Monterey County, California
Here are the different regions that make up Monterey County:
Big Sur: Rocky cliffs, lush mountains, coastal redwood forests, and hidden beaches combine to create an epic backdrop for recreation, romance, and relaxed exploration. Big Sur is a very special place to many people. Treat Big Sur with care so that it may be enjoyed for generations to come.
Carmel-by-the-Sea: No exploration of California’s central coast is complete without a sojourn to Carmel-by-the-Sea. This quaint seaside village is a delightful fusion of art galleries, boutiques, hotels, white-sand beaches, fine dining restaurants, and whimsically styled homes.
Carmel Valley: Sun-kissed days make Carmel Valley one of Monterey County’s prized wine appellations and the perfect rustic wine country getaway. Whether guests set off on a self-directed tasting adventure or sign up for a guided tour, they can sip their way down Carmel Valley Road, the main artery of the lush countryside. Dining options include award-winning restaurants with menus crafted to showcase local vintages. Guest can stay active at one of Carmel Valley’s championship golf courses, tennis courts or fitness club that offer day use.
Marina: Marina is wonderfully diverse, teeming with options for food, culture, and adventure. On top of the bay, its scenic trails and seascapes afford endless possibilities for fun and exploration, attracting bicyclists, hang-gliders, paragliders, kite enthusiasts and admirers of Mother Nature.
Monterey: No matter what you have heard or seen in feature films, nothing can prepare you for the jaw-dropping beauty along Monterey's fabled coast and village-like pedestrian thoroughfares. Today, iconic attractions such as Cannery Row, Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium have helped make Monterey a favorite destination for visitors from around the world.
Moss Landing: What started out as a wharf in 1966 is now a bona fide destination. In addition, to acquaint fishing village vibe, the area features several antique shops, art studios, fresh seafood markets, and delightful restaurants all within strolling distance of each other.
Pacific Grove: With one of the oldest continually operating lighthouses in the country and a classic 1932 golf course partially designed by Jack Neville, Pacific Grove holds many old-fashioned charms. Its status as one of the top Monarch butterfly migrating spots has earned it the nickname of “Butterfly Town, USA.”
Pebble Beach: The coastal beauty in and around Pebble Beach is legendary. From the legendary Lone Cypress, one of the most photographed trees in North America, to the famed eighteenth green of Pebble Beach Golf Links®, a trip along 17-Mile Drive will leave you spellbound.
Salinas: At first blush, agriculture and literature might seem to be an incongruous pair, but not in Salinas. As the county seat of Monterey, it is a vibrant agribusiness hub and is most famous for being the ancestral home of Noble Prize laureate John Steinbeck and the nationally renowned National Steinbeck Center. Nosh on locally grown delicacies, such as artichokes, at The Steinbeck House, the childhood home of John Steinbeck and a local favorite eatery.
Salinas Valley: Just inland from Monterey, you’ll come upon an agricultural jewel known as the Salinas Valley. In addition to serving as the backdrop for two of America’s great literary works by John Steinbeck, the Salinas Valley is also home to the River Road Wine Trail, a cluster of vineyards and wineries with sweeping views of the Salinas Valley paired with award-winning Pinot Noirs and other varietals.
Sand City: Sand City is blessed with an abundance of, well, sand. But this isn’t your garden-variety beach sand. We’re referring to spectacular dunes formed during the Pleistocene era at the tail end of the last ice age somewhere in the neighborhood of 6,000 to 15,000 years ago. These dunes are the highest found on California's Central Coast.
Seaside: Seaside began with the Hotel Del Monte in 1880 and was later used by the military. The former site of Fort Ord is now an up-and-coming destination complete with two previously “off-limits” golf courses, an easy entrance to Fort Ord National Monument and some of the best beach access on California’s Central Coast.
Learn and interact with marine life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Dedicated to marine research and conservation, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is known throughout the world for its interactive exhibits and the ability to present marine life on a truly grand scale. The former sardine cannery is now a top attraction on Monterey’s Cannery Row with over 35,000 creatures representing over 550 sea life and marine species.
Visit Responsibly
Discover Monterey County, where inspiring natural beauty, mouthwatering cuisine, and endless activities await. During your stay, we invite your guests to treat our destination like home. Help protect our surroundings, travel responsibly and treat our destination with care. For helpful tips and more about our Sustainable Moments program visit www.SeeMonterey.com/Sustainable.
Take a ride through the famous 17-mile Drive
One of the most scenic drives on the Monterey Peninsula, and quite possibly the world, resides behind the prestigious gates of Pebble Beach. The famous 17-Mile Drive is a visually stunning stretch of roadway that hugs the pacific coastline from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, featuring awe-inspiring sights along the way. Iconic landmarks (and photo opportunities) include The Lone Cypress Tree, Spanish Bay, Stillwater Cover, the Del Monte Forest and the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Explore the National Steinbeck Center
The National Steinbeck Center is located in John Steinbeck’s hometown of Salinas, California, a scenic 17-Mile Drive from Monterey into the heart of Steinbeck Country. Discover Steinbeck’s world through interactive, multi-sensory exhibits for all ages, rare artifacts, and seven themed theaters showcasing East of Eden, Cannery Row, Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath and much more.
Experience the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary
Every October through February, thousands of butterflies make a stop in a Pacific Grove eucalyptus grove, the preferred Monarch butterfly habitat, during their migration to warmer climates. The butterflies hang in clusters from eucalyptus branches to maintain body temperature, and the resulting effect is stunning.
Sip your way through Monterey Wine Country
A number of Monterey County wineries were awarded gold in the 2022 Wine Award Issue from Sunset Magazine and with good reason. There are wineries and tasting rooms in virtually every city in the county, including Marina, Salinas Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley specializing primarily in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals.
Check Our Our Featured Hotels in Monterey County Below!
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