Monterey, California Overview

Monterey is a waterfront destination on the central coast of California. With its year-round temperate climate, Monterey offers kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, whale watching and beach-going. Land-based adventures include golfing, shopping, and driving the spectacular coastline to Big Sur.

Monterey is home to the must-see, world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. This attraction delights and educates millions of visitors every year. Step outside the Aquarium and you're on Cannery Row; John Steinbeck's inspiration for his novel about life in Monterey during the heyday of the sardine canning industry. Today "the Row" is lined with shops, restaurants hotels and features activities for the entire family.

From Cannery Row, you can walk or ride a rented surrey along the scenic Recreation Trail to Fisherman's Wharf. Along the way, you'll see harbor seals, sea otters and pelicans in natural habitats on the dazzling waterfront of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.