Monterey Bay California. Multi-day program San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Monterey - tour from Los Angeles. Monterey Maritime Museum

The city, about which information is presented in this article, was founded by the Spaniards in 1770. It is this locality that holds the title of the former capital of one of the US states - California.

The city of Monterey (California) has a rather interesting centuries-old history of its development.

Charming and small, but very cute and cozy town. After reading this article, you can learn more about this amazingly beautiful historical place.

Monterey (California): photo, location

Monterey is one of the favorite places for tourists to visit in the US state of California. This picturesque, sunny town is located on the very shores of Monterey Bay (Pacific Ocean) between Los Angeles and the beautiful city of San Francisco.

In the centuries-old history of North America, he occupies a rather honorable place. This is a true paradise, an oasis for entertainment and a wonderful holiday. Every year it is visited by more than 2 million tourists for the purpose of recreation and acquaintance with its magnificent natural and historical sights. This is one of the most beautiful places in California, representing the west coast of the state.

Monterey (California) is located 80 kilometers south of the city of San Jose, from which road No. 17 (passage) goes to it, passing almost in the very middle of the way (from Santa Cruz) to the old seaside Spanish road No. 1. The latter extends along the shores of the Pacific Ocean (North and South America).

In 2005, the population of the city was just over 30.5 thousand people.

A bit of history

Monterey (California), like the entire state, was originally (in the 1770s) part of New Spain. Moreover, from 1775 to 1849, this city was the first capital of the state.

The state was in the possession of Mexico until 1846, but after the American-Mexican War, it was hung over the trading house of the city of Monterey. By this he marked the accession of California to the States of America. At that time, for the inhabitants of this locality, this event did not turn out to be anything particularly remarkable.

Subsequently, Monterey, gradually losing the status of the state capital, began to turn into a place where they began to engage in mass industrial fishing. Here, along the coast, several factories for the production of canned sardines have opened.

About the fishing industry

A huge number of sardines live in the bay, thanks to which Monterey has become a fishing town with a fishing shipyard with many fish processing plants. However, by the middle of the 20th century, due to its overfishing, the resources of the bay were depleted. As a result, it completely went bankrupt.

The buildings of those factories have survived to this day, and are one of the main city attractions. Many buildings are used for the best hotels and fish restaurants, souvenir shops and shops. Among other things, since the end of the last century, one of the most unique marine aquariums has been opened in one of the former factories. It contains approximately 35,000 species of various inhabitants of the deep sea.

Tourists visiting the city of Monterey (California) can see a lot of interesting things.

Attractions

Monterey has many attractions: an oceanarium, old port buildings, a library, a theater, etc.

The atmosphere and surroundings of the city give it an irresistible charm. Most of the houses are built in the style of the Victorian era. It even preserved a two-story building with a fireplace located in it from the time of the Spanish discoverers - Larkin House. The centuries-old buildings have also survived intact, which now house a library, a theater, as well as a Custom House (customs) building.

Interesting and the chapel of St. Presidio, and Colton Hall (old school). In addition, the only (last) pavement in the United States made of whale bones has been preserved in this town. It is located at the Old Whale Station.

Monterey (California) is no less famous for its main street, Cannery Row. Today, the city's main entertainment venues are located here.

Since 1958, the famous jazz festival has been held annually in Monterey. And since 1991 - a bicycle festival. Now the city is a great place for a relaxing holiday in numerous coastal hotels.

Oceanarium

Monterey is home to one of the most unique and best oceanariums in the world - Monterey Bay, which was mentioned above. It contains the best marine animals and plants.

Aquarium water is a natural habitat for marine exhibits, as it comes directly from the ocean. The institution itself is located in the building of an old factory located on the shore. From the ocean side in the aquarium there is a unique observation deck with a unique stunning view of the endless emerald expanses of the great Pacific Ocean.

Marine life

Monterey Bay (California) contains water, which is an excellent breeding ground for all the underwater vegetation that exists in it. These places are rich in numerous and diverse representatives of fauna and flora: vast areas with seaweed, rookeries and seals, numerous species of fish, etc. All this together attracts the attention of divers and scientists: geologists, biologists, etc.

Vessels periodically sail from the pier to observe gray whales, as well as sperm whales (though rarely). They swim without fear to the shores in search of food, and tourists, surveying all this with their own eyes, come to an indescribable delight. Accustomed to the presence of people, whales even allow you to touch yourself.

An unusual and amazing sight is presented by 3-6-meter algae, stretching to the surface of the water from the very bottom of the ocean.

Nature

Near the city, at the very bottom of Monterey Bay (California), as noted above, there is a unique underwater deep canyon. The presence of it and other smaller underwater canyons has led to the formation of such a diverse flora and fauna of the marine world in a relatively small area of ​​the ocean close to the coast.

The landscapes of the coastal areas of the city are also remarkable, strewn with a fantastically beautiful carpet of pink lavender. The shores covered with snow-white sand with picturesque landscapes against the backdrop of amazing reefs and rocks look great.

That amazingly beautiful winding road (No. 17) runs along the ocean between majestic cliffs and snow-white beaches, periodically diving into groves and forests that grow in the very depths of the peninsula, where the most beautiful and expensive California mansions are located.

Weather

The weather is great in these places. Monterey (California) attracts numerous tourists from all over the world with its warm and sunny atmosphere.

The climate in the city is warm and temperate. In winter, much more precipitation falls here than in summer. In total, approximately 424 mm of precipitation falls during the year. The average annual temperature is +13.2°C.

Conclusion

Numerous cities are located along the Pacific coast of California, each with its own characteristics and attractions. But it is Monterey that has rightfully earned the title of one of the best places for entertainment and recreation for travelers and tourists.

If you are going to visit Monterey and do not know how to use your free time, then below is a list of the main attractions in Monterey(California) will be useful to you.

Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey

One of California's most popular attractions, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or MBA, is located on the site of a former cannery on the Pacific coast. The aquarium was opened in 1984. About 1.8 million people visit the MBA every year. The aquarium contains 623 species of various plants and animals. Among the many aquariums, the most attention should be paid to the central aquarium Ocean's Edge Wing (the height of the aquarium is 10 meters, the volume is 1300 thousand liters). It was in this aquarium that giant kelp appeared for the first time in the world in an artificial environment. In the aquarium you can see an exhibition of sharks, rays, jellyfish, penguins, sea otters, as well as many other animals that can be seen both above and below the waterline.Also on the territory of the aquarium, there is a special exhibition of flamingos, opened in 2010.

The aquarium is open all year round, except for Christmas. Tickets to the Aquarium are best purchased on the spot.

Cannery Row in Monterey

One of the embankments and the most famous streets of Monterey - Cannery Row, gained its fame thanks to a number of canneries located on its territory. Until 1958, the street was called Ocean View Avenue and was renamed in honor of John Steinbeck and his famous novel Cannery Row. The last cannery on Cannery Row closed in 1973, but the street has retained its name. Today, Cannery Row is one of the main city attractions. The former factory is home to the Edward F. Ricketts Marine Sanctuary, and the former factories are home to many hotels, restaurants and shops.

Walk between the Wharf and Cannery Row in Monterey

One of the best ways to relax and enjoy the ocean scenery in Monterey is to visit Fisherman's Wharf and walk along Cannery Row. Near the pier, you can see sea lions, seals and sea otters, which live in colonies on the coastal rocks.

Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey

Fisherman's Wharf is one of Monterey's most popular tourist spots. There are dozens of various restaurants and souvenir shops in the pier area. At the end of the pier there is an observation deck that offers a beautiful view of the bay. for whale watching, on board a glass bottom ship.

Monterey Maritime Museum

The Monterey Maritime and Historical Museum has an extensive display of the history of Monterey and its environs, through the prism of proximity to the ocean. The exposition has thousands of artifacts, including permanent exhibitions dedicated to - the USS Macon airship disaster in Point Sur; the Ohlone and Rumsien Indian tribes; history of Spanish colonization and exploration of California. The museum was opened in 1971. The museum is open for visits from 10.00 to 17.00, the day off is Monday. Entrance to the museum is free.

Monterey State Historic Park

Monterey State Historic Park includes the historical part of the city dating back to the founding of Monterey and is one of the national monuments of the United States. The total area of ​​the park is 32.5 hectares. There are 17 buildings in the park, including - the first theater building (built in 1846-1847 and originally used as a boarding house), the Custom House building (built in 1821, the first brick house in California (built in 1847), the building the first city hall of Monterey, Colton Hall, the Stevenson mansion (the building of the former French hotel, in one of the rooms of which the famous British writer Robert Louis Stevenson lived).

Cruise in Monterey Harbor

One of the best ways to get up close to the marine life that lives in Monterey Harbor is by boat trip. The cruise will not take long, but will be one of the best ways to spend time. Pleasure boats depart from the pier every 30 minutes.

Obnoxious Denis Park in Monterey

One of the most famous amusement parks for children - Dennis the Menace Park was founded in 1956 by the famous cartoonist and creator of the famous comic strip "Horrible Denis" Hank Kutch. The park complex covers an area of ​​45 acres in a multifunctional recreational area in the heart of Monterey. In the park area there is a dance studio, a youth center, multifunctional sports fields, as well as a skate park (Monterey Skate Park). The park is open to visitors during the summer period every day, except Tuesday, from 10.00.

Do you already miss the stories about the sunny land of California? Today we will drive along highway number 1 and get into the fabulous town of Monterrey, which is located on the very coast of the ocean. Despite the warm weather, the water is quite cool.

Approaching the city of Monterrey, new beautiful landscapes open up with every kilometer.

But Monterrey resembles the south of Spain, with sunny weather and snow-white walls of houses and tiled roofs.

But it is worth going out into the street to understand that we are not in Spain, but in America, with a country of cars, large and powerful.

Well, motorcycles, of course. What city in America will do without chrome choppers. The town was waiting for the finish of the old-timer rally, in honor of which the finishing flags were hung, welcoming the participants.

The town is like a toy.

Once upon a time, Monterrey was the border between the United States and Mexico. Until now, one of the oldest buildings of the Customs has been preserved. After the accession of these lands to the United States, the building lost its need as a customs office, but acquired a historical significance that has survived to this day. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a photo of the building, why, I still haven’t figured it out. I probably just forgot to take a picture, walking enchanted through the city, in which I wanted to spend the rest of my life.

It must be great to go out to sea in the dark to bring fish to the numerous restaurants on the coast early in the morning.

The city of Monterrey is a city of yachts. There are almost no expensive cruise ships here like in Monaco, but in the port area you can find several dozens, and maybe hundreds of small yachts and pleasure boats.

Due to the peculiarities of the coast and sea tides, or maybe to preserve the ecology of the coast, where sea lions come to bask in the sun, as well as otters and pelicans, there are no moorings for yachts. Vessels are at anchor, and the owners have to get to their boats in small boats tied to the piers.

The entire space of the pier is filled with souvenir shops, pastry shops and cafes, and, of course, many restaurants offering all the joys of the local marine fauna. Oyster lovers will appreciate this place without a doubt: at every turn, passers-by are offered an oyster "shot", on the fly and for a completely ridiculous price.

We didn’t want to leave the city at all, but San Francisco was ahead of us, where we had to get to the dark, and it’s quite difficult to do this moving along highway No. 1 - at every turn you want to stop and enjoy the surrounding views.

If you look closely, you can clearly see how Highway 1 runs along the coast. The bridge is also visible, in the vicinity of which the previous picture was taken.

And here are the sea lions mentioned above, which sailed to bask on the coast. In general, the entire coast is inhabited by these animals, and in some places they feel completely safe. It is forbidden to feed animals, and for the convenience of travelers there are many viewing platforms, to which lions are completely indifferent.

We stopped at a small village along the road, the name of which was not remembered, but I simply could not miss such a house.

And in one of the following posts, I will definitely tell you about the city of San Francisco, one of the most beautiful megacities in the world, with its unique slides and nimble trams that came out of the frames of numerous films.

Monterey California is the best place on Earth to travel in winter, namely its western coast - the city of Monterey in the USA. The mere awareness of oneself on the shores of the Pacific Ocean does not give rest! This place, apparently, was conceived by God as a place for relaxation, contemplation of nature, reflections on life and the universe.

Monterey city beach

Holidays in Monterey

The city of Monterey is, in fact, several small towns that pass into each other so imperceptibly that you ride a bus and only by the signs you realize that this is, for example, Pacific Grove.

View of the Pacific Ocean (Pacific Grove, California USA)

Monterey in California, where I spent all autumn and almost all winter, pleased me with warm weather, measured life, friendly and somehow carefree people around. Nature, of course, affects the character of the locals.

In December, all those crazy aloes bloomed on the coast of Monterey! It was in December, earlier - no-no)))

What is surprising, especially after Russia, is that everyone around is smiling (even the strikers at the Nobhill supermarket), everyone is ready to keep up the conversation, they are interested in where you come from, they are enthusiastic, they click their tongues.

Of course, the beauty of this city is the coast. Tourists from all over the world and local residents walk along Monterey Bay - a multilingual stream of people does not stop until late in the evening.

monterey bay

There is always something to do here. This place is famous for surfing, kayaks that you can buy or rent, yachts and beaches.

Beginner surfer on the city beach

In summer, a free tram runs along the coast.

Monterey has a theater, a cinema, cozy streets and alleys, parks, cafes and restaurants for all tastes. And here it regularly takes place, including retro. A street is blocked, usually Alvarado Street, the very center, and cars simply line up along the curb, and their satisfied owners rub chrome parts, open hoods polished to a shine (and just as clean under the hoods) and proudly show their wealth. Someone sells, but for the most part, this is such a parade of American cars from different years. This parade moves from city to city, and the very next day it can be seen somewhere in Santa Cruz.

Cannery Row is Steinbeck's place, his books are sold in souvenir shops, stands with photos and information are on the streets.

A lot of tourists, cars - vanity! Previously, fish processing companies were located here (can - tin can), when all the fish was processed, this place became simply historical))))

But the city's main attraction is Old Fisherman's Warf and further up the coast to Pebble Beach. All the fun is here!

Here you can see the first Custom House - the customs office, which received the first cargo on the California coast. Now it is a museum where you can see household items of that time.
And on the Monterey pier there are many souvenir shops and fish shops where you can buy ocean gifts very inexpensively.

Wharf in Monterey

Something happens at Custom House Plaza every weekend - I got to the Turkish culture festival with songs, dances, Turkish bazaar and Turkish goodies.

Custom House Plaza

And for Christmas there was a skating rink! This is a spectacle - palm trees, cacti (next to a garden with different types of cacti), yacht parking and the Pacific Ocean lapping 50 meters away.

On the blue ice at Monterey Pier at Christmas

Ice skating rink under palm trees

Under the palm trees and without snow, it does not happen in Monterey, it was a completely unexpected test! Well, what kind of Christmas is this!??

Christmas tree on the coast

I was especially struck by the tour, which is called Whale watching. On a small boat you leave for Monterey Bay and further, in fact, to the open ocean.

Beautiful view of the Monterey coast and the Pacific Ocean

The captain turns off the engines so as not to scare away the whales, the ship drifts in the ocean waters, the people in excitement run from one deck to another, peer into the endless distance and ... Oh, delight! Here a huge tail flashed, and there was a powerful fountain released by a whale! Screams, squeals, everyone is photographed, the guide tells where to look through the loudspeaker ... Many people want to look at the whales, but not everyone can withstand this trip))))

On Whale watching, some sit motionless, and they obviously feel uneasy - the pitching is such that it seems that now everyone will be washed overboard, and we will join the whales! Amazing feeling! Pleasure costs 30-40 dollars. I kept the program and the bag we were given (in case of sea sickness). And we did see whales!

The diversity of California wildlife is amazing. There are no zoos, circuses or other animal rights violations in Monterey! Sea lions, seals and my favorite otters swim along the coast and bask on the beaches and piers.

Seal rookery off the coast of Monterey

Deer roam the streets, which are driven away from their houses with a loud knock by local residents - they eat leaves on personal plots. However, deer are not afraid of anyone and graze with whole families - small or small less. In general, nature is not frightened, no one exterminates, catches or torments anyone. Animals live in their animal world.

There is, however, Monterey Bay Aquarium, but it is more of a research center than just captivity. I really liked it there, although I do not like such places.

Visitors at Monterey Bay Aquarium

Everything here is very well thought out - visitors not only “stare”, but also receive useful information, for example, there is an exhibition of exhibits that are made from garbage caught in the ocean. Although I never saw any landfills or garbage in the bay.

The underwater world of the ocean behind the glass of the aquarium

There is something for children to do in the aquarium - interactive games, an artificial wave, various performances, for example, feeding otters (I could not move away, I stood like a child with my mouth open). Entrance ticket - 35 dollars.

Jellyfish in clear water

On the coast of the bay in Monterey there are beautiful places reminiscent of the nature of Russia (route 17-mile drive). If I didn't shoot these views myself in California, I would think that this is our north!

Coast of Monterey Bay in California resembles Russia

17-mile drive is a driving tour route along the entire California coast. Finding the road is very easy, there are signs everywhere, but in some areas you need to pay 10 dollars - there are posts.

Nature of the Monterey Coast in the USA while traveling along the roads of a 17-mile drive car excursion route

Travel in the winter to California in the USA! You will surely like Monterey and want to stay there!

Dear friends! I invite you on a three-day tour from Los Angeles to northern California to the city of San Francisco with a visit to the American Riviera of the West Coast - the city of Santa Barbara, the Danish village of Salvang, the former Spanish capital of California - the city of Monterey and much more. Pleasant acquaintance with coastal cities, history, culture and art of these places, bewitching and impressive views along the Pacific coast of the famous Highway number one - this trip will give an unforgettable experience and will remain in your memory for a long time!

Day 1: Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Solvang - San Luis Obispo - San Francisco

• Santa Barbara is a famous resort city on the Pacific coast, located approximately 140 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles. A tour of Santa Barbara will begin with a walk along the promenade and the pier, which offers amazing views of the city, as well as many kilometers of beaches and the harbor with beautiful yachts swinging on the waves.
• Further, the historical center of the city, the central and most beautiful and elegant street of the city - State Street, which is famous for its numerous shops, cafes and restaurants. The old Spanish court building with extraordinary frescoes, which provides an excellent opportunity to admire the views of the city from the observation deck. Street of sculptors and artists La Arcada. Royal Catholic Mission, where the first fountains of California are located.
• The Danish village of Solvang is a colorful Scandinavian-style village located in the center of the Santa Ynes Plain. Everything here reminds of Denmark, and the statue of the little Mermaid from the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen is an exact copy of the statue in Copenhagen. Many small shops, restaurants and bakeries with lush donuts will give you joy and good mood.

In the evening arrival in the city of San Francisco, Check-in at the hotel, Free time.

Day 2: San Francisco sightseeing tour

• The commercial and cultural center of the city is Union Square and the largest Chinese settlement in the United States is Chinatown.
• The business and financial center of the city is Downtown with its famous skyscraper, the Trans-American Pyramid.
• The Civic Center, home to the stunning City Hall and Memorial buildings. *Dizzying panorama of the city and the bay from the Twin Peaks, the highest hills in the city, where the tallest building in San Francisco, the Satro Tower radio antenna, is located.
• Golden Gate Park, a favorite place for citizens to relax, where the traditional Japanese tea garden is located. The pride of the city is the Palace of Fine Arts. Ancient Spanish fortress Presido. The famous suspension bridge is the symbol of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, stunning in its beauty. Walk along the footpath that runs along the coast with a beautiful view of the bridge.
• Russian Hill or Russian Hill is one of the highest points in the city and one of the most prestigious areas of San Francisco, which got its name from Russian sailors. The most picturesque and winding street in the world is Lombard Street. The only famous historic cable tram system in the world.
• The Embarcadero embankment will lead to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 - a crowded place with numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, fairgrounds, from where you can enjoy wonderful views of the ocean and Alcatraz prison island or just watch the fur seal colony.

Free time in the evening.

Day 3: San Francisco - Monterey - 17 Mile Road - Carmel - Los Angeles

• The city of Monterey (Monterey) is the former Spanish capital of California, founded in the late 18th century, when California was part of New Spain. Many historical buildings of the city remind of this time even today. Another attraction of the city is the picturesque bay of the same name, the unique geological conditions of which gave the bay and its surroundings an unprecedented variety of flora and fauna. In addition, there is a giant Oceanarium with 300,000 ocean inhabitants and one of the world's largest viewing windows. The famous Connery Row, Pacific Grove and Fisherman's Wharf. The tour also introduces the Mexican period of the history of California, the history of joining the United States, the history of the state of California.
• 17-Mile Drive is a beautiful Pacific Ocean destination favored by California's richest people, with a modern lifestyle and upmarket Pebble Beach golf clubs.
• Carmel by the Sea is an extraordinary, almost fabulous town of poets and artists on the Pacific coast. Small old houses with ivy roofs, quiet streets in the shade of trees, charming shops and many art galleries.

Moving to Los Angeles on the freeway with a wonderful opportunity to relax and unwind after a busy three-day excursion program.