Monterey Bay generally describes the region of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties in the Central Coast region of California bordering the Pacific Ocean.
Attractions[]
- Monterey Museum of Art
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Museum of Monterey
- Monterey Cannery Row
- Monterey Calle Principal
- Monterey Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey is also the site of numerous waterfront arts and crafts festivals.
Nature & Wildlife[]
Monterey Bay is home to many species of marine mammals, including sea otters, harbor seals, and bottlenose dolphins; as well as being on the migratory path of Gray and Humpback Whales and a breeding site for elephant seals. Killer whales are also found along the coast, especially when Gray whales migrate, as they hunt the whales during their migration north. Many species of fish, sharks, mollusks such as abalone and squid, birds, and sea turtles also live in the bay. Several varieties of kelp grow in the bay, some becoming as tall as trees, forming what is known as a kelp forest. Marine protected areas
Marine Reserves[]
California marine protected areas in Monterey Bay. Like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.
- Soquel Canyon State Marine Conservation Area,
- Portuguese Ledge State Marine Conservation Area,
- Pacific Grove Marine Gardens State Marine Conservation Area,
- Lovers Point State Marine Reserve,
- Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area
- Asilomar State Marine Reserve