Casa Munras, Larkspur hotels, Monterey

Attractions

Cannery Row
Monterey Bay's historic waterfront's days of being a sardine-packing port as depicted in Steinbeck's novel by the same name, have been replaced by a thriving tourist attraction. Cannery Row's funky maze of nooks and crannies offer sweet little shops, spectacular dining, live music and late night comedy. Cannery Row is also home to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium as well as the Culinary Center of Monterey. You will also find interesting art galleries, a factory outlet center, and gorgeous views of Monterey Bay all contribute to a great way to spend a day.

Maritime Museum of Monterey
5 Custom House Plaza
Monterey State Historic Park
Monterey, CA
831.372.2608
The museum traces its history as far back as 1931. Today the Maritime Museum holds almost 6000 artifacts, over 50,000 photographs, and 6000 books and papers in the collection.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, California 93940
831.648.4888
There are always new reasons to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium-special events like our "Oceans 2006: Year of Exploring," exciting exhibits, new animals and family activities. Discover underwater life without leaving relatively dry land. Find out why it is recognized as the nation's finest aquarium and No. 3 top-rated family attraction in the United States by Zagat family guide. At the aquarium you will find approximately 550 different species exhibited. Located on Monterey's historic Cannery Row, The aquarium is sure to please and surprise you with each visit.

San Carlos Beach Diving
Near the Coast Guard Pier, Monterey
Monterey Bay offers some of the best scuba diving in the entire state, despite the chilly temperatures, (averaging between 55-62 degrees F). San Carlos Beach, adjacent to the Coast Guard pier, is one of the most popular sites for a recreational beach dive because of its easy access. Restrooms and an outdoor shower area are also provided. A grassy area and several picnic tables make this park a great place to spend the day.

Monterey County Youth Museum
601 Wave St.
Monterey, CA
831.649.6444
Located on the world famous Cannery Row, the Monterey County Youth Museum provides an environment unique to any other in Monterey County. This 2,700 square foot museum is packed with a variety of hands on exhibits, making each visit unique and exciting. Kids and adults can discover how they learn best through a variety of interactive exhibits. Exhibit areas include sound experiment, dramatic interaction, a creation station, MY Body, and a kids-only kitchen.

Monterey Museum of Art
559 Pacific St.
Monterey, CA
And in the La Mirada Adobe
831.372.5477
At the Monterey Museum of Art you will see California and the Central Coast through the eyes of artists. The museum's exceptional collections, exhibitions, and educational programs reflect the unique cultural heritage of the region and its distinctive influence within the cultural community.

Path of History
Monterey State Historic Park
20 Custom House Plaza
Monterey, CA
831.649.7118
The Park is a walk through the history of Monterey. Explore the park's interpretive center - the Pacific House Museum - or take the "Path of History" leading you through Casa Soberanes and the Cooper-Molera Adobe, for a taste of this rich history. Let the tantalizing fragrances of the many historic gardens transport you back to early California, and experience the birthplace of California's government through the downtown area of the city. Maps are available, and guided walking tours are available for a fee, starting from the Maritime Museum.

National Steinbeck Center
1 Main St.
Salinas, CA
831.775.4721
Visit the National Steinbeck Center to experience a journey through John Steinbeck's world, where literature jumps off the printed page and into your imagination. Seven themed theaters showcase East of Eden, Cannery Row, Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath and much more.

Old Monterey Market Place
Alvarado St.
Monterey, CA
4-8pm April to October, and 4-7pm November to March
Every Tuesday at the Old Monterey Market Place you will find many vendors selling a variety of wares in this street fair. There is a farmer's market with local produce from California's Central Valley and coastal regions. There are also many vendors selling art, jewelry, handmade soaps and other goods. Local restaurants serve everything from pizzas, and BBQ favorites, to Indian nan wraps and Greek gyros! This weekly festival is held Tuesdays from approximately 4-8pm. (Rain or shine.)

Fisherman's Wharf of Monterey
Wharf # 1
Monterey, CA
(Just beyond the end of Presidio Park)
A visit to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula just isn't complete without a rendezvous with Old Fisherman's Wharf. Here you can experience all of the sounds and smells of Monterey. You can photograph sea lions and otters, or take to the waters in a glass bottom boat tour. There are a variety of great restaurants, seafood, unique shops, whale-watching, fishing, and bay cruises, and a theatre.

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
165 Forest Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA
831.648.3116
The Museum has permanent exhibits which interpret the native plants, animals, geology, and aboriginal populations of Monterey County. The Museum also displays a variety of special temporary exhibits throughout the year. These exhibits remain on display for two to six months, though the annual Wildflower Show is displayed for only a single weekend. A special "kid's corner" allows kids to touch baleen, pet a bobcat and quiz themselves on local animals. Admission free.

Point Pinos Lighthouse
End of Lighthouse Ave.
Pacific Grove, CA
831.648.3116
Point Pinos is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Since February 1, 1855, its beacon has flashed nightly as a guide and warning to ships off the rocky California coast. On those especially foggy days for which this rocky coast is known, the lighthouse horn bellows its non-stop warning to mariners out on the bay. Call for a tour.

Wild Things
400 River Rd.
Salinas, CA
831.455.1901
This wild animal park is the home of such wild creatures as a 500-pound African lion, a Bengal tiger and three elephants. The animal facility is a training grounds for animals that star in film, TV and live productions. Over 100 animals in all live within this educational and safe animal compound. Daily tours begin at 1pm.