Monterey, California travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

One of the most beautiful areas in California, Monterey offers iconic experiences. It is a popular destination for scuba divers of all abilities ranging from novice to expert. Monterey features a huge variety of fine restaurants, boutiques, hotels, watersports, galleries, inns and recreational opportunities.

Experience the top road trip in the United States as you wind along the breathtaking Big Sur coastline on Highway One. Its historic locations make it an ideal getaway. The best place to get a feel for life in old Monterey is the Larkin House, Pacific and Jefferson streets, home of Thomas Larkin, the first and only American consul to Mexican California, who developed the now-common Monterey style of architecture.

Monterey hosts 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. Take a surfing lesson and catch a glimpse of a barefoot beach wedding as you ride your board to shore. Monterey County has a little something special for everyone. Official website: www.monterey.org