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All United States California Monterey

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Monterey

13 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Monterey, California

Updated April 25, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Monterey

Point Sur Lighthouse

Monterey, California

Point Sur Lightstation

Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely.
Monterey's Moon Tree

Monterey, California

Monterey's Moon Tree

A tree grown from astronaut seeds which were exposed to cosmic rays.
A statue of Mary stands in a grotto to the left of the church

Monterey, California

San Carlos Cathedral

The oldest continuously operating church in California.
Jellyfish!

Monterey, California

Jellyfish Exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the most elaborate displays of Jellyfish is on display at the aquarium.
The cells featured escape-proof windows.

Monterey, California

Old Monterey Jail

This remarkably simple jail went over a century without an escape.
Dennis the Menace Playground

Monterey, California

Dennis the Menace Playground

This municipal playground was co-created by the father of one of the most playful characters ever.
The view of the Custom House that merchants saw upon making landfall

Monterey, California

Monterey's Custom House

The oldest U.S. Government building in California, and it's State Historic Landmark #1.
The Joseph Boston Store, better known as Casa del Oro.

Monterey, California

Casa del Oro

The first safe in this California town had to hold all the gold.
See All 13 Things To Do in Monterey
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Explore Monterey, California

Monuments 3
Literature 3
Museums And Collections 3
Intriguing Environs 2
Military 2
Statues 2
Ecosystems 2
Military History 2
Shops 2

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Stories About Monterey

The basket star (Gorgonocephalus eucnemis), on display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, is a deep sea species related to the sea stars seen in more shallow waters.

How to Recreate the Deepest, Darkest Ocean

Revealing the unseen world under Monterey Bay.
by Kevin McLean
April 25, 2023
A hammerhead shark may look ominous, but in the wild they have no beef with humans.

From Shark Tanks to the Deep Sea: A Day in the Life of a Monterey Bay Aquarist

What it’s like to care for fascinating animals at an aquarium on the edge of the Pacific.
Sponsored by Visit California
That mouth is full of info for scientists to chew on.

Sea Otter Teeth Are Gross but Really Useful for Scientists

You don’t want to look an old sea otter in the mouth—unless you want to tell how old it is.
by Jessica Leigh Hester
July 27, 2020
Point Alones was once home to the state's largest Chinatown. This photograph of Chinese fisherman was taken in 1875.

A Chinese Fishing Village Regains Its Rightful Place in California History

A shipwreck brought Chinese immigrants to the Monterey area. Discrimination forced them to start over.
by Claire Wang
March 31, 2020
So many cephalopods.

Found: The Largest Cluster of Deep-Sea Octopuses Ever Recorded

More than 1,000 were spotted off the coast of Monterey, California.
by Anna Kusmer
October 30, 2018

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