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Destinations
Welcome to the Monterey Peninsula, one of the most diverse and beautiful areas in Northern California. Its colorful cities and historic locations make it an ideal getaway.
Monterey was the first capital of California after it was claimed by the United States.Visitors enjoy strolling the streets, absorbing the historical and cultural past. Monterey features an array of fine restaurants, boutiques, galleries, inns and recreational opportunities.It is host to a wide variety of festivals and world class events including The Monterey Jazz Festival, The Monterey Blues Festival, Cherries Jubilee, The Great Monterey Squid Festival and Monterey Wine Festival, as well as major automobile and motorcycle races at nearby Laguna Seca Raceway.
Cannery Row's reputation as the Monterey Peninsula's "hot spot" is well earned. With over thirty restaurants, night clubs and every type of entertainment from comedy clubs to pool halls, all within walking distance, makes Cannery Row the place to be. With the internationally know aquarium, world class hotels, hundreds of
shops and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, scuba diving, and ocean kayaking, day or night your visits to the Monterey Peninsula is not complete without a trip to Cannery Row.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, with a population of 5,000 residents, plays host to thousands of visitors each year. By the 1920's Carmel had already achieved its international reputation as an artists' colony. Now its biggest attractions are the downtown shopping district and its beautiful beaches. You won't find many sidewalks, street lights, neon signs or mailing addresses, but you will find specialty shops, boutiques, art and photography galleries and great restaurants.
Carmel Valley is a combination of sunshine and countryside. The valley retains the agricultural character of its history: Rustic barns, fields of lettuce, vineyards and grazing animals. The village is 12 miles east of Carmel and is home to Garland Ranch Regional Park.
Pacific Grove, better known by locals as "America's last hometown," is also known for its thriving population of Monarch butterflies. A walk through the residential neighborhoods reveals many well-preserved, turn of the century, Victorian homes. History buffs can visit the Point Pi os Lighthouse, the oldest operating facility of its kind on the California coast. The Monterey Bay recreational trail passes by Lover's Point, offering many opportunities to view sea otters, sea lions and occasionally passing whales.
Seaside/Sand City/Marina are the fastest growing cities north of the Peninsula itself. Within their borders you'll find the California State University at Monterey Bay, Seaside State Beach, Marina State Beach and two championship golf courses.
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