Things to do close by
The Monterey area offers a vast array of things to do and see. Whether you're looking for local history, scenic vistas, or an opportunity to get up close and personal with the local marine life, you'll find it here. We've listed the main ones below, with links to more information.
Local History and Museums
Take a stroll down Cannery Row and see traces of the life John Steinbeck wrote about in his book of the same name. To learn more about the author, you can drive a short distance to Salinas and visit The National Steinbeck Center. There are 3 California Missions in the area: Carmel, San Antonio Mission and Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad. Local museums include the Monterey Museum of Art, the Museum of Monterey and the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.
Animal Life
Get up close and personal with the resident sea otters and other marine life species (623 inall) at the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, built on the site of a former sardine cannery on Cannery Row. Or head out to sea for whale watching. Or check out the butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. The Elkhorn Slough offers the opportunity to view hundreds of species of animals, plants and birds in their natural habitat.
Outdoor Activities
If you still need more exercise after the convention walks there are plenty of other calorie-burning activities in the area, such as kayaking, biking and sailing