The great attractions and activities of the seaside city of Monterey are only 90 minutes south of Palo Alto. Some of the top sites include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, 17 Mile Drive and the National Steinbeck Center.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is known for its interactive exhibits that display a variety of animals including otters, fish, jellyfish and octopus. Currently, visitors can enjoy the “Wild About Otters” exhibit, which features ten otters from Africa and Asia. Other attractions at the aquarium are the daily activities, which include the aquarium staff feeding the animals and films discussing the dangers of sharks and over-fishing.

Once home to sardine canning factories in the 1900s, the waterfront district of Cannery Row is now a popular tourist destination. The beaches along Cannery Row have a large population of California Sea Lions, and the area has many hotels, restaurants and shops.

Another historic site is Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey. The wharf has restaurants, shops and tours, including glass bottom boat tours, sailing, deep-sea fishing trips and whale watching tours. Visitors can enjoy wonderful, fresh seafood at many of the local restaurants.

Monterey is also known for its beautiful natural scenery. The sights along 17 Mile Drive are particularly breathtaking. In addition to the gorgeous views, there are many golf courses on 17 Mile Drive.

Monterey County is home to the National Steinbeck Center, in honor of the famous local author, John Steinbeck. The Center includes many exhibits and three distinct experiences:Literature in the John Steinbeck Exhibition Hall, Agriculture & History in the new Valley of the World agricultural wing and Art & Culture in the Gabilan Gallery.