Whalefest Monterey

✨ The Lone Cypress at Pebble Beach stands as one of California’s most iconic symbols of endurance and beauty. Perched dramatically on a granite cliff overlooking the Pacific, this Monterey Cypress has weathered more than 250 years of wind, salt, and storms - a living testament to resilience.

Its silhouette against the ocean captures the spirit of the Central Coast: rugged, timeless, and quietly powerful. Whether you’re driving the 17‑Mile Drive or pausing to take in the view, the Lone Cypress reminds us how strength and grace can coexist, even in the harshest conditions.

It’s not just a tree — it’s a landmark of perseverance and natural artistry. 🌊🌲

Many years ago, visitors could walk out to the tree. These days it is protected, but you can still admire The Lone Cypress from a distance and take spectacular photos. This week was perfection for a photoshoot of this icon.



{📸Photos courtesy of N Asaro}

☀️ San Carlos Beach in Monterey last weekend captured the essence of a perfect coastal day — sunny breeze, calm waves, soft sand, and that endless blue horizon.

This photo shows the beach at its best: Locals and visitors scattered across the shore, soaking up the sun, chatting, or simply watching the sailboat drift peacefully in the distance.

It’s a favorite spot for divers exploring the kelp forests just offshore, but also for anyone who loves the simple rhythm of the ocean. The mix of golden sand, deep blue water, and bright sky makes it feel like Monterey’s own postcard moment - serene, inviting, and full of coastal charm. 🌊

Help protect our beaches and beautiful Monterey Bay.



{📸Photo courtesy of N Asaro}

Getting their sea legs! 

A message from Monterey Audubon: "There are three gull species that nest on rooftops around the Monterey region: Western Gulls are the most common in Monterey, while the Heermann's Gulls and California Gulls nest in large colonies exclusively in the City of Seaside. All of them are generally on the same timetable, with juveniles starting to appear on sidewalks and in the road this time of year (late June, July, and August).

Many people are distressed when they see flattened gulls in the road. And one of the simplest ways to reduce these tragedies is to slow down and remain cautious and vigilant whenever driving on roads in the downtown areas near buildings where gulls may be nesting. You're not likely to run over a pre-fledging Western Gull on Carmel Valley Road, but any urban areas near the coast are likely inhabited. Key spots are along Lighthouse Ave, Foam Street, Alvarado Street, Webster Street, and Hartnell Street in Monterey."

Friendly PSA: A quick reminder this isn’t unique to Monterey. Seagulls hatch all up and down the coast, and parents everywhere get extra protective. If you’re visiting any coastal town, keep an eye out and give these families a little room.

The chicks aren't ready to fly yet, so when you see them on the road, don't assume they will be able to get out of your way. Don't run them over.

Contact Monterey Audubon with any questions at [email protected].

If you see any injured bird or wild animal, please contact the SPCA of Monterey County at 831-264-5427 or visit their website at spca.org.



(📸 captured by N Asaro)

Happy Whale News: INCREDIBLE JOB to the Whale Entanglement Team W.E.T of Monterey Bay Marine Life Studies!! A humpback whale known as The Duchess of Anchovy is swimming free again in Monterey Bay. After weeks entangled in Dungeness crab gear, Marine Life Studies’ Whale Entanglement Team finally reached the whale on July 10 near Moss Landing. With teamwork, tough weather, and careful cuts to the embedded lines, responders freed the humpback the next morning — and it was soon spotted feeding, healthy and moving strong. A huge win for collaboration, science, and this resilient whale. 🌊💙🐋

Extra special shoutout to Peggy Stap and Stephanie Marcos for their incredible work, dedication to help our whale friends, and unwavering support for marine life in our stunning Monterey Bay and beyond - and for their incredible support for Whalefest Monterey. 🫶🏻

Learn more about the amazing work, research, and conservation by Monterey Bay Marine Life Studies or visit www.MarineLifeStudies.org.

Entangled humpback whale cut free from Dungeness crab gear in Monterey Bay A humpback whale nicknamed "The Duchess of Anchovy" was cut free from Dungeness crab gear in Monterey Bay after trailing ropes and buoys for weeks.

"The Fisherman", this detailed bronze statue depicts a Monterey fisherman hauling in a net of sardines as a tribute to the city’s storied fishing industry that once made Cannery Row famous.

The figure’s sturdy stance and weathered expression capture the resilience of the men who worked the bay during Monterey’s sardine boom in the early 20th century. The detailed net and fish symbolize the lifeblood of the community during its cannery era, when the docks were bustling with boats and workers.

Created by Jesse Corsaut, this sculpture was installed at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf in 2005 as a tribute to those who earned their living from the sea and to the families who supported them.

You’ll find this sculpture at the Monterey Old Fisherman's Wharf, part of a series of public artworks honoring the region’s maritime heritage.

It’s a powerful piece - both historical and deeply human - celebrating the people who built Monterey’s coastal identity.


{📸 N Asaro}

Great information from the Monterey Harbor Office and NOAA to help boaters protect our majestic Whale Friends. 🐋

Thank you, Monterey Harbor & NOAA. Learn more or sign up for Newsletters at:
🌐 https://monterey.gov/harbor
🌐 https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov

Game Time: Name This Location! Who's guessing first?

These beautiful bronze pelican sculptures are located somewhere in the Monterey area.

Fun walking around Monterey spotting the many marine-themed sculptures and artworks throughout the City of Monterey, celebrating the region’s coastal wildlife and fishing heritage, marine life, and our feathered friends.

📍....to follow

{🤳🏻 N Asaro}