Monterey County attractions facts for kids
Monterey County is a beautiful area on the Pacific coast of California, in the United States. It's known for its stunning coastline, including famous places like Big Sur and the 17-Mile Drive. The city of Monterey used to be the capital of California when it was ruled by Spain and Mexico! Many people visit Monterey County for its amazing sights and fun activities. The area is also famous for its farms in the Salinas Valley. Famous writers like John Steinbeck, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Robinson Jeffers lived here.
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Discovering Monterey County's Attractions
Monterey County offers many exciting places to visit, from world-class aquariums to historic buildings and beautiful natural spots.
Amazing Museums and Cultural Places
If you love learning new things, Monterey County has some great museums and cultural centers.
Explore the Ocean at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Monterey Bay Aquarium - This is a super famous aquarium where you can see amazing ocean animals from the Monterey Bay. It's a must-see!
Learn About Art and History
- Monterey Museum of Art - Discover beautiful artworks here.
- National Steinbeck Center - Learn about the life and stories of Nobel Prize-winning writer John Steinbeck, who grew up in Salinas.
- Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History - Explore the natural world of the area, including local plants and animals.
Enjoy Live Shows and Performances
- Golden State Theatre - A large theater where you can watch many different performers all year long.
- Sunset Center - This place hosts professional shows, famous artists, and is home to the Carmel Bach Festival and the Monterey Symphony.
- Golden Bough Playhouse - Home to the only professional theater group in Monterey County, Pacific Repertory Theatre. They put on many plays each year.
- Forest Theater - One of the oldest outdoor theaters west of the Rocky Mountains! You can enjoy plays under the stars here.
Step Back in Time: Historic Sites
Monterey County has a rich history, and you can visit many places where important events happened.
Where California's Constitution Was Born
- Colton Hall - This is where the first California Constitution was written and signed. It's a very important building in California's history.
- Larkin House - A historic adobe house that shows what life was like long ago.
Explore Monterey State Historic Park
- Monterey State Historic Park - This park includes several historic spots, like the Custom House, which was the first government building in California.
Visit Historic Missions
You can also visit old missions built during the Mexican period:
- Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
- Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo - This mission was founded by Father Junipero Serra, and he is buried there.
- Mission San Antonio de Padua
Literary and Tourist Hotspots
Many famous writers found inspiration here, and there are lively towns to explore.
Homes of Famous Writers
- Tor House and Hawk Tower - This was the home of poet Robinson Jeffers, and he built parts of it himself!
Fun Towns to Visit
- Carmel-by-the-Sea - A charming town known for its artists, unique shops, restaurants, and theaters.
- Fisherman's Wharf - A lively spot in Monterey with restaurants, shops, and places to enjoy activities on the water.
- Cannery Row - Once a busy canning district, now it's full of restaurants, shops, and marine activities.
Scenic Drives and Outdoor Adventures
Monterey County is famous for its beautiful drives and many places to enjoy nature.
Take a Scenic Drive
- 17-mile scenic drive - This famous drive takes you through the beautiful Pebble Beach Resort, with stunning ocean views and famous landmarks like the Lone Cypress.
- California State Route 1 (Highway 1) and Big Sur - A breathtaking drive along the coast, passing through small towns and parks, including the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur.
- Point Pinos Lighthouse Drive - A scenic route around the edge of the Monterey Peninsula.
- River Road - This drive starts near Highway 68 by the Salinas River (California) and takes you past many local wineries.
Enjoy Golfing
- Pebble Beach - A world-famous golf destination, home to the Pebble Beach Golf Links. It hosts major golf tournaments and a famous car show.
- Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Courses
- Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Links - Another great golf course with beautiful views.
Other Fun Activities
- California Rodeo Salinas - A big rodeo event held in Salinas.
- Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca - A famous track for car and motorcycle races.
- Kiddie Kapers Parade - A fun parade for kids.
Explore Nature: Hiking and Outdoor Spots
Monterey County has many amazing places for hiking, exploring, and enjoying the outdoors.
- Pinnacles National Park - A unique park with towering rock formations and caves.
- Big Sur - Famous for its rugged coastline, redwood forests, and hiking trails.
- Salinas River - A major river in the county, great for exploring.
- Los Padres National Forest - A vast forest with many trails and wildlife.
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - Home to McWay Falls, a waterfall that drops onto the beach.
- Andrew Molera State Park - Offers hiking, camping, and beach access.
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Known as "mini Yosemite" with redwoods and river access.
- Marina State Beach - A popular spot for paragliding and beach walks.
- Fort Ord Dunes State Park - Offers trails and beach access on former military land.
- Elkhorn Slough - A protected estuary, great for kayaking and wildlife viewing, especially sea otters.
- Lake El Estero - A lake in Monterey with a fun playground nearby.
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Often called the "crown jewel" of the California State Park system, with stunning coves and wildlife.
- Dennis the Menace Playground - A popular playground for kids located near Lake El Estero.
Images for kids
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The reconstructed Mission San Antonio de Padua as it appeared in 2006. The baked brick Campanario is unique among the Missions.
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A view of Laguna Seca Raceway's Turn 8, the "Corkscrew," a challenging curve with a downward gradient of up to 16%.
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Big Sur coastline along the Pacific Ocean in southern Monterey County.
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Photo of the Salinas Valley, an agricultural region in Monterey County that is home to Salinas, California, the birthplace of John Steinbeck and home of the National Steinbeck Center. Several of Steinbeck's novels were set in locations across Monterey County.
