Monterey
The Center - California
Our visits: So far 4 visits in August 1992, August 1994, April 1997 and September 2
Monterey
Description: The city was founded in 1770 and initially consisted only of a military base and a mission. In the early 19th century, an important fishing port was found here and the city developed into a center of the sardine packing industry. Numerous fish processing plants were found along Cannery Row. The small town became widely known through the book Cannery Row by John Steinbeck (1945). Today the town lives mainly from tourism. Especially the worldwide known Monterey Bay Aquarium attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Our rating: We like Monterey. Especially directly at the ocean there are great photo motifs and so we always stop here when we are in the area. We can recommend a side trip here.
17-Mile Drive
Description: 17-Mile Drive is a Scenic Road along the coast between Monterey to the north and Carmel-by-the-Sea to the south. The coast here is as good as unobstructed and offers some great viewpoints. Besides there are also some places where you can watch sea lions and, if you are lucky, whales.
Those who are interested in houses of the premium price range and great golf courses will not miss out here either. Driving on the road costs $10.50/car.
Our rating: We have driven the road twice so far (1992 and 1994). It was quite nice, but there are many other great places on the coast that you don't have to pay for. Therefore, we have so far limited it to the two times.
If it's your first time on the coast of California, you might want to drive along here. It's beautiful and worth the money.
