Monterey (California) Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in California, United States
About Monterey (California)
Monterey was once the capital of California. Today it is widely known for its beautiful coastline, and from the many John Steinbeck novels set there, includingCannery RowandTortilla Flat. Rugged terrain and vicious Pacific currents made much of the California coast virtually unexplorable to European ships. After a disastrous attempt to explore this new territory by sea, Spanish missionaries in Mexico launched a series of overland expeditions fromSan Diego. Monterey was established in 1770 by Father Junipero Serra and soon became a Spanish military base with a small fort or "presidio" located near a calm harbor that could provide shelter to supply ships. The military presence eventually gave way to a thriving commercial trade that brought in many enterprising foreign merchants. OnceMexico
Top Attractions in Monterey (California)
Explore the best things to see and do in Monterey (California):
- ★Colton Hall
- ★Cooper Molera Adobe
- ★Custom House
- ★Dennis the Menace Park
- ★Golden State Theatre
- ★Heritage Center Museum
- ★Larkin House
- ★Maritime Museum of History
Where to Eat in Monterey (California)
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Ambrosia India Bistro
- 🍴Bubba Gump Shrimp Co
- 🍴Compagno's Market and Deli
- 🍴Crystal Fish
- 🍴East Village Cafe
- 🍴Epsilon
Where to Stay in Monterey (California)
- 🏨Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
- 🏨Days Inn Downtown Monterey
- 🏨Days Inn - Fisherman's Wharf
- 🏨Hotel 1110
- 🏨InterContinental The Clement Monterey
- 🏨Monterey Bay Lodge
Monterey (California) Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: