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Get Outside!
August 13, 2023
Monterey County's Many Areas for Recreation
With summer in full swing, locals and visitors are taking advantage of the aftereffects of an unusually wet and cool winter and spring that has led to lush lawns, blooms of wildflowers, flowing rivers, and overall pleasant temperatures to enjoy the many outdoor activities on the Monterey Peninsula. Whatever activity you choose, the easy access to beaches, trails, golf courses and mountains ensures even that the busiest professionals can find time to enjoy nature. Whether you’re brand new to the area or a lifelong resident or visitor, the array of options and the proximity to stunning scenery makes being in the area feel like having full-time access to a resort.
John Romley
REALTOR®, Monterey Coast Realty
Ever since REALTOR® John Romley’s father built him a set of clubs when he was two years old, golf has been an enjoyable and rewarding part of his life.
“Whether it was my childhood summers in Bakersfield of playing sunrise to sunset or my caddying years at Pebble Beach Resorts, the meaningful relationships and memories are plenty,” he says. “It goes without saying, but I play as much as my schedule allows and it's surreal to think about the eclectic mix of surrounding golf course settings: Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Seaside, Carmel Valley, and the Salinas Valley. Each one has its own micro-climate, architectural style, and picturesque views all while only being mere minutes from one another. There's a reason why golfers travel here from all around the world!”
Since moving to the Monterey Peninsula in 2011, John quickly realized that our area has an endless list of world-class outdoor activities. Over the years, a few of the favorites that stand out for him are hiking and camping in Big Sur, kayaking, deep sea fishing, running in the Monterey Bay half marathon along the Pacific Grove shoreline, and walking along Carmel Beach.
“My wife and I have two children and it's priceless to see the natural beauty through their eyes,” he says. “In addition to these activities, we try to spend as much time as we can at Corral de Tierra Country Club which provides an amazing environment for our family. Needless to say, there'll be lots of pool time and rounds of golf during the sunny months!”
Ben Zoller
REALTOR®, Monterey Coast Realty
While an avid golfer from a local family with a history of deep golf roots in the community, REALTOR® Ben Zoller also enjoys taking his Golden Retriever puppy, Harlan, hiking near his home at Carmel Valley Ranch. The two will hike a loop to look at goats, cows, horses, donkeys and other animals located in the corral above the resort and to catch sweeping views of Carmel Valley.
“It’s so green after all the rains,” Ben says. “If I’m not with Harlan, I’ll go to the very top to the ranger station.”
Harlan is so popular, that Ben’s had to start removing his headphones when walking him by Carmel Beach, as people constantly stop him and ask to pet Harlan. “He’s a magnet,” Ben says. “And he wants to stop and play with every dog.”
Harlan will sometimes come to work with Ben at Monterey Coast Realty, lying at his feet under the table in the conference room, much to his co-workers’ delight, who now make eye contact with Harlan rather than Ben.
“Nobody cares about me anymore,” Ben acknowledges.
In all seriousness, Harlan has been the perfect companion for Ben to explore Big Sur, Carmel Valley, the dog mecca of Carmel Beach, and more.
When Harlan’s having a well-deserved nap after all his activity, Ben hits the golf courses, sneaks in a road bike ride, or a mountain bike ride on the many trails at Fort Ord. Although he lived in Oregon and Colorado, both stunning areas, Ben says there’s nothing like the various microclimates and outdoor experiences on the Monterey Peninsula.
“There are so many options here for different types of terrain and for so many activities,” he says. “We have the best climate and the best views, all minutes away.”
Jenn Menke
REALTOR®, Monterey Coast Realty
REALTOR® Jenn Menke grew up in Carmel, and after college and a brief stint working out of the area, she missed the Monterey Peninsula so much that she returned back home. Now living in Pacific Grove with her husband and two children, Jenn loves exploring every niche the local area, while making time for a run by one of the many stunning beaches on a regular basis.
“Running on Scenic past Carmel River Beach and Carmel Beach (and then through town) is my favorite run,” she says. “I try to do a 6-mile loop at least twice a week. Other days when I’m busy with work and kids, I might run 4 miles on the bike path in Pacific Grove.”
Jenn also loves the trails off Highway 68 in Pebble Beach for a brisk hike with her Whippet-Chihuahua mix, running by Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove and challenging herself by sprinting up and down the stairs at Veterans Memorial Park in Monterey.
“The time I take for myself to exercise outdoors is like personal therapy for me,” she shares. “I feel better throughout the day and try to make sure it happens.”
Jenn appreciates the “basically year-round” ability to be outside while taking in different views around the area. “My favorite run is after it rains and the sun comes out,” she says. “It’s almost never too hot or too cold to be outside.”