Marine Museum of Monterey

The Marine Museum of Monterey is a nearby attraction for those visiting Monterey, but it is a ways from the famous Cannery Row district near the water. The museum features exhibits and collections celebrating the maritime history of the area. Exhibits include a model of the Bixby Bridge which is located in Carmel California, a Fresnel lens which was once a part of the Point Sur Light Station, and numerous model boats including a model of the USS Constitution, the USS Pillsbury, the USS Old Ironsides, and the USS Monterey 1943. Model shipbuilders occasionally find fault with the way in which the models are displayed, but the average visitor will enjoy the painstaking effort that went into recreating the models of some of the country's most famous ships. Those who want to learn more about maritime history and the art of model ship building can enjoy the film shown at the museum. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM until 5 PM and there is no admission fee. It is located in the Custom House Plaza and is a nice break from the typical tourist destinations of Cannery Row. It is an educational museum and it may take a bit of effort to get the kids interested, but once the miniature capture their imagination, they will learn quite a bit.