Know Before You Go: About Monterey
It's all about the bay in Monterey, and families gather here to play in and around it
You and your little ones will be able to adventure from one watery attraction to the next—from the world-class aquarium overlooking the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the clam chowder vendors and whale-watching tours on the Wharf. It's easy to see why 8.5 million people flock each year to this natural wonderland.
Weather Tips
Compared to Mediterranean climate, Monterey is close, but not exactly that. Summers are mild, not hot. From June through August, you'll be greeted with morning fog and temperatures below 75 degrees. The hotter months of the calendar are, surprisingly, May and September. The winter months of December and January clock in with the coldest temperatures as the thermometer dips to 40 degrees. Spring and fall bring rain or sun—or both—so be sure to pack appropriately.
Attractions and Activities
Cannery Row—made famous by author John Steinbeck—once held several fish canneries along the waterfront. Nowadays, the region offers hotels, restaurants, wine tasting, specialty shops and local art galleries. In the downtown area, Fisherman’s Wharf is a great place to just relax, where you and your family can dine at one of several charming little restaurants and take in the local vibe. When you stroll down the wharf, keep your eyes peeled for otters and sea lions playing in the harbor area. Get outside and try kayaking, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing, or trek to nearby wonders like Big Sur to the south or the Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Reserve to the north.
Food as Big Business
Monterey has a real interest in veggies, since their leading industry is agriculture. Farmers here produce every vegetable your mother ever force-fed you to eat: broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, peppers, squash, carrots, asparagus, celery, tomatoes, mushrooms, strawberries, garlic and Brussels sprouts. Tourism is big business here too, with millions of visitors yearly. Higher education is the region’s third-largest industry.
Mobile in Monterey
The vast parking lots around the waterfront attractions tell you something: Most visitors come to Monterey in cars. You'll find plenty of parking spots, but they're not cheap—and metered spots have a tight, two-hour max—so leave the vehicle at the hotel and explore downtown by walking. If you visit in the summer, the free Waterfront Area Visitor Express (WAVE) trolley is a great alternative, with pickup stops at hotels and parking lots.
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More to Explore
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium takes you into the undersea universe of moon jellies and more.