Discovery Series Ornament – Monterey
While Starbucks released a mug for this California city in a previous collection, it never introduced a mini version. This is why I was excited to finally see the Discovery Series Ornament Monterey appear in stores.
Monterey’s history as a coastal gem begins with its founding in 1770 as the capital of Alta California under Spanish rule. The city served as California’s capital under both Spanish and Mexican governance until 1850, making it a center of political and cultural life on the Pacific coast. Monterey’s economy transformed dramatically in the early 20th century when John Steinbeck immortalized its sardine canning industry in “Cannery Row,” though overfishing collapsed the industry by the 1950s. Today, Monterey has reinvented itself as a world-renowned destination for marine research, eco-tourism, and coastal recreation, preserving its rich history while celebrating the spectacular natural environment of Monterey Bay.
– Big Sur represents one of California’s most dramatic and breathtaking stretches of coastline, located just south of Monterey along Highway 1. This rugged 90-mile section features towering cliffs plunging into the Pacific Ocean, redwood forests, and pristine beaches accessible only by steep trails. Big Sur has inspired countless artists, writers, and photographers with its raw natural beauty and sense of untamed wilderness. The region remains largely undeveloped, offering visitors a rare glimpse of the California coast as it existed before modern settlement.
– The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the world’s premier marine science institutions and a cornerstone of Monterey’s identity since opening in 1984. Built on the site of a historic sardine cannery, the aquarium showcases the incredible biodiversity of Monterey Bay through innovative exhibits featuring sea otters, jellyfish, and the famous kelp forest tank. The institution has pioneered marine conservation efforts and revolutionized how aquariums present ocean life, drawing nearly 2 million visitors annually.
– The abundant marine life of Monterey Bay creates one of the richest ocean ecosystems on Earth, supporting an extraordinary diversity of species. Sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating whales can be spotted regularly from shore and boat tours throughout the year. The convergence of cold, nutrient-rich waters from the deep canyon supports everything from tiny plankton to massive blue whales, making Monterey Bay a globally significant marine habitat.
– Scuba diving in Monterey offers world-class underwater exploration in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Monterey Canyon. This massive underwater gorge rivals the Grand Canyon in size, plunging to depths of over 10,000 feet just offshore and creating unique diving conditions. The canyon’s steep walls and upwelling currents bring deep-sea nutrients to shallow waters, supporting dense kelp forests teeming with marine life. Divers encounter playful sea lions, colorful nudibranchs, giant octopuses, and schools of fish in visibility that can exceed 100 feet on exceptional days, making Monterey one of North America’s premier cold-water diving destinations.
– The sailboats gliding across Monterey Bay represent the region’s strong sailing culture and ideal conditions for maritime recreation. The bay’s protected waters, consistent winds, and stunning coastal backdrop make it a paradise for sailors, from casual day sailors to competitive racers. Annual regattas and sailing events draw enthusiasts from around the world to experience the unique combination of challenging conditions and spectacular scenery.
– The monarch butterflies symbolize one of Monterey’s most enchanting natural phenomena, as thousands of these delicate insects migrate to the area’s eucalyptus groves each winter. Pacific Grove, adjacent to Monterey, is known as “Butterfly Town USA” and protects several overwintering sites where orange-and-black clusters of monarchs cling to trees from October through February. This annual migration represents the fragile beauty of nature and the importance of habitat conservation along California’s central coast.
