Ultimate Weekend Getaway in Monterey, California

From about 1900 into the 1940s, Monterey bustled with sardine canneries. Today, schools of tourists replace the sardines, and the industry’s misfortune is the traveler’s gain. Restaurants and hotels now occupy the spaces where crumbling factories once stood, creating a waterfront tailored for visitors.

Even now, Monterey’s waterfront boasts a rugged charm, featuring the most spectacular views among the towns on the peninsula. It attracts many tourists, filled with t-shirt and souvenir shops. However, if you look a bit closer, remnants from the Cannery Row era also abound: bits of old equipment rusting in empty lots and a few workers’ houses restored to showcase their historical significance.

Why Should You Go? Will You Like Monterey?

• Monterey is popular among families and attracts scuba divers and kayakers drawn to its calm waters and rich wildlife.
• This former cannery town offers a laid-back vibe and some of the most affordable accommodations, particularly in areas away from the waterfront.
• History enthusiasts will relish the Historic Park, which marks one of the oldest European settlements in California.
• Animal lovers can embark on whale-watching cruises or stay on shore to observe sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions frolicking in the kelp beds.

Best Time to Go to Monterey

Monterey’s weather is most pleasant in the spring and fall, characterized by clearer skies and fewer crowds. Conversely, during the summer, particularly in June, fog and overcast skies are more common due to the marine layer lingering over the area. Regardless of the season, Monterey remains cooler than nearby inland regions, so it’s wise to bring an extra layer of clothing.

Hotels tend to fill up for the Monterey Jazz Festival, which takes place on the third weekend in September.

Great Things to Do in Monterey

One of the most enjoyable activities in Monterey is observing sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions playing in the kelp forest. The best vantage point in town is from the outdoor decks near the Monterey Plaza Hotel. Walk past the dolphin sculpture and find a spot along the railing to watch. A pair of binoculars can enhance this delightful experience.

Annual Events You Should Know About

• Fourth of July Celebration
• Monterey Jazz Festival (September)
• Monterey Bay Half Marathon (November) – Hotels fill up quickly, and the race route along the scenic coastal drive will block automobile traffic.
• First Night (December 31)

Year-round, Laguna Seca Raceway hosts motorcycle and automobile races, including the American Le Mans in May.

Tips for Visiting Monterey

• When checking the weather for your trip, make sure to look up conditions specifically for Monterey (not Carmel). It’s surprising how differing conditions may be between these two places, where a cloudy morning in Monterey can be a sunny day in Carmel.
• Get an early start to visit the aquarium before the crowds build up.
• During the festivals mentioned and the Pebble Beach golf tournament, securing accommodation in Monterey can be quite challenging; planning ahead or selecting an alternate date is advisable.
• If you’re keen on watching Monterey’s sea otters, a pair of binoculars will enhance your viewing experience.
• Parking may be limited on busy days. Near Fisherman’s Wharf, there are hourly lots and metered spaces, as well as paid lots near Cannery Row. Alternatively, you could try your luck finding street parking (be mindful of time limits). If you plan to stay in town for about four hours, the costs of parking lots and meters will be nearly equivalent. Seek out the free brochure titled “Smart Parking” (available in brochure racks) for tips on finding legal parking spaces.
• During peak months, a complimentary trolley service operates from the downtown transit center, Conference Center, and Fisherman’s Wharf to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and back, allowing for convenient parking and efficient travel.

Where to “Go”

Finding restrooms in tourist-heavy areas can be challenging, but several locations provide such facilities, including:

• Fisherman’s Wharf (near the end)
• On the jetty close to the Coast Guard Station
• Along the path between Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row (just past the Coast Guard Station)
• At the aquarium, in the passageway labeled Member and Group Entrance. Open during aquarium hours.
• Wave Street between Hoffman and Prescott

Where to Stay

If you’re considering camping, you can explore several campgrounds near Carmel for an alternative experience.

Where to Eat

For a pleasant dining experience in Monterey, you’re bound to discover myriad options—whether you’re in the mood for a casual breakfast with a stunning view or an unforgettable meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant. There’s an array of culinary delights awaiting you on the Monterey peninsula.

Getting to Monterey

Monterey sits on the Pacific coast at the southern tip of Monterey Bay, conveniently located off Highway One. It lies west of Salinas and is 72 miles from San Jose, 113 miles south of San Francisco, 186 miles from Sacramento, and 322 miles north of Los Angeles.

Monterey features a small airport catering to some commercial flights (MRY), but the nearest major airport is in San Jose (SJC).