Breathtaking coastlines? Check. Rich heritage? Check. Lots of fun? Double check. Monterey is a little bit of everything, and maybe the best part is that nearly everything you’ll want to experience is outside, so you can take advantage of the spectacular location. 

Monterey is rich in history. Native Americans known as Rumsiens first settled the land. Spanish exploration of the area dates back to 1542 with the establishment of the San Carlos Cathedral by Father Junipero Serra in 1770. John Steinbeck frequented the city and drew inspiration from local landmarks such as the waterfront street Cannery Row to immortalize in his book Cannery Row. Monterey is also home to the oldest government building in the state, the Custom House.

Let’s start with the infamous Cannery Row. Tip number one: Leave your car behind because you’ll want to take your time as you experience the views of the coastline. Home to now-closed sardine canning factories, the street’s name was originally a nickname for Ocean View Avenue, and gained fame after Steinbeck’s novel. Today, it’s a tourist attraction that has a little bit of everything – from restaurants (some even in former cannery buildings) to water adventures. Paddle or kayak your way into the bay, where you’ll encounter marine life, or try your hand at cold water diving and discover what’s under the surface. 

Want something more low key, but still an undersea adventure? Go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, considered one of the best in the country. Its Ocean’s Edge Galleries is a three-story living kelp forest with views above and below the surface. You’ll come face-to-face with sea turtles, sharks, giant tuna and even jellyfish. For more information, visit www.montereybayaquarium.org.

There is a museum to honor the area’s rich artistic heritage – the Monterey Museum of Art. This museum boasts an extensive collection of early California paintings, contemporary art and photography in two historic settings. Significant collections include works by William Ritschel, Ansel Adams, Armin Hansen and Edward Westen. For more information, visit www.montereyart.org.

If it’s history you want, Monterey has a number of historic and literary sites. The Path of History is a two-mile self-guided tour of Old Monterey. Just follow the yellow tiles set in the sidewalk, and explore gardens, homes and other sites like the Cooper Molera House and the Larkin House. Visit the Robert Louis Stevenson House where the writer of Treasure Island lived, or visit the home of famed poet Robinson Jeffers. Who knows – maybe inspiration will strike you once you visit! 

One more must-do in Monterey is Old Fisherman’s Wharf with its wonderful collection of sights, sounds and smells! You can watch fishermen unload the catch of the day or enjoy a cup of hot clam chowder as you wander the wharf. Don’t be surprised if you spot sea lions and otters playing in the harbor waters – just don’t forget your camera. Or get up close on a glass bottom boat tour, whale watching tour or deep-sea fishing trip.

For more information on Monterey, visit www.seemonterey.com/monterey-california.

In Monterey, the possibilities are endless!