About Monterey
Monterey is a city on the southern edge of Monterey Bay, on the Central Coast of California, United States. Located in Monterey County, the city occupies a land area of 8.645 sq mi (22.39 km2) and recorded a population of 30,218 in the 2020 census.
Places to visit in Monterey
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Monterey Bay Aquarium
Museum · 1 mi from centreA celebrated aquarium on Cannery Row featuring a towering kelp forest, sea otters and an open ocean exhibit. Plan several hours to explore the exhibits.
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Cannery Row
NeighborhoodA waterfront street of former sardine canneries made famous by John Steinbeck's novel, now filled with shops, restaurants, tasting rooms and hotels overlooking the bay. The Monterey Bay Aquarium anchors one end.
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17-Mile Drive
Viewpoint · 4 mi from centreA scenic private toll road through Pebble Beach with rugged coastal views, famous golf courses and the iconic Lone Cypress clinging to a rocky outcrop. Pull over at the many viewpoints for photos.
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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Nature · 6 mi from centreA coastal reserve just south of Carmel with trails along rocky coves, cypress groves and tide pools. Sea lions, otters and seasonal whales are often seen.
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Carmel Mission
Religious · 4 mi from centreA historic Spanish mission in Carmel with a stone basilica, flower-filled courtyards and a museum. It is the burial place of Father Junipero Serra and one of the most attractive missions in California.
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Old Fisherman's Wharf
LandmarkA historic waterfront pier in downtown Monterey lined with seafood restaurants, candy shops and booths for whale-watching and fishing tours. Sea lions often lounge on the nearby docks and rocks.
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Monterey State Historic Park
HistoricA collection of historic adobe buildings in downtown Monterey, including the Custom House, reflecting the city's past as the capital of Spanish and Mexican California.
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Point Pinos Lighthouse
Landmark · 3 mi from centreA historic lighthouse in Pacific Grove that has guided ships since the 1850s, making it one of the oldest on the West Coast. Visitors can tour the building and learn about the keepers who lived there.
Best time to visit Monterey
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Monterey is June to October, when average daytime highs are around 61–68°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Monterey weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 63° 56° 66%
- Thu 22 Oct 63° 54° 61%
- Fri 23 Oct 70° 54° 6%
- Sat 24 Oct 79° 56° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 83° 59° 3%
- Mon 26 Oct 81° 61° 5%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Los_AngelesUTC−7
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Monterey
These are the airports closest to central Monterey. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- MRY Monterey Regional Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
- OAR Marina Municipal Airport9 mi (15 km) from the city centre
Getting around Monterey
For car drivers, garage parking is available, and street parking is often free for periods of two hours on weekends and after 6PM. Many hotels offer parking for an additional charge. The Cannery Row area (where the Aquarium is located) has an aggressive, expensive parking ticket policy. A few minutes over at a meter and you will be welcomed to town with a $35 parking ticket.
Monterey travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Monterey?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Monterey is June to October, when average daytime highs are around 61–68°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Monterey?
October is usually the warmest month in Monterey, with average highs of 68°F (20°C). April is the coolest, with average lows of 49°F (9°C). The wettest month is typically February, with about 130 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Monterey?
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Monterey. Other nearby airports include Marina Municipal Airport (OAR, 9 mi).
What time zone is Monterey in?
Monterey uses the America/Los_Angeles time zone (currently UTC−7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Monterey?
For car drivers, garage parking is available, and street parking is often free for periods of two hours on weekends and after 6PM. Many hotels offer parking for an additional charge. The Cannery Row area (where the Aquarium is located) has an aggressive, expensive parking ticket policy.
What are the best places to visit in Monterey?
Top sights in Monterey include Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. A celebrated aquarium on Cannery Row featuring a towering kelp forest, sea otters and an open ocean exhibit. Plan several hours to explore the exhibits.
