Its colorful cities and historic locations make it an ideal getaway. Monterey was the first capital of California after it was claimed by the United States.
Visitors enjoy strolling the streets, absorbing the historical and cultural past.
Monterey features an array of fine restaurants, boutiques, galleries, inns and recreational opportunities. It is host to a wide variety of festivals and world class events including The Monterey Jazz Festival, The Monterey Blues Festival, Cherries Jubilee, The Great Monterey Squid Festival and Monterey Wine Festival, as well as major automobile and motorcycle races at nearby Laguna Seca Raceway. By the 1920's Carmel had already achieved its international reputation as an artists' colony. Now its biggest attractions are the downtown shopping district and its beautiful beaches. You won't find many sidewalks, streetlights, neon signs or mailing addresses, but you will find specialty shops, boutiques, art and photography galleries and great restaurants.