The San Carlos Cathedral, also known as Royal Presidio Chapel, was constructed in the 1770s. As the oldest functioning Catholic Church and the first stone building in the state of California, this cathedral's significance to local history is undeniable. The beautiful architectural style of this cathedral is breathtaking, with Spanish and Moorish influences.
Also known as Mission Carmel Basilica and more formally, as Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, this was the second of the nine missions founded by Father Junipero Serra. The area was originally chosen for its agricultural possibilities in 1771, but the temperate climate and exquisite landscape soon made it Father Serra's favorite. The building, which fell into ruins in the 19th Century and has since been completely restored, exhibits classic fortress-like architecture, with thick, bougainvillea-covered walls and a central courtyard. A Moorish-style bell tower contains nine bells and is open to the public. The steps to climb the tower are a bit steep, but the views from that vantage point are magnificent.
Located in the Monterey County town of Salinas, the lettuce capital of the world, this museum is a tribute to Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck. A Bay Area native, Steinbeck attended Stanford University in Palo Alto after he graduated from Salinas High School in 1919. His most famous works include Tortilla Flat (1935) and the Pulitzer Prize winner The Grapes of Wrath (1939). His birthplace and childhood home, The Steinbeck House, is two blocks away from the museum. In the cultural center you can see Steinbeck's works, letters and photographs, hear lectures and take tours. It also hosts an annual Steinbeck Festival in honor of the author.
This museum displays and documents the natural history of beautiful Monterey County. The bulk of its exhibits showcases the native geology, aboriginal populations, plants, and animals of the region. After a trip to the museum, check out another local attraction, the Point Pinos Lighthouse.
Cannery Row is a fantastic waterfront thoroughfare, situated a mile down the coast from the Fisherman's Wharf. Having been featured in John Steinbeck's books Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday, this iconic street is named after old sardine canning factories. Affording splendid views across Monterey Bay, this erstwhile street has rapidly snowballed into an intriguing tourist destination in recent years. While those factories are no longer operational, their nondescript facades now house a range of shops, bars, and restaurants. This area is also a marine sanctuary, where California sea lions gracefully sun themselves. The Friends of the Sea Otter shop offers information on the marine history and heritage of the place, while the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a treasured landmark of the Cannery Row. An array of marine, biological centers, and fishing companies occupy the recesses of this historic district, which is also within close proximity to a string of delightful beaches.
With many excellent restaurants, guided tours, and interesting shops, this landmark has something for everybody. Whether you wish to dine on incredible seafood, go for a whale-watching tour, look at historical artifacts, or purchase exotic candy, you can do it here. Some of the best eateries in all of Monterey are found here. It can also be a great place to buy freshly caught fish or just walk around and look at all the pelicans lingering about. Various special events are held throughout the year.