If you’re visiting the area, you may want to check out the Aquarium in Monterey. This aquarium is one of the largest in the world and is housed in a former sardine cannery. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is dedicated to marine conservation and research. You’ll find thousands of marine species in the aquarium’s 35 exhibits, including those inside crashing waves. You’ll also see stingrays up close and learn more about the different habitats of coastal seabirds.
Royal Oaks Park: This park is one of the oldest in Monterey County. It’s the perfect place for a family picnic, a game of softball, or just a relaxing day out. Kids of all ages can enjoy the park’s playground and horseshoe facilities. The park also has a basketball court and a volleyball court. Camping is also available in the nearby Veterans Memorial Park. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll want to make sure to pack a picnic.
Another fun activity in Monterey is taking a hike on the peninsula. There are countless hiking trails in Monterey Bay, including the famous Cannery Row. While you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the crashing surf on the beach. And for those who want to see whales from close up, there’s whale watching at Fisherman’s Wharf. Another place to spend a relaxing afternoon is Cannery Row. It’s also home to the movie Big Little Lies, which is set in Monterey.
Local seafood is a highlight in Monterey. Fresh oysters, sweet dungeness crab, fried sand dabs, and whatever else is in season is on the menu. And don’t forget to try the chowder at the McAbee Beach restaurant. It’s not just a seafood restaurant, though – it’s the star of the show! And the chowder is just the beginning of your meal. You’ll be pleased you came to enjoy the fresh seafood.
The National Steinbeck Center is also located in Monterey, and you’ll find plenty of evidence of the town’s colorful past. The town’s bustling railway once transported cans of sardines along the coast of California, and murals depict the varied culture of its workers. And the old cannery has been transformed into an aquarium of over 35,000 creatures, including 550 different marine species. The aquarium is a world leader in marine research and conservation and has overtaken an old cannery.
If you’re looking for something a little different, you can also check out the Capitola Historical Museum. This historic tent village began as a nineteenth-century tent camp along the shores of Monterey Bay. Founded in 1870, Camp Capitola was California’s first beach resort. The historic hotel Capitola burned down in 1929, but today, it’s home to a museum that shows how this area became a popular tourist destination. And while you’re here, be sure to visit the Paradise Beach Grill, which overlooks the Soquel Creek. The Capitola State Beach offers water recreation and has handmade tiles painted by local residents.
There’s more to do in Monterey than the beaches. Take a stroll along the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail, which is 18 miles long and used to be a railroad line from San Francisco to the canneries in Monterey. During your stroll, you’ll see the colorful piers of Fisherman’s Wharf and the harbor seals at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The area is also home to several museums, including a whaling museum.