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MONTEREY PENINSULA
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Monterey
Peninsula reflects much of the history of the entire state.
 Monterey was the first capital of
California after it was claimed by the United States. Among the
Settlers were the Sicilian fisherman who set the stage for John
Steinbeck's famous novel Cannery Row, once the
sardine-packing capital of the world, has been turned into quite
the tourists' hot spot.
Today,
Monterey is home to one of the worlds best aquariums, a
bustling Fisherman's Wharf, and a fond appreciation of
its past shared with visitors through museums and walking tours.
 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,. There are few places on earth as
enchanting, unique and charming as Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Nestled in a pine forest above a spectacular white sand beach,
the one square mile village of Carmel. 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. Carmel is
an environment rich in the history and traditions of early
California. Carmel's Bohemian founders fought to maintain the
outdoor mystique and small-town appeal of our community and
their efforts are in evidence today. The residential district
has no sidewalks or street lights and the beach is unadulterated
by commercial development. There is no mail delivery, homes are
known by name and have no addresses.
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 Regi onal Park. The country setting of Carmel
Valley, drenched in the warmth of the sun, is but 12 miles east
of Carmel and presents many of the area's finest hiking,
picnicking, horseback riding, golfing and exploring
opportunities. One can also find excellent lodging, outstanding
recreation, fine restaurants and more than 100 specialty shops. |
The Big
Sur Coast and Ventana Wilderness stretch 26 miles south
of Carmel along spectacular Highway One. Point Lobos State
Reserve, just 4 miles south of
 Carmel, called "the greatest meeting of land and water in
the world" inspired Robert Louis Stevenson when writing
"Treasure Island" and has been inspiring visitors ever since
Visitors can hike and stroll amidst a pristine, breathtaking
coastal forest made famous by photographers Ansel Adams and
Edward Weston.
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 Pinos
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.
Seaside/Sand
City are the fastest growing cities of the Peninsula. Within
their
 borders you'll find Jazz & local Musicians playing
at free concerts in the park, the Seaside Auto center, the
new Edgewater Shopping Center, Sand Dollar Shopping
Center, A beautiful new Embassy Suites Hotel, California State
University at Monterey Bay, Seaside State Beach, and two
championship golf courses - Bayonet and Black Horse.
 Marina often referred to as the gateway to the
peninsula, where you will find Skydiving , Hang Gliding,
Bi-Planes, and Miles of Marina State Beach. |
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