Vacationing on the California coast is inexpensive: why tourists choose Monterey
Monterey is a beautiful city on the coast of California, USA, which attracts tourists with its beautiful nature, sea views, and various entertainment. It is not very popular among tourists, so here you can enjoy beaches with fewer people.
The population of this city is about 30,000 people, with 437,000 inhabitants in the county. It is worth noting that about 4.6 million people come to Monterey every year, according to The Travel.
Monterey in comparison with other cities
Monterey, despite its beauty and unique character, is lesser known and less visited compared to such large cities as Los Angeles or Santa Cruz.
By the way, the population of Los Angeles is more than 3.8 million people, and about 46.2 million people visit it every year.
What to see in Monterey
The main attraction of Monterey is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which offers not only the spectacle of local wildlife but also educational programs for visitors of all ages.
The city is also famous for the picturesque beaches that line the island on both sides.
Explore Monterey Pier and book whale watching trips (the best time is December through May for gray whales).
Children will love the Dennis the Menace Playground, a sandy park with a swan boat on the lake.
Organize a sea creature hunt in the tide pools at Lovers Point Park (child-friendly facilities nearby) or Asilomar State Beach (no facilities). Visit the little-known but gorgeous Marina State Beach north of Monterey Beach.
Check out the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, where monarch butterflies spend the winter (the best time is October to March). All of this makes Monterey Island a great place for a variety of vacations.
Not far from it, Monterey is home to the famous Pebble Beach golf course.
Despite its small size, the city is easy and convenient to explore by car, making a trip around the Monterey Peninsula enjoyable and affordable.
Watch the dolphins and enjoy picturesque sunsets at Monterey State Beach.
When is the best time to vacation in Monterey
Monterey offers a variety of activities at any time of the year, but summer is peak season, especially with free trolley rides to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Whether you prefer to relax on the beach or visit the aquarium, summer will be the most popular time to visit.
However, beach vacations in Monterey are also possible during the cooler months. In winter, average temperatures range from 50 to 60°F, with lows in the mid-40s.
What are the cost of living in Monterey?
Accommodation prices are more affordable in winter. For example:
- A weekend stay in June at the Monterey Marriott costs about $1,327, while in December it costs only about $1,035.
- A weekend stay in June at The Stevenson Monterey will cost you about $547, while in December it will cost you about $312.
Traveling from Monterey/Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach along 17-Mile Drive becomes a toll in Pebble Beach, costing $11.75 per car. However, you can get a refund by making certain purchases in Pebble Beach and, of course, returning to Monterey.