Welcome to the beautiful, oceanfront city known as Monterey. This incredible town is a place where European excellence and the American dream come together in a stunning mix of perfection and breath taking views. If picture perfect sunsets and year round flawless weather are what you look for in a vacation, Monterey is just the place to be. Join us as we take you on a journey through one of the west coast's most beautiful cities; Monterey, California.
 Since Monterey is set right on the Pacific Ocean, it is only fitting that it is home to one of the most spectacular aquariums found anywhere in the world. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the popular Monterey attractions. The Aquarium rests next to one of the world's largest underwater canyons (this canyon is even larger than the Grand Canyon) and has more marine life than one could ever imagine. This massive exhibit showcases more than 350,000 marine animals and plants and that is just the beginning! One of the most amazing attractions here is the three-story, 335,000 gallon tank with see through walls that gives visitors the impression that they are swimming with the animals in their natural habitat. The outer tank, an enormous 1,000,000 gallon tank houses open ocean marine life such as sharks, barracuda, jellyfish, and giant sea turtles is guaranteed to leave you in awe.
The Monterey area is full of streets and neighborhoods that are sure to impress and fascinate you. One of the most famous is known as Cannery Row and this strip of land is a tourism favorite for very good reason. Great for people watching and second to none shopping as well as some of the west coast's best seafood, this is more than just an ordinary street. After a bite to eat, stroll through the numerous shops and galleries and see what this city by the bay has to offer and soak up the wonderful atmosphere. For first time visitors, Cannery Row is a great place to get an idea of the culture you can find in Monterey.
As far as neighborhoods and scenery go, 17-mile Drive in Monterey can arguably be the best of both worlds. This gated highway is one of the nation's most beautiful drives and is a great place to take the person that you love. A drive here takes you past multimillion dollar homes, beautifully manicured lawns and gardens and picture perfect sunsets. Enjoy the Pacific Ocean from above the rocky cliffs found here and lose yourself in the beauty of the private road. There is a toll, but the drive is worth every penny. Allow for at least an hour to drive through here, but you could very well wind up spending much more time here.
 For a stunning California shoreline like no other, walk in the beautiful golden sand of Garrapata Beach. This 26 mile long coast offers visitors a romantic look at the Pacific Ocean and allows couples to pack a lunch and gaze at the ocean from a different perspective than you usually see. Most of the shore is covered in giant boulders and this makes for a spectacular vantage point of the water. While enjoying the warm weather, watch and listen as waves crash just a few yards away against the massive rocks and makes for a dramatic scene. For those of you looking for a romantic hideaway, Garrapata Beach is the perfect place to find it.
Monterey is consistently considered one of America's most beautiful and romantic cities and the experiences discovered here cannot be found anywhere else on the west coast. Gorgeous shorelines and breath taking sunsets are just a few of the great sights visitors experience while staying in this Californian paradise.
For Monterey hotel rates begin your search here Or, visit the Best Western Hotels of California website to read about Best Western Monterey Hotels and Monterey area hotels.
For Monterey information, visitor guides or details on Monterey attractions, you can visit the Monterey Convention and Visitors Bureau online at www.monterey.com.
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