When you visit the Monterey Bay and stay in cities — Carmel, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Sand City and Monterey, don’t expect fog, but don’t be surprised if it creeps around. Do expect deer–they love the region and especially like to hang out and munch on grasses at Pacific Grove’s Asilomar Beach.

For a deer experience, there are a number of hotels and resorts that nearly guarantee you’ll see these animals. They’re wild animals and should be left along, but you can use your camera to take memories home with you (this photo was shot right out my car window a few feet away from the graceful creature.)

Monterey Bay Hotels where you’ll usually see deer:

• Carmel Valley – Carmel Valley Ranch Resort
• Lighthouse Avenue – Lighthouse Lodge, Inn at 213 Seventeen Mile Drive, Clarion Collection Pacific Grove, Butterfly Grove Inn, Anton Inn, Sea Breeze Lodge, Monarch Resort and Sunset Inn
• Asilomar Beach — Asilomar Conference Grounds, Rosedale Inn, Deer Haven Inn & Suites and Howard Johnson Inn & Suites
• Pacifc Grove — Pacific Grove Inn, Lover’s Point Inn