Destination: Monterey

Rich in history and overloaded with scenery, California's Monterey Peninsula is one of the most magical places on earth for golfers and non-golfers alike. From the stunning cliffs of Pebble Beach to the quaint coffee shops of Carmel-by-the-Sea to the seaside lodging on Cannery Row, the Monterey Peninsula offers one of the most unique destinations in the world.

The city of Monterey once served as the capital of California, and it was the site of California's first theater, public library and printing press. The area has also been a hotbed for artists and authors, most notably, John Steinbeck who penned "Cannery Row," which is located in Monterey.

With several different microclimates, the area is perfect for growing grapes. Wine enthusiasts can find more than 30 tasting rooms along Cannery Row, Carmel-by-the-Sea or River Road to sample everything from the region's famous Pinot Noirs to Grenache.

Here you can attend the annual Monterey Jazz Festival or Monterey Bay Blues festival. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has been voted the best aquarium in the country. And the Peninsula is littered with an array of charming restaurants, quaint bread-and-breakfast spots as well as intimate hotels overlooking the water.

Of course, if it's golf you're after, you've come to the right spot. It starts with Pebble Beach Golf Links, the resort course that tops almost every golfer's "bucket list" with its sensational coastal views and deep tradition of tournaments. Close by are other fair options as well, such as Robert Trent Jones' Spyglass Hill and the Links at Spanish Bay (both of which also offer spectacular coastal scenery), Poppy Hills and Del Monte, the oldest continuous golf course west of the Mississippi River.

While the Pebble Beach's golf courses are generally on the expensive side (with the exception of Del Monte), the Peninsula does offer some bargains as well, perhaps none better than Pacific Grove Golf Links, the back nine of which bumps up against the ocean dunes and can played for less than $40 during the week.

The newly renovated Bayonet and Black Horse golf courses in Seaside are also reasonable, especially considering the all-bentgrass playing surfaces and newly opened up views of Monterey Bay. Visitors will also enjoy the perfect playing conditions of Quail Lodge and Carmel Valley Ranch in Carmel. And in Monterey, you can enjoy a local favorite, Laguna Seca Golf Club, which was designed jointly by Robert Trent Jones and RTJ Jr.