Make the most of a stopover! Get inspired by reviews of cities near Monterey Peninsula Airport

• CHRISTOPHER

  United Kingdom
  8.0

  THE FIRST CAPITAL OF CALIFORNIA USA.

  There are many sights of historic interest in Monterey,which was the original capital of California when it became the 31st state of the Union in 1850,although some,such as Larkin's house and the hotel where Robert Louis Stevenson stayed in 1879,were closed while I was there,but Colton Hall and the Monterey Museum are well worth a visit (free entry to both).Excellent fish restaurants on Fisherman's Wharf and the Montrio bistro on Calle Principal (same street as the hotel) very good value.Plenty of nice cafes and places to eat on the way to Cannery Row (so named by John Steinbeck in 1945) which is about two miles from downtown (shuttle bus available).Good sandy beaches such as San Carlos.The Aquarium is worth a visit, especially for children,but a bit overpriced at US$40 entry fee in my view; for the same amount you can take a three-hour cruise round Monterey Bay from Fisherman's Wharf to watch the dolphins and whales,much better value for money.

• Anonymous

  United Kingdom
  8.0

  Sunny, sandy and leafy.

  Although not a review of Monterey, as such, it is of places close by that are quick and easy to get to. About 5 miles south of Monterey is the town of Carmel By The Sea, a pleasent leafy little place with a lovely white sandy beach (next time I'll stay here instead of Monterey), no problem finding a place to park (free for 2 hours). And about a further 3 miles south of Carmel is Point Lobos nature reserve where seals and otters can be seen, it is also a great place to relax and have a picnic or to just walk around.

• Dean

  Australia
  10

  Cycling, Otters and Clam Chowder.

  We love Monterey and Pacific Grove. We have been many times and will go back again. We love Fisherman's Whalf and Cannery Row. It's always a high spot on our travels on the West coast. We love the food on the Wharf and Cannery Row and especially can't wait to have the Clam chowder again. Although we didn't cycle this time, only staying one night, it's a great cycling destination as well and home of the Sea Otter Classic in April. Also, the real otters are back after an absence on our last few visits! It's a great place to visit.

• Sheila

  Canada
  10

  Wonderful place to stay right at the ocean

  I loved the view from the restaurant, I loved falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the ocean. A morning walk on the beach was amazing and tranquil. A bonus when we were having breakfast was seeing the dolphins swimming in the waves. Would love to go back :)

• Louise

  Australia
  8.0

  Great coastal walks and encounters with wildlife - avoid the touristy areas if you can

  Monterey is quite busy, and can be touristy right on the coast (Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row). However the Aquarium is well worth a visit, and there are some lovely coastal walks which you can see Seals and Sea otters relatively close to shore. There are some great wine bars and galleries, however you may have to search them out. Overall a great place to visit.

• Elizabeth Sum

  Singapore
  10

  The 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach.

  The 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. The clam chowder at Old Fisherman's Grotto at Fisherman's Wharf is pretty darn amazing. Be careful if you go whale watching though; it is a pukefest. I saw loads of puking passengers. Dramamine is a must.