They have moved their office closer towards Downtown. Jennifer was amazing and set me up for…read moreinteresting places to explore in the surrounding area. I definitely recommend stopping by to get the vast amount of brochures available.

Having been born and raised in the area, it really wasn't necessary for us to stop here but it was…read morea nice rest stop to determine what we were going to do for the remainder of the day in Monterey. The lake nearby is called Lake El Estero, and is surrounded by El Estero Park. Located within the park is the famous Dennis the Menace park. El Estero Boating is located on the shore of the lake opposite Dennis the Menace Park and is where you can rent a paddle boat. What's nice is from the visitors center you can see both the paddle boat area and the Dennis the Menace Park so you can easily map out, and plan your day. With so much to see and do in Monterey I can see why at times it could be overwhelming to a person visiting the area. So this place is designed for a visitor who just doesn't know where to start. We did not go inside the building but I enjoyed the scenery behind the building. The Monterey County Visitors Bureau provides you with all the information you need about visiting the Monterey Peninsula. They have information on individual attractions, hotels, and restaurants. I heard they sometimes have coupons available too. The staff is there to provide guidance and give directions to locations throughout Monterey County. They are open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. They are closed on major Holidays such as Thanksgiving, December 25, January 1 and Easter Sunday. I can see how a family can easily spend a pleasant day at the park surrounding Lake El Estero. There were plenty of geese, seagulls, and ducks swimming around in harmony. We were only there a short while but there is a walking path that goes entirely around the lake. Along the walking path there is a unique exercise course with equipment and instructions. Plenty of benches and grass to have a little picnic. Just be aware that the birds can be a bit aggressive and I believe you are not permitted to feed them by law. There is a dog park and I believe there is also a skate park for skateboarders. Dennis the Menace park has always been a favorite with the kids with their one-of-a-kind fun playground equipment. Admission is free however the paddle boating rentals do have a fee. The last time I checked you can rent a paddle boat for a half an hour or an hour. In conclusion, if you are a visitor of the Monterey Peninsula, and are not sure where to go, this is the perfect place for you!

The Pilot Travel Center in Salinas is often one of our stops as Dear Hubby and I traverse up and…read moredown Highway 101. It's kept clean, the gas is fairly priced compared to competitors, and the cashiers are usually friendly. They keep making improvements - subtle and otherwise - to their food / beverage area to the left as you enter the shop. It's like a mini-mart on steroids as far as the options that are available in the organized aisles. The also have just about every kind of beverage you can imagine. Their snack and quick meal choices are where they keep making changes and improvements. One highlight is that they seem to stock every kind of condiment one might want, whether it's flavored creamers for the coffee, or toppings for hot dogs. It seems like someone put a lot of thought into offering choices that people actually like and use at home, instead of cheaping out with generic and minimal offerings. The restrooms get a lot of use, but are usually well stocked with essentials and kept as clean as possible. The center is shared by passenger vehicles and big rig trucks, but it's laid out in such a way that they don't intersect and get in each other's way. This seems to be a well-run establishment.

This review is only for the Cinnabon counter at the Pilot Travel Center…read more Stopped in the PTC for gas, and the Cinnabon buns aromatic scent stimulated my olfactory senses. The Cinnabon branded buns and rolls are freshly made onsite. The staff was very friendly. There are several tasty options available. They offer a four-pack of minis, full size cinnamon rolls, to cups of Cinnabons laced with white icing, caramel or both. Quite delicious.

Adorable little country store right off Highway 1! Nice wine selection and thank goodness they are…read moretaking masking seriously during the pandemic. Great place to stop and get supplies during a roadtrip. Please support this small business!

Place blows went in bought a 12 pack and 2 Yerba mates, eggs, and some ice and it cost $75. Asked…read morethe guy for a refund and he said he couldn't refund it.

December 7, 2025 - Turlock, CA…read more "I can't comment on the restroom facilities since I didn't use them, but the pet area was nice. It's a well-maintained space with a combination of grass and bark, plus a few trees. The area felt clean, safe, and convenient, and it was a great spot to let our dog stretch her legs. Always appreciate when a stop puts real effort into their pet facilities."

Clean restrooms. Easy off and on the freeway. Doggie area. Lots of parking for both passenger…read morevehicles and big trucks.

Great facilities and service The beds are very comfortable…read moreClean rooms Good food and drinks

For the restaurant: The food was incredibly bland and overpriced. We ordered a (very dry)…read moreunseasoned chicken sandwich, another unseasoned beef burger, and pasta. We requested a little parmesan for the pasta and they told us it'd be $6... Then after paying, the waiter shoved the tip screen in my face, which surprised me because it was not my credit card, but my dads. He took my surprise as hesitation to tip so made an annoyed face. It was super uncomfortable and forceful but whatever still tipped 20%. I hope they train their staff better. Maybe consider not charging for every little thing. Sitting out in the chairs, almost made up for how underwhelming and weird it was in there

This is a gas station and a convenient store called Love 's Travel Stop z…read more It has gas stations, Arby's for food and Love 's store for all your travel needed . Enclosed are photos of their gifts section . Many leather handbags, wallets and key rings . The wild animals gift figures are very nice . I like the wolf , buffalo and skeletons of the wild animals . The leather purses are Mexican Indian designs and nicely made. There is a huge mobile shop inside for your car . Very nice shops .

Hit up the Love's off the highway in Patterson, CA - solid stop overall. Bathrooms? Way cleaner…read morethan expected, which matters way more than you'd think while driving endless miles. Shop had plenty of what you need, neatly laid out, like someone actually pays attention around here. Lot size feels tight compared to bigger rest spots nearby. Folks still camped at fuel pumps during their half-hour break - same old story What really caught my attention? The crew here - they're super kind, totally down-to-earth. They said hello right away, offered help without waiting to be asked, yet never seemed irritated or in a hurry, which is rare at roadside spots. All things considered, this spot felt relaxed, simple to pull into and leave, somewhere I'd happily visit once more. Without doubt, among the top-tier Love's I've seen

This is a lame joke, not a rest stop. Keep driving on the 5N to the John Chuck rest area. Peace!read more

Well maintained rest area. Clean, ample parking, toilet paper, soap and hot air dryers. No litter…read moreon the ground either. Appreciate this little stop!

There's a CHP station at this location. In case anyone is wondering if it's safe here. It is very…read morewell patrolled. (: Ironically the mens restrooms had one with working amenities but no soap. The other ones had working amenities, soap, and no hand dryers. Ironic if you ask me. Lol Safe travels everyone.

It's a beautiful spot. No doubt the entire highway 280 is. And the rest stop itself looks OK but…read morethere's really nothing here. They don't have any sodas anymore or any snacks. Maybe they just wasn't business for that. That's fine. But the bathrooms. I've been coming here for years when I'm driving by and need to use the bathroom and stuff is out of order for months and months and even years either a faucet doesn't work. One of the urinals now is out of order and has been for months. The hand dryers don't work and when they don't work, it will be a year or two. Maintenance is pretty bad.

This is our second visit in an ocean view room, and the experience was just as stellar as the…read morefirst. The views are magical, the room is perfect and the beds and pillows are like clouds. We enjoyed their rooftop spa overlooking the bay- next level. The entrance to the hotel opens up to a beautiful first floor with ocean view, large fireplace, sofas and seating areas, and a small bar. The hotel offers a nightly happy hour and musical performances. During our visit we had the pleasure to discover a highly talented artist by the name of Adrea, who has the most incredible voice and presence. We were so impressed by her and were very fortunate that she performed both nights of our visit. It was a performance we would have gladly paid to see, she is a rising talent for sure. I can't state how exceptional our experience was to enjoy the music in such an elevated atmosphere, relaxing by the fire, enjoying the outstanding craft cocktails by their highly talented mixologist. Schooners is not to be missed, the food is as outstanding as the ocean view! A special mention to the superior customer care provided by Pracha, a guest service manager at the hotel, who is an absolute star. And yes, the long review is a love letter to the Monterey Plaza Hotel, until next time!

The room charges are astronomical . We've stayed here…read moreseveral times and now it has become ridiculous . Prices quoted do not include taxes fees etc. Make sure you get total charges on your stay or you will be disappointed. Our total charges were 20% more than room rates.