If you’re interested in a beautiful vacation destination in California, look no further than the gorgeous coastal city of Monterey. The region has a diverse range of attractions for visitors. The top two must-sees for the area’s visitors are Carmel-by-the-Sea and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. No matter what time of year you visit Monterey, you’re sure to find a perfect spot to dine out and get out into nature.
If you’re looking for a perfect place to catch a spectacular sunset, head to Monterey. This destination is the perfect end to your original road trip. The bay is the ideal place to take in the towering sea cliffs and fog-covered redwood forests of Big Sur. Likewise, you can marvel at the enchanting ballet of shifting sand dunes in Fort Ord National Monument and see the rare California condor at Pinnacles National Park.
If you’d rather take a self-guided tour of the city, check out the historic buildings in the area. The Monterey Museum of Art offers a permanent and rotating display of California art and offers self-guided cell phone tours. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection, the Monterey History & Art Association also offers a Salvador Dali exhibition. Located on the Custom House Plaza, this exhibition features Dali’s etchings, paintings, and sculptures. It is the largest private Dali collection in the US.
While there, you may want to sample some of the local cuisine. Old Fisherman’s Wharf offers a rich history of the area. Built in the mid-1800s, it was originally built as a shipping dock for freight and passengers. The trawl-net-liner industry flourished in the area and the whaling industry was one of its most popular. The abalone blubber was used to fuel ships and became a valuable source of fuel.
If you’re a literary buff, don’t miss the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas. This museum has first edition books, artifacts, and themed theaters. Guests can even take a walk down Cannery Row. There are plenty of places to eat and drink while admiring the bay from the top. This bay is a popular destination for vacationers. The town has much to offer, so you can’t go wrong.
If whale-watching is on your bucket list, Monterey has it covered. The city is known for its excellent whale-watching opportunities and is one of the best places in California for this activity. In fact, whale-watching as an organized activity only started in the 1950’s, when Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego was declared a public spot to observe Gray Whales. So, what are you waiting for?
If you’re traveling by bus from San Jose, you’ll have no problem reaching the city. There are also internal flights that land in Monterey Regional Airport. While you’re there, make sure to stop by Old Fisherman’s Wharf. This waterfront attraction is a must-see for every visitor to the area. If you’re traveling with children, consider a stay at one of the kid-friendly hotels such as The Portola Hotel and Spa.