Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary | National Park Service | Sur Light Station | splendid site

Old Monterey Cafe, moderate, (831) 646-1021. If, like us, breakfast is your favorite meal, this down-home joint in downtown Monterey is the place to be, whether it's for a syrupy stack of buttermilk pancakes, hefty huevos rancheros slathered with homemade salsa, or crumbly coffee-cake muffins. Caveat: The place is tiny and a favorite of the locals, so expect a wait. But it's worth it.

ATTRACTIONS
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, www.montereybay.noaa.gov. This protected plot encompasses 276 miles of coastline and one of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems, so it's safe to say you could spend several days here and never be bored. But if you've only got a few hours, consider one of the guided kayak tours from Sea for Yourself (www.kayakcambria.com). You'll get a little exercise and an education to boot.

Point Sur Light Station, (831) 625-4419. Perched 361 feet atop a giant volcanic rock, this splendid site is listed on the National Park Service National Register of Historic Places. The state's only turn-of-the-century lighthouse open to the public, it features docent-led tours chronicling its vast history and navigational significance.

EVENTS
Big Sur International Marathon, www.bsim.org. The next race will take place on April 30, 2006, but, hey, if you're planning to run a marathon, we say make it this one. Not only will you compete in the midst of one of the most picturesque landscapes this country has to offer, but at mile 13.1, you'll be greeted by a tuxedoed pianist tapping out classical tunes.