If you want to shop, this might not be the place for you.  Spend a day away from the tourists of Monterey and head to Pacific Grove - a mere 5 mins away but a world away.  Here, one can admire the beauty of all the old houses in which most were from before 1900 (they have a small wooden plate, stating the year it was built and the original owner).  Drive down Lighthouse Ave.  Have lunch there.  Pick up some free local newspapers and read their crime reports - there was hardly anything to report!  Instead, there are many community events and one can definitely feel the tight community ties.  Head into a restuanrant and it is not unusual to see that everyone knows everyone.  This is also a dog-lover paradise; everyone seem to have two dogs?!   There was also a very nice farmers' market Monday afternoon. 

Tip 1:   Spotless public restroom on Laurel Ave. (1 short block south of Lighthouse Ave.) near 17th St.

Tip 2:  Park on one of the side streets going towards the ocean and you are steps away, no need to fight with the crowd of the Cannery Rom and the Aquarium.