City Monterey, California is one of the most beautiful and historic cities on the west coast. Founded in 1770, Monterey was the capital of California under Spanish and Mexican rule. Today, the city is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning ocean views, quaint downtown area, and abundance of outdoor activities.
Whether you’re visiting Monterey for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, there’s plenty to see and do. Spend a day exploring Cannery Row, visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, or take a drive down the scenic 17-Mile Drive. Nature lovers can hike through Big Sur or go whale watching off the coast. And don’t forget to try the fresh seafood!
No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to enjoy your time in Monterey. It’s a truly special place that has something for everyone.
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1. Carmel-by-the-Sea
Nestled on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town with a lot of charm. The main street, Ocean Avenue, is lined with quaint shops and restaurants, and the whole town has a very European feel. The beach is beautiful, and the town is surrounded by stunning scenery. Carmel is also home to many artists, and the town has a very creative vibe.
2. Del Rey Oaks
Del Rey Oaks is a city in Monterey County, California, United States. The city was incorporated in 1957 and is one of the smallest cities in the county. The city is mostly residential with a few businesses. The population was 1,624 at the 2010 census.
The city is located on the Monterey Peninsula, just south of the city of Monterey. The Del Rey Oaks Post Office opened in 1957.
The city is served by the Monterey-Salinas Transit buses.
The Monterey Peninsula Airport is located in Del Rey Oaks.
3. Marina
Marina, California is a coastal town located in Monterey County. The town is known for its popular beaches, fishing, and boating. Marina is also home to a number of businesses and restaurants. Visitors to Marina can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking.
4. Monterey
Monterey is a beautiful city located on the Central Coast of California. It is known for its stunning scenery, mild weather, and rich history.
Monterey was the capital of California from 1777 until 1849, and it was here that the first European settlers arrived in the state. The city has a long and rich history, and it is home to a number of important historical sites.
Monterey is also known for its natural beauty. The city is surrounded by forests, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. There are numerous parks and beaches in the city, and it is a popular destination for tourists.
The economy of Monterey is based largely on tourism. The city is home to a number of hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is also a popular destination for weddings and other events.
5. Moss Landing
Moss Landing is a small town located in Monterey County, California. This town is situated on the Monterey Bay, and is known for its large fishing fleet and wildlife. The town has a population of just over 1,000 people, and is a popular tourist destination.
Moss Landing is home to the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, which is a research facility for marine science. This facility is operated by several different universities, and is a major contributor to the town’s economy.
The town is also home to the Moss Landing Power Plant, which is a natural gas-fired power plant. This power plant provides power to the surrounding area, and is a major employer in the town.
Moss Landing is a beautiful town, and is a great place to visit if you are interested in marine science or fishing. There are many things to do in this town, and it is a great place to spend a vacation.
6. Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove is a small town located on the Monterey Peninsula in California. This town is known for its Victorian houses, quaint shops, and beautiful coastline. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as whale watching, kayaking, golfing, and hiking. Pacific Grove is also home to the Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast.
7. Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is an unincorporated community on the Monterey Peninsula in Monterey County, California. It lies at an elevation of 82 feet (25 m).
Pebble Beach is named for the small, round, smooth pebbles that cover its beach. The area is also known for its golf course, Pebble Beach Golf Links, and for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, an annual classic car show.
Pebble Beach was originally the home of the Native American Rumsen tribe. It was later inhabited by Spanish settlers, who named it “Pescadero” (meaning “fishery” in Spanish) because of the abundance of seafood in the area.
In 1768, the Spanish Portola expedition came to the area and established Monterey as the capital of Alta California. Pebble Beach was part of the Rancho Pescadero Mexican land grant, which was later purchased by the United States government in 1848.
Pebble Beach was originally a farming and fishing community, but it began to develop as a resort in the late 19th century. The first major hotel in Pebble Beach was the Hotel Del Monte, which was built in 1880.
In 1919, the Pebble Beach Corporation was formed to develop the area. The corporation purchased 3,800 acres (15 km2) of land, including the Del Monte property, and began to develop the Pebble Beach Golf Links.
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was first held in 1950, and it has become one of the world’s premier classic car shows.
Pebble Beach is also home to the Pebble Beach Resorts, which includes several hotels, golf courses, and tennis clubs.
Pebble Beach is located on the Monterey Peninsula, about 100 miles (160 km) south of San Francisco. It is accessible by car from Highway 1.
8. Salinas
Salinas is the county seat and largest city of Monterey County, California. Salinas is located just outside of Monterey Bay, in the Salinas Valley, and is a renowned agricultural center due to its climate and fertile soils. The city is also home to a number of large food processing and distribution companies, as well as a growing number of high-tech and light manufacturing businesses. The economy of Salinas is diverse and robust, and the city is a major center for education, with a number of colleges and universities located here. Salinas is a beautiful city, with a mild climate and a number of parks and open spaces. The city is also a great place to live, with a low cost of living and a high quality of life.
9. Seaside
Seaside is a small town located in Monterey County, California. The town is situated on the Monterey Bay, and is known for its beautiful beaches and quaint shops. Visitors to Seaside can enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The town is also home to a number of art galleries and restaurants.
10. Soledad
The city of Soledad is located in Monterey County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 25,738. The city is the county seat of Monterey County.
Soledad is a small city located in the Salinas Valley. The city is home to a number of businesses and industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
The city is served by the Soledad Unified School District. The district includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
The city of Soledad is home to a number of parks and recreation facilities. The city also offers a variety of community services and programs.