctuarycruises.com.

Sea Kayaking, Surfing, Biking

Rock the boat aboard a guided sea kayak tour of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Adventurers after a true adrenalin rush can hit the surf on their own or take to the two-person kayak for a little speed at sea program. Surf lessons and biking rental/tours along the popular waterfront Recreation Trail round out the offer. Deal: 20% off daily rental or tours including kayak and biking. 20% off surfing lessons at Adventures by the Sea. www.adventuresbythesea.com.

Sailing the Bay

Take the helm aboard a yacht and delve into the deep under the command of one of the region's top Captains. Abundant marine mammals and avians await the avid enthusiast. Deal: 20% off sailing excursions and lessons at Monterey Bay Sailing. www.montereysailing.org.

FREE FOR THE FROLICKING

Hit the ground running this winter via a free self-guided nature adventure at one of these top stops.

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

A feast for the eyes, hundreds - sometimes thousands - of beautiful Monarch butterflies flutter in this protected shelter of eucalyptus and Monterey pine trees. Docents are available to answer questions and point out the 'hanging butterflies' as they rest camouflaged in the trees. www.pgmuseum.org.

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Before a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary stop by this informative natural history museum to learn about the migration patterns of the wintering Monarchs, whales of Monterey Bay and other mammals, birds and wildlife of Monterey County. www.pgmuseum.org.

Bald Eagles Retreat at Lake San Antonio

One of the largest winter habitats for bald eagles in Central California, Lake San Antonio is also home to deer, rabbit, quail, and a variety of other wildlife. The lake covers 5,000 acres and birders can explore 40 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails and 60 miles of shoreline. www.lakesanantonio.net.

Ventana Wilderness Society

High tail it to Big Sur or the Pinnacles National Monument for a glimpse of the majestic California Condors overhead. Both parks are successful designated release areas for the recovering native species. Or, visit the Ornithology Lab at Andrew Molera Park in Big Sur to watch bird banding activities. Winter banding is weather dependent, but normally takes place on Mondays and Tuesdays. www.ventanaws.org.

Pt. Lobos State Preserve

Hike the scenic trails of the 554-acre state preserve. See wandering deer, watch sea otters and sea lions frolic in the surf. Great for a picnic or day hike. www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=571.

About Monterey County

Monterey County is located 120 miles/192 km south of San Francisco and 345 miles/552 km north of Los Angeles along the classic California corridor. The region boasts 99 miles of prime Pacific Coastline, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, three historic missions, 45,000 acres of premium vineyards, 25 golf courses and 250+ accommodations. Monterey County includes the Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur, North County and the Salinas Valley. The Monterey Peninsula Airport, just three miles from historic downtown Monterey and minutes from the area's major attractions, is served by non-stop flights to and from Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los Angeles and San Francisco. For a free copy of the Monterey County Travel & Meeting Planner or to book the Monterey "Wild For Nature" package, visit www.montereyinfo.org or contact the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 888/221-1010.