Monterey offers a magnificent coastal escape for all sorts of travelers, and folks looking for a place to settle down. Among those people, over the years, many accomplished celebrities have found themselves calling Monterey home for one reason or the other. These are some of our favorite examples.
ANSEL ADAMS
One of the best known and most influential American photographers of all time, Ansel Adams lived on the Monterey Peninsula for over two decades of his life. His signature black and white portrayals of the Big Sur coastline are a breathtaking record of his time here.
DORIS DAY
One of American cinema’s earliest great actresses, Doris Day starred in classic films like Pillow Talk, Calamity Jane, and Lover Come Back. This icon followed her acting career with a life in animal rights, and has since relocated to Carmel Valley to escape the noise of Hollywood.
SALVADOR DALI
Most people would be surprised to know that Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali lived in Monterey for a while during the second World War. He sought refuge from the violence at the now defunct Hotel Del Monte, and helped get the vibrant Carmel Art Association up and running with wild, surreal parties at spectacular venues like Pebble Beach.
JIMI HENDRIX
Jimi Hendrix is known more for his masterful guitar skills than his military career, but the freewheeling hippie also served in the armed forces, stationed at Fort Ord Military Base here in Monterey. He would later return here for the Monterey Pop Festival, which gave him widespread acclaim in the states.
JOAN BAEZ
After blowing up at the Newport Folk Festival, legendary singer-songwriter Joan Baez moved to Carmel Highlands in 1961. It was here that she began to foster her signature California style, beginning a career as one of the most influential figures in American songwriting.
