Monterey is an awesome place to visit between the months of April and June, when crowds are few and the weather is mild.
Key attractions
The most famous attraction in Monterey is the white soft sandy beaches, with relaxing waves, warm breezes and the sounds of seals relaxing on the shores.
Visitors and locals alike will travel miles just to visit Cannery Row, which is at the top of most visitors’ lists as key attractions. Enjoy some of the most excellent seafood restaurants in an ocean environment. Visit the many shops and realize why John Steinbeck was so taken with this place that he wrote a book about it.
While visiting Monterey, a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a great adventure for the whole family. The Aquarium is known for it’s hands on experience for small children, and experiences feeding the otters and tuna. If you plan ahead, you can even go on a kayak excursion and visit the local sea animals in their natural environment.
For the history buff, or just those looking for a reason to escape from the beach for a while, a visit to the historic Mission Basilica is a warming experience. Learn the history of this old seaside mission, and marvel at the treasures in its museum.
Having fun
The majority of your fun will of course involve the beaches, however, there are other fun things to enjoy off the sand. One of them is to take a Wine Trolley Tour. That’s right, there are wineries on the coast, and in fact some famous ones in the Salinas Mountains. You can sign up for a tour and be picked up at the local pizza joint and go on an adventure in wine tasting. It’s an excellent and safe way to see the coastline and countryside, and not “sip and drive”.
Of course there’s another fun thing to do on the California coast, and that’s wale watching from a Whale Watching Tour. These guys and gals know where to find these pods of whales, and can get you up close and personal for your photo’s and movies.
Another fun experience for the whole family is visiting the “Wild Things Animal Park”. This is a park that trails exotic animals for use in ‘live on-stage” performances at other zoo’s, television shows and movies. This is also the place for those animals when they qualify for social security and early retirement.
Shopping
Cannery Row in Monterey is your shopping heaven on the sea. With over eighty shops you are sure to find something that tweaks your fancy and pocketbook here. You will find both national brads as well as many “Mom & Pop” stores to browse. Fashion stores for the whole family, wine shops, candy stores and treasures from the deep just to name a few. And for Mom (and maybe Dad?) there are Day Spa’s to relax your body after a long day on your feet walking about.
Nearby
One of the most famous attractions nearby to visit is the Hearst Castle, set on spectacular grounds, with fantastic views of the ocean. It’s well worth the two-hour drive down the coast on winding roads to all of a sudden experience Hearst Castle exploding into view. There are different tours of the castle and estate that you can take, but the kitchen and grand rooms are the biggest draw.
Our recommendations in Monterey
El Castell Motel
Located in Monterey, El Castell Motel is near the airport and near the beach. Monterey County Fairgrounds and 17-Mile Drive are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Carmel Beach. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park are also worth visiting.
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Located in Monterey, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa is in the city center and near the beach. Fisherman's Wharf and Pebble Beach Golf Links are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Monterey Bay and 17-Mile Drive. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park are also worth visiting.
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa is located near the beach and in an area with good shopping. 17-Mile Drive and Monterey County Fairgrounds are notable landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Fisherman's Wharf and Pebble Beach Golf Links. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park are also worth visiting. Our guests love the hotel's central location.
Monterey Tides
Located in Monterey, Monterey Tides is near the airport and on the waterfront. Monterey County Fairgrounds and 17-Mile Drive are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Lovers Point. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park are also worth visiting.
Travelodge by Wyndham Monterey Bay
Located in Monterey, Travelodge by Wyndham Monterey Bay is next to a golf course and near the beach. Monterey County Fairgrounds and 17-Mile Drive are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Carmel Beach. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park are also worth visiting.
The Monterey Hotel
Located in Monterey, The Monterey Hotel is in the city center and near the beach. 17-Mile Drive and Monterey County Fairgrounds are notable landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Fisherman's Wharf and Pebble Beach Golf Links. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park are also worth visiting. Our guests love the hotel's central location.
Red Lion Hotel Monterey
Red Lion Hotel Monterey is located in Monterey. Fisherman's Wharf and Pebble Beach Golf Links are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Monterey Bay and 17-Mile Drive. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park are also worth visiting.
Americas Best Value Presidents Inn on Munras
Located in Monterey, Americas Best Value Presidents Inn on Munras is in the business district and near the airport. Fisherman's Wharf and Pebble Beach Golf Links are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Monterey Bay and 17-Mile Drive. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park are also worth visiting. Our guests appreciate the motel's location for the sightseeing.
Stargazer Inn and Suites
Stargazer Inn and Suites is located in Monterey. 17-Mile Drive and Monterey County Fairgrounds are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Carmel Beach. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park are also worth visiting. Our guests appreciate the motel's quiet location.
Motel 6 Monterey Downtown
Located in Monterey, Motel 6 Monterey Downtown is in the city center and by the ocean. 17-Mile Drive and Monterey County Fairgrounds are notable landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Fisherman's Wharf and Pebble Beach Golf Links. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park are also worth visiting.
Red Roof Inn & Suites Monterey
Located in Monterey, Red Roof Inn & Suites Monterey is in the city center and near the beach. Monterey County Fairgrounds and 17-Mile Drive are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Carmel Beach. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Park are also worth visiting.