Travelers who melt at the sight of gorgeous coastlines and mighty waves crashing against craggy cliffs need to look no further than Monterey. Once a thriving center of the fishing industry, maritime life is still front and center with its preserved Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf areas, both populated with sea lions basking in the California sun. Monterey’s famous 17-mile coastal drive will show you the town’s most breathtaking sights and mansions, and the famous ocean-side greens of the Pebble Beach golf courses.

Fun Fact: Monterey was the setting for many of John Steinbeck’s novels, including East of Eden, Cannery Row and Tortilla Flat.