Monterey Peninsula, California

The Monterey Peninsula, with its mild climate and rugged terrain, is one of the most popular tourist spots in California. Visitors to this area can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and golfing to surfing, beachcombing, and sun bathing.

The town of Monterey has been called a part of "Steinbeck country" since Nobel Prize winning author John Steinbeck took inspiration for his novels Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday from the area around Fisherman's Wharf. Like its namesake in San Francisco, the wharf has been turned into a tourist friendly Mecca of shops and restaurants, catering to every taste imaginable. And Cannery Row, from where Steinbeck grabbed his title, is ripe with quaint antique shops and touristy attractions like a wax museum and eclectic artist showrooms.

A few miles north of Monterey, sun worshipers will find Marina State Beach. Tall, fluffy sea oats and gigantic dunes make for a great chance to sunbathe and view the unique vegetation. Surfers will also enjoy the waves in the summer and hang gliders, experienced and inexperienced, should take the opportunity to view the breathtaking scenery from above.

Monterrey Bay is one of the world's largest submarine canyons, teeming with undersea life that is on exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This state-of-the-art museum has over 200 displays showing the magnificently differing undersea habitat that includes sharks, sea turtles, rays, crabs, and reef fish, and even does a daily update from an undersea research vessel perched nearly two miles below the surface.

Pacific Grove, or "Butterfly Town U.S.A.," borders Monterey to the west and received its nickname from the monarch butterflies that rest here during their annual migration. The town is also home to Point Pinos Lighthouse.

Looking to rent a home for your Monterey Peninsula vacation? Start your search for great California rental accommodations below!