The Area, Monterey

Monterey calls itself the “most historic city in California” — the West Coast equivalent of visiting Gettysburg. Several self-guided and docent-led tours bring the city’s historical significance to life including the Monterey Path of History tour. Set up by California State Parks, this tour covers more than 40 historical buildings in about 45 minutes. It is by far the most interesting way to see the adobe buildings where the Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo pioneers lived, worked, and traded.

Perched above the crashing surf at Monterey Bay Plaza Hotel & Spa, the elegantly appointed waterfront rooms are perfect for watching a sunset or soaking up some sea air. Put on your sneakers for a pleasant stroll to downtown along the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, an 18-mile stretch of paved pathway that runs alongside Monterey Bay, where pedestrians and pedalers abound. En route, stop by Fisherman’s Wharf, the former center for commercial fishing activity, which now boasts souvenir shops, restaurants and the Wharf Theater. Be sure to try some clam chowder — many of the wharf’s restaurants offer free samples to passersby. To sample the early architecture of Monterey, pay a visit to the Custom House, an 1827 adobe and the oldest government building in California. A short cab ride away, climb a real, full-size 1956 steam engine at Dennis the Menace Playground, designed by Dennis the Menace creator, Hank Ketcham. If you happen to be in town on a Tuesday, check out local farmers, food vendors, and artisans at the weekly Monterey Farmers’ Market on Alvarado Street (from 4 p.m. onward). For a casual dinner, meander to Montrio Bistro; always a reliable bet. “Small Bite” menu options, such as Dungeness Crab Fritters and Oatmeal-Crusted Brie, plus the friendliest bartenders and best Happy Hour in town make this a much-loved destination for locals and visitors alike. For a more formal dining excursion, consider The Sardine Factory. (Food Network sweetheart Rachael Ray recently taped a segment for her show in its famous wine cellar.) Abalone is a Monterey delicacy and their version of the mollusk can’t be missed.

GUESTLIFE DON'T MISS

Literary Legacy

Several buildings from the city’s colonial past have been restored as part of the seven-acre Monterey State Historic Park. Among the most interesting is a rooming house on Houston Street between Pearl and Webster streets, where writer Robert Louis Stevenson bunked and wrote when he lived in Monterey during the autumn of 1879. During its time as a rooming house, the two-story adobe, built in the 1830s, was known as the French Hotel. Stevenson was said to be visiting Monterey to court his future wife, Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne. While in Monterey, he wrote The Old Pacific Capital. In 1937, the State of California saved the historic adobe from destruction and transformed it into a memorial. Today, the Stevenson House lives as a restored period home decorated with several rooms of the author’s memorabilia, including first-edition books, manuscripts, keepsakes, and personal belongings of the beloved writer from his family’s estate. The building is open only during free organized tours on Monday, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Information: (831) 649-7118

GUESTLIFE ROMANCE

Dinner And A Movie

It is said that Monterey is one of the most romantic destinations in the country. So, find an excuse to lure your mate to the lovely Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa on Cannery Row. Begin by enjoying an early evening visit to the lovely state-of-the-art spa. Indulge yourselves in a couples massage and a relaxing whirlpool soak. Wine and dine at the Duck Club Grill, then stroll hand-in-hand down Cannery Row to window shop and people watch and maybe enjoy a drink at one of the lively nightspots along the way. Before you call it a night, have a nightcap on the heated deck of the Monterey Plaza’s popular Schnooners Bistro by the Bay, a fullservice bar where you can sit and enjoy the sounds of the sea and the reggae music.

Information: Monterey Plaza Hotel (831) 646-1700.