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Monterey (California)
Table of Contents: Culture and History / Travel to Monterey (California), visa requirements By Car By Train By Air / Get around / Monterey (California) attractions and sightseeing / City tours / Shopping, Monterey (California) souvenirs / Good restaurants and cheap meals / Monterey (California) nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs. / Hotels, youth hostels, lodging / Get out More from Monterey Bay: Monterey (California) culture Popular destinations Istanbul (Marmara region ) tourist attractions, Barcelona (Catalonia) souvenirs, Rome (Lazio) hotels and youth hostels, Singapore (Southeast Asia) travel tours, South Africa (Southern Africa) tourist attractions, Western Europe (Europe) souvenirs, United Kingdom (Western Europe) souvenirs, Europe (Home) tourist attractions, Vancouver (Greater Vancouver) souvenirs, Morocco (North Africa) culture |
Monterey is a town in the Monterey Bay area of California.
Culture and History
Monterey was established in 1770 by Father Junipero Serra. During its long history it has been notable for numerous things, including having been the state capital of California for a brief period. Today it is most commonly known for having been the setting for many of John Steinbeck's novels including Cannery Row and Tortilla Flat. Monterey is one of the more beautiful coastal cities of California and can make for a great two day trip for those visiting San Francisco or a weekend getaway for California natives. An old Mission, historic literature, a beautiful coast line and lots of wildlife await you (and not too many tourists)
Rugged terrain and vicious Pacific currents made much of the California coast virtually unexplorable to European ships. After a disastrous attempt to explore this new territory by sea, Spanish missionaries in Mexico launched a series of overland expeditions from San Diego. Monterey soon became a Spanish military base with a small fort or "presidio" located near a calm harbor that could provide shelter to supply ships. The military presence eventually gave way to a thriving commercial trade that brought in many enterprising foreign merchants.
Once Mexico gained its independence from Spain, Monterey became the capital of Alta California under Mexican rule. From this era come many classic stories of flirtation, fashion, and politics in the Mexican colonial era. Lands once owned by the government began to come into private hands, and local families began to consolidate their property and power into business enterprises based on the ranches or "ranchos," where they raised cattle or invented the famous Monterey Jack cheese.
Monterey soon fell under American power and remained the capital of the territory. A delegation of writers drafted the constitution which marked the entrance of the State of California into the United States of America. This era saw the mass northward migration of ambitious people in search of gold, which led to a near desertion of the town. Monterey soon recovered, however, and today is known for its magnificent natural beauty, world famous Aquarium, and temperate year-round climate.
For a wonderful account of Monterey's history, check out "Monterey County: The Dramatic Story of Its Past," written by a local author.
Travel to Monterey (California), visa requirements
By Car
Monterey is located on State Highway 1, which meanders slowly along the coast. It's not far from US 101.
- From the North, take US 101 south to Prunedale. At Prunedale go west 5 miles west on State Highway 156 until it merges onto southbound Highway 1. Then 15 miles along Highway 1 to Monterey. If you are heading to Cannery Row or the Aquarium, look for a brown sign which which will advise you about which exit to take. If Highway 1 ceases to be a freeway, you've gone past Monterey.
- From San Francisco, if you have a lot of time to spend, you could consider travelling south along the coast on State Route 1. It's a slow road until you get to Santa Cruz, but the views are fantastic.
- From the South, take US 101 north to Salinas, then State Route 68 west to Monterey.
- Warning: from the Bay Area internet map sites, mapping software, and GPS systems will advise you to take State Route 17 to Santa Cruz and then take State Route 1 south. Under no circumstances should you follow this advice. State Route 17 through the Santa Cruz mountains is highly congested with insane drivers, filled with blind curves and corners you are expected to take at high speed, and is often blocked with accidents. Try to convince your mapping system to route you through Gilroy in order to get the right route. Even though highway 101 takes you out of the way, it is often faster than State Route 17.
By Train
Amtrak's Coast Starlight passes through nearby Salinas. Amtrak runs a bus service from the station to the major hotels of Monterey.
By Air
The recently reorganized Monterey Peninsula Airport offers regular flights to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. From the airport a short drive will take you west along Highway 68 and onto southbound Highway 1, where the two right lanes lead straight downtown.
Get around
- Lighthouse Ave, Ocean View Blvd and Sunset Dr. - These roads will take you from Fisherman's Wharf to Cannery Row out past Lover's Point around the peninsula towards Pebble Beach and Carmel. You'll be able to see some of the nicest architecture, a view of the beaches and possibly some sea otters. Stay on the road that follows the coast and you won't get lost. A walking path runs the distance of these paths and can make for a pleasant afternoon walk.
Monterey (California) attractions and sightseeing
- Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, ph: 831-648-4888 (24 hour information), 831 648-4800 (switchboard) or 800-555-3656 (Spanish), [1]. This large aquarium specializes in exhibiting local sea life. The best exhibits include a large tank of silver anchovies that swim around and around your head and three sea otters raised in the aquarium and now too tame to live in the wild. Best of all, perhaps, are the tanks of large jellyfish lit up so that they fluoresce. Admission is $20 adults, $18 seniors, $16 students, $9 children and disabled. Open 9:30AM-6PM May 29-Sept 6 and all holidays, 10AM- 6PM at other times.
- Monterey County Fairgrounds, located at Fairgrounds Road, the fairgrounds hosts the annual Monterey Jazz Festival and hosted a one-time Monterey Pop Festival (in 1967).
- The Carmel Mission, 3080 Rio Road, Carmel, [2]. One of the 21 Missions located along the California coast.
- Dennis the Menace Park A giant kids park that includes a full sized train, numerous bridges, ducks and geese you can feed and paddle boat rentals. One of the better free municipal parks in Northern California. It is located within a 10 minute walk south of Fisherman's wharf.
- Watch the Sea Lions at Fisherman's Wharf Contrary to popular opinion the best place to watch the sea lions is not at the famous Fisherman's Wharf (with all the tourists) but instead on the more industrial wharf that is a short walk to the east of Fisherman's Wharf. This wharf has a small fishing warehouse that is still in operation and as such there are numerous sea lions that have made this wharf their home. Walk out all the way to the end of the wharf past all of the fishermen, look down below the wharf and you will see them.
City tours
- Play on the dunes and the shore at one of the city's five public beaches.
- Walk or bike along part of the 29 mile-long (47 kilometer-long) Monterey Bay Coastal Trail.
Bikes available for rent at several places along the path.
- Explore the unique estuary environment of Elkhorn Slough,[3] either on foot or by kayak. (Very nice trip, but not in Monterey, approximately 30 miles north on hwy 1 by car)
- Scuba Diving, see some of the west coasts most spectacular kelp forests.
- Get a panoramic view of the Monterey Bay (and Carmel to the south) from Jack's Peak County Park, the highest point on the Monterey Peninsula and amazingly free of crowds.
- Watch the hang gliders and paragliders at Marina beach (in the town of Marina about 10 miles north of Monterey)
- Laguna Seca Raceway, 1021 Monterey-Salinas Highway in Salinas, [4]. Famous indy car and motorcycle race track.
- Golf
Shopping, Monterey (California) souvenirs
- The Del Monte Shopping Center (off Highway 1 at Munras Avenue [5]) offers a selection of typical mall chain stores, as well as a large cinema complex.
- Fisherman's Wharf provides plenty of opportunities to find that perfect Monterey postcard or souvenir (who do you know who doesn't want a stuffed sea otter??).
- Cannery Row sports a Pebble Beach Golf shop, where virtually every item on display somehow incorporates the famous Lone Cypress (C) logo. Also nearby is the American Tin Cannery [6] with outlets for several well-known brands.
Good restaurants and cheap meals
Clam Chowder in sourdough bread. You can get it at Fisherman´s Wharf. Abalone is available, too, but expensive.
The Italian restaurant at the very end of the wharf is priced reasonably and affords a great view of the Sea lions playing in the harbor.
- The Fishwife's Turtle Bay Taqueria, 431 Tyler Street, [7]. Creative Mexican dishes with Caribbean flair and a wide selection of salsas, served in a relaxed and colorful (literally) atmosphere. Claim your table with a number flag - stuck into the back of a rubber turtle.
- Epsilon, 422 Tyler Street, [8]. A truly charming restaurant - cozy, well-lit, hand-decorated, with superb Greek food and a passionate staff. The spanakopita with a Greek salad can make a meal on its own.
- Rosine's, 434 Alvarado Street, [9]. A downtown, family-friendly classic serving up wonderful portions of comfort food. Famous for its spectacular cakes - make sure you have someone to share with!
- India's Clay Oven, 150 Del Monte Avenue. The best Indian food in the area. Try the "naan burrito" - a perfect blend of Indian tradition and Monterey historical heritage!
- Morgan's Coffee & Tea, 498 Washington Street. The perfect place to spend a late evening soaking up some local bohemian atmosphere - keep an eye out for hacky-sacks, and the occasional poetry slam.
- Tarpy's Roadhouse, 2999 Monterey-Salinas Highway, [10]. For a taste of Monterey history head to this historic former homestead, housed in a beautiful stone building nestled into a hillside. Classy atmosphere with classic California cuisine - accompany your meal with one of the many local wines on offer.
- Tabouli's Deli & Mid-Eastern, 309 Lighthouse Avenue. If you are looking for a relatively cheap (particularly for Monterey prices), but great meal, Tabouli's is a great place. Tabouli's has great food and great company. The owner and cook is friendly but not overbearing. Because he's the only one running the place usually, it's not place to go if you are in a hurry.
Monterey (California) nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Monterey has many superb vineyards located within a short distance from the town. www.montereywines.org
Alvarado Street has the densest collection of bars and pubs in the area. The Mucky Duck [11] is famous for its weekly trivia nights, while Lalapalooza has the widest selection of martinis.
Just across the Customs House Plaza (behind the Portola Plaza Hotel) you can find Indian Summer [12], a hookah bar with an exotic atmosphere and local brews. Try to plan a visit during a live bellydancing show.
Carbones Old School New Rules is located on the 200 Block of Lighthouse Ave. This is a fantastic bar featuring a large back patio area with fire pit. On Fridays and Saturdays Carbones OSNR features both live music and belly dancers and on Sunday features free pool.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
- Best Western Beach Resort Monterey, 2600 Sand Dunes Drive, (831) 394-3321, Toll-free: (800) 242-8627, Fax: (831) 393-1912, [13].
- Best Western De Anza Inn, 2141 Fremont Street, (831) 646-8300, Fax: (831) 646-8130, [14].
- Best Western Monterey Inn, 825 Abrego Street, (831) 373-5345, Toll-free: (877) 373-5345, Fax: (831) 373-3246, [15].
- Best Western Park Crest Motel, 1100 Munras Avenue, (831) 372-4576, Fax: (831) 372-2317, [16].
- Best Western Ramona Inn, 2332 Fremont Street, (831) 373-2445, Fax: (831) 373-6358, [17].
- Best Western Victorian Inn, 487 Foam Street, (831) 373-8000, Toll-free: (800) 232-4141, Fax: (831) 373-4815, [18].
- Holiday Inn Express, 443 Wave Street, (831) 372-1800, [19].
- Monterey Bay Lodge, 55 Camino Aguajito, (831) 655-1900, Fax: (831) 655-2933, [20]. Located next to Lake El Estero and within walking distance of the beach and downtown Monterey. Featuring on-site restaurant, heated pool, and other amenities.
- Monterey Marriott, 350 Calle Principal, (831) 649-4234, Fax: (831) 372-2968, [21].
- Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, 400 Cannery Row, [22]. Next to the bay on Cannery Row.
- Motel 6, 2124 North Fremont Street, (831) 646-8585, Fax: (831) 372-7429, [23].
- Sand Dollar Inn, 755 Abrego Street.
- Bed and Breakfasts, Many of the victorian style houses along the coast line have been transformed into bed and breakfasts. If your budget is up to it they make for excellent accommodation.
- Ramada Monterey, 2058 N. Fremont Street, [24]. Located near Monterey bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, and Downtown Monterey.
Get out
Drive along the coast to Santa Cruz on the Northern end of Monterey Bay, or continue South down to Big Sur and Carmel.
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