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About Monterey

Monterey, a city located in Monterey County along the Central Coast of California was the state's first capital. It is best known for its natural beauty, history of famous artists and writers, and the fishing industry.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium, located on Cannery Row, consists of 623 different species of animals and plants is one of the largest attractions to the city of Monterey. Cannery Row is home to the Wax Museum that details the history of the fishing industry of the last century, and also numerous bronze and marble sculptures of local historic figures like John Steinbeck and Doc Ricketts and beautiful dolphins, sea lions and otters.

Old Fisherman's Wharf is also one of Monterey's major attractions with whale watching trips, and world class restaurants. This amazing little gem for tourists and locals alike was a famous fish trade center in the 1950s and early 1960s. Today a stroll along the Wharf in Monterey is full of sights and sounds; with boats, sea lions and pelicans to face painting and salt water taffy, gift shops and samples of seafood.

Historically, the city of Monterey is known as the first state capital. Today, the city has developed into a major tourist spot and has numerous places of interest. The Monterey Museum of Art is a storehouse of the artistic works of great artists of the old times and also features contemporary works. Monterey also displays numerous works of art at the Monterey Airport , conference center, and numerous small galleries.

Monterey Pop and Monterey Jazz Festivals are two musical festivals that help make Monterey a center of attraction to the musical lovers of the world. These festivals attract music lovers from every corner of the world.

The first theater in the state of California is located in Monterey, and the city is a happening place for the lovers of stage acts, dramas and plays. The world famous Bruce Ariss Wharf Theater is also situated in Monterey near the end of Old Fisherman's Wharf. The Wharf Theater hosts whale documentaries during Whale Fest and the Blue Ocean Film Festival along with other wonderful productions though out the year.

The California State University Monterey Bay is the best educational institution in the area. Other famous educational opportunities are Monterey College of Law, Naval Postgraduate School and Monterey Institute of International Studies.

For children, there are wonderful attractions such as Dennis the Menace Park, My Museum, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Smiley Orca Face Painting along with the fun of seeing their first sea lion, seal, jellyfish or otter out in the bay. They can take home the fun memories in photos from booths on the Wharf and Cannery Row.

Monterey is host to the Big Sur Marathon and half Marathon and its course along the Big Sur Coastline is the worlds most beautiful course and attracts runners from around the world, with over 7000 participants each year.

Some of the famous personalities of Monterey include Henry Wheeler Shaw, John Steinbeck, Doc Ricketts, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London and Ellwood Graham.

Monterey, Salinas, Carmel, Big Sur and the surrounding area have been used as the backdrop of many famous movies. Movie location tours are available for film lovers.

-- Latest Update 2011/01/25 by John Tallon Entertainment