Mark C. Anderson

Mark is a serial explorer and award-winning columnist based in both Bay Areas who serves on the Monterey County Food System Coalition.

A gourmet dish featuring a seared piece of fish topped with a tomato and pine nut relish, served on a bed of sautéed greens. Crispy fried strips are placed on the side, and cherry tomatoes with capers garnish the plate. Elegantly plated on white china, it's among the best dinners on the Monterey Peninsula.

Best Dinner in Monterey

Here are our top picks for dinner in Monterey, selected by our editors. Photo: Courtesy of Bistro Moulin Bistro Moulin 867 Wave Street, Monterey 831.333.1200 […]

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A plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil is set on a wooden table by the sea. A glass of white wine rests next to the plate, which is placed on a white coaster. The background shows waves crashing against the shore—truly, the best lunch Monterey Peninsula has to offer.

Best Lunch in Monterey

Picking a great lunch spot around the Monterey Bay Area can create a decision-making crisis. That happens in 1-square-mile Carmel-by-the-Sea on its own, where there

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Close-up of the interior of a vintage white convertible car. The image highlights the steering wheel with a wood-grain finish, dashboard, and side mirror. Perfect for a cruise along the Monterey Peninsula in August, where the best things to do include classic car shows under gentle sunlight.

Best Things to Do on the Monterey Peninsula This August

The Monterey Peninsula hosts a disproportionate amount of pilgrimage-worthy events, which inspires this monthly event preview. August includes one whopper from that mix: Monterey Car

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A bright, modern bedroom at Value Hotels Santa Cruz features a bed, sofa, small table, and TV. Large sliding glass doors provide a view of the ocean, palm trees, and patio. The room showcases wood ceiling beams and minimalistic decor with light walls and wooden flooring.

Best Value Hotels in Santa Cruz County

Need a place to stay in Santa Cruz? Here are our picks for the best value hotels in Santa Cruz. Featured photo courtesy of Beach

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A luxurious hotel lobby in Monterey boasts a high glass ceiling and large indoor trees, creating a natural ambiance. The space is furnished with modern seating arrangements in various styles and colors, centered on a blue rug. Warm lighting enhances the inviting atmosphere, offering value beyond typical hotels.

Best Value Hotels in Monterey

Should a traveler to the Monterey Peninsula of California be so inspired, they could spend upwards of $5,000 on lodging for a given trip, easy.

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hotel room with queen bed and views of the Monterey Bay at Seascape Beach Resort in Santa Cruz, California

Best Waterfront Hotels in Santa Cruz County

Need a place to stay in Santa Cruz? Here are our picks for the best Santa Cruz hotels for a waterfront stay. Featured photo courtesy

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A crowded pool and beach at the Dream Inn in Santa Cruz, California.

Best Wellness & Spa Hotels in Santa Cruz County

Need a place to stay in Santa Cruz? Here are our picks for the best Santa Cruz hotels for wellness and spas. Featured photo: Courtesy

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A modern hotel room with a king-sized bed, wooden furniture, and a geometric patterned accent wall. The room leads out to a balcony with a table and chairs, overlooking a scenic ocean view with waves and a pier in the distance—one of the Four Santa Cruz Hotels to put on your Radar.

Best Luxury Hotels in Santa Cruz County

Need a place to stay in Santa Cruz? Here are our picks for the best Santa Cruz hotels for luxury. Featured photo courtesy of Dream

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A serene outdoor pool area overlooking the ocean, with rows of lounge chairs and yellow umbrellas lining the perimeter. The calm blue water of the pool mirrors the clear sky above. Ideal for Santa Cruz group getaway hotels, the ocean is visible in the background under a sunny sky.

Best Hotels in Santa Cruz County for Group Getaways

Need a place to stay in Santa Cruz? Here are our picks for the best Santa Cruz hotels for group getaways. Featured photo courtesy of

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A curved patio area with black Adirondack chairs encircling a fire pit sits before lush greenery and distant trees under a partly cloudy sky. Further seating on the lawn offers a serene view, perfect for unwinding after exploring Four Santa Cruz Hotels to put on your Radar.

Best Romantic Hotels in Santa Cruz County

Need a place to stay in Santa Cruz? Here are our picks for the best Santa Cruz hotels for romance. Featured photo: Courtesy of Chaminade

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