The best time to visit Monterey is from March to April, when the city is bursting with springtime bloom and the monarch butterfly and grey whale migrations are underway. The autumn months are also ideal, when temperatures are mild and the ice plants bloom in Pacific Grove. The worst time to visit Monterey is between May and August, when the city is often fogged with “June gloom.”
There are many things to do in Monterey. The city center of Santa Cruz and Carmel are easy to walk in and is also serviced by regular taxi services. You can also use Lyft or Uber to get around town. If you’re unsure of where to eat in the city center, you can call a cab or hail a car on the App store. There are many options available in this area and you’ll be sure to find a delicious meal no matter where you eat.
The Aquarium is another must-see when visiting Monterey. If you’re travelling with kids, you’ll want to visit the aquarium. It’s fun for the whole family and you’re guaranteed to see some incredible creatures. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or grandkids, the Aquarium is sure to keep the whole family entertained. The Aquarium also has live cams, which can be fun to watch from your own home.
If you’re looking for a way to escape the crowded city and enjoy some time at the beach, you might want to visit the National Steinbeck Center. The Center is located near the John Steinbeck House, where you can learn about the author’s life and work. The center has an impressive collection of Steinbeck memorabilia. Among its permanent exhibits is a multi-sensory exhibition of Steinbeck’s life.
The city’s storied past is evident throughout the downtown area. Walkways once housed industrial equipment. The bustling railroad once carried sardines up the California coast. Small, well-preserved houses once served as residences to workers. Signs explain the historical significance of landmarks. This city was the original state capital of California and was a main port of call for Spanish explorers. The city also became a hub for a maritime industry.
In the mid-1800s, Monterey welcomed Chinese, Japanese, and Mexican residents to its shores. This diverse population fueled Monterey’s early industrial development. In the mid-1800s, the city became a major whaling hub. The bay was a popular stop for the Grey Whale migration, and blubber was used as fuel. In the following decades, this industry eventually declined, but the city’s diverse population made it the city of choice for the sardine industry.
If you’re looking for the perfect whale watching vacation, consider a trip to the Monterey wharf. You can even watch whales from a glass bottom boat. If you’d rather be close to the water, you can always opt for a scenic walk along Cannery Row, or take a tour on the Pacific coast to the beautiful Naiti peninsula. A website dedicated to this activity offers accessible tours and information.