Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tolearnaboutthetown'scolorfulpast,samplethewell-marked walkingtourthatleads
through Monterey's historic district. On the shore of the bay lies Cannery Row, once a
factory-filled hub for fish processing. The canneries—as well as the odd lot that worked
and lived in the area—were immortalized by novelist John Steinbeck.
No longer a rough-and-tumble, foul-smelling industrial center, Cannery Row has been
spruced up and nowadays offers a wax museum, restaurants, shops, and the top-notch
Monterey Bay Aquarium. The seaside marine park is full of surprises, with creative dis-
playsthatallowclose-upviewingofmanymarinedenizens,includingwolfeels,seaotters,
sharks, bat rays, and jellyfish.
2.
Pacific Grove
Although it was settled just up the peninsula from Monterey in 1875, Pacific Grove was in
many ways light-years away. Its Methodist founders, seeking a seaside retreat for religious
contemplation, shunned their rowdy, often bawdy neighbors. Today, however, the bound-
aries between the two towns have blurred, as parks, stores, offices, museums, and homes
have spread across the peninsula.
For spectacular vistas follow Ocean View Boulevard along the shores of Monterey
Bay, stopping off at Lovers Point Park and Point Pinos Lighthouse. Sunset Drive, another
road with fine views, parallels the Pacific side of the peninsula and leads to Asilomar
State Beach, where the wide swath of sand is perfect for strolling, beachcombing,
or—reminiscent of the town's early inhabitants—soul-searching reflection.
True to its nickname, Butterfly Town USA, Pacific Grove enjoys another distinction.
It is the winter home to hordes of monarch butterflies. Lured by mild weather, the insects
fly in from as far away as Canada and congregate in dense clusters on eucalyptus and
Monterey pine trees. They are usually best observed in George Washington Park and in a
grove on Lighthouse Avenue. (Don't disturb them, though: The town imposes penalties on
anyone who does.)
3.
17-Mile Drive
Sunset Drive swings inland after Asilomar State Beach, passed the well-landscaped
grounds of a conference center, then intersects with 17-Mile Drive. Monterey cypresses,
gnarled by the wind and ocean spray, are among the highlights along the toll road, which
loops through part of the Monterey Peninsula. Other roadside delights include 1920s man-
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