The Northern California Coast is one of those places whose surroundings look as though they popped off a postcard at every turn. From lovely downtown Carmel and the vibrant boardwalk of Santa Cruz to wine tasting and whale watching at various spots along the coast, the region is truly photogenic.
Planners bringing groups here will find many ways to introduce them to what makes the area so unique as a coastal destination, including quintessential experiences on the water, along the coast or with a view of the coast.
Monterey and Carmel
Monterey is a coastal community that’s as popular as it is spectacular. Set along the pristine waters of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary and known for its scenic beauty, the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and rich history as California’s first capital, Monterey has hosted meetings since 1849, when delegates from across the state came here to create and sign California’s first constitution.
"Ever since then, groups have come to Monterey to get away and gain perspective," says Anne McGrath, communications and outreach manager for the city of Monterey, which owns and operates the Monterey Conference Center.
Among the many Monterey-specific diversions for groups to enjoy are whale watching, fishing, beach parties, gatherings at the aquarium, 470 holes of golf (including Pebble Beach Golf Resort) and 57 wineries. The area also hosts a number of festivals and events during the year, including the Monterey Jazz Festival, Monterey Blues Festival, Big Sur Marathon, 2010 U.S. Open Golf Tournament, MotoGP International motorcycle race, Classic Car Week and Blue Oceans Film Festival.
Dining is another highlight, according to McGrath.
"Many of the restaurants and hotels near Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row offer waterfront dining for groups," McGrath says. "And one of the most unique settings for group dining is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which focuses its menus on sustainable seafood."
Celeste C. White, director of marketing/communications at the Monterey County CVB, adds that groups seeking a little up-close-and-personal time with their wild side should consider outings such as the Elkhorn Slough Safari in Moss Landing, a kayak tour of Monterey Marine Natural Sanctuary or an invigorating hike around Point Lobos State Reserve.
In Carmel, White adds, groups might enjoy wine tasting and shopping in 100-plus galleries followed by a visit to Tassajara Zen Mountain Center to reflect with resident Buddhist monks.
Santa Cruz
There is quite a wine scene in Santa Cruz County as well, and according to Christina Glynn, communications director at the Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council, area wineries offer a variety of tasting opportunities.
"An idyllic region in South County, the Corralitos Wine Trail features four family-owned wineries surrounded by redwood trees and apple orchards," she says, adding that on the west side of Santa Cruz is Bonny Doon Vineyard and a number of tasting rooms that make up Surf City Vintners.
"Our county is unique in its setting, offering accommodations set in the forest or steps from the beach," Glynn says. "We offer a sanctuary from the hectic pace of large cities but are nevertheless easily accessible via major airports in San Jose and San Francisco. Santa Cruz has been described as a classic beachside community, rich in nostalgia and natural beauty."
Groups often tap into the area’s nostalgia by enjoying corporate events and group beach parties at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a classic seaside amusement park.
"As the only remaining major seaside amusement park on the West Coast, the boardwalk offers a unique combination of classic and modern rides, a sandy mile-long beach and a variety of attractions, including award-winning arcades," Glynn says, adding that the boardwalk is home to two National Historic Landmarks, the circa-1924 Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the Looff Carousel.
Another idea for groups seeking a particular Santa Cruz experience is stand-up paddle surfing, a Hawaiian sport that allows surfing instructors to manage large groups of beginning surfers. Kayak Connection in Santa Cruz provides paddle surfing lessons, including how to handle a stand-up paddle board, paddling techniques and turning and balancing skills.
"Santa Cruz County now has a way to see the sights and be eco-friendly, too," Glynn adds, citing Cruz Carz, which are GPS-enabled scooter cars available for rent and as a fun way to explore the Santa Cruz beaches and history. Tour options include one-hour coastal journeys to the West Cliff area and on to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and historic tours through downtown Santa Cruz.
San Mateo County
In San Mateo County, there are "two sides to our story," according to Anne LeClair, president and CEO at the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley CVB, citing the San Francisco Bay side and the Pacific Coast side.
"[We have] 30 miles on San Francisco Bay and nearly 60 miles on the Pacific—basically water everywhere you look, and many of our properties overlook the Bay or the Pacific," she says. "Meeting planners should book our destination because we have the excitement of a big city, the convenience of a major airport and unparalleled scenic beauty and water views. No matter what attendees seek, excitement or relaxation, they will find it here."
Relaxation might include wine tasting at Thomas Fogarty Winery and Vineyards, which features an expansive view of San Francisco Bay, or dining on the Pacific Coast side at any of a number of eateries that promote fresh ingredients and fabulous views.
At Sam’s Chowder House groups might like a clam bake; at La Costanera Restaurant in Montara, they’ll share Peruvian delicacies right on the water; and at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, beer and food pairings are the delicious norm.
"Many other restaurants from Mezza Luna to Pasta Moon to Cetrella are award winners serving the freshest cuisine on our Pacific side," LeClair says.
For a little excitement, planners might book more proactive activities for groups. Options include tide pooling, visiting Ano Nuevo State Reserve to see elephant seals, riding Segways along the water, or taking escorted coastal hikes.
"Smaller groups have gone whale watching, deep-sea fishing and kayaking among the sea lions," LeClair says. "The golf here is amazing as well."
Half Moon Bay Golf Links has two courses, one of which has ocean views from all 18 holes. Overlooking Crystal Springs Reservoir, another splendid water view, is Crystal Springs Golf Course.
Marin County
The focal coastal point in Marin County, according to Marin CVB representatives, is Point Reyes National Seashore, where the rolling hills encompass more than 100,000 acres of open space. The West Coast’s only national seashore affords visitors hundreds of miles of hiking trails, miles of rural roads to explore the many unique and historic points of interest.
"Meeting planners and attendees who choose Point Reyes will enjoy hiking, kayaking, pristine beaches, wildlife viewing, a bounty of fresh produce and locally grown and produced meat, cheeses and culinary delights," says Christine Bohlke, sales and marketing director at the Marin CVB. "Groups coming to Point Reyes are wise to give themselves a few days to experience the varied terrain and widespread beauty of the unique geography of the area."
Indeed, the landscape is dotted with Coast Live Oaks and redwood groves, gray whales migrate past the peninsula from December through April, and over 450 species of birds have been spotted throughout Point Reyes.
Point Reyes Outdoors offers mountain bike rentals and tours in the Point Reyes National Seashore and surrounding areas, including one exploring the bishop pine forests, meadows and Limantour Beach, rated easy to moderate. The other explores the sandstone cliffs near Drakes Estero and out to beautiful views of Drakes Bay and the Pacific Ocean, rated moderate.
Mountain Biking Marin is another outfitter that executes corporate team-building events and bike tours, including one around Mt. Tamalpais, which is known as the birthplace of mountain biking.
Blue Waters Kayaking facilitates kayaking tours, hiking tours and specialized camping, birding and oyster tours. And Point Reyes Outdoors offers sea kayaking tours and overnight kayaking trips in the Point Reyes National Seashore.
Sonoma County
The awe-inspiring views along the Sonoma coast give meeting attendees a sense of perspective, according to Mark Crabb, director of sales at the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau.
"The fresh sea air inspires you to be creative," he says. "There are not a lot of places in the world with views like these."
Crabb adds that the gorgeous setting in combination with intimate meeting spaces along the coast make the area a perfect location for board retreats and regional meetings.
"Not only do we have exquisite coastline, we also have the Russian River, which flows into the sea at Jenner, creating a fantastic estuary that’s best explored by kayak or canoe," he says.
Groups might also like to play a round of world-class golf at the Links at Bodega Harbour.
"You know you’re in for a great round when the Pacific Ocean is your water hazard," he jokes. "If your team wants to head out to deeper water, fishing charters are available."
Also, whale watching, hiking, surfing or horseback riding are popular group options, as well as planning the meeting to coincide with one of many festivals that occur annually along the coast. Among them are Crab Feed in Santa Rosa, Fisherman’s Festival with live music, wine tasting and crafts at Bodega Bay, the Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival, and the Redwood Coast Whale & Jazz Festival.
Mendocino and Humboldt
Mendocino County is at once close to the San Francisco Bay Area and a world away, according to Richard Strom, director of tourism development at Visit Mendocino County.
"More than 4,000 square miles of nature, towering redwoods, breathtaking ocean views, quaint towns and villages, and amazing food and wine are just waiting to be discovered," he says. "Mendocino County is an ideal destination for meetings, retreats and other corporate events where planners will find an affordable meeting venue that inspires attendees to break away from their routine."
And when it comes to activities, available options range from wild to tame.
"We have worked with groups on sea cave kayak adventures, group beach horseback rides, seaweed tours and even on abalone diving," Strom says. "On the tame side, we can coordinate seasonal mushroom walking tours, botanical garden tours, art workshops and a round of golf at the ocean’s edge."
The area also boasts festivals that planners might like to hold meetings around, including the Boonville Beer Festival, the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival and Willits Car Show.
For cardio buffs in the group, there is the picturesque Point Arena Lighthouse, the only Pacific Coast lighthouse of significant height, at 115 feet, which welcomes visitors to climb to the top.
In Humboldt County are the world’s tallest trees, the coastal redwoods, which only grow from Northern California to the Oregon border. The groves in Humboldt are the tallest, oldest and largest old growth redwoods in the world, according to Richard Stenger, media and marketing manager for the Humboldt County CVB.
Also setting Humboldt County apart is the fact that it’s the birthplace of two-thirds of all freshwater oysters consumed in the state, and home to the fabled Lost Coast, the longest stretch of pristine beachfront in the continental U.S.
"The Lost Coast has tidal areas where outdoor enthusiasts can search for abalone," Stenger says, adding several outfitters offer ocean kayaking opportunities, including fishing for rockfish and paddling around scenic Trinidad Cove and Trinidad Head.
Eureka is another draw.
"The Victorian seaport of Eureka offers guided bay tours on the oldest passenger ferry in the country, the Madaket, which turns 100 this year," Stenger says.
Carolyn Blackburn is a Northern California-based freelance writer.
