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The Best Things to Do in Monterey
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Top attractions in Monterey

Monterey Bay Aquarium
, Monterey
Located on the site of a former sardine cannery on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, Monterey Bay Aquarium features an 8.5 m (28 ft) viewing tan

17-Mile Drive
, Monterey
A scenic road winding its way over the Monterey Peninsula, 17-Mile Drive runs along the Pacific coastline and passes several well-known golf

Point Lobos
, Carmel
Appreciate the pristine natural landscape and thriving habitat of the California coast at Point Lobos. The nature reserve is home to hundreds

Monterey Bay Food Tours
, Monterey
Discover...the hidden gems of the Monterey Bay Taste...food and beverages from the Central Coast's finest Enjoy...the sights and sounds of Mo
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Dolphin & Whale Watching
, Monterey
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Recommended Monterey tours
Monterey
Monterey is a city in the U.S. state of California, on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast. It stands at an elevation of 26ft above sea level, on a land area of 8.466sqmi. The 2010 census recorded a population of 27,810.Monterey was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. It was the only port of entry for taxable goods in California. In 1846, the U.S. flag was raised over the Customs House, and California became part of the United States after the Mexican–American War.The city had California's first theater, public building, public library, publicly funded school, printing press, and newspaper. The city and surrounding area have attracted artists since the late 19th century and many celebrated painters and writers have lived there. Until the 1950s, there was an abundant fishery.Among Monterey's notable present-day attractions are the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf and the annual Monterey Jazz Festival.HistoryNative American periodLong before the arrival of Spanish explorers, the Rumsen Ohlone tribe, one of seven linguistically distinct Ohlone groups in California, inhabited the area now known as Monterey. They subsisted by hunting, fishing and gathering food on and around the biologically rich Monterey Peninsula. Researchers have found a number of shell middens in the area and, based on the archaeological evidence, concluded the Ohlone's primary marine food consisted at various times of mussels and abalone. A number of midden sites have been located along about of rocky coast on the Monterey Peninsula from the current site of Fishermans' Wharf in Monterey to Carmel. Take stress off the schedule by using our United States trip itinerary builder tool.
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Places to visit with Monterey
San Francisco
Trip planner
BEST FOR: Island, Bridge, Pier / Boardwalk
San Diego
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BEST FOR: Specialty Museum, Zoo, Beach
Los Angeles
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BEST FOR: Theme Park, Specialty Museum, Historic Walking Area
Anaheim
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BEST FOR: Disney Park / Activity, Ride / Activity, Room Escape Game
Yosemite National Park
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BEST FOR: World heritage site, Geologic Formation, Hiking Trail
Where to stay in Monterey

Munras Avenue and the adjoining side streets have the greatest choice of places to stay in Monterey, ranging from upscale hotels to atmospheric and old-fashioned bed and breakfasts. It's certainly possible to find budget-friendly options in town, with a good number of guesthouses and simple hotels available along Munras. You'll also find some hotels along Cannery Row to the north.
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