About Monterey

Craggy cypress trees, spectacular ocean views, and a world-class aquarium. Redwood forests on land and kelp forests under water. Rich California wine and history. Monterey offers a singular blend of natural beauty and refined leisure that keep visitors coming back year after year.

Best known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the city of Monterey delivers plenty of experiences beyond the tanks. Nearby Cannery Row concentrates hotels, dining, shopping, and entertainment into one bayside location. Walking paths offer a direct route to local historical sights and great views of the water. Wine tasting, antique shopping, and beach combing complete the Monterey experience.

Monterey County offers more reasons to stay and explore, including the dramatic coastline and forests of Big Sur, the art galleries and shops of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the famous golf course at Pebble Beach, and the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas. The 17-Mile Drive is a popular way to take in the Monterey Peninsula—the toll road wends through forests, along the ocean, and past golf courses and luxury hotels.

Monterey suits a variety of travelers. Couples appreciate the cozy restaurants and romantic inns. The many parks, beaches, and attractions keep families busy. Outdoor enthusiasts can choose among kayaking, diving, hiking, and even whale watching. And Monterey and Carmel are celebrated dog-friendly destinations, attracting people who prefer to vacation with their pooches.

Flights to Monterey connect through larger Western airports, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver. Many visitors choose to book flights to Los Angeles or San Francisco and then drive to Monterey.