Monterey, California

A coastal town in California. It has one "r" in its name, in contrast to Monterrey, which is a city in Mexico which has two "r"s in its name. Monterey Jack cheese is named after the place in California, not the place in Mexico, hence it has only one "r" in its name.

The city of Monterey, California was the capital of Alta California under both Spanish and Mexican rule. Located on its namesake peninsula it is a popular tourist stop and includes one of the world's best aquariums, the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It also hold the oldest government building in the state, the Custom House. Other points of interest in the area include Cannery Row (I was dismayed to find that, its more of a tourist trap now, although there still are some cannery factories.), Carmel, Pebble Beach, and 17 Mile Drive (Toll Road: $7.50 per car).

Monterey, California

• Population: 31,954
• County: Monterey