π Day Trip Near SCU Monterey
Monterey Bay Aquarium + Carmel Fairy-Tale Town Last weekend, I went with friends to Monterey for a day trip β and it was so healing! π₯Ή The aquarium was even better than expected, and the town felt like stepping into a fairy tale β¨ I couldnβt resist sharing this little escape β hope it inspires you too π«Ά π My Itinerary: Left SCU β 1.5-hour drive to Monterey Spent 2-3 hours at Monterey Bay Aquarium 15-minute drive to Carmel for lunch + exploring Watched sunset at Carmel Beach ποΈ Drove back (β1h20m, night driving β be careful!) β Recommend renting a car (students can use Zipcar) β the coastal views are stunning! π Morning: Monterey Bay Aquarium The most beautiful aquarium in California β no doubt! π Huge floor-to-ceiling windows = perfect photo ops πΈ The sardine swarm show left me speechless! π Student discounts available on official website (or even cheaper on Taobao!) π Tips: Donβt miss the 11AM feeding show β the swirling fish are mesmerizing! Head to the outdoor deck (highly recommend!!) β the ocean is unreal blue πβ¦ every shot looks like a vacation postcard! π Afternoon: Carmel-by-the-Sea Just a 15-minute drive from the aquarium ππ¨ Cobblestone streets + colorful cottages + Harry Potter-style candy shops π¬ β every corner is straight out of a storybook. Perfect for lunch or afternoon tea! π Must do: Catch the sunset at Carmel Beach! Arrive 1 hour before sunset β golden light + white sand + sound of waves = pure romance π Bring a jacket β it gets windy! Best spot: End of Ocean Ave β easy parking + great views π Pro Tip: Many shops in Carmel close by 5PM β plan early if you want to explore! P.S. Coming next: γSCU Day Trip Part 2γβ taking you to Big Sur! Waterfalls + purple sand beachβ¦ who wouldnβt love that? π Do you know any hidden gems around SCU? Share your recommendations below! π Want to see more photos? Comment and let me know! #SCU #StudyInUSA #BayAreaLife #SantaClaraUniversity #Highway1 #Monterey #Aquarium #CarmelByTheSea #NoFilter #RoadTrip
