Monterey - One of California's Hidden Treasures

17-mile

Visiting California can be a frustrating adventure simply because there are so many options for travelers to choose from. Should you go to San Francisco, home of many stories both good and bad? Los Angeles, home of the stars and the entertainment capital of the world? Or maybe a trip to San Diego for the beautiful weather, beaches, and landscape? Those are just the major options too – there are many “botique” locations in California to fit all different sorts of niches, and Monterey is one of the best.

Ranked #3 in Yahoo’s list of “prettiest towns”, Monterey is a beautiful coastal community located in Northern California, just over 100 miles south of San Francisco. Visitors come to witness Monterey’s unparalleled beauty, such as the beautiful oceanfront or the lush forests. One of Monterey’s most popular attractions is the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

This aquarium, located on the former site of a sardine cannery, boasts an annual attendance of 1.8 million and is considered a world class aquarium. Visitors can come to see 35,000 different species of plants and over 600 species of animals. The aquarium’s “Ocean Edge Wing” tank is the first tank ever built to grow California kelp, which requires waves to grow. The second most magnificent exhibit is the tank in the Outer Bay Wing, which actually has the largest piece of single paned glass in the world.

Monterey also holds great cultural significance for California. Monterey was an original site of the Spanish exploration and is home to the San Carlos Cathedral, founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1770. The cathedral is just one of several historic stops in the city. There is also a large military presence in Monterey, however it’s not what you think – the Naval Postgraduate School trains officers for the US Navy, and the Defense Language Institute is responsible for training linguists in the military.

Of course, Monterey also is home to a fantastic community, and is supported by a legion of small shops and restaurants located across a few different shopping districts. The local community also has many events throughout the year, such as the world famous Monterey Jazz Festival. Of course, if you’re into art, there’s a ton of great museums and galleries as well.

While not exactly a part of Monterey, visitors with access to a car are encouraged to take a trip down 17 Mile Drive. This tollroad takes visitors around the amazing homes of Pebble Beach, home to the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course as well as the Pebble Beach Auto Show. The view is truly spectacular, and one without rival California.

Visitors to Monterey love the small city feeling that the city offers, while still offering world class amenities and attractions. If you’re looking for something a little more quiet for this year’s vacation, be sure to give Monterey a look.