Monterey California is famous for the book Cannery Row
by John Steinbeck. It’s been a long time since there was any sardine
canning going on in Monterey. Today it’s a pleasant tourist destination
with lots of opportunities for outdoor adventure on the pleasant California
coast. From hiking the 100’s of miles of trails, to scuba and
skin diving to hang gliding over the bay, the sky is literally the limit
in Monterey.
Monterey Bay is the nation’s largest marine sanctuary. This beautiful
bay is an excellent place to charter a fishing boat and hook some salmon
or test ones surfing skills on the bay’s challenging, fast-breaking
waves. Whale and dolphin-spotting tours are available on Fisherman’s
Wharf, but only Monterey Bay Whale Watch has guides who are marine biologists
(reservations only).
There are many opportunities for visitors to see Monterey’s wildlife.
The Monterey Aquarium’s sharks, sea turtles and rays can be viewed
through the world’s largest widow. Otter Point is a favorite spot
for otter watching, but be warned; harassing these critters will get
you a $10,000 fine. Point Lobos Reserve is a state-run wildlife sanctuary
where visitors can see gulls, sea lions and pelicans in addition to
hiking and diving.
There are a number of good rock climbs around Monterey California, including
the 5,000 sq. ft. of sculpted, indoor terrain at Sanctuary Rock Climbing
Gym. Monterey has quite the literary heritage,
which visitors can explore at the National Steinbeck Center in nearby
Salinas, or in the Stevenson House in Monterey State Historic Park,
where Robert Louis Stevenson wrote reportedly wrote Treasure Island. |
