Monterey California
Monterey served as the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico, having been established on June 3, 1770. Monterey featured the first theater, public building, public library, publicly-funded school, printing press, and newspaper in California during this time period. Originally, it was California’s only port of entry for all taxed products.
The United States Flag was raised over the Customs House in 1846, during the Mexican–American War (1846–1848). In 1849, Monterey hosted California’s first constitutional convention after Mexico ceded the state to the US at the end of the war.
Since the late 1800s, Monterey and the surrounding area have attracted artists, and many well-known painters and writers have called the area home. There was abundant fishing until the 1950s.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, California Roots Music and Arts Festival, and the annual Monterey Jazz Festival are among the city’s current attractions.
Airports in Monterey California
Most popular attractions and things to do in Monterey
Watch aquarists feed penguins or sea otters, or look through a large glass at the Open Sea exhibit to view tuna, sharks, turtles, and other marine creatures feeding. The aquarium focuses on Monterey Bay’s diverse marine life, while special exhibitions provide insight into other topics. The enormous aquarium complex’s architecture was inspired by the former Hovden Cannery.
Cannery Row got its name because it used to be the center of the lucrative and bustling canning business. The same buildings that were once utilized for cannery processes are now mostly utilized as businesses, hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, and other venues.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, south of Monterey and Pebble Beach, is a sleepy beach community with a few tiny stores and cafes, according to the cover article. In fact, this posh town caters to its wealthy citizens with a plethora of designer retailers, gourmet cafés, and upscale art galleries. The majority of shoppers and diners are concentrated along Ocean Avenue, which leads to Carmel Beach.
One of the more interesting sensations is seeing the coast from the boat. But it’s getting up close and personal with Monterey Bay’s marine life, such as endangered sea otters, sea lions, and bird life, that makes it so unique. The tiny sea otters were previously on the verge of extinction, but owing to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s efforts, they are now thriving.
The Monterey Museum of Art (MMA) was formed in 1959 and has a collection of artworks ranging from the nineteenth century to the present day, with a focus on California art. The Museum has about 14,000 artifacts in its permanent collection, including contemporary art, photography, and early California painting.
Old Fisherman’s Wharf, not far from Cannery Row, is another prominent beachside, tourist-oriented district with stores and restaurants. Some eateries hand out samples as you walk by, making this a fantastic place for seafood.
Best time to visit Monterey
The months of April and May are ideal for visiting Monterey. Spring brings with it nicer weather, less crowds, and food festivals. Summer is the most popular time to visit the Monterey Peninsula, but be aware that even when the sun is shining brightly, the weather in Monterey can still be cool.
Fall is also a nice time to visit, but the chances of rain begin to increase around October. Because of its central California position, Monterey experiences mild winter temperatures. Winter brings cheaper accommodation pricing as well as the celebrity-studded AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am event in February, making Monterey a year-round attraction.