Who, What, & Where Age levels: 6 and up Activities: Sea kayaking, tide pooling Hours from SF: 1.5

Got a budding Jacques Cousteau in the family? This is the place to go. Sea kayaking on sheltered Monterey Bay is a gentle introduction to the ways of the deep. Paddle in and out of protected coves and through giant kelp forests, where sea otters like to hang out (literally) and hunt for food. The ocean under you, around you, and far out to sea is part of a national marine sanctuary established to protect this unique habitat.

Kayaking on Monterey Bay

Kids as young as five or six years old, accompanied by an adult, can try a hand at sea kayaking. Bring your own boats or use AB Seas Kayaks, which rents singles, doubles, and triples, so families can find a combination of boats that meets their needs. Lessons and naturalist-guided tours are available.

Go Guide: Monterey Bay Getting there: In Monterey, follow signs to Cannery Row/Monterey Bay Aquarium. AB Seas Kayaks is located at the Coast Guard Pier, 32 Cannery Row. Private boaters can use the launch ramp there as well. Reference: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey Bay Aquarium Press, (831) 648-4800; www.mbayaq.org/. Guide to Sea Kayaking: Central and Northern California, by Roger Schumann and Jan Shriner. Globe Pequot, (888) 249-7586; www.globe-pequot.com. Added value: Monterey Bay Aquarium — worth the trip even if you don't go kayaking. Don't miss the daily feeding (call for schedule and ticket prices, 831-648-4800; www.mbayaq.org/). Contact: Sonoma Coast State Beaches: AB Seas Kayaks, (831) 647-0147; www.montereykayak.com.

Move on to Tomales Bay

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