Seven things to do and see in Monterey as IndyCar races at Laguna Seca
Monterey is a city situated on the southern edge of Monterey Bay, on the Central Coast of California that has a strong Spanish influence.
IndyCar races at Laguna Seca for 95 laps at this challenging circuit known for famous corners such as Corkscrew and The Pass.
Here, Travel News Blitz’s Ayla Vaughan explores seven things to do and see in Monterey.
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay is located on the coast of California and south of the San Francisco Bay Area, providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and all it has to offer.
Visitors will be able to spot all kinds of wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, bottlenose dolphins, gray whales, humpback whales, elephant seals, killer whales, sea turtles and many more.
Cannery Row
Cannery Row is home to luxurious hotels, world-class restaurants, boutiques, galleries, spas, premium wine tasting venues and nightlife all on a historic waterfront.
The area originally began as a street where Monterey started canning sardines in 1902 through the work of Frank E. Booth and others, but by the 1950s they went out of business and it later became what it is today.
17-Mile Drive
To fully experience the beautiful coastal scenery of Monterey, drive along the 17-Mile Drive, which winds through Pebble Beach's gated community and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Along this scenic drive you will be able to see beautiful mansions, golf courses, pelicans diving from sea stacks, seals and sea lions from the Pescadero Point lookout and the iconic Lone Cypress tree.
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Watch the Grand Prix of Monterey
All 27 IndyCar drivers will race at the 2.238-mile (3.602 km) road course with 11 turns from July 25-27 that has several elevation changes such as a six-story drop in a mere 450 feet.
Set against a scenic backdrop of the Californian desert and mountains, last year’s winner Alex Palou will be keen to win here again to further his lead in the championship.
Colton Hall Museum
Colton Hall Museum was built in 1849 in a Greek Revival style and initially served as a public school and town meeting hall before this historic building became what it is today.
Walter Colton, who was named as Monterey's first alcalde (mayor) in the American Period, built this historic structure which was the site of California's first constitutional convention in 1849.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Located by the oceanfront, the Monterey Bay Aquarium explores the rich marine life of the area with over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals on display.
It is known for its kelp forests (the first ever to do so), having one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world with its 90-foot aquarium window, as well as a cafe and gift shop on site.
Monterey Museum of Art
The Monterey Museum of Art displays California art from both the past and present, such as paintings and photographs from Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and William F. Ritschel.
It was founded in 1959 making it a relatively new museum, with a permanent collection of over 10,000 works with around 15-20 exhibitions a year.
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