This iconic view of Monterey illustrates just how versatile Watkins was. Not only could he photograph industrial works, occupational images, architectural structures, urban and residential panoramas and powerful people, he was perhaps most compelling when he photographed nature.

During this time frame, Watkins produced a series of coastline views. In January of 1883, he went to Monterey to photograph the recently opened Del Monte Hotel. He traveled to many of the “tourists spots” while he was there. This scene is perhaps one of his best and most recognizable compositions.