Monterey Travel Guide

Much of what is iconic about California can be discovered in the coastal city Monterey. With historic buildings, beautiful rugged coastline, and impressive literary heritage (John Steinbeck set many novels here), Monterey is packed with culture and natural beauty.

Things to Do in Monterey

Must-see attractions in Monterey include the world-famous Monterey Aquarium. Here, visitors can enjoy everything from jelly fish to kelp to sardines and sea turtles. The Monterey Museum of Art is another great landmark to soak up some culture, or simply enjoy the Californian weather and walk the Path of History to get a feel for what life was like when Monterey was the state capital. For more interesting buildings, take a stroll around Monterey State Historic Park. Once you've worked up an appetite, go to Cannery Row -- an old sardine canning factory now filled with boutique shops and restaurants. Don't forget to eat artichokes and fresh seafood, two of the city's most prized dishes.

Nature lovers should make their way to Monterey's coastline, whihc is home to sea otters, seals, and sea lions, all commonly seen basking on the rocks on the peninsula and at Fisherman's Wharf. There have even been claims of whale-sightings as they pass through during migration.

Back on land, hikers will love the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, while families will enjoy the beaches and glorious fresh air. Don't miss the Dennis the Menace playground, sailing and kayaking in the bay, or whale watching boat tour either.

Best Time to Visit Monterey

Combine your visit with a festival, like the Artichoke Festival in May or the Monterey Jazz Festival in September.

A Local's Guide to Monterey

Monterey is a stunning destination on the Californian coast, sitting on the edge of Monterey Bay, where locals and visitors alike enjoy relaxing, exploring and watching the world go by. Due to the many attractions and vast number of things to do in the area, Monterey vacation rentals are plentiful, and the hardest decision will be choosing where to stay. The choices are as varied as the Monterey Country landscape, from famous beachfront resorts to historic mansions which have been lovingly restored and turned into bed and breakfasts. There are charming town inns and luxurious spas -- the options are endless, with something to suit any budget or need.

The festival and events calendar of Monterey is unrivalled anywhere else on the West Coast of America, so visitors are always likely to find something going on in town. One of the most iconic attractions is the Monterey Bay aquarium, which is world-famous for its dedication to marine research and conservation. It has a huge number of interactive exhibits and presents life under the waves at a truly grand scale. The building used to be a sardine cannery, located in Cannery Row, and represents over 550 types of creature.

Almost as well-known is Fisherman’s Wharf, a historic wharf which was previously used as a wholesale fish market. Today, it has become a popular tourist attraction, lined with seafood restaurants, from casual open air clam bars to formal dining with ocean views.

Whale watching is another great attraction to the area, as California is one of the only places in the world where whales can be seen all year round. Whales can sometimes even be seen by the naked eye just off of the shore in Monterey, as the Monterey Submarine Canyon provides the perfect habitat for many whale species.

For those interested in John Steinbeck, the National Steinbeck Center is dedicated to his creative legacy, and is intended to inspire and educate those that visit.

Beautiful beaches include Carmel Beach, which is known for its excellent dog walking conditions and good surf. It holds an annual sandcastle-building contest every year, and the sunsets are breathtaking. Pebble Beach is home to the legendary Lone Cypress, which is one of the most photographed trees in America, as well as the Pebble Beach Golf Links, one of the best golf courses in the state. Monterey vacation rentals near Del Monte Beach are likely to have ocean views and are an ideal place to wake up in the morning.

There are many vacation homes in and around the rolling hills and vineyards of Camel Valley, perfect for those looking for vacation rentals in the country, and within walking distance to the nearest wine-tasting rooms, of which there are many! A day trip to Pacific Grove is another way to see the stunning scenery of Monterey. For bikers who are looking to explore the area, the Monterey Peninsula Recreation trail is the place to start, which has picturesque views along the coastline.

Most people choose to visit the city in the summer months due to the warmer weather, but this is also when the area is most crowded. Therefore, some people prefer to visit in the spring or fall.