Monterey (population approximately 29,000) is located roughly 2 hours south of San Francisco. This beautiful historic town takes full advantage of its location on the edge of the Pacific Ocean with attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and the ever popular Monterey Bay Aquarium. However, there are more attractions in the entire Monterey Bay area then just those in the town of Monterey. Additional highlights include the scenic 17 Mile Drive, the town of Carmel, Mission San Carlos Borroméo del río Carmelo and Point Lobos State Reserve.
The first explorer to discover the Monterey area was a Spaniard, Juan Rodriguez. He initially sailed into the bay in 1542 but failed to land due to very stormy weather. He should have arrived in summer. Another 60 years would pass before Sebastian Vizcaino actually explored the bay and named several locations. Fishing was the primary industry in Monterey for many years. This industry alternated with tourism as the main economic industries in the area. Tourism gained precedence in the 1880’s and then again in the 1930’s after the collapse of the sardine industry. Today tourism and the military are the two largest sources of revenue for the region.
Fisherman’s Wharf offers art galleries, cute craft shops and small restaurants along with excellent views of the bay. Cannery Row was made famous by John Steinbeck’s novels but now galleries and shops have replaced the sardine factories. Monterey has long attracted artists and writers – author Robert Louis Stevenson lived here at one point.
Commercial Flights to & from Monterey Peninsula Airport
For a fairly small community (Monterey), this airport offers a variety of flights from several carriers. Inaugural flights of Allegiant Air to Monterey Peninsula Airport from San Diego and Los Angeles international airports began May 3, 2009. Additional domestic carriers also service this airport with a variety of flights including Alaska, American and United. The airport celebrated it’s 75th anniversary in 2016. For more information, visit: www.montereyairport.com
Monterey is so beautiful! Wish I could’ve explored more and had more time while I was there but only did a day trip. Great info you have here.
Thanks Juan – I still need to explore more of the Monterey area – esp the wineries 🙂