Monterey

Monterey

Since the 1880s, visitors have been enjoying the spectacular beauty of the Central Coast. Located between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Monterey County's dramatic ocean scenery, pristine pine forests, and historic communities continue to beckon adventure-seekers, seafarers, artists, writers and vacationers. And no other California county can boast 99 miles of breathtaking Pacific coastline. Whether you come for our recreational activities from golf to scuba-diving, our arts and cultural events from the Carmel Bach Festival to the lively Festa Santa Rosalia, or our matchless range of art galleries, fine restaurants and wineries, Monterey County welcomes you. Families or couples, singles and groups of friends, we have something for you, year-round.

Activities

Carmel Valley is home to many wineries, farms, ranches and the beautiful Garland Ranch Regional Park. The National Steinbeck Center in Salinas is cultural tourism at its best, offering a journey through author John Steinbeck's life and works with interactive exhibits for all ages. The Point Piños Lighthouse is located on the northern most tip of the Monterey Peninsula. The building, lenses and prisms of the light are all original. It is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the west coast and is listed on the national register of historic places. Monterey Bay Whale Watch offers year-round whale watching trips to observe the spectacular diversity and abundance of whales and dolphins inhabiting the Bay.

Shopping

With everything from shopping areas offering major retailers, to intimate specialty stores featuring handmade clothing, unique household furnishings, exquisite art objects from around the world, a plethora of galleries and crafts shops, to a motor racing fans favorite shop at the track side souvenir shop of Laguna Seca Raceway, the visitor to the Monterey area is sure to discover a shopping heaven, and a perfect remembrance of their time in Eden.

Food

Aside from the incredible quality and assortment of fresh agricultural products available, the Peninsula is also blessed with a texture of ethnic flavor and style. The Native Americans, Spanish, Italians, Greeks and Portuguese brought to the Monterey Peninsula a knack for seafood preparation. The oriental culture through the canning and fish salting industries motivated another form of preparing fish. Seafood such as squid, salmon, sole, halibut, red snapper, ling cod and swordfish are brought in on a daily basis by fisherman whose families have harvested the local bay for generations. Farmers in the Salinas Valley produce lettuce, cabbage, artichokes, garlic and a variable cornucopia of vegetable and fruits. Monterey Jack cheese, which originated here is a common topping on many dishes, particularly at Mexican restaurants. Coffee houses have recently sprung up throughout the area serving lattes and cappuccinos well into the night.

Currency

The U.S. dollar (USD) is the official currency. Traveler's checks and credit cards are also widely accepted.

Weather Forecast

Sailing Calendar

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