Monterey

Monterey is a city on California’s rugged central coast. Its Cannery Row, a one-time center of the sardine-packing industry, was immortalized by novelist John Steinbeck. Today, it's a popular strip of gift shops, seafood restaurants, and bars in converted factories. Also famous is Monterey Bay Aquarium, with thousands of marine animals and plants on display in underwater and interactive exhibits.

The Monterey Peninsula is different than any other part of California. Here, time slows, the architecture is humble (except the homes in Pebble Beach), and the lifestyle is the perfect synthesis of SoCal laid back and NorCal sophisticated. On the northern side of the peninsula, the town of Monterey draws most of the tourists, while farther south, Carmel-by-the-Sea lures the easygoing wealthy set. Tremendous price tags on real estate help maintain the small-community atmosphere along Monterey's jaw-dropping coastline.

The area makes for an ideal road-trip stop or a romantic weekend stay. This stretch of the California coastline boasts some of the most coveted fairways in the world. In addition, it's a year-round whale-watching destination that's also home to some of the best California tours. Add to that an abundance of natural wonders, luxury resorts, and seafood restaurants, and Monterey might just be the perfect destination for your next getaway. The best time to visit Monterey is between April and May. Spring offers warmer temperatures, fewer crowds, and food festivals dishing out delectable eats, including Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the Artichoke Festival in Castroville.

Address: California