Introducing Monterey
Monterey, together with its immediate neighbor Pacific Grove and posh Carmel to the south, forms the Monterey Peninsula, a place famous for its beauty, golf, galleries and aquarium.
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Nowhere is evidence of the state’s Hispanic heritage richer than in Monterey. The city has numerous lovingly restored adobe buildings from the Spanish and Mexican periods, and it’s enlightening to spend a few hours wandering about the town’s historic quarter. Less worthy of note are the tourist ghettos of Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row.
As you’ll see at the amazing Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey Bay is one of the world’s richest and most varied marine environments. It boasts dense kelp forests and a diverse range of marine life, including mammals such as sea otters, seals and sea lions, elephant seals, dolphins and whales.
Starting only a few hundred yards offshore from Moss Landing, the Monterey Canyon plummets to a depth of over 10, 000ft. In summer the upwelling currents carry cold water from this deep submarine canyon, sending a rich supply of nutrients up toward the surface level to feed the bay’s diverse marine life. These frigid currents also account for the bay’s generally low water temperatures and the fog that often blankets the peninsula in summer.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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RE: From S.F. to Vegas via US 50 and 395. Doable in April?
by Tomi_Finland 12 September 2011
Thank you to you all once again. @johnsang - that part of the west coast is just planned on the map so we're able to see where the Pacifi…
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RE: From S.F. to Vegas via US 50 and 395. Doable in April?
by johnsang 12 September 2011
You have a great route picked out, however I would suggest some additions and changes to enhance your trip. Be sure to take time to see…
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RE: Wanted: warm US destinations in October & November!
by Tourist137 12 September 2011
You may encounter some chilly weather wind/rain on occasion. That said October into December is the best time to travel south along the…
