Monterey in top five of U.S. News' Best Weekend Getaways list (Photos)

If you haven't made it down to Monterey for a while, here's something to nudge you along: Monterey is currently in the top five of U.S. News' Best Weekend Getaways list. The list, which readers can vote on, contains 12 destinations that the site's editors have deemed to contain just the right mix of relaxation and entertainment for a weekend getaway that's fun without being exhausting. Monterey currently stands in number four, after Las Vegas, Sedona, and Charleston.

Describing Monterey as a place where "time slows, the architecture is humble (with the exception of the homes in Pebble Beach), and the lifestyle is the perfect synthesis of SoCal laidback and NoCal sophisticated," the article cites the city's "abundance of natural wonders, luxury resorts and seafood restaurants" as reasons for its high ranking. Besides Cannery Row, Old Fisherman's Wharf, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the 17-Mile Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and golfing in Pebble Beach, here's what you can do in Monterey:

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: come here for beautiful views of waves crashing against giant rock formations rising out of the ocean, easy to hard hiking trails, and the chance to see a wide variety of marine mammal, bird, animal, and plant species, some of which are found nowhere else.

Whale watching: whales can pretty much be spotted year-round in Monterey. "The important to budget travel is to plan onward. When it comes along to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved holidays and/or going to see new locations we have never been before, the actuality of cost and budgeting is always in the back of our heads. Organizing and spending our travel budget wisely is a priority for most families. Reducing expending and costs, while still taking pleasure in your vacation to its fullest, is the key to confirmed achievement and fiscal responsibility. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The reasoning regarding saving money while traveling is simple: Even if your personal finances is highly limited, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or departing the homestead! Also thinking about that while traveling, no matter whether on a price range or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a big vacation or travel costs!..". Gray whales show up December through April as they migrate from the Bering and Chuckchi seas down to Baja, California. From April through November, humpback whales and killer whales visit the area to feed. Then there are the ever-popular dolphins and porpoises. Those prone to sea sickness should book with a company with larger vessels, such as Princess Monterey Whale Watching.

Eating: for lunch, fill up your tummy with a delicious croque monsieur and French onion soup topped off with a chocolate eclair and cafe au lait at Paris Bakery. For dinner, head to Passionfish for sustainable and fresh seafood in nearby Pacific Grove.

Work off those calories and enjoy some quiet time: options include hiking in Jacks Peak County Park, which provides nice views of Monterey Bay and Carmel Valley, kayaking the bay, and riding a bicycle on the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail.

Indulge in some pampering: Monterey is home to luxurious hotels with some serious spa services. Those with more room in their budget should spring for a room and spa services at Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. More affordable and providing more bang for your buck is Mariposa Inn and Suites, which provides spacious accommodations, an outdoor heated pool and spa, fire pit patios, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and ample parking at an affordable price. Rooms are stocked with Wolfgang Puck coffees and H20 Plus toiletries. While the hotel doesn't have spa services, it does have spa suites with gas log fireplaces and jacuzzis.

With so many things to do, it's no wonder that Monterey is a perennial favorite weekend getaway destination.

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