Monterey CA

Cruise ships cannot berth in Monterey, so tenders bring passengers ashore in the town centre.

Expect larger crowds at weekends.

Take a printable map with you.

Father Junipero Serra founded Monterey in 1770. Across its long history, it briefly served as California’s state capital and later became widely recognised as the setting for John Steinbeck novels including Cannery Row and Tortilla Flat. This is one of California’s more attractive coastal cities, combining an old Mission, literary heritage, a scenic shoreline and abundant wildlife.

Monterey is home to the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium on the street made famous by John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row. It also stages noted events, among them the annual Monterey Jazz Festival.

Central Monterey is both enjoyable and easy to explore on foot, from Fisherman’s Wharf through Cannery Row to the Aquarium.

Regional transport leaves from Simoneau Plaza, the transit area in downtown Monterey. Monterey-Salinas Transit runs daily buses across Monterey County, with seasonal summer journeys to Big Sur and a Free MST Trolley along the waterfront.

If the cruise line has an excursion to the places listed below, take it: this area feels as close to heaven on earth as possible.

The Monterey area has plenty to see:

Carmel is a picturesque village of storybook cottages, secluded courtyards and award-winning gardens. An apparently endless collection of specialist shops and boutiques sits alongside over 70 art and photography galleries. On the village edge, world-famous Carmel Beach has white sand and sculpted cypress groves.

At the northernmost point of the Monterey Peninsula and the entrance to Monterey Bay, Pacific Grove is regarded as the “last American Hometown.” Also called “Butterfly Town USA,” it hosts festivals including “The Good Old Days Celebration.” Graceful old Victorian buildings line the streets, almost matching the beauty of Ocean View Boulevard’s coastline.

Reached by the spectacular 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach offers an exceptionally scenic setting for recreation and golf. Its famous championship courses have made it a golfers’ mecca and host world-class competitions including the U.S. Open and annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am. The annual Concours d’Elegance, one of the most prestigious displays of classic automobiles, is held here too. Along its dramatic coast are Cypress Rock, Bird Rock and the Lone Cypress, one of California’s most photographed landmarks.

Highway 1 begins its most dramatic coastal section in Monterey County and runs 90 miles south to Hearst Castle in San Luis Obispo County. Volcanic peaks rise above the surf while immense redwoods meet a rugged shore. Private and public campgrounds, parks, ocean and river beaches provide access to this wild landscape, including three million acres of unspoilt wilderness and three hundred miles of state and federal trails. Big Sur is ideal for walking and camping. Key attractions include Point Sur Lighthouse, Henry Miller Memorial Library and the popular Nepenthe Restaurant…

The sardines are gone, but plenty of other excellent seafood remains.

The United States dollar, symbol $, is the official U.S. currency, and ATM’s are widespread.

Visa, MasterCard and other major credit cards are broadly accepted, even for purchases of only a few dollars; sometimes a card may be the sole payment option. Overseas visitors should remember that displayed prices for goods and services often appear lower than the final amount because tax and tips are rarely included.

Most states levy sales tax of between 2.9% and almost 10% of the retail price, with 4-6% common. Except for gasoline and, in most states, alcoholic drinks consumed on the premises, posted prices almost never include this tax; it is calculated and added when payment is made.

Tips are customary and expected across America. Although Americans often disagree about the right amount and who should receive one, the following rates are generally accepted:

• Full-service restaurants: 15-20%. This is often the wait(ress)’s only income. Leave cash or add the tip to the credit-card slip. Few restaurants apply an automatic service charge; when they do, any extra is your choice. Check the bill.
• Taxi drivers, hairdressers and other personal services: 10-15%.
• Bartenders: give $1 with a cheap drink, or leave 15% of the total amount.
• Bellhops: a $3-5 minimum applies regardless, while each bag is $1-2.
• Hotel doorman: $1 per bag when assisting, and $1 for arranging a cab.
• Tour guides: according to the tour’s length, group size and overall quality; $5-10 per person for half-day tours or less, and $10-20 per person for longer trips.
• Private car and limousine drivers: 15-20%.
• Hotel housekeeping: $1-2 a day on longer stays, or a $5 minimum for a very short visit; optional.
• Food delivery, including pizza: $2-5, with a possible higher amount for especially large orders.

There is no official U.S. language at federal level, though English overwhelmingly dominates everyday use and several states have made it their official language. Spanish is also official and widely spoken in New Mexico; French has official status in Louisiana and Hawaiian in Hawaii. Neither is used nearly as much as English, and their status is mainly historical.

For emergencies, call 911.

In large cities such as New York and Los Angeles, many supermarkets and drugstores routinely trade 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Department stores, shopping centers and most other major retailers usually open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, with shorter Sunday hours, commonly 11 a.m. or noon until 5 or 6 p.m. Stores tend to remain open on holidays, apart from the most important occasions, such as Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, when they are generally closed.