Ocean View Boulevard 1

Monterey, the jewel of California's rocky coastline, is located on Monterey Bay 115 mi (185 km ) south of San Francisco and 350 mi (536 km) north of Los Angeles. Ringed by a segment of California's State Route 1, this semicircle bay also connects beautiful Santa Cruz at its north end. Being home to a number of marine mammals, pleasing natural aesthetics and over 300 lodging facilities, Monterey has easily been able to establish itself as one of California's most sought after tourist destinations.

Only 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from the Carmel/ Monterey Peninsula Airport and 52.1 mi (83.8 km) from the San Jose International Airport on Fred Kane Drive, Monterey features mild temperatures year round, with an average summer of 59.5 ° F (15.2 ° C) and warm 'Indian Summer' falls at 50 ° F (10 ° C). Guests will love the many coastal trails that work their way across the Pacific shore. Following the gentle curves of the coastline, the Monterey Bay Coast Trail will wind visitors from Windswept Asilomar Beach to the commercial bustle of Monterey's historic Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf. As the trail crosses through the Victorian styled village of Pacific Grove, guests will find interesting restaurants, beach access and kayaks to rent at lover's point.

	Monterey Bay Aqarium 1

Convenient Harbormaster's Daily Parking Permits are available to the public at the Harbormaster's office for $8.00 per day for a single space and $12.00 per day for a double space pull through. These permits are valid in the East Waterfront lot, which is just walking distance from all the major Monterey attractions. After 9:00 a.m. pull through spaces become open metered parking and are available to vehicles with Harbormaster's Daily Parking Permits. With great parking rates, visitors are free to leave their vehicles behind while strolling Cannery Row or getting lost in the buzz of downtown, taking in the sights of the elephant seals and the migrating whales or just simply relaxing on the beach.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Fisherman's Wharf is a historic wharf that was once used as an active wholesale fish market in the 1960s, now that commercial fishing has tapered off the area has become a popular tourist attraction. Lined with an array of seafood restaurants that range from open-air clam bars to formal dining, this strip offers both tourists and locals a fine taste of California cuisine. Being one of the few areas in Monterey that sells souvenirs each of the restaurants are interspersed with gift shops, jewelry stores, art galleries and candy shops for customer convenience. Seasonal whale watching tours and fishing trips also leave from Fisherman's Wharf.

Shops Down Cannery Row 1

Cannery Row is a water front street in the New Monterey section, a site for a number of now-defunct sardine canning factories that failed after the collapse of the fishing industry in the 1950s. Before the collapse, Monterey was of the top locations for fish canning due to the cold, nutrient rich water that is brought up from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean by the Monterey Canyon. Cannery Row is also the setting of John Steinbeck's novels, Sweet Thursday and Cannery Row, which were both the basis for the 1982 movie Cannery Row starring Nick Nolte and Debra Winger. Although the canneries have long been out of business, this street is still popular among sports fishermen due to the extensive public fishing facilities such as sinks, counters, ice machines and docking available. With a number of rental and equipment shops conveniently located, scuba diving has also become a popular activity at Cannery Row.

	Jelly Fish at Monterey Bay Aquarium 1

At the north end of Cannery Row is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, located in one of the former sardine canneries, this attraction is one of the largest and most respected aquariums in the world. As well the facility's annual attendance of 1.8 million makes it one of the most popular attractions in California. Guests will marvel at more than 35,000 plants and animals in an interactive and educational setting, where learning and experiencing the many different species calling the aquarium home, is a phenomenal experience for anyone interested in viewing the magnificent creatures of the marine.

TIME FOR BED

Downtown Monterey is dominated by the tourist crush surrounding Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf. The night clubs downtown and on Cannery Row offer live music, comedy and dancing as well the movie theaters and bowling allies are great entertainment venues. Guests can also rack up at pool tables located in some of the local bars and eateries if billiards are preferred. In addition to the sights and sounds downtown also offers a number of accommodations like the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, Holiday Inn Express, Hyatt Regency, the Monterey Days Inn and the downtown Travelodge. All of these deluxe accommodations offer guests a comfortable retreat for when the day is finished.

Deluxe Hotel Room in Monterey 1

When visitors distance themselves from the Row they soon discover that Monterey is a pleasant seaside community, replete with striking vistas, historic architecture and monuments, impressive Victorians and a number of quality lodgings and restaurants. Vision Quest Safari Bed & Breakfast is a great hot spot for anyone looking for a new outdoor experience. Trained professionals working with birds and small animals used in film are right on the location where guests are welcome to enjoy a wild night of exploring and tenting, with hot breakfast served every morning. As well the Old Monterey Inn is a nice getaway offering guests their own private cottages.

Guests can also consider the Carmel Valley accommodations, they're only 15 min away from Monterey and the rates are much cheaper. Hide away at Carmel Valley Ranch's secluded Carmel Valley locale or relish in a bit of celebrity glamor at historic properties like Carmel's Bernardus Lodge Carmel Valley. These romantic locations are away from distractions but keep the action on Calle Principal, Cannery Row and Alvarado Street in Monterey within reach, if so be it.