Cannery Row
This historic waterfront district was once the heart of a thriving sardine-packing industry, a time immortalized in John Steinbeck's novel, Cannery Row. Now a tourist's shopping paradise, you can still see signs of the former bustling industry in the various warehouses that now shelter shops selling Monterey souvenirs, restaurants and galleries. Cannery Row is also home to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, itself housed in the former Hovden Cannery. Several hotels and quaint inns allow visitors to experience the Cannery Row of yesteryear. Visit A Taste of Monterey and sample local wines, or brush up on the art of cooking by taking a class at the Culinary Center of Monterey. Interesting art galleries, a factory outlet center, and views of Monterey Bay round out the Cannery Row experience.
Elkhorn Slough
Home to hundreds of species of birds and marine life, the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve is the remainder of an ancient river valley. The main channel winds seven miles inland, feeding 2,500 acres of rich marsh and tidal flats. Pelicans, herons and egrets, as well as countless fish, sharks, crabs, sea lions and otters call the slough home. A visitor's center offers interpretive displays and miles of well-maintained trails. Open Wednesday through Sunday 9am-5pm. Families will enjoy the Elkhorn Slough Safari Nature Tour, a two-mile guided tour aboarda 27-foot pontoon boat. Call 831-633-5555 for rates and schedules.
Fisherman's Wharf
Old Fisherman's Wharf in downtown Monterey should be on the "must-do" list of every visitor to the area. This is a great place to take in the sights and sounds and smells of Monterey. Because neighboring Wharf 2 is the heart of the area's thriving fishing industry, you can usually watch the working trawlers unloading the catch of the day - just look for all of the seagulls hoping for a handout to know who's had a successful day on the Bay! Stroll down the wharf with a cup of hot clam chowder, or stop by one of several restaurants featuring fresh Monterey Bay seafood. You can photograph sea lions and otters frolicking in the calm inner harbor waters, or if you're feeling more adventurous, take to the waters with a glass bottom boat tour, deep-sea fishing trip or whale watching tour in season.
Ghost Trolley of Old Monterey
Once the capitol of Mexican California, Old Monterey was the center of fiestas and balls, the glamour of dashing Spanish horsemen and the throb of guitars played by romantic suitors. It was also a town of intrigue, murder, swindles and shipwrecks - epic lives full of lost treasures, found romance, and amazing adventures. Visit the sites of the ghost in the garden, ancient burial grounds, hidden treasure, hauntings, hangings and frequent ghostly sightings. This 90 minute trolley tour, led by longtime local historians, will bring you into a Monterey that few alive today have seen.
The Maritime Museum of Monterey and Stanton Center
Monterey's maritime past comes alive at the Maritime Museum situated across the Custom House Plaza from Fisherman's Wharf. This museum showcases Monterey's seafaring heritage explaining the role this protected harbor played in early California history and as a home to the US Navy. A treasure hunt for the youngsters is held daily, and the gift shop features dozens of souvenirs for every sailor at heart!
Custom House Plaza
831-372-2608
Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca
A world-class raceway plus a county park with a lot of room to pitch a tent or park the RV await you at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area. Home to the Honda Grand Prix, motorcycle racing, historic auto races, as well as several festivals and concerts each year, Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca is conveniently located halfway between Monterey and Salinas on Highway 68.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Discover life in Monterey's bay without leaving dry land at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Dedicated to marine research and conservation, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is known throughout the world for its interactive exhibits and ability to present marine life on a truly grand scale.
Begin your tour in the Aquarium's matchless near-shore and coastal exhibits that explore the habitat and ecosystem of creatures of the tide-pools. Move on to the Outer Bay exhibit, showcasing hammerhead sharks, schools of sardines, enormous sun fish and green sea turtles. Kids love the "Splash Zone", featuring kid-sized exhibits, South African penguins, and much more.
The newest exhibit is Wild About Otters, where you can explore the fun and fascinating world of otters in a multi-sensory adventure through five dynamic galleries and an intriguing array of live freshwater exhibits and interactive displays.
Monterey Museum of Art
Ranked the "best small town museum in the United States," the Monterey Museum of Art offers permanent and rotating exhibits featuring early Californian art and contemporary and traditional American artists. Casual - and free - viewings are held on Third Thursday evening (main museum) and First Sunday afternoon (La Mirada).
559 Pacific Street
And in the La Mirada Adobe
831-372-5477
831-372-3689 www.montereyart.org
Monterey Wine Country
For those who enjoy fine wines, this is nirvana. Monterey County is wine country-a fact that has not gone unnoticed by connoisseurs and fine restaurants throughout the world. Visit the tasting rooms of Bernardus, Chateau Julien, Talbott and Galante vineyards in Carmel Valley, or take a drive south on Highway 101 to Riverland Vineyard, Smith & Hook/Hahn Estates or Chalone Vineyards. For more information on planning your own wine escape, please visit Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association or call 831-375-9400 for a Wine Country brochure complete with winery listings, tasting events and a map.
National Steinbeck Center
Works of literary art created by Monterey County's favorite native son, Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck, are on permanent display at this new museum in the heart of Salinas. Let the diverse, interactive exhibits take you into the heart of such novels as Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, and Cannery Row. Also featuring rotating art exhibits and a gourmet café. Full catering and meeting facilities are available seven days a week. Now open: The Valley of the World agricultural wing sharing the stories of the Salinas Valley "from field to fork."
1 Main Street
Salinas, CA
831-775-4721
831-796-3833 www.steinbeck.org
Steinbeck's Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum
Featuring more than 100 life-size wax figures, this unique exhibit brings Cannery Row's history to life. Special sound effects, animation, and narration by "the voice of John Steinbeck" enhance the experience.
700 Cannery Row, Suite 11
Monterey, CA
831-375-1010
For reservations at Carmel Lodge, one of the hotels near all that matters, click here.
