Excursion/Social Program
THursday night Banquet at The BARNS at COOPER MOLERA, Monterey
A must-do event at this historic location where you can enjoy dinner, drinks, and entertainment by a local jazz trio.
Tuesday Morning
SPEC-tacular 5k fun run
A really fun event to kick off your morning and impress your colleagues! Walk, run, crawl, this fun run is for all!
Popular Monterey attractions
- Carmel-by-the-Sea and local wineries
- Drive or bike the 17-mile drive and beaches
- Point Lobos and the National Reserve Shoreline
- Steinbeck's Cannery Row and Old Fisherman Wharf
- Big Sur State Park
optional Wednesday afternoon EXCURSIONS - May 20
1. Whale Watching
Enjoy an exciting whale watching boat tour which boasts a 99% success rate of viewing whales, sea otters, seals and birds. Pick up a boxed lunch from the Monterey Marriott before you go and board the boat for a 12:30 departure. Sign up soon to reserve your spot, but sign-ups the week of the conference might be still possible. It's a short 10-minute walk down to the wharf (.4 miles)
Meeting Location: 96 Fisherman's Wharf #1
Price: $45 per person
2. Monterey Bay Aquarium
Visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and experience the Kelp Forest, jellyfish, penguins, otters and a multitude of other sea life. Visit on Wednesday, May 20 anytime between 10 AM and 5 PM. Register at the SPEC 2020 main registration site by May 6 and collect your ticket from the SPEC 2020 organizers. It is a 30-minute walk to the Aquarium from the Monterey Marriott via the Monterey Coastal Trail or via Cannery Row (1.5 miles) . Or, hail an Uber or Lyft or take a bike share.
Our discounted prices are:
$44.95 Adult (18+)
$35.95 Senior (65+) / Student (13–17 or college ID)
$26.95 Child (3–12, under 3 free)
3. Old Monterey Food Tour
This walking tour will tell you stories of Monterey while taking you to 5-6 restaurants and eateries on the side streets of Downtown Monterey and Fisherman’s Wharf. You will taste the different cultural influences that have made Monterey what it is today. Greek, Italian, and Indian cuisine may be represented as well as visits to a gastropub, an ice cream kitchen, and a non-profit organization supporting Monterey garden clubs where local and artisanal products can be sampled. Come hungry, leave full.
Time: 12:30 - 3:00 PM
Meeting location: To be announced
Price: $110 / person (includes gratuity)
Vegan, vegetarian and other dietary restrictions can be accommodated if we are notified ahead of time
4. Pt. Lobos Guided Walking Tour
Experience a two-hour guided hike on the wildlife and history of Pt. Lobos, considered to the "crown jewel" of California State Parks. The site offers stunning views of the ocean and cliffs. Our guide has written a book (titled "Point Lobos" by Monica Hudson) and will give you rare insight to this magical place. The tour price includes transportation in a coach from the Monterey Marriott and back, and park entrance fee.
Price: $65/person
This tour contingent on meeting a minimum number of participants
For more tips on things to do in Monterey County, please see https://www.seemonterey.com/spec-2020/.