BUDGET

Getting there: One-way rates to Monterey start at $129, 21-day advance; American, Delta, United.

Stay: Downtown Monterey and Fisherman's Wharf are about a 30-minute walk along a beach path from the Best Western de Anza Inn. Pebble Beach, Carmel Beach and the Monterey Bay Aquarium are within four miles. Spacious guest rooms have a microwave and refrigerator, and the grounds have a hot tub and heated swimming pool. Starting at $110. 2141 Fremont St., Monterey. 831-646-8300, www.bestwestern.com.

Eat: Dishes are Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Korean with a French influence at contemporary An Choi Restaurant. Entrees go up to $23. Just beyond Pacific Grove in a forest with ocean views. 1120 Lighthouse Ave. 831-372-8818, www.anchoirestaurant.com.

Experience: The Monterey Bay Coastal Trail runs 29 miles from Pacific Grove to Castroville, a prime area for biking, skating, hiking, jogging or walking along the waterfront and through pine forests. www.mprpd.org/parks /coastaltrail.htm. Adventures by the Sea rents bikes from $7 an hour to $25 for a full day. 831-372-1807, www .adventuresbythesea.com. Monterey's best-kept secrets are its many historic gardens. Free admission. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=952.

MODERATE

Getting there: One-way, seven-day advance purchase rates start at $229; American, Delta, United.

Stay: L'Auberge Carmel Hotel and Restaurant is in the heart of town and just four blocks from world-famous Carmel Beach. A European feeling runs throughout the hotel and to the charming courtyard. Romantic rooms feature luxury bedding, a seating area, a soaking tub and robes. $320 to $600 per night, including continental breakfast. Monte Verde at Seventh, Carmel-by-the-Sea. 831-624-8578, www.laubergecarmel.com.

Eat: Plan a lunch stop at Nepenthe, on coastal cliffs with outstanding Pacific views. $12.50-$19.25. 48510 Calif. 1, Big Sur. 831-667-2345, www.nepenthebigsur.com. Bustling Dametra Cafe serves Mediterranean and Greek specialties in a warm, family ambience. Entrees $15-$26. Ocean and Lincoln, Carmel-by-the-Sea. 831-622-7766. www.dametracafe.com.

Experience: A drive past the famous fairways of the Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill and the Pebble Beach Golf Links of the Monterey Peninsula costs $9.25, including map, guide, www.pebblebeach.com. Monterey's Cannery Row, a stretch of historic streets and waterfront, has more than 25 restaurants, eclectic shops, local artists' galleries, fun nightlife and samples of county wines and gourmet foods. www.canneryrow.com.

SPLURGE

Getting there: One-way, walk-up business class rates on Delta start at $548.

Stay: Accommodations scattered along a terraced hillside at the Bernardus Lodge of Carmel Valley are sumptuous. On site are a winery and vineyards, two of the best area restaurants, a spa and salon, a swimming pool, two tennis courts and a croquet lawn. Room amenities include wine, soft drinks, gourmet snacks, two-person bathtubs, a sitting area, antique armoires, fresh fruit and roses. Starting at $415 double. 415 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. 831-658-3400, www.bernardus.com.

Eat: A pasture with grazing sheep, a piano bar and a patio warmed by a fireplace set the scene at the restaurant of Mission Ranch Carmel, owned by actor Clint Eastwood. Appetizers, $8-$12; entrees, $20-$35; brunch, $28. 26270 Dolores St., Carmel-by-the-Sea. 831-624-6436, www.missionranchcarmel.com.

Experience: Monterey Whale Watching offers bay tours to spot marine life, including humpbacks and blue whales (best viewing May to mid-December). Trips of up to three hours are narrated by a professional marine biologist aboard the 75-foot Pacific Explorer or the 100-foot Princess Monterey. $39.95. Old Fisherman's Wharf. www.montereywhalewatching.com.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

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