Near Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman's Wharf is not the smelly, salt water-stained place it once was. Costly restaurants and souvenir shops now characterize this touristy harborside neighborhood. However, this is the place to go if you're interested in a whale-watching tours or a kayaking excursion on the bay.

A quick stroll on Old Fisherman's Wharf affords panoramic views of the bay, not to mention the seals that sunbathe on the nearby rocks and buoys. While here, be sure to taste the clam chowder. Many of the restaurants serving it offer samples to passersby, so you can have the equivalent of a small cup by simply making sample rounds. For more information, check out the Monterey County's website.