Rich in history, natural beauty, and charm, Monterey boasts a picturesque setting along the glistening Monterey Bay. It is the perfect destination for a day trip, weekend getaway, or longer vacation. Here are just five reasons why you should include Monterey in your California travel plans.

Unique Monterey Hotels

Rich in history, natural beauty, and charm, Monterey boasts a picturesque setting along the glistening Monterey Bay. It is the perfect destination for a day trip, weekend getaway, or longer vacation. Here are just five reasons why you should include Monterey in your California travel plans.
Unique Monterey Hotels

Have a favorite kind of hotel? You will find that Monterey caters to every taste. Grab a cheap deal at one of these Monterey hotels near MRY Airport or splash out a little more to stay within steps of several of the city’s most popular attractions. Hotel Pacific and the Monterey Downtown Days Inn are both popular options in the downtown area. If you prefer to wake up to a view of the beautiful Monterey Bay, book a room at the Monterey Plaza and Spa.

Palette-Pleasing Dining Options
Thanks to abundant local produce and a bounty of sustainable seafood, Monterey is not short on delicious dining options. Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row – where you will find the likes of the Old Fisherman’s Grotto and the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co – are among the best known places to eat in the city. To discover local favorites, head away from the shoreline to eat at Fifi’s Cafe Bistro, Zocalo, and Restaurant 1833.

Boutique Shopping
If you like to hit the shops, there a variety of places in Monterey where you can flash your plastic. You will find plenty of department and brand stores at the Del Monte Shopping Center, or head to Alvarado Street in the downtown area to discover a divine choice of independent stores, boutiques, and one-of-a-kind stores. If you are a serious bargain hunter, take a short drive to nearby Carmel to visit the Barnyard open-air shopping village and more than 100 artist-driven studios and galleries.

Amazing Attractions

No matter how you like to occupy your time, Monterey has attractions to suit. If you enjoy visiting cultural attractions, head to the Colton Hall Museum or the nearby Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. If you have the kids in tow, visits to Dennis the Menace Park and the Monterey Bay Aquarium are in order, while everyone in the family will enjoy setting off on a whale-watching cruise. Another must-see are the playful otters that call the bay home. Viewing points include Lovers and Otter Points.

Exhilarating Activities

There are few more scenic places to enjoy outdoor activities than Monterey, but why stop at relaxing on the beach or taking a stroll? Step things up a notch by taking part in some of the exhilarating activities on offer in the area. Try hang gliding over the bay, stand up paddling classes, or skydiving over the Marine National Sanctuary. If you would like to try your hand at scuba diving, the Monterey Bay Dive Center offers courses to suit all abilities.

Ready to go? Check flight information and get a great last-minute deal on a Monterey hotel on Hipmunk. If you are already a fan of all that Monterey offers, share your travel tips in the comments below.

Bio
Linda Forshaw likes to write about local haunts and far-flung places. She lives in Liverpool, England, and spends her free time exploring new places, going to live gigs, and planning her next adventure. She is currently writing for the #HipmunkCityLove project.