Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea

Located about 120 kilometres south of San Francisco, the seaside towns of Monterey and Carmel offer some of the most beautiful coastal nature in all of California and are well worth a few days visit.

Situated on the curve of a peninsula on California’s Central Coast, the tranquil beauty of Monterey becomes readily apparent with its spectacular coastal views, lush wine country, and iconic Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Originally colonised by the Spanish and once a centre for sardine canning during the World Wars, the city has retained the feel of a small fishing town yet brims with character and a sense of history. And, for such a small city, it offers plenty to do. Stroll through the galleries and boutiques along Cannery Row – the street even inspired the famous John Steinbeck novel of the same name – and tuck into some fresh seafood at one of the brightly coloured restaurants on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Visit one of the finest aquariums in the world: the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and if you’re in town between April and December, watch humpback whales in their natural habitat.