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Monterey, California

  Monterey is situated on the Pacific Coast of Central California in Monterey County. The city overlooks the beautiful blue expanse of Monterey Bay and has been a haven for artists and writers since the beginning of the 19th century. The city is the location of Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the annual Monterey Jazz Festival.


Archeological evidence indicates that the area was inhabited by the Rumsen Ohlone tribe of Native Americans as far back as prehistoric times. The city of Monterey was first established by Franciscan Missionary Father Junipero Serra and Gaspar de Portola in 1770. Monterey served as the Capital of California from 1777 to 1849 when the state was a territory of Spain and then Mexico.


The original mission became the Presidio Chapel and it was destroyed by fire in 1789. It was replaced by the existing structure in 1794 and is today, the oldest continuously operating parish and oldest stone building in California.


During the Mexican American War, the Battle of Monterey was fought 1846 and resulted in Commodore John D. Sloat raising the U.S. Flag over the former Mexican Custom House indicating his victory and claim of the area for the United States.


California’s first theater was located in Monterey as well as its first brick house and the first publicly funded school. The state’s first printing press was purchased to publish Monterey’s “The Californian”, California’s first newspaper and Monterey was the location of the state’s first public library.


The city of Monterey was officially incorporated in 1889 and soon became world famous for its extremely successful fishing industry. The waters in and around the area were some of the most densely populated fisheries in the world and Monterey Bay became host to a huge fleet of fishing vessels. Within less than 75 years it would be recognized that the area had been over-fished and the huge schools of commercially popular species had been totally depleted. The fishing industry in Monterey collapsed during the 1950s and has never been revived.


RV Travel to Monterey and the surrounding Monterey Peninsula is a preferred destination for many RV enthusiasts. Spending your days sightseeing in the amazing Carmel Valley or wandering through the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium are activities you will never forget.


Only a short drive from Monterey is Carmel by the Sea, home to one of the most scenic drives in the world, the famous and highly desirable “17 Mile Drive”. Everyone should travel this route and behold the beauty of the region.


The Monterey Bay Aquarium is located at the southern end of Cannery Row. The aquarium facility is one of the largest in the country and specializes in marine science research. It is a wonderful place for both children and adults and features many unique exhibits and displays of underwater life and habitat. A Good Sam Club RV Park with excellent Camping Discounts for members is within easy reach of the aquarium.


If you are seeking an adventure with amazing scenic beauty, a rich history and outstanding culture, RV Travel to Monterey is just the right match.