If you love the outdoors, the town of Pebble Beach in Monterey is the perfect place to visit. The town is also known for its amazing sunsets. If you love the art scene, you can visit the Monterey Museum of Art. This historic building is still in operation and has a permanent and rotating display of California art. It showcases the history of the area as an art colony. Another interesting museum in Monterey is the Salvador Dali Exhibition. This art museum features a collection of Dali’s sculptures, tapestries, and etchings. The exhibition is one of the largest private collections of Dali’s work on the US West Coast.
While the bay is renowned as a pastoral paradise, it is also a haven for wildlife. You can view a variety of animals in its aquarium and other exhibits. Life on the Bay includes a giant Pacific octopus, kelp forest, and splash area with penguins. Whale watching is also a popular activity in Monterey. Biologists lead boat tours so you can see many species of animals in their natural habitat.
You can visit the aquarium at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is world-famous. If you enjoy observing whales and sea life, you can also take a whale watching tour. You can also learn about the history of the Monterey fishery at Cannery Row. Big Little Lies was filmed in Monterey, so you can find interesting places to visit in Monterey and the surrounding area.
If you’re traveling with gays or lesbians, the area is especially welcoming to them. The main gay “scene” is centered in Santa Cruz, where there are monthly and weekly LGBTQ+ events. If you’re visiting during the Pride holiday, you can also check out LezCruz, a lesbian social meet-up group. The Monterey Peninsula is home to the annual Pride celebration, which draws a large number of LGBT visitors every year.
In the 1800s, Monterey welcomed immigrants from Mexico and Japan. The city quickly developed as a center for industry, thanks to the diverse population. The whaling industry was a big source of economic activity in Monterey, and the bay was once a major stop for Grey Whale migration. The whale’s blubber was used as fuel. Thankfully, Monterey Bay is now recognized as a place where whales still migrate.
The town’s history is evident throughout downtown. There are walkways that once housed industrial equipment. There is a thriving railway that transported cans of sardines up the California coast. Several well-preserved homes once served as living quarters for the diverse population of workers. Signs explaining the historical significance of historic landmarks provide a good understanding of the town’s past. The city is a great place to visit if you love the ocean.
While visiting Monterey Bay, remember to wear sun protection. Even in clouds and fog, the sun can be bright. To protect your eyes from glare, wear sunglasses and polarized glasses. Polarized glasses can filter out reflected sunlight, and are especially useful when viewing whales under the water’s surface. Despite the high-sun rays, there is always a chance to spot a whale in Monterey Bay.