Monterey Vacation Preview: See it now with a Photo Tour
Why Should You Vacation in Monterey?
If you're planning a Monterey vacation, of the three towns on the peninsula, Monterey is the least pretentious, a former cannery town with a relaxed ambience.- The casual atmosphere is great for the whole family.
- The popular aquarium is the center of many Monterey vacations.
- History-lovers will enjoy the Historic Park, center of one of the oldest European settlements in California.
- Animal-lovers can go on whale watching cruises or stay on shore to view the sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions that hang out in the kelp beds.
What do you think of Monterey and Carmel as a vacation destination?
See what other visitors think about Monterey and Carmel
Things to Do in Monterey
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the town's most popular attraction. Read about the best things to do in Monterey or browse a list of everything it has to offer.Where to Stay on Your Monterey Vacation
You'll find plenty of hotel options for your Monterey vacation. Hotels that have rooms facing the bay include the Monterey Beach Hotel in Seaside and the Monterey Bay Inn, Monterey Plaza and Spindrift Inn.Where to Eat on Your Monterey Vacation
You'll find plenty of places to eat on your Monterey vacation, and some nice places for oceanfront dining. Use our guide to where to eat in Monterey to help find the best places to go.Events for Your Monterey Vacation
Two of town's biggest events are September's Jazz Festival and the Blues Festival held in June. The city also hosts a First Night (New Year's Eve) celebration and a nice Fourth of July fireworks display.Best Time to Take a Monterey Vacation
Californians know that summer isn't always our best beach season, but in case you're planning a Monterey vacation from somewhere else, we'll let you in on our dirty little secret: The California coast is prone to "June gloom," when the offshore marine fog layer stays on shore all day long. The condition often extends into July. However, because of its geography, Monterey suffers from gloomy days much less than neighboring Pacific Grove and Carmel, making it the best choice of the three for summer visits.The best time for a Monterey vacation, weather-wise is Spring or Fall, when skies are clearer and crowds smaller.
Side Trips and Nearby Towns
- Monterey: Former sardine-canning town, scene of John Steinbeck's Cannery Row. Sitting on the south edge of the Monterey Bay with scenic views, shopping and the famous aquarium, Monterey has a rumpled, live-in look and feel.
- Carmel: A charming, small town, filled with art galleries, upscale shops and architecture that looks like it came out of a fairy tale. Home to one of California's oldest missions.
- Pacific Grove: Less well-known than its neighbors, with beautiful coastal scenery to rival the famous 17-Mile-Drive, an affordable golf course with views similar to those in Pebble Beach and a scenic lighthouse.
- Carmel Valley: Inland valley with wineries, golf courses, and the cute town of Carmel Valley.
- Big Sur: Some of the state's most beautiful coastal vistas and prettiest beaches.
Parking
Parking can be scarce on a busy day. Near Fisherman's Wharf you can find an hourly lot and metered spaces. There are also paid lots near Cannery Row, or try your luck on the street (be sure to obey the signs, parking laws are strictly enforced). If you're going to be in town for four hours or so, the cost of the parking lots and the meters is almost the same. Look for the free brochure "Smart Parking" (available in brochure racks) to get tips for finding a legal parking place.During the busier months, a free trolley service runs from the downtown transit center, Conference Center and Fisherman's Wharf to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and back, making it easy to park in one place and use it instead of running around looking for parking places.
Where to "Go"
Finding a restroom when you need one in a tourist area is often a challenge, but you can find plenty of places to "go" if you know where to look. Some of them include- Fisherman's Wharf (near the end)
- On the jetty near the Coast Guard Station
- Along the path between Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row (just past the Coast Guard Station)
- At the aquarium, off the passageway labeled Member and Group Entrance. Open during aquarium hours.
- Wave Street between Hoffman and Prescott
