If you’re planning a visit to Monterey, California, there are many things to do. If you’re in the mood for history, you should visit the Monterey State Historic Park. This park features many historic buildings and homes that date back to the early nineteenth century. You can also enjoy the beaches and museums in the area.
Cannery Row
The waterfront streets of Pacific Grove and New Monterey are home to Cannery Row. Until 1973, this area was home to sardine canning factories. Today, these canneries are not in operation. However, this section of Monterey is still a popular place to go for a stroll.
While on Cannery Row, you should stick to the left side of the road to stay safe. However, keep an eye out for the circular driveway ahead, as the former warehouse of the Hovden Cannery is now home to the offices of Monterey Bay Aquarium. The old brothel, La Ida’s, is now Austino’s Patisserie.
There are plenty of other things to do in Cannery Row, including shopping at the tourist-centric shops and galleries. There are also restaurants and fun family activities. If you want to go beyond shopping, don’t miss out on a visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The Sea Pride Packing Corporation was a large Japanese-American company that produced sardines and abalone. In addition to this, the company produced tuna, mackerel, and filleted sardines. However, after World War II, sardines had largely disappeared from the bay, causing economic catastrophe on Cannery Row. But, in 1968, a small business called Sardine Factory Restaurant opened on Cannery Row and transformed the area into a thriving waterfront.
A plaque on the side of the Villas building on Cannery Row tells the history of the area. On the other side, a large lawn space overlooks the Monterey Bay, while the Monterey Bay Sanctuary is directly in front of you. There is ten to thirty feet of visibility in the water at this site, which attracts divers from all over the world. The water temperature is 50-60 degrees, making it a perfect dive spot.
Coastal Recreation Trail
The Coastal Recreation Trail is part of Northern California’s trail system, and is an ideal place to walk, bike, or run. This trail is suitable for people of all skill levels, including beginners. It is not dog-friendly, and some segments are close to the ocean, so be aware of the potential for waves.
During the spring and summer months, the trail draws up to 2,000 visitors daily. The City of Monterey’s updated parks and recreation master plan outlines plans to widen the trail in busiest spots. Approximately 70 percent of Monterey residents use the trail at least once per week.
The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail stretches over 18 miles of coastline, from Pacific Grove to Castroville. It is a paved two-lane path that follows the shoreline. Free trolley service makes it easy to get on and off the trail. The trail also runs through Monterey State Beach, which boasts a magnificent eucalyptus forest and sand dunes.
Measure D is committed to dedicating $17 million in sales tax revenue to trail construction and management. In addition, Congressman Sam Farr secured millions in federal funds to help build the trail. Once the grant is approved, construction will begin.
Beaches
From small gems to expansive vistas, the beaches in Monterey, California, provide a wealth of ocean recreation. Visitors can partake in activities like surfing, kayaking, and diving. Beachcombers love the area’s many shells and rare sea glass. If you’re looking to take your next beach vacation a step further, you can even take a guided tour!
For a more peaceful beach trip, take your family to one of Monterey’s beaches. Hidden Beach, located near the Aquarium, offers a quiet, shallow bay. Be aware that the water here is chilly in the afternoon, and it’s best to visit during low tide.
While you’re in Monterey, you may want to check out Lovers Point Beach, which is located near the town of Pacific Grove. This small beach is a perfect place to take a romantic stroll with your significant other. In the spring, the beach is filled with newborn harbor seals. The west end of the beach is where you’ll find the Fanshell Overlook. This scenic overlook offers excellent views of harbor seals.
Point Lobos, just south of Monterey, is a gorgeous beach with breathtaking views. It has a one-mile nature trail and is dog-friendly. The area is popular for whale watching and is home to the state’s largest Monterey Cypress tree. There are eight distinct beaches in Point Lobos, but the most famous ones are China Cove, Headland Cove, and Gibson Beach.
Museums
Monterey, California has a number of museums and art galleries to visit. You can tour the Monterey Museum of Art, which is home to over 50,000 works of art, including original paintings, photographs, and documents. The museum focuses on Californian art and the history of the region. It also houses a reference library. The museum is open on weekends from 10 am to 4 pm.
If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Stevenson House, the former home of famed author Robert Louis Stevenson. The building is a historic landmark that is well-preserved. Its exhibitions and knick-knacks tell the story of the city’s history.
The museum’s collection of paintings and sculptures spans the centuries. The collection also includes works by E. Charlton Fortune, Raymond Dabb Yelland, and Evelyn McCormick. There are also works of contemporary art on display. This museum features the work of many Bay Area artists. Ansel Adams, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali are among the famous photographers whose works are in the museum’s collection.
The Monterey Museum of History includes a multimedia exhibit on the history of the region. The building’s basement is modeled after a scene from a Robert Louis Stevenson novel. Musical notes accompany the footsteps of visitors as they walk through the galleries. It also features a talking dummy that portrays a bearded man with animated eyeballs. Visiting the museum is a fun way to get a sense of life in Monterey during the early twentieth century.
Shopping
Monterey’s downtown is an eclectic blend of restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and entertainment options. The quaint downtown landscape blends images of the town’s past with modern-day charm. You can stroll along the same streets that great historical figures once walked. And you can shop for local art, craft beers, and unique gifts at shops that serve as local community hubs.
Located on Cannery Row, Monterey’s shopping district has 80 vendors offering everything from souvenirs and clothing to art and artisan goods. Many of these shops offer name brand products as well as unique wares. The area is ideal for families, as there is something for everyone.
If you’re visiting Monterey, California for the first time, there’s plenty of shopping to do. You can visit the Old Monterey Business Association, a nonprofit organization devoted to the economic vitality of the historic district. The association produces a monthly listing of commercial spaces, produces a restaurant guide, and produces the Path of History brochure, which guides visitors through the city’s colorful history.
One of the most unique shopping experiences in Monterey is a visit to the American Tin Cannery, which is housed in a historic building built in 1927. The museum showcases original etchings, lithographs, and rare sculptures. The exhibit’s collection is the largest private collection of Dali’s work on the West Coast. The artist and his wife Gala spent eight years in Monterey from 1940 to 1948, during which time he resisted modernism in favor of traditional artistic traditions.
Wineries
Monterey, California is a popular wine region. The region has an ideal microclimate for growing grapes. This microclimate infuses the grapes with a distinct flavor. This region is also home to whale watching and other popular activities. Wineries in Monterey, California, range from small and cozy tasting rooms to expansive estates.
Winemaking in Monterey, California is centered on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These varieties are grown in vineyards scattered throughout the region. The region also boasts several burgeoning wineries and restaurants, as well as a booming beer and spirits scene. There are more than 20 wineries in the area. All are well worth a visit. Whether you want to sample a wine, or indulge in an exquisite meal, you’re sure to find something in the region that suits your tastes.
Wineries in Monterey, California boast over 150 vineyards. The cool climate of the region makes it ideal for growing varieties such as Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay. Wineries in Monterey also feature events to celebrate the region’s unique flavors. Wine tasting events are a great way to sample some of the wines.
The Wine Experience in Monterey offers a chance to sample Monterey County wines, while small bites provide a fun break from the wine tasting. The Wine Experience prides itself on giving visitors a real glimpse into the winemaking process. Visitors can even participate in a hands-on blending session. They can create their own unique blend of wine!
