Monterey, California - The Perfect Year Round Weekend Getaway

As the original capital of the state of California, the city of Monterey is a treasure trove of California history, and makes a great weekend travel destination. The area has deep roots that go back to the original native American tribes, which were followed by immigrants who continued their whaling, fishing, and boatbuilding. It became the capital of Spanish and then Mexican California. The fortunes of the city fluctuated with the ups and downs of the whaling and sardine industries. The famous writer John Steinbeck briefly lived here, and wrote the novel "Cannery Row", which depicted the heydey of the sardine canning industry. It was made into a movie starring Nick Nolte.

Today the old canneries have been converted into boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops. A few of the original historic hotels have been preserved. The Monterey aquarium is a star attraction adjacent to cannery row, displaying the many sea creatures that inhabit Monterey Bay. With a mild climate nearly all year, plus it's proximity to San Francisco makes it a great weekend getaway. Near the bay are the vineyards of Napa Valley, plus fresh fruits and vegetables in Salinas valley.

A close look at an interactive Resort Map will reveal many things to see and do in Monterey. Don't miss the Pacific House Museum, site of the oldest theater in California. Next door is the Monterey Museum of the American Indian.

At the waterfront, you can hop aboard the Princess Monterey Whale Watching tour. This one hundred foot ship runs year-round, giving you up-close views of whales and sea lions that inhabit or migrate along the bay. For a delightful sunset dinner cruise, stop at Monterey Bay Sailing.

The Monterey Museum of Art houses an important collection of early California painting, highlighting the city's long history as a center of art and culture. For a different hotel experience, stay at the Casa Munras, the Hacienda built in 1824 for Don Esteban Munras, the last Spanish diplomat in California. Next door is Esteban Restaurant, providing delicious Spanish and Mediterranean dishes.

View the interactive Monterey California Map and travel information.