Monterey Peninsula, California
Welcome
to the Monterey Peninsula, one of the most diverse and beautiful areas
in Northern California. Its colorful cities and historic locations make
it an ideal getaway. Monterey was the first capital of California after
it was claimed by the United States. Visitors enjoy strolling the streets,
absorbing the historical and cultural past. Monterey features an array
of fine restaurants, boutiques, galleries, inns and recreational opportunities.
It is host to a wide variety of festivals and world class events including
The Monterey Jazz Festival, The Monterey Blues Festival, Cherries Jubilee,
The Great Monterey Squid Festival and Monterey Wine Festival, as well
as major automobile and motorcycle races at nearby Laguna Seca Raceway.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, with a population of 5,000 residents, plays
host to thousands of visitors each year. By the 1920's Carmel had already
achieved its international reputation as an artists' colony. Now its
biggest attractions are the downtown shopping district and its beautiful
beaches. You won't find many sidewalks, streetlights, neon signs or
mailing addresses, but you will find specialty shops, boutiques, art
and photography galleries and great restaurants. Carmel Valley is a
combination of sunshine and countryside. The valley retains the agricultural
character of its history: Rustic barns, fields of lettuce, vineyards
and grazing animals. The village is 12 miles east of Carmel and is home
to Garland Ranch Regional Park.
Pacific Grove , better known by locals as "America's last hometown,"
is also known for its thriving population of Monarch butterflies. A
walk through the residential neighborhoods reveals many well-preserved,
turn of the century, Victorian homes. History buffs can visit the Point
Piños Lighthouse, the oldest operating facility of its kind on the California
coast. The Monterey Bay recreational trail passes by Lover's Point,
offering many opportunities to view sea otters, sea lions and occasionally
passing whales.
Pebble Beach is a gated community located between Carmel-by-the-Sea
and Pacific Grove. Its 17-Mile Drive draws hundreds of visitors daily
where views of the ocean, cypress trees, fabulous houses and deer, not
to mention the world's most dramatic golf courses, are truly breathtaking.
Monterey: Past & Present
In the midst of a bustling downtown lined with fashionable restaurants,
shops, cafes and nightspots, Monterey has preserved more history than
any other city in California. Monterey State Historic Park, in downtown
Monterey, marks the spot where the United States flag was first officially
raised on July 7, 1846, bringing 600,000 square miles, including California,
into the Union. Ten buildings, including the Custom House, California's
First Theater, several former residences built in the 1830s and now
museums, preserve the area's rich heritage. Special walking tours led
by professionals in period costumes leave several times a day from the
Stanton Visitor Center, or pick up a Path of History Walking Tour map
from the Old Monterey Business Association and guide yourself.
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Monterey's
history actually began long before the 1800s. While seeking a convenient
stopover for Spanish galleons returning from Manila to Acapulco, Spanish
explorer Sebastian Vizcaino "discovered" the bay and peninsula he named
Monterey, after the viceroy of New Spain, in 1602. But it would be more
than 160 years before Gaspar de Portola reached Monterey to reassess
Vizcaino's recommendation, and by then, Father Junipero Serra's overland
party had already begun the establishment of the California missions.
The thriving Native American population or Ohlone, became the focus
of Father Serra's ministry and the labor force behind his missions.
The sub-populations best known in this area are the Essalen and Rumsen
tribes.
Chinese and Japanese laborers settled in the area circa 1849 during
the Gold Rush, yet by drying fish, abalone, squid and other seafood
and shipping it back to their homeland, they originated the local fishing
industry. In the 1870s, the Italian and Portuguese broke the Chinese
fishing monopoly by developing the fresh fish industry and shipping
to San Francisco markets via the new railroad. The railroad, in turn,
opened up the tourism industry, bringing travelers to the Peninsula
and to its first luxury resort, the famed Del Monte Hotel, now the campus
for the Naval Postgraduate School.
Writers Jack London, Robinson Jeffers, Henry Miller, John Steinbeck
and Robert Louis Stevenson were all inspired by this region. Big Sur
was the haunt of Henry Miller; Robinson Jeffers built Tor House on Carmel
Point. California painters settled in Carmel, fostering its renown as
an artist colony. Ansel Adams was born in Carmel.
Activites for every age and interest
In addition to Monterey Peninsula College, the local community college,
which was established in 1947, in 1995 the Peninsula welcomed California
State University Monterey Bay to the former Fort Ord property.
Conceived in the Dewian philosophy of learning by doing, the university
is invested in educating tomorrow's teachers and business professionals
in marine science, international business, language and culture and
the arts through both classroom instruction and community service.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California offers visitors nearly 200 award-winning galleries and exhibits. Explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium web site to learn about ocean life, take a virtual tour of the aquarium or plan a visit.
The Cannery Row in Monterey is said to be one of the most popular vacation destination on California's Central Coast. Ideally set right on the Monterey Bay, this historic waterfront district made famous by Steinbeck, offers attractions and recreation, fun restaurants, waterfront hotels, convenient shopping and lots of nightlife.
California Cusine
California Cuisine can best be described as a fusion of flavors incorporating fresh California ingredients with Mexican and Asian influences. Food typically served "California style" is prepared with particularly strong attention to presentation. California grown fresh ingredients include avocados, artichokes, lettuce, tomatoes, figs, dates, persimmons and sprouts to name a few. Along the California coast seafood virtually jumps onto the plate. Lobster, oysters, shrimp, clams and scallops are among some of traveler's favorites. Melted butter and fresh chopped parsley are delightful additions to any fresh seafood dish prepared at the table.
For over one hundred years, the Pacific Grove community has celebrated its history and culture with a summer festival called the Feast of Lanterns featuring a lantern parade to the beach, fireworks over the bay, entertainment and food. Families will enjoy this entertaining, and educational one-of-a-kind event.
What will be happening in the Monterey Area when you drive through town?
Take a look at the list of festivals in the side bar to find out!
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