Evidence shows that people were first drawn to Monterey thousands of years ago for its fish and wildlife. That is largely why people settled in this coastal community over the past few centuries and a good part of the reason why this unique West Coast port of call attracts so many people to its shores today.

From many vantage points throughout the city you can take in great vistas of the craggy shores of Monterey. The expansive Monterey Bay stretches out before you and in its waters you observe a dazzling array of activity produced by passing sailboats, fishing trollers, seabirds, numerous mammals and other busy travelers of the sea. This highly diverse and rich ecosystem, considered a national treasure, is thankfully federally protected. To see such a vast array of marine life---including plants and other creatures of the earth---on the fringes of a large town is truly remarkable.

It might be hard to pull yourself away from watching the dolphins frolic in the Pacific or the sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters alternatively cavort and loll across the jagged breakwater rocks in the Bay, but you must for there is much to see and do in this city steeped in history, culture and marine preservation. The Monterey Bay Aquarium should be tops on your list, so allow a good amount of time there. Located on the street immortalized in John Steinbeck’s novel, Cannery Row, you’ll also want to take in the various shops and restaurants in this area.

From here you can stay coastal and head over to the Old Fisherman’s Wharf on Monterey Harbor where a jumble of pastel-colored houses are lined up cheek by jowl offering visitors a captain’s cargo of temptations from fresh seafood platters to pirate’s paraphernalia to carmel corn. You can also board a whale watching cruise here or just amble around and view the regatta-sized assortment of pleasure boats docked before you.

Located 350 miles north of Los Angeles and just over one hundred miles south of San Francisco, Monterey was originally named the capital of Baja (lower) and Alta (upper) California by Spain in 1776. The first Euro-American settlers arrived here, however, in 1542. You can trace this fascinating history and more by visiting many of Monterey’s landmark sites and by taking walking tours of the city’s most historic areas.

You’re lucky that Monterey is well known for its year-round temperate climate since you’ll want to plan on spending a lot of time exploring outside whether the day is bright and sunny or foggy. More adventuresome types should consider paddling around Monterey Bay, an experience that will likely bring you up close and personal with much of Monterey’s esteemed marine life.

Jazz aficionados and music lovers in general would fare well to make a pilgrimage here late September to attend The Monterey Jazz Festival, the world’s longest running jazz celebration, now celebrating its 51st year.

Do plan to carve out a few extra days to explore the many other attributes of Monterey County. After you’ve sampled some of the fine Monterey wines, visited a few charming shops in Carmel and driven along the coastal highway to Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove and Big Sur, you’ll truly understand why Monterey and the outlying region have gained recognition as a world-renowned travel destination.