Monterey, California is an ocean-side city that is renowned for its seafood. From fresh oysters to sweet dungeness crab to fried sand dabs, the local catch is always a star. You can sample all this and more at Monterey’s countless restaurants and bistros.
Point Pinos Lighthouse
The Point Pinos Lighthouse was lit on February 1, 1855 and has been guiding ships on the Pacific coast of California ever since. It is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast and still contains its original lens. Today, you can tour the tower and learn more about its history.
The Point Pinos Lighthouse is located near Pacific Grove and is a great place to spend your vacation. The lighthouse can be seen from many parts of the town. It can be found a few blocks away or in close proximity to many other attractions. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway in Pacific Grove, or a family vacation, Point Pinos Lighthouse is sure to please.
The Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a fascinating part of California’s history and gives a unique perspective of life on the Monterey Peninsula a century ago. You can tour the lighthouse Monday through Friday between 1 PM and 4 PM. It was originally lit with whale oil but was converted to electricity in 1919. It was added to the National Historic Registry in 1977.
The Point Pinos Lighthouse is located at the northern end of the Monterey Peninsula and is the oldest lighthouse on the west coast. It was built in 1855 and is still in use today. Its beacon reaches 17 miles into the sea. It has a beautiful location and is surrounded by a golf course and ocean. You can easily drive up to the lighthouse with a car.
The lighthouse is accessible by car from Carmel. Visitors can also visit the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History to learn about the lighthouse’s history. There are docents who will help you learn more about the structure and its history.
Old Monterey Jail
One of the most interesting places to visit in Monterey is the Old Monterey Jail. This jail is reminiscent of the days when prisons were much smaller and less secure. Built in the early 1800s, the jail provides a fascinating insight into the lives of inmates and prison life in America. Visitors can view the jail log to learn about the nature of crimes committed in this early era.
Another historic attraction in Monterey is the Old Custom House, built in 1827 by the Mexican government to collect taxes from imported goods. This building is the oldest surviving government building in California and is designated a California Historical Landmark. It is free to visit and features exhibits on early Monterey’s history.
You can also visit the Old Whaling Station, a nationally registered historic site. It was once the home of the Wight family before they left for the gold fields in California. In 1855, the Old Whaling Station Company bought the building and transformed it into a museum. The building is a great venue for private events, and it offers insight into life in early 1800s California.
The Old Monterey Jail is another popular attraction in Monterey. While you’re there, you’ll get a chance to see the original safe and Boston’s desk. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase items that reflect the time period. It is operated by the Historic Garden League.
Monterey is a beautiful city on the central California coast. Its oceanside location makes it an ideal stopover for a family vacation. The city is home to several museums, beaches, and outdoor venues. But it’s perhaps most famous for its famous aquarium. It is the home of the world’s first kelp forest and is home to many sea otters.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a great place to go for nature lovers. This scenic coastal area is full of marine life, and you can enjoy hiking, scuba diving, and wildlife watching. The area also contains a whaling museum. There are also several hiking trails in the area.
A combination of rocky headlands, meadows, pine forests, and nutrient-rich waters can be found in this state natural reserve. While visiting the reserve, visitors are expected to respect the natural world and preserve it for future generations. This means staying on designated trails and not disturbing any animals or plants. This state park is about 3 miles south of Carmel-by-Sea, California.
The natural habitat at Point Lobos is home to numerous species of plants and animals, including kelp. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is home to the Monterey cypress, a type of kelp forest. In addition, visitors can observe whales off shore during certain parts of the year.
While Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is not accessible by car, it is crisscrossed with hiking trails. The trails provide beautiful ocean vistas and fascinating local flora and fauna. This small park is a great place to spend a day exploring the natural beauty of Monterey.
The Reserve is open year-round, but the summer months can be extremely busy. During these months, parking is very limited. Visitors should plan ahead to avoid parking in the traffic lanes. If possible, park your car on the shoulder of Highway 1 and walk in. If you arrive early, however, you might be able to drive in later in the day.
You can hike the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve on your own or join a guided nature walk. There are 16 hiking trails in total, each offering a different view of the surrounding area. It is recommended that you go slow and enjoy the scenery. The trails are steep and require some care.
Asilomar State Beach
Asilomar State Beach is officially known as Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds State Park. This natural coastal area provides access to dune habitat and rocky coast. The beach offers a wide variety of activities and is perfect for families. Visitors can also take advantage of the state park’s playground and other amenities.
This mile-long stretch of light sand is a favorite among locals on the Monterey Peninsula. The beach is dog-friendly, and features a pedestrian Coast Trail. The beach is also popular with surfers and has excellent tide pools. The beach is located just a short distance from Monterey and Pebble Beach. The beach is also easily accessible by sea car, which allows people to explore the natural coastal environment.
Asilomar State Beach is located near downtown Monterey. The beach can be reached by car by Highway One or Highway 68 West. From Highway One, take a left on Sunset Drive. Continue on Sunset Drive until you reach the beach. There are also e-bike tours available for visitors to explore the coastline. These tours usually include stops at the Point Pinos Lighthouse and Asilomar State Beach.
Along the beach, you’ll find the Asilomar Conference Grounds. The grounds were originally built as a summer camp for women in the late 19th century. The grounds still house 13 buildings designed by Julia Morgan. Morgan was also responsible for the design of Hearst Castle. The conference grounds also host many weddings.
The Asilomar Coast Trail leads north of the main beach and provides access to several pocket beaches. It’s accessible, and wheelchairs and beach walkers are available for use on the trail. While there are no restrooms at Asilomar State Beach, there are several facilities located at Asilomar Conference Grounds across the road.
Del Monte Beach
The Del Monte Beach neighborhood is located between two sections of Monterey State Beach, about five minutes away from the Ramada Monterey Hotel. This city-managed beach is a favorite among residents, tourists, and locals. The beach offers relatively little in the way of waves and is a great place for families. The nearby downtown area offers many restaurants and shops.
The shallow water surrounding Del Monte Beach is characterized by extensive beds of sand dollars and fields of eelgrass. However, there is also a large shale reef about 200 yards offshore. This area is impacted by boring clams, which rip away the reef and burrows, changing the nature of the ecosystem. The abandoned burrows, however, provide a haven for other critters.
The largest beach in the area, Monterey State Beach shares the waterfront with the Monterey Bay Waterfront Park and Monterey Bay Recreational Trail. The sand here is incredibly soft, making it ideal for kids. It also features picnic tables and barbecue pits and sand volleyball courts. You can also rent a kayak at the beach. Parking is available in a nearby paid lot.
The beach is easy to access from the downtown area and offers views of the bay. If you’re looking for a beach hotel that offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi, try the Holiday Inn Express Cannery Row, a convenient location near many of the city’s attractions.
