Monterey travel guide

Monterey is a seaside resort situated 125 miles south of San Francisco that as well as being a fishing town is also a favourite tourist destination among well-off visitors. The famous writer John Steinbeck was born in the nearby town of Salinas and he often referred to this part of the world in his books. In particular the district of Cannery Row that used to be the sardine world’s capital port until the late Fifties when the sardines disappeared and the fishing stopped. Today Cannery Row is a very busy tourist spot especially for the presence of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a must see attraction. The Monterey Bay is home to the biggest marine park in the US, the area hosting sea lions, otters and many fish types has been protected since 1992. In spring the view of the grey whales swimming past the coast on their way to Mexico is spectacular.
The area has some nice restaurants and vineyards offering wine tasting. In September there is a famous jazz festival. An excursion on the 17-mile drive, a scenic coastal road with fantastic spots to stop and enjoy the views over Monterey Bay and Carmel Bay is strongly advised.