Travel Guide to Monterey, California

By Jessica Russo


Recently put into the spotlight as the setting of HBO's Big Little Lies, the coastal city of Monterey is even prettier than it looks on TV. Aside from its famous aquarium, Monterey is known its charming restaurant-filled wharfs and jaw-dropping Pacific views. One thing you should know about Monterey - first-time visitors always go back.


What to Know

Long before Monterey was famous for its beautiful scenery and vibrant shopping scene, it had a different, much less glamorous claim to fame: sardine canning. Known today as the epicenter of Monterey's tourism, Cannery Row actually got its name as the epicenter of Monterey's canning industry.
During World War I and World War II, canned sardines were in huge demand. After World War II, however, the sardines disappeared from Monterey Bay and brought economic collapse to Cannery Row. The formerly bustling area fell into ruin, but was brought back to life by two restaurant managers in 1968.
With strong family ties to the fishing industries, these managers ensured Cannery Row would remain a place that paid tribute to the many people and cultures that made it famous. In 1976, Cannery Row Company was founded, and slowly but surely, the buzzing attraction we know today was born.

When to Go

Naturally, people always think summer when it comes to vacation, but locals will tell you the best time to visit Monterey is during the spring or fall. The temperatures in Monterey don't reach much higher than 72° F at summer's peak, so... temps in the mid-sixties with fewer crowds and more exciting festivals? I'll take the shoulder season.


How to Get Around

The entire bay area is known for being a bit steep (in geography and in prices), but this news will make your wallet a little happier - Monterey has a FREE trolley system! And yes, the MST Trolley makes stops at "the good spots" - from Downtown Monterey, to Cannery Row, to the Aquarium!

If you're visiting Monterey as part of a road trip, your car will be very convenient. Instead of the trolley, you can drive between beaches and attractions at your own pace! Biking is also a popular mode of transportation in Monterey, so you may want to consider renting one - or strapping yours to the car!


What to Eat

Move over, Maryland - California might be the real crab king. Throughout California, you'll find Dungeness Crab on the menu and, well, you should get it. Meaty and tender, The Golden State's favorite crustacean is delicious in all forms - from crab cakes to a Crab Louie salad. Make sure you get clam chowder in a bread bowl as an app, too.

When too much seafood is making you, well, a little crabby, switch it up to tacos. While it's really Southern California that's famous for its Mexican influence, the entire central coast has its fair share of awesome Mexican restaurants. With an emphasis on fish, avocados, and veggies, California-style Mexican food is a bright way to make your taste buds happy.

And lastly, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention California's sweet, smooth pride and joy - wine. Order a flight and see which local grape is your favorite. There is nothing like a glass of crisp white wine to go with fresh seafood.


What to See & Do

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium Trust us when we say the aquarium is not "just for kids." With tons of beautiful exhibits showcasing sea otters, penguins, jellyfish, sharks, sea turtles, and interactive touch pools fulled with sea cucumbers. hermit crabs. and even stingrays, it's easy to spend a full day at Monterey Bay Aquarium.
  • Cannery Row Okay, so Cannery Row is a little touristy - there's no denying that. That doesn't mean, however, that it's not a Monterey must-see. Lined with shops and restaurants, Cannery Row will quickly become one of your favorite spots in Monterey. And, to get a more authentic feel for Cannery Row's historic roots, check out the Cannery Row Antique Mall, housed in an old canning building.
  • 17-Mile Drive This is not any old drive - this is a rugged route of jaw-dropping coastal scenery, million-dollar homes, and breathtaking natural wonders. Cruise along the winding Pacific coastline, through the Del Monte Forest, and stop to snap a picture of the Lone Cypress. Be sure to stop at Pebble Beach!
  • Lover's Point Beach Nestled up in Pacific Grove, just minutes north of Monterey, Lover's Point Beach is how the locals describe paradise. Get your fill of California sun and sand at this quiet, yet gorgeous beach.
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea Just a 15-minute drive from central Monterey, Carmel (as the locals call it) is a charming, tree-lined, seaside haven filled with Victorian buildings and fairytale cottages. Spend the day strolling around discovering cute boutiques, art galleries, and chic restaurants.
  • Whale Watch Monterey is a whale watching capital. While many other areas have a small whale watching window, Northern California is open for whale watching pretty much year-round. From December through May, you'll spot gray whales and orcas. From May through November, you'll have a chance at spotting a humpback! And, from July through October, you might come across the largest animal on eearth - a blue whale!

Tips and Tricks

  • Get to the aquarium early Set your alarm and wake up early - you'll want to get to the aquarium when it opens. The big crowds start showing up around 11 AM, so you'll want to enter before then. (You can thank us later).
  • Don't expect to see everything in one day There is a lot to do in Monterey. From beaches to aquariums, old wharfs to wineries - you will need at least a few days to do it all. The best advice we could give is: don't rush. Make sure you take your time.
  • Use the restroom when you see it Long story short: restrooms are scarce along Highway 1 from Carmel to Big Sur. California State Parks are usually reliable pit stops, but it's also fun to pop off a random exit to explore (and find a loo).


Day Trips

  • Pinnacles National Park Just a one-hour drive inland from Monterey, Pinnacles National Park is a nature lover's dream. Discover sky-high mountains and mysterious caves amidst a unique desert-meets-pine-forest landscape.
  • Santa Cruz Just a one-hour drive north from Monterey, Santa Cruz is the palm-swaying, volleyball-playing California beach you've always dreamed of. Grab a bite from a food truck, people-watch on the boardwalk, and spot sea lions near the shore!
  • Big Sur From McWay Falls to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur is one of the most beautiful areas of coastal California. See Point Lobos Lighthouse and feel a rush of excitement as you drive over Bixby Creek Bridge (yes, the one from the Big Little Lies intro). The best way to explore Big Sur is to get lost in its beauty - there are scenic surprises around every turn.
  • Big Basin Redwoods State Park Take a break from the blue of the Pacific and feast your eyes on the reds and greens of a Redwood forest. Just north of Santa Cruz, Big Basin is California's oldest State Park!
  • Sonoma When you're near California wine country, you go to Sonoma. Sip smooth local wines and immerse yourself in the beauty of Napa Valley's vineyards.

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