A hidden gem of North County, the harbor is larger than meets the eye, as it stretches north beyond the strip of shops, restaurants and hang outs. From small sailboats to luxurious yachts, the unique area attracts a wide variety of humans with common traits: Love for boats, water, north county, and having a good time.
The road that leads to the harbor entrance is on a downward-sloping hill, affording a nice panorama of the harbor during approach. There is plenty of parking in the area, some spots close to the boats and many others through the underpass. One of the most prominent features at this entrance area is Joe's Crab Shack, with its massive cantilever structure. A bit of rust on the exposed steel frame is a tell-tale sign the building will be experiencing a fairly serious retrofit sometime down the road. The upstairs dining area affords a great view of the harbor and boats.
Strolling along the harbor boardwalk is a pleasant experience, passing small shops and eateries on one side, while the rhythmic sounds of the ropes on masts keeps time on the other. The lighthouse is the primary landmark feature in the area, and sits next to Rockin' Baja Cantina... which provides great Mexican food and drinks.
The lesser-visited north side of the harbor is home to the larger yachts and a more upscale restaurant, Monterey Bay Canners, which offers an expansive view of the harbor's entrance to the ocean. The vibe is very different on this side, as there are fewer consumer establishments. Along the walk, grassy areas with picnic benches offer the option to bring your own meal for a pleasant open-air meal by the gently-swaying boats.
(Note: Vine clips load differently depending on browser.)
The road that leads to the harbor entrance is on a downward-sloping hill, affording a nice panorama of the harbor during approach. There is plenty of parking in the area, some spots close to the boats and many others through the underpass. One of the most prominent features at this entrance area is Joe's Crab Shack, with its massive cantilever structure. A bit of rust on the exposed steel frame is a tell-tale sign the building will be experiencing a fairly serious retrofit sometime down the road. The upstairs dining area affords a great view of the harbor and boats.
Strolling along the harbor boardwalk is a pleasant experience, passing small shops and eateries on one side, while the rhythmic sounds of the ropes on masts keeps time on the other. The lighthouse is the primary landmark feature in the area, and sits next to Rockin' Baja Cantina... which provides great Mexican food and drinks.
The lesser-visited north side of the harbor is home to the larger yachts and a more upscale restaurant, Monterey Bay Canners, which offers an expansive view of the harbor's entrance to the ocean. The vibe is very different on this side, as there are fewer consumer establishments. Along the walk, grassy areas with picnic benches offer the option to bring your own meal for a pleasant open-air meal by the gently-swaying boats.
(Note: Vine clips load differently depending on browser.)
