Monterey was once the Spanish and Mexican capital of California – as evidenced in the restored adobe buildings in the Monterey State Historic Park. No doubt the location on Monterey Bay, with its rich marine life, played a part in selecting the site. In the late 1840’s Monterey was part of American California but the town lost its status a capital to San Jose.

Between 1900 and 1930, Monterey’s Cannery Row became the sardine capital of the world as the fishing and canning operations flourished. When that ended, tourism emerged as the dominant factor in the local economy. Today, the town has many attractions and a wide range of guest services to bring visitors back again and again.