Famous author John Steinbeck immortalized the gritty lives of Central California's working class during the Great Depression in his 1945 novel Cannery Row.
Today, the canneries are long gone due to overfishing of the bay. However, Monterey is not only committed to protecting its magnificent marine life, it's proof positive that Mother Nature worked overtime in this stunning coastal region to maintain and preserve the area's rich natural beauty.
Though we've been to Monterey several times, it never ceases to amaze us how each time we're drawn to it like a moth to a flame.
Whether it's the grey marine layer that often covers the peninsula like a wet blanket or the azure blue waters-waves crashing over jagged rock formations, one thing is for certain: Coming to Monterey always feels like we're grabbing life by the moment.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Yes, we've been to other aquariums, but, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has more than earned its world-class reputation and just happens to one of our favorites.
Located on the site of a former sardine cannery, this aquarium is like walking into a magical indoor ocean. The mission of the nonprofit aquarium is to inspire conservation of the sea.
Home to more than 700 varieties of marine animals from the Monterey Bay, we loved the exhibits, especially the sea otters, sharks, rays, penguins and mesmerizing jellyfish. The aquarium features a towering 28-foot-high 333,000-gallon tank that spectacularly displays California coastal marine life and its giant kelp beds. Here visitors can view the sea life of the kelp forest from several levels in the building.
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Cannery Row
Colorful history and picturesque charm radiate on this waterfront street. Aside from its luxurious hotels, enticing restaurants, funky pubs and captivating boutiques, we particularly loved Cannery Row Brewery's roaring outdoor fog-lifting fire pits.
For wine adventurers, Cannery Row has more than 60 tasting rooms ranging from rustic to chic and serving some of Monterey and California's finest reds and whites. Taste of Monterey offers wine flights, wines by the glass or bottles for purchase along with shared and small-plates.
Ocean view tables and a wine bar offer compelling views of the Monterey Bay. But be warned that the experience is so relaxing and captivating, guests like us were in no hurry to leave our coveted seats. And we're glad we brought our binoculars when we caught views of the sea otters floating and hunting in the kelp beds along the bay while we savored our wine.
Fisherman's Wharf
No visit to Monterey is complete without a stroll on Old Fisherman's Wharf-especially with a steamy cup of their famous bowl of clam chowder. It's the perfect place to take in all the sights, sounds and smells. This is Pacific-coast California at its very best.
Wharf Number 2 is the heart of the area's thriving fishing industry. Trawlers unload the catch of the day and seagulls follow incoming boats hoping for a few freebies.
We love the sea lions and otters frolicking in the calm inner harbor waters, along with myriad iconic boats anchored close to shore. Shoppers stroll past the wharf's many boutiques and souvenir shops while enjoying tantalizing aromas of freshly cooked seafood from iconic wharf-side restaurants wafting through the air.
Monterey State Historic Park
As history buffs, we loved following Monterey's "Walking Path of History." The two-mile path took us to the site where Spanish explorers first landed in Monterey during 1602.
We meandered along the same streets that famed author Robert Louis Stevenson walked in 1879. Twelve historic homes and buildings including the Custom House, the oldest government building in California are located along this trail through time.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Monterey just happens to have the largest U.S. national marine sanctuary with an impressive shoreline length of 276 miles. One of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems, the sanctuary is home to numerous mammals, seabirds, fishes, invertebrates and plants in a remarkably productive coastal environment.
Our favorite way to experience this water wonderland was by kayak. Harbor seals swam alongside our boat as otters rolled and frolicked nearby in the kelp beds.
The peace, serenity and sheer natural beauty brought to mind a quote by Henry David Thoreau that says, "In wildness is the preservation of the world."
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Pacific Grove
Known as the "Butterfly Capital of the World," idyllic Pacific Grove is located on the tip of the scenic, rocky tree-shrouded Monterey Peninsula. Just two miles from Monterey, this picturesque town with its Victorian mansions and vintage architecture exudes an ambience of charm, grace and beauty.
Among its visitors are brightly colored orange-and-black Monarch butterflies who, over the winter, gather among the town's Monterey pine and eucalyptus tree groves after traveling up to 2,000 miles. These beautiful and delicately-winged insect aviators arrive by the thousands starting in October, peaking around Christmas and departing by March each and every year.
Beach House at Lover's Point provides stunning panoramic views of the marine sanctuary. Photo opportunities here are almost endless. Our sunset from one of its many picturesque window tables was absolutely magnificent.
Visitors love to tempt fate by venturing out on the massive rock formations overlooking the Pacific where occasionally dangerous waves from ocean swells crash over the rocks, often soaking adventurers.
Gateway to the Big Sur Coast
Monterey is often called the northern gateway to the Big Sur. Considered one of the most stunningly beautiful coastlines in the world. It's also considered a national treasure for its vast scenic undeveloped open spaces and spectacular vistas.
Stretching for 90 miles along the rugged coast, Big Sur ends at San Simeon, the home of Heart Castle. Before the winding, twisting shore-hugging route reaches its terminus, this California treasure offers up an incredible number of awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, sometimes in the clouds "we have to stop the car" views.
With its spectacular water wonderland, marine sanctuary, colorful flower-studded state parks and spectacular vistas, Monterey has definitely been given nature's precious kiss.
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