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A Taste of Monterey

This wine visitors center is dedicated to showcasing and promoting Monterey County's wines through tastings, educational exhibits, and events. The project began in 1993, when Ken and Robyn Rauh (both wine experts) set up a regional wine tasting center on Cannery Row in Monterey in cooperation with the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association. Now, over 75 regional wineries take part in the tasting center, and their Monterey Wine Club boasts over 3,000 members. It is a favorite place to stop by to try great wines from around the fertile region. More »

Adventures by the Sea

This multi-purpose company provides almost any kind of entertainment or adventure you can think of around the Monterey region. They rent out kayaks to explore Monterey Bay, bicycles for an exhilarating ride on the shoreside recreation trail, and surreys to peddle around town. Or, if you're feeling adventurous (and the weather is semi-warm) take a surf lesson featuring the best in high-tech soft top surfboards and wetsuits. Adventures by the Sea also provides event planning services; perfect if you're looking to have a seaside wedding, beach party, team building session, or a fun session of beachside olympics. More »

Ag Venture Tours

If you've ever wanted to see Monterey County from an educational agriculture perspective, AgVenture is the perfect tour to take. A personalized tour takes visitors through the county's vineyards and other agricultural sites to give them an in-depth look at the seemingly simple, yet surprisingly complex, industry. The tours can be customized per the visitor's request and interests, and are led by knowledgeable guides with backgrounds in wine making and/or agriculture. The agricultural tour winds through some of the most expensive farmland in the world while a guide educates visitors with impressive agricultural knowledge (did you know that broccoli seeds usually cost over $1,000 per pound?). There are also the highly popular wine tours, where visitors can choose which part of California they want to taste (Carmel Valley, Salinas Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains, or the Monterey Peninsula). More »

Asilomar State Beach

This relaxing beach is located near the town of Pacific Grove, northwest of Monterey. The beach consists of a one-mile stretch of sand and rocky coves, perfect for a short stroll on a warm day. If you're not a fan of walking or jogging on the sand, there is also a 3/4-mile coast walking trail that runs alongside the beach that's open to the public. Asilomar Conference Center is located near the beach and is a popular conference/event venue in the area, as it is near both the town of Pacific Grove and also has a boardwalk that connects it to the sandy shores. More »

Bay Bikes

This Cannery Row bike rental company lends its impressive fleet to riders who want to explore Monterey County. They rent all kinds of wheeled, pedal-powered vehicles, including cruisers, road bikes, mountain bikes, kids' bikes, tandems, and surreys that are perfect for cruising on a nice day. In addition to bicycles, Bay Bikes also has a wide array of cycling equipment for rent and as well as guided, customizable tours available by reservation. After renting a bike, head over to the 29-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Trail--a connected matrix of paved pathways and road routes that wind up the coast from Pebble Beach up to Castroville. More »

Baywood Cellars Tasting Room

This family-run winery began in 1925, started by Joe Cotta Sr. His grandsons took over in 1986 and labeled the wine under the name "Las Vinas." They started their own select label, "Vineyard Select," under the Baywood label and have been producing ultra-premium wines ever since. Baywood Vineyards covers over 2,000 acres of land in California and produce different types of grapes to create a variety of wines. Highlights include their Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, in addition to many other award-winning varietals. With three generations of wine-making under their belts, the Cottas continue their family tradition of excellence even today. More »

Body Suite Day Spa

This full-service day spa offers luxurious body treatments, from massages to mud wraps. Whether you want to treat yourself after a long day of surfing and hiking around Monterey Bay, or know someone else who needs a little pampering, the Body Suite has treatments for everyone. Try the marine wrap to detox and nourish the whole body. Here, you can choose from combinations of massages and facials, or create your own package based on your preferences. More »

Cannery Row

Cannery Row will go down in history as one of the great tourist traps on the West Coast. However, before the overpriced shops, squished penny machines, and theme restaurants, someone named John Steinbeck lived here. Settled by Chinese fishermen in the 1850s, Cannery Row gained fame in the eponymous novel by Steinbeck, about a band of misfits who lived in the area during the Depression. Although all literary traces of Steinbeck and his friends are long gone, travelers still flock here for the echo of history, the proximity to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a handful of worthwhile sights and, of course, a squished penny. More »

Colton Hall Museum

Constructed in 1840 by Reverend Walter Colton, this hall has been in continuous use since it first opened its doors. It has housed various establishments over the years, including City Hall, a school, police headquarters, and a court house. In 1949, the City of Monterey restored the building to its original specifications as a commemoration of California's 100-year anniversary as a state of the Union (it entered the Union in 1850). The hall is significant in California's history not only because of its age and historic residents, but also because California's first constitution was drafted in Colton Hall in 1849. More »

Crystal Fox Gallery

From crystal statues of Snoopy to crystal replicas of some of the wonders of the world, this gallery has almost anything made out of...well, crystal...you'd want. In addition to works by famous crystal artists, from Mats Jonasson Maleras to Swarovski, the gallery also features glass fountains, etched laser images, and other glass art. This gallery is a definite stop for those who love the delicate, beautiful art of glass and crystal sculpture. More »

Dennis the Menace Playground

This whimsical park is fun for all ages. Featuring the theme of the beloved cartoon character, Dennis the Menace, it offers many entertaining (and safe) activities for kids. Some of the park's highlights include: an old locomotive that's great for climbing on, a suspension bridge, hedge maze, and climbing wall. The park also houses the more traditional playground features like slides, swings, and a play structure. Come here when the kids start getting antsy from all that grown-up sightseeing--there's plenty of space to let the little ones run around and play. More »

El Estero Park

This 45-acre city park is home to a variety of entertaining activities. It hosts the popular Dennis the Menace Playground, a fishing and boating lake, the Monterey Youth Center, a dance studio, ballpark, exercise studio, snack bar, and skate park. It's a popular place for locals and visitors to spend a warm afternoon playing on the playground, renting a paddle boat to explore El Estero Lake, or barbecuing in one of the many available pits. There are also fishing piers, where anglers can try their luck at catching some of the Rainbow Trout, Sacramento Blackfish, Yellow Bullhead, or any of the other types of fish found in the lake. More »

Ghost Tour of Old Monterey

As Old Monterey used to be the capital of Mexican California, it has a lot of history covering romance, intrigue, murder, and shipwrecks surrounding it; it also has a lot of ghosts. This story-rich tour takes visitors through old haunted buildings, recent ghost sighting sites, historic cemeteries, and hidden treasure locations. The tours are led by longtime resident of Monterey and local historian Gary Munsinger who knows the history and fabled tales of the area. More »

Lover's Point Park

This beautiful, lush park overlooks the blue Pacific and is the perfect place to take a scenic stroll along the coast. Along with enjoying the manicured gardens (complete with marble sculptures and colorful flowers), beach volleyball courts, and picnic tables, there are also ample opportunities to get a glimpse of scuba divers going in and out of the bay as Lover's Point is a popular dive spot. More »

Maritime Museum of Monterey

This tribute to ships and the sea opened its doors in 1971 with the generous donation of Allen Knight's (ex-mayor of Carmel) extensive collection of maritime artifacts. It houses over 6,000 objects, 50,000 photographs, and 6,000 books and paperwork--all relating to Monterey's maritime history. Highlights of the collection include a 1943 video chronicling the day in the life of a cannery, a toy guillotine, and even whale harpoons. More »

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

This popular recreation area comprises campgrounds, picnic areas, an off-highway vehicle track, a rifle and pistol range, and (the most visited attraction) the Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca. The raceway hosts various grand prix races throughout the year; notable ones include the Red Bull US Grand Prix and the Monterey Sportscar Championships. Many fans who come to watch the races choose to camp at the Laguna Seca campground, which affords easy access to the raceway and beautiful views of the surrounding Salinas Valley. The campground consists of four separate camping areas; two have RV hookups and the other two are more suitable for tent camping. More »

Monarch Grove Sanctuary

This wooded area in Pacific Grove provides a sanctuary for the delicate Monarch butterflies during their long migration that ends at their final winter resting place in central California. Scientists believe they use anything from the earth's magnetic poles to the angle of the sun to know when and where to migrate, but the details of their navigation still remain a mystery. After wintering in the eucalyptus and pine trees in California, the butterflies then mate, lay their eggs, and die, making way for a new generation of orange-and-black beauties. They love the eucalyptus trees in the sanctuary because they not only are good shelter for the animals, but also provide vital food during the cold months, as the trees bloom in winter. More »

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Housed in an old sardine cannery, this aquarium is one of the largest and best in the world. It showcases over 65,000 plants and animals, covering 623 different species. Two of the main highlights here are the 33-foot (10 meter)-high aquarium that houses a giant kelp forest and other California sea life, and a 1 million-gallon tank home to a huge variety of creatures, from sharks to a community of over 3,000 anchovies. The most magnificent part about the aquarium is that it is designed to create a feeling of being in the ocean, amongst the marine animals and plants, not just looking at them in a tank. In addition to displaying world-class exhibits on sea life, the aquarium works closely with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute to support continued scientific studies of deep sea marine life. More »

Monterey Bay Dive Company

If you've ever had the inclination to learn to scuba dive (or already know how) and want to explore the ecologically diverse Monterey Bay, this is the place for you. The Monterey Bay Dive Company provides scuba rentals, lessons, and PADI-certified instruction for anyone who wants to explore the amazing underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. Students can get their certification in varying amounts of time, from four days to six weeks, depending on class frequency, then be ready to dive anywhere there's water! More »

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Designated a national sanctuary in 1992, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) covers 276 miles along the California coast from the town of Marin to Cambria. The federally-protected area stretches about 30 miles into the ocean all along the coastline and reaches to 10,663 feet at its deepest point. MBNMS is the nation's largest marine sanctuary and is home to over 33 marine mammal species, 345 species of fish, and 94 species of seabird, in addition to hundreds of types of flora and fauna. The institution is dedicated to education about and the preservation of marine life and the natural resources that surround it. MBNMS achieves these goals through partnerships with local agencies, educational outreach programs, scientific studies and research, and ecosystem rehabilitation projects. More »

Monterey Bay Sailing

Whether taking a relaxing cruise or working toward an American Sailing Association license, you'll be treated to great sailing in the world-famous, highly bio-diverse Monterey Bay. Monterey Bay Sailing was established in 1998 by a group of professional, highly experienced sailors who wanted to share Monterey's ideal sailing conditions and the joy of cruising the sea with the public. In addition to the rejuvenating feeling of sea mist cooling your face and the west wind blowing your hair, you can also try your own hand at sailing, even just while cruising. In every voyage, each passenger is offered the chance to take the helm and be in charge of the boat, even if only for a few minutes. Sailing makes for a great way to explore one of the largest and most diverse marine sanctuaries in the world. More »

Monterey County Youth Museum

Now open at 425 Washington Street, located in Downtown Monterey, conveniently by the Monterey Sports Center and Dennis the Menace Park, the Monterey County Youth Museum provides an environment unique to any other in Monterey County. This 8,500 square foot museum is packed with a variety of hands on exhibits, making each visit unique and exciting. It compliments any visit to the Monterey area or makes a good day into a great day for those who are fortunate to visit us on a regular basis. More »

Monterey Fairgrounds

This fairground isn't only worth checking out for its funnel cakes; there are many fun and entertaining events held here throughout the year, from the West Coast Motorcycle Festival to (of course) the Monterey County Fair. The grounds are spread over 22 acres and include eight buildings, two outdoor concert venues, and a horse arena. So, there's plenty of space to host various events at the same time. Among the most popular events held here is the Monterey Jazz Festival, which is the longest running jazz festival in the world. Drawing thousands of people to the area each year, this festival treats their ears to such current jazz stars as Cassandra Wilson, Herbie Hancock, and Derek Trucks--not to mention past icons like Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie. More »

Monterey Museum of Art

This museum, though small, houses an impressive collection of art, from such icons as photographer Ansel Adams to local painter Armin Hansen. There are also great collections of Asian art and folk art on display, with such highlights as Tibetan prayer wheels and Japanese ivory sculptures. The art is spread between two buildings in Monterey, and both are worth visiting as their exhibits are unique. In addition to the art collection, classes, lectures, and workshops are offered at the Pacific Street location, as well as a reference library that is open by appointment. More »

Monterey State Historic Park

This park once was California's capital when the state was under Mexican, Spanish, and U.S. jurisdiction. It played an important historic role in the state's history, as it was where the flag was first raised to incorporate California into the Union on July 7, 1846. Today, many of the original 1800s buildings still stand, including the Custom House, the first theater in California, and various adobe houses (now used as museums). In addition to restored historic buildings complete with period antiques and accessories, there are beautiful sculpture gardens to tour during the warmer months. More »

Moss Landing

Located north of Monterey, Moss Landing is a quaint fishing village, populated by about 800 residents and many fresh seafood restaurants. A favorite local activity in town is antique shopping. Moss Landing boasts over a dozen different shops that offer unique treasures, from furniture to jewelry to quilts. The annual Antique Street Fair is held here each July; it's a widely anticipated event that brings hundreds of people, antique booths, and food stands to the town's streets. Two notable marine research facilities also call Moss Landing home--Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (a branch of the California Sate University system) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. More »

National Steinbeck Center

Located in the town of Salinas in the Salinas Valley where John Steinbeck grew up, the center pays a beautiful homage to the great 20th century American author. It celebrates his life and works through multimedia exhibits and priceless collectibles that tell his story while exploring his views on society and the culture around him. There's even a recreation of his bedroom where visitors can get an idea of what kind of life he lived, and even what books he kept on his bedside table. In addition to the Steinbeck Exhibition Hall, there are also intriguing exhibits in the center that delve into specific sociological ideas and themes of today's society, such as an exhibit on contemporary myths and beliefs about marriage, and a spotlight on the diverse artwork of three local women. More »

Old Fisherman's Wharf

Teeming with restaurants, shops, and historic buildings, the Old Fisherman's Wharf is a must-see when visiting Monterey. If you're looking to satisfy a nagging sweet tooth after a delicious meal at one of the many great seafood restaurants, check out one of the many candy shops to find anything from mouth-watering salt water taffy to elaborately decorated fudge. In addition to delectable edibles, the wharf offers hours of entertainment, from whale watching boat trips to historic building tours to watching the crowds of pelicans that like to hang around the area. The wharf is a popular place on warm summer weekends for both locals and visitors, so be ready to navigate the crowds. More »

Old Monterey Marketplace

The Old Monterey Marketplace houses dozens of restaurants, shops, hotels and businesses. However, on Tuesday afternoons the famed Farmers' Market takes place here and offers a wide selection of the freshest and juiciest produce from the central valley and coastal regions of California. In addition to produce and other foodstuffs, the market houses vendors who sell everything from art to jewelry to crafts; it's a great place to pick up souvenirs or little handmade gifts. Local restaurants also set up booths and sell their tasty treats; you can find almost anything you're craving, from Greek gyros to pizza to naan wraps--oh my! More »

Pacific Grove Art Center

With a mission to promote art to the public through community outreach, the Pacific Grove Art Center is a popular place to take classes and lessons in all types of art. It's also a great place to view the latest exhibits and collections of local artists. The Center tries to encourage interest in art by providing an impressive array of services, from art shows to lectures to free music concerts. Housed in a historic building in downtown Pacific Grove that was constructed in 1904 by Proctor and Quintel, the structure has held various shops, a masonic lodge, and assembly halls throughout the 20th century. In 1969, 12 local business people transformed the building into the community-oriented Art Center it is today. More »

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

With a focus on educating the public about Monterey County's natural history, this museum plays an important role in interpreting and protecting the environment of the area. Included in the museum's exhibits are displays on the native plants, geology, animals, and humans of Monterey. Also on display are temporary exhibits, such as the Wildflower Show. Schools and other visiting groups will love the on-site education programs the museum offers, which can include anything from a discussion on a chosen natural history topic to a guided tour of various parts of the museum. More »

Pat Hathaway Historical Photos

This historic photo collection is the most comprehensive in the Monterey area. The archives comprise over 80,000 historic California photos, with a large portion of them portraying old Monterey County. In addition to browsing the collection or using it for research, individuals can also bring in their own photos to get them preserved and/or restored here, or donate them to the collection. This collection is a must-see for history buffs as it contains some very unique photos, with the oldest dating to the 1850s. More »

Point Pinos Lighthouse

Point Pinos has been in operation since 1885, making it the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast that has been in continuous use. The gigantic light source is made by Fresnel and reflects a bright beam across the sea using electric lights, angled lenses, and prisms. The origin of the light has morphed over the years; originally it came from a whale oil lantern, then it progressed to lard oil, kerosene, an incandescent vapor lamp, then finally electric power in 1915. Today, the 1,000-watt light bulb continues to shine over the ocean warning ships, up to a distance of 15 miles out to sea, of the rocky California shoreline. More »

Presidio of Monterey Museum

This museum takes visitors through Monterey's military history, from indigenous and native populations through modern times. The town has been used as a central military location throughout its past, acting as a Native American village, Spanish garrison, fort, mission, and other uses up to present day. The original Spanish fort (or presidio) stood near what is now downtown Monterey and consisted of adobe buildings; it was repeatedly destroyed and replaced throughout history by Monterey's various conquerors--namely the Spanish, Mexicans, and Americans. Inside the museum, visitors will find an interesting collection of artifacts that trace the region's unique military history through photos, murals, videos, and stories. More »

Princess Monterey Whale Watching

This popular whale watching company has been in business for over 30 years and has one of the best track records of daily whale sightings in the area. Some of the species you can expect to see here are the humpback whale, gray whale, blue whale, fin whale, beaked whale, orca whale, bottlenose dolphin, sea lion, and many other varieties of sea life. Sightings do vary depending on the time of year, though. The narrated cruises last about three hours, allowing substantial time for visitors to get in multiple sightings of whales in their natural habitat. Monterey Bay is the perfect location for whale watching, as it is directly along the gray whale migration route from Baja up the west coast. More »

Salinas Sports Complex

Well known as the home of the popular California Rodeo, this massive complex also hosts other events throughout the year, such as concerts, football games, and festivals. It was built in the early 20th century on 80 acres in Sherwood Park--land donated to the city by the Sherwood family in the late 1800s. The family willingly donated the land for recreational use, under one condition: that the grounds host at least one horse race every two years. Since then, the complex has undergone massive renovations and now comprises not only grandstands and a horse track, but baseball and softball fields, other equestrian facilities, and plenty of room to hold a large rodeo and various other community events. More »

Sanctuary Cruises

Based on the principles of educating the public about the precious Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, this whale-watching company provides not only a great chance to view the area's wildlife, but also learn about it. They are focused on conservation of the area, which means supporting local animal rescue groups, providing support for scientific research, and providing school and conservation groups with special discounted rates. On these tours, visitors are treated with a wide array of sea life, including grey whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orca whales, dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, and many types of marine birds. The cruises usually last about four hours (some of the longest in the area) to provide visitors ample time for wildlife viewing and education. More »

Seventeen Mile Drive

This winding, gorgeous drive is considered one of the most scenic stretches of road in the country. Along the route, you'll see world-class golf courses, pristine stretches of sandy beach, dramatic rocky cliffs, crashing waves, lush forests, and luxurious mansions. Although there is a toll to access Seventeen Mile Drive (for cars only, not hikers or cyclists), the access to great hiking, golfing, famous California landmarks (i.e. the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Ghost Tree), and other recreational activities makes it worth it. If you're in the area, it's a good idea to take save some time for this drive, as it offers some of the best photo opportunities around and a true feel for the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula. More »

Steinbeck's Spirit of Monterey Wax Museum

This unique museum is home to over 100 wax figures, which were actually imported from London and Paris. The life-sized figures are posed in scenes from over 450 years of Monterey history. Get an inside glimpse of workers in a busy cannery, see what an early Mexican fiesta was like, walk alongside members of an original Native American tribe, or mingle with author John Steinbeck at one of his favorite local hangouts--there are many scenes to take in here at the museum. In addition to the detailed decorations and amazing wax models, the scenes also include various special effects and animation, making the characters really come alive. More »

Ventana Vineyards

According to its owner, Doug Meador, Ventana Vineyards is a research facility, where he experiments with progressive farming methods. In his quest for great flavored wines since 1970, Doug has studied the effects of light on grapes, what wind does to the photosynthesis process, and various vine-spacing methods, among other studies. The fruits of his labor are paying off, as Ventana has become one of the most national- and international-award-winning vineyards in the country. While you're there, try Ventana's chardonnay and syrah--two favorites--although you can't go wrong tasting any of the vineyard's great wines. More »