If you've never visited Northern California, you're really missing out. Besides having some of the world's most incredible scenery, this area is renowned for its seafood. With Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, and Carmel by the Sea all within hours of each other, the trip is definitely worth the gas and can be a great way to spend time with the family. Here are just a few of the family-friendly highlights you can expect when you tour this amazing place. Of course, no description of Northern California would be complete without a stop at the restaurants in Carmel, CA. Visit Santa Cruz If you and the kids are in the mood for some thrills, the best place to go is Santa Cruz. Besides having beautiful beaches, great surfing, and a laid-back vibe, Santa Cruz is home to an amazing board walk. From roller coasters, to Ferris wheels, to gentle kiddie rides, Santa Cruz will keep you busy all day long. As with most outdoor attractions, hours at the Santa Cruz boardwalk vary. During the summer, you can count on it opening between 10 and 11 in the morning and staying open until anywhere between 7 and 11 P.M. In the fall and winter, its hours change drastically with almost no weekday openings. No matter what time of year you go, be sure to check their website to make sure they will be open when you plan on attending. You should also note that many of the attractions in the amusement park have different hours than the park itself, so plan accordingly. Budget Your Time and Money How much you'll pay to attend the boardwalk will depend on what you want to do. If you're planning on riding rides all day long, you can count on your pass costing between $32 and $40. If you only have a few hours to spend, you may want to buy aMyBoardwalk Card and pay for rides as you go. If you ride more than you thought you would, recharging your card is quick, easy, and can be done on the spot. The Slower Pace of Monterey If your family is more into nature, nothing can compete with Monterey Bay and its world renowned aquarium. The attractions at Monterey Bay are endless and, if you're on a budget, you can enjoy an entire day without spending a single penny! Seals, sea lions, pelicans, and otters sun themselves on the beaches. By merely walking along the coast, you'll see just as much life as you do at your local zoo! Besides the animals, you can entertain your family for hours on the beach! Pack a picnic lunch, bring some bikes, and spend a day gathering shells and chasing crabs! Visiting the Aquarium For those who are interested in visiting the aquarium, you'll be glad you did. Though prices range from $25 to $40, the money is well worth it. As one of the largest aquariums in the world, it keeps its visitors busy all day long. Besides having a chance to view one of the largest collections of marine life in the world, you can also opt to enrich your experience and have special animal encounters with some of the aquarium's most popular residents. Foods to Try in Carmel After all that fun, it will certainly be time for a good meal at one of the amazingrestaurants in Carmel, CA. While all types of restaurants abound, none are as delicious as seafood. After all, you can get a burger anywhere in the U.S. but you'll never get fresh fish like you do here. Take advantage of your proximity to the ocean and try local favorites like BBQ oysters, Monterey Bay fish stew, and Penn Cove Mussels. Flaherty's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar Flaherty's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar restaurant offers the best seafood in the Carmel-by-the-Sea & Monterey, CA areas. Come try our fresh seafood today! Visit our page on http://www.flahertysseafood.com/ to see our page today!
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