About
Monterey is a coastal city on the central coast of California, set along the edge of the Pacific. Its setting is the first thing most visitors notice, with the shoreline, the water and the scenery around the town giving it a character that draws people back.
What to see and do
- Cannery Row, the historic waterfront street that is one of the town's best-known landmarks, lined with shops, restaurants and views over the bay.
- The coastline, which offers scenic walks and the chance to take in the ocean at a slower pace.
- The annual jazz festival, which brings music lovers to the city and is a reason many visitors plan their trip around a particular season.
Planning a visit
Monterey suits a relaxed trip built around walking, eating by the water and enjoying the outdoors. Because the historic waterfront and the shoreline sit close together, it is easy to combine a stroll along Cannery Row with time spent on the coast. If you are coming for the jazz festival, allow for the extra visitors that a major event brings and plan accommodation in advance.
Whether you come for the scenery, the history of its waterfront, or its music, Monterey rewards an unhurried visit. It is a place to slow down and let the coast set the pace.