Photo Credit: SeeMonterey.com
This picturesque city along California's coastline offers 267 days of sunshine each year, with history around every street corner. When the meeting ends, head outdoors to explore the waterfront district and learn about the city's past as a former sardine-fishing hub. Or visit the John Steinbeck Center and Salvador Dalí Exhibition to discover some of the famous figures that once called Monterey home.
Wander the Waterfront
Photo Credit: SeeMonterey.comStart your day with a stroll through the historic waterfront district. Along Cannery Row, explore the shops, galleries and wine-tasting rooms now lining the famed street that was home to the factories that earned Monterey its nickname as the "Sardine Capital of the World" during World War II. Also nearby is Old Fisherman's Wharf, a once-bustling fish market that houses several seafood restaurants and whale-watching tour operators.
Discover the Deep Sea
Photo Credit: Monterey Bay AquariumThe Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-stop while in town, featuring 774 bird, fish, animal and plant species. Watch playful otters wrestle, visit the open-sea exhibit to see tufted puffins, or stop by the kelp forest for a closer look at rockfish and wolf eel. The newest exhibit, which opened April 9, explores the deep sea and its mysterious inhabitants.
Literary Legend
Photo Credit: SeeMonterey.comLearn about the acclaimed author behind "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Cannery Row" at the John Steinbeck Center. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the venue features interactive exhibits that explore the life and work of the writer, who was born and raised in Salinas, Calif.
Secret Speakeasy
Photo Credit: Savvy BarIn a storefront tucked under the Golden State Theater find Savvy Bar, a new speakeasy serving barrel-aged and bespoke cocktails. Guests also enjoy live music and small plates. Just don't forget to look up the entry password, which is posted daily on the website.
Dream Works
Photo Credit: Scott Campbell PhotographyTake in the more than 580 pieces on display at the Salvador Dalí Exhibition, the country's largest private collection. Why here? The surrealist artist spent nearly a decade in Monterey.