Monterey Beach Dive

Do you dream of a life aquatic? Fancy yourself the next Steve Zissou or Jacques Cousteau? Then grab your camera and head to Monterey for the 26th Annual California Beach Dive Photo Competition. Presented by the Northern California Underwater Photographic Society, the event, held every spring, is a one-day competition where all photos must be taken from beach dives along the Monterey coastline. This year's competition takes place Memorial Day weekend, May 26 & 27. The competition starts on Saturday when participants spend the day shooting images of all things beachy. Winners are selected on Sunday and prizes include dive trips along with dive and photo gear. The entry fee is only $60 before May 18 ($70 after) and includes film, processing, a t-shirt and a dinner and show held for all participants Saturday evening. Sounds like the perfect way to spend a holiday weekend.

Book a room at the Carmel Mission Inn and spend the long weekend basking in the coastal sunshine and finding inspiration in the awe-inspiring sea life. If last year's winner (pictured above) doesn't get you pumped, I don't know what will!