Atop the hills of picturesque Monterey, California, you’ll find the IHG® Army Hotels Buildings 366 and 367 on Presidio of Monterey. While the hotel itself delivers on those comfortable, coastal, Californian vibes, don’t miss out on the local attractions that make for a not-to-be-missed Monterey experience.
Investigate underwater worlds, dive into local history, show your skills on world-class golf courses, or savor wines from a variety of area vineyards when you visit these hot spots during your stay:
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Disney’s real-life inspiration for Finding Dory, is situated along Monterey’s scenic shoreline. The aquarium’s nearly 200 exhibits include a 28-foot underwater Kelp Forest, Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean, a penguin splash zone, and the staggering Open Sea exhibit - a 90-foot glass window sharing a glimpse of stingrays, sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, tunas, and plenty more.
Cannery Row
Combining the charm of yesterday with the modern luxury of today, Cannery Row takes visitors back to a relaxing, simpler time. Absorb the astounding views, enjoy the grandeur of its waterfront hotels, savor fresh seafood, and sip the best area wines.
World-class golf
If you’re looking for something greener, don’t miss Monterey’s unmatched golf scene. The wide range of 26 public and private courses weaving through the hills and along the coast offer a fit for any skill level and price range. We suggest playing a round or two at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links - known as the No. 1 public golf course in America - or the historic Del Monte Golf Course, the oldest continuously operating course West of the Mississippi.
Monarch Grove Sanctuary
The quaint town of Pacific Grove, nestled between Monterey and Carmel, features a must-see attraction for just a few months of the year. Monarch butterflies take over a migration sanctuary just off the beach and the best time to spot them is from October to February. It’s a sight to behold, which is why it’s ranked as one of California’s top butterfly wintering spots, and admission is free.
Wine tastings
Opt for a relaxed evening of wine tasting in one of the world’s top wine travel destinations.
Take your time sipping your way through 65 different tasting rooms. If you happen to be visiting in May, add the Winemakers’ Celebration to your itinerary. You can stroll Dolores Street, sample more than 100 wines, enjoy light fare by local chefs, and talk to area wine makers.
Whale watching
From land, boat, or—if you’re brave enough—kayak, you can watch whales year-round thanks to the area’s unique conditions. The Monterey Canyon provides a perfect home for a variety of marine species.
There are whale watching spots along the Big Sur Coast, programs at several area parks, and numerous whale-watching tours available. Get your camera ready to catch everything from blue, gray, humpback, fin, minke and orca whales. You also might see dolphins, porpoises, birds, and other sea life.
Monterey Museum of Art
Head to the Monterey Museum of Art for a special permanent collection that focuses on and supports California art and photography. The museum includes two locations—Pacific Street and La Miranda—featuring a total of 14,000 pieces. The elegant La Miranda location is just as beautiful and exciting outside as it is inside, with its impressive architecture and stunning rose gardens.
Check the website for gallery tours, artist discussions, and children’s summer art camps. Admission is free to active military members with ID, and civilians who opt to take their bikes get 50% off their ticket price.
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
This 18-mile paved path follows the Southern Pacific Railway route along the coastline. Walkers, runners, and riders can use the trail as a traffic-free way to get to the aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, and more. Take in the scenery, stop for a snack, check out some local businesses, or just enjoy the fresh ocean air.
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