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Weekend Getaways to Monterey

Monterey
Slices of natural beauty, art, culture and history greet visitors around every corner of Monterey. There is an emphasis on public art, and you will see many paintings, sculptures and murals around the city. Monterey provides a nurturing atmosphere for artists, musicians and writers. Historic landmarks, buildings and walkways are reminders of bygone days. Cannery Row, made famous by novelist John Steinbeck, is now a popular area where tourists shop for souvenirs and dine in seafood restaurants. Local wineries produce exceptional vintages, and there are many wine tasting places and events. Activities include golf, biking, hiking, sailing and whale watching. Families will enjoy the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, which has over 500 species of marine life and is devoted to conservation of the world's oceans.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
Can't missCan't miss
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Set on the beautiful Monterey Bay, the aquarium seeks to preserve and promote the marine life and habitats of America's largest marine sanctuary.
Address: 886 Cannery Row at David Avenue, Monterey, Monterey Peninsula, California
Phone: 831-648-4888
Admission fee
SteinbeckSteinbeck
Cannery Row: Immortalized by Nobel- and Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Steinbeck, this popular walkway is one of America's most famous streets and is filled with shops, restaurants and historic attractions.
Address: Cannery Row & Wave Streets, Monterey, Monterey Peninsula, California
Phone: 831-649-6690
Free
Doc Rickett's Pacific Biological Laboratories: A landmark on Cannery Row, this is the spot where John Steinbeck's good buddy and biologist Ed "Doc" Ricketts prepped the marine life he collected before shipping it to schools and medical facilities.
Address: 800 Cannery Row, Monterey, Monterey Peninsula, California
Phone: 831-372-8512
National Steinbeck Center: In nearby Salinas, the Center is a celebration and exploration of Steinbeck's work through multi-sensory exhibits, priceless artifacts and live theater performances.
Address: One Main Street, Salinas, California
Phone: 831.796.3833
Admission fee
Famous driveFamous drive
17-Mile Drive: Seals bask on the beach and pelicans perch on rocky cliffs along this famous drive that passes through many popular spots.
Address: Monterey, Monterey Peninsula, California
Free
Outdoor recreationOutdoor recreation
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: A breathtaking 80-foot waterfall dropping from the cliffs to the ocean is the focal point of this park.
Address: State Route 1, Milepost 37 south (52.7 north), Monterey, Monterey Peninsula, California
Admission fee
RestaurantsRestaurants
Loose Noodle Pasta House: This family-friendly eatery serves large portions of delicious pasta dishes at affordable prices.
Address: 538 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, Monterey Peninsula, California
Phone: (831) 641-0130
Things to doMore attractions
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Monterey goLists

goLists — Created by real travelers to give you ideas
on where to go and what to do on your next trip.
The Almond Board of California The Almond Board of California
 
Nearby Places Worth A Visit
Nearby placeNearby places worth a visit
Carmel
Tucked between Big Sur and the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course, elegant Carmel boasts a rural European feel with intimate gourmet restaurants, exquisite inns and upscale shopping. Only 17 miles from Monterey, it is ideal for a half- or full-day jaunt.
Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travelers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Luxury hotelsLuxury hotels
Monterey Bay Inn
Popularity index: #2 in Monterey
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Hotel Pacific
Popularity index: #8 in Monterey
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Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
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Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Colton Inn
Popularity index: #4 in Monterey
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Spindrift Inn
Popularity index: #19 in Monterey
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Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Comfort Inn Monterey Peninsula Airport
Popularity index: #6 in Monterey
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ComfortInn.com Free High Speed Internet & Breakfast. Best Web Rate Guaranteed!
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Travelodge Monterey Downtown
Popularity index: #30 in Monterey
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Recommended Reading
"Monterey makes over Steinbeck's Cannery Row"  Boston.com / Boston Globe, Aug 12, 2007
Historic Cannery Row is a great destination for family entertainment and activities.
"In Monterey, Where Sea Lions and Children Are at Play"  New York Times (free registration required), May 11, 2007
Your whole family will love this historic California city.
"Vacation highs and lows in Monterey, California"  Los Angeles Times (free registration required), May 1, 2008
This coastal town offers many attractions and activities the whole family will enjoy.
"California's Monterey: Perusing History, Secular and Sacred, of the Golden State"  Foster Travel Publications
Monterey's religious beginnings help tell the history of California.
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Monterey