Monterey

With its incredible perch on Monterey Bay, the city of Monterey offers both timeless scenery and rich history. 

The small city enjoys a prime location on the mellow Central Coast, yet is also easy to reach from bigger metropolitan areas: It’s located two hours south of San Francisco, and a little more than an hour from San Jose. It’s also one of the prime stops on any Highway 1 road trip, along with Big Sur and Hearst Castle.

Begin at the heart of town—Cannery Row, the waterfront district that started booming in the 1850s. Home for millennia to the Ohlone, Esselen, and Salinen tribes, immigrants from Europe and Asia settled here in the 19th century to fish the waters, with an emphasis on sardines. Thanks to the resulting canneries, Monterey became known as “Sardine Capital of the World.” John Steinbeck, born and raised in nearby Salinas, immortalized that era in his 1945 novel Cannery Row, and the name stuck.

Today, you can still see the 19th-century architecture along the walkable blocks of this downtown area, but the old cannery buildings are now largely occupied by hotels, restaurants, pubs, and shops. For a whimsical time-machine experience, take a spin on Treasure Hunt: The Ride, an indoor ride on Cannery Row that celebrates the legend of Captain Hippolyte Bouchard, a pirate who supposedly attacked Monterey in 1818.

Things to Do in Monterey

One building from the Cannery Row era has found its own modern-day fame: The acclaimed Monterey Bay Aquarium, housed in one of those former sardine canneries, has become a leading marine life and conservation institution. In the indoor aquarium—boasting 28-foot windows—you can see jellyfish, leopard sharks, and sardines swimming in a kelp forest, and marvel at a variety of exhibits, from penguins to the giant Pacific octopus. From the aquarium’s outdoor decks, you can spot sea otters, seals, and more marine life going about their lives in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the vast federally protected area known as the “Serengeti of the Sea.”

For more views, walk or bike along the 18-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, or head out on the water for kayaking. Nearby, explore Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the historic pier that offers saltwater taffy, little shops, and a launching point for both fishing excursions and whale-watching tours. The ever-popular destination is celebrating its 180th anniversary in 2025 with special promotions and events throughout the year.  

Where to Eat and Stay in Monterey

You can find plenty of excellent dining on Cannery Row or within a few blocks, such as the sustainable seafood at the Michelin-recommended Coastal Kitchen, baked goods at Alta Bakery and Cafe, and the acclaimed Italian cuisine at Montrio Bistro, housed in a 1910 firehouse. At Old Fisherman’s Wharf, stop for a scoop at Monterey Bay Creamery, lunch at Old Fisherman’s Grotto (known for its chowder and Dungeness crab), or a dinner of fresh seafood with an Italian spin at Paluca Trattoria.

For overnight stays, the Monterey area offers a wide range of hotels and inns, including several with enviable spots near or on the waterfront. Consider the InterContinental The Clement Monterey or the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, where balconies look out over the bay, or the nearby Portola Hotel & Spa, which has a spa and an onsite craft brewery.

Exploring More of Monterey County

Monterey makes an excellent launching pad for more nearby gems, including the irresistible towns of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur. Visit the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas to learn more about the life and times of Steinbeck, then taste your way through Monterey County wineries and tastings rooms in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley. Take the scenic 17-Mile Drive to Pebble Beach for a round of golf on one of the famous courses, or go see the butterflies in Pacific Grove.