Monterey's historic waterfront district was once the heart of a thriving sardine-packing industry, a time immortalized in John Steinbeck's novel, Cannery Row. Now one of the most well-known streets in America, Cannery Row is a vibrant tourism center hosting more than 200 galleries, shops, restaurants, hotels and inns. Also situated on the historic street is the Monterey Bay Aquarium (the largest aquarium in the United States). The Aquarium's exhibits are a living extension of Monterey Bay, which is at the heart of the largest marine sanctuary in the continental United States. The exhibits feature more than 30,000 creatures and nearly 700 species of plants and animals from the waters of California's central coast. The four largest exhibits are the Outer Bay (1 million gallons), the Kelp Forest (335,000 gallons), Monterey Bay Habitats (326,000 gallons) and Sea Otters along the Rocky Coast (55,000 gallons).

The Aquarium features waterfront decks with telescopes and views of Monterey Bay; wild sea otters are often seen playing in the kelpy waves just offshore. The Aquarium also offers a large gift shop and bookstore, and the Portola Cafe, with a self-serve cafeteria, ocean-view restaurant, and full-service oyster bar.

Fisherman's Wharf in downtown Monterey is a great place to take in the sights and sounds of "old" Monterey. Neighboring Wharf 2 is the heart of the area's thriving fishing industry, where visitors can watch the working trawlers unloading the catch of the day. There are art galleries and theater, and charter boat companies offer diving, whale watching and sightseeing tours. Monterey's rich historic heritage is accessible through several guided and self-guided tours of the city's many 19th Century buildings and landmarks.

The 17-Mile Drive is a scenic tour of coastal Monterey Peninsula and the serene majesty of Del Monte Forest. Landmarks along the way include Pebble Beach's iconic Lone Cypress, Seal and Bird Rocks, Fanshell Beach, Point Joe, and the colliding currents of the Pacific Ocean. There's wildlife too; black cormorants, brown pelicans, California sea otters, harbor seals, and idle sea lions all in their natural habitat. An $8.25 entrance fee is required to drive through this, one of California's wealthiest enclaves.

Carmel-by-the-Sea lies just off Highway One, five miles south of Monterey. The soft white sands of Carmel Beach attract tourists (and their canine companions) from all over the world. Above the beach, the quaint town of Carmel is a combination of art galleries, fine restaurants, and unique boutiques. The homes of Carmel are charming in their diversity of architectural styles and whimsical names.

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