Attractions
Carmel and Monterey Bay Attractions
Carmel and the surrounding area has a wide array of sightseeing attractions and activities. Whether you want to walk in the footsteps of John Steinbeck in Cannery Row or experience the adobes that date back to when Monterey was California’s first capital city, we have it all. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is among the world’s finest aquariums and a must see. Fisherman’s Wharf offers the chance to witness nature’s most magnificent creatures with whale watching excursions. And the Carmel Mission Basilica is only a short drive from the hotel. There are so many incredible things to do and experience in the Carmel and Monterey Bay areas.
Carmel Plaza
Carmel Plaza has over 40 luxury stores and fine restaurants, including world-class brands such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Bottega Veneta, Tumi, J. Crew-by-the-sea, Tommy Bahama, Sur La Table, Cole Haan, Yves Delorme, CosBar, Anthropologie, and Wilkes Bashford. Unparalleled perfection exists within this three level shopping plaza in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Just eight blocks from the beautiful Carmel coastline, Carmel Plaza is the epitome of fashion luxury shopping and dining. Carmel Plaza provides unparalleled customer service, amenities and shopping experience. In addition, Carmel Plaza has the only underground parking in Carmel with direct access to the plaza and downtown Carmel.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans. To that end, the aquarium project was initiated in 1977 by a group of four marine biologists at Stanford's Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove. The aquarium opened in 1984, and in 1996 the Outer Bay Wing doubled the exhibit space. The main feature of the aquarium is the Outer Bay Waters exhibit, a one-million-gallon tank housing tuna, sharks, ocean sunfish and sea turtles. Other exhibits include the Kelp Forest, Sea Otters, Jellies and the Splash Zone. Adults and children alike will enjoy a fascinating visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium - don't miss it!
Cannery Row
Made famous by John Steinbeck's 1945 fictional bestseller, Cannery Row was originally a dirt road that led from Monterey to a settlement of Chinese families near Pacific Grove who helped build the fishing industry for which Monterey would become famous. F.E. Booth's development of sardine packing technology in the mid-1800's spawned several competing canneries, and the wagon-rutted, unpaved coastal road between Monterey and Pacific Grove grew to host the sardine factories that for half a century would dominate Monterey history and commerce. The years tell an epic tale of the lives and fortunes at stake in the plunder of a seemingly inexhaustible natural supply of sardines. Alas, the sardines inexplicably disappeared in the late 1940's, marking the end of Cannery Row's industrial days. In 1958 the street was renamed Cannery Row in honor of John Steinbeck, and today is host to shops, restaurants, and the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. The buildings that once harbored a great industry still stand, offering a glimpse into Cannery Row's tumultuous history.
Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf had its beginnings more than a century and a half ago when it was built in 1846. During the wharf's heyday, several hundred market fisherman brought in their daily catch of salmon, albacore, mackerel, rockfish, ling cod and squid. Nowadays, sport fishermen still carry on the tradition that gave the wharf its name. The old blends with the new with the advent of whale watching and deep-sea fishing trips. Some of Monterey's best restaurants are found on the Wharf, and it should come as no surprise that this is one of the best places on the Peninsula to buy fresh fish. Round out your visit with the handcraft shops selling nautical items from local crafters, and the unique Wharf Theater. Enjoy Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey and don't forget to try the superb clam chowder.
Other Points of Interest:
- Steinbeck Center
- Sunset Center Carmel, CA
- Forest Theatre
- Golden State Theatre
- Monterey Museum of Art
- Monterey County Youth Museum
- Carmel Mission Basilica
- Carmel Walks
- Carmel Art Association Gallery
- Gilroy Gardens
- The Mystery Spot
- Santa Cruz Pier
- Hearst Castle
- Butterfly Exhibit
- Wild Things
- Laguna Seca Raceway