Monterey hotels are a great way to see this tranquil city at the south of Monterey bay. Hotels in Monterey offer quick access to the city's ongoing Jazz and Blues festivals, the historic Cannery Row (the namesake for the John Steinbeck novel), and the bay's extensive array of sea-life. Monterey offers a diverse range of hotels, motels, and other, more luxurious accommodations.

Monterey quick picks and tips

Conventions

Monterey is home to the longest-running Jazz festival in the world (which began in 1958), and also offers a two-decade old blues festival.

Dining

Seafood is the order of the day in this vibrant bay city, and a wide selection is available in the many restaurants. Have a meal in the historically named Sardine factory. Try the Abalone Bisque for seafood dining at its finest.

Major points of interest

As well as the incredibly diverse natural sea life of the area, check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which hosts the 227,000-gallon "Ocean's edge wing," where sea life can be viewed at different levels of the 10m-tall California giant kelp growing there.

Shopping

To the south of Monterey is the Del Monte Center, a large shopping center that offers a wide range of clothing stores and restaurants. For historical souvenirs, try Cannery Row for Monterey-inspired gifts and shopping.

Sports

While Monterey hosts no major sports teams, local sports are played in the Monterey Sports Center, and it's a short journey to San Francisco to see the Giants hit home runs, or the 49ers score touchdowns.