BACKSTORY: From The City of Monterey website: Monterey is a waterfront community on the central coast of California with a temperate climate year-round. Kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, whale watching and beach-going are just some of the activities to be enjoyed in and around Monterey. Golf, shopping, and driving the spectacular coastline to Big Sur are a few of the many land-based adventures. Monterey is home to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, a must-see attraction that delights and educates millions of visitors every year. Step outside the Aquarium and you're on Cannery Row, where John Steinbeck drew inspiration for his novel about life in Monterey during the heyday of the sardine canning industry. Today "the Row" is lined with hotels, shops and restaurants and features fun activities for the entire family. From Cannery Row, you can walk or ride a rented surrey along the scenic Recreation Trail to Fisherman's Wharf. Along the way, you'll see harbor seals, sea otters and pelicans in natural habitats on the dazzling waterfront of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
