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california: general info
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MONTEREY
Calling Code: +1
Monterey was established in 1770 by Father Junipero Serra. During its long history it has been notable for numerous things, including having been the state capital of California for a brief period. Today it is most commonly known for having been the setting for many of John Steinbeck's novels including Cannery Row and Tortilla Flat. Monterey is one of the more beautiful coastal cities of California and can make for a great two day trip for those visiting San Francisco or a weekend getaway for California natives. An old Mission, historic literature, a beautiful coast line and lots of wildlife await you.
Rugged terrain and vicious Pacific currents made much of the California coast virtually unexplorable to European ships. After a disastrous attempt to explore this new territory by sea, Spanish missionaries in Mexico launched a series of overland expeditions from San Diego. Monterey soon became a Spanish military base with a small fort or "presidio" located near a calm harbor that could provide shelter to supply ships. The military presence eventually gave way to a thriving commercial trade that brought in many enterprising foreign merchants.
Once Mexico gained its independence from Spain, Monterey became the capital of Alta California under Mexican rule. From this era come many classic stories of flirtation, fashion, and politics in the Mexican colonial era. Lands once owned by the government began to come into private hands, and local families began to consolidate their property and power into business enterprises based on the ranches or "ranchos," where they raised cattle or invented the famous Monterey Jack cheese.
Monterey soon fell under American power in the Mexican-American War and remained the capital of the territory. A delegation of writers drafted the constitution which marked the entrance of the State of California into the United States of America. This era saw the mass northward migration of ambitious people in search of gold, which led to a near desertion of the town. Monterey soon recovered, however, and today is known for its magnificent natural beauty, world famous Aquarium, and temperate year-round climate.
The Monterey Peninsula has the largest population of sea otters on the California coast. The abundance of marine wildlife visible from the shoreline is one of the primary attractions of the region. Seals, sea lions, sea otters are visible year-round, and migrating whales are commonly seen in the fall and spring months.
For a wonderful account of Monterey's history, check out "Monterey County: The Dramatic Story of Its Past," written by a local author.
If there's a place you've stayed or something you've done, but we haven't listed, review it for us!
 Activities
Monterey Movie Tours - showing off local sights used in the movies
In the Suburbs
Cannery Row - visit the century-old sardine-canning district
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