When you visit the state of California and decide to venture to Monterey, you can expect the usual tourist activities. One thing you can also expect is a variety of odd attractions. Monterey is a place with great proximity to some of Californiaís strangest attractions.  Stray off the beaten path and experience some of Caliís unusual sites. Not everyone wants to explore beaches and missions. Find something for everyone when you vacation.

Illustrious History and Fun Gaming Are Found at Just a Couple of Odd Attractions

Only a short distance from Monterey is the USS Hornet, which is an aircraft carrier that is now a museum. Anyone interested in military endeavors or ships will find the Hornet fascinating. The USS Hornet features an illustrious history; it was involved in WWII and the Apollo 11 space mission. Various special events take place throughout the year so check out their schedule for more information. Other close-to-Monterey oddities make their home in the area as well, including the Lucky JuJu Pinball Museum. It features restored classic pinball machines and various art displays. Free game playing comes with your admission.

Playlands, Whales, and Music Combine in Monterey

Dennis the Menace Park (Image by Eric M Martin via Flickr)

The kids will love odd attractions. Monterey features an odd site which will please even the youngest of travelers. The Dennis the Menace Playground features a large statue of its namesake as well as ìwhimsicalî playground equipment. Play in oversized equipment, go rock climbing, visit the train, or ride myriad slides at this one-of-a-kind play area. While on the coast, one should take advantage of the marine Monterey oddities. One rather rare kind of activity is the ability to watch whales in Monterey Bay. See the behemoths from the shore or by renting a boat. Guided tours are also available.  For music lovers, unique music events flourish in Monterey. Enjoy the Carmel Bach Festival, Monterey Blues Festival, and Monterey Jazz Festival.

Mix it Up on Your Next Roadside Adventure

If you want roadside Monterey oddities, you can find such things. Along the Pacific Coast Highway in Big Sur, Claptrap Bus Dining provides guests with gas and grub-all out of an old-fashioned bus. A scenic area and river provide natural distraction once you have filled up your tummy and your tank. Carmel-by-the-sea offers more distracting odd attractions. Monterey is full of such places. Try the fantastic two hour walking tour, dubbed ìCarmel Walks.î It will take you a hair salon owned by a man named Roy Rogers who owns a vast memorabilia collection of the famous Roy Rogers. You can also visit the notorious feminist Mary Austinís ìWickiupî treehouse.  In Pacific Grove, in front of the Natural History Museum, a large replica of a beached gray whale rests. Take pictures with the behemoth or just marvel at its size.

Visiting Monterey oddities is one way to get a more authentic taste of local culture. Seeing odd sites adds zest to the usual mundane aspects of vacations. Whether you adore art, history, the military, or playthings, you will find this variety can be satisfied by odd attractions. Monterey is an area full of stuff that will make your vacation memorable for everyone in the whole family.