Monterey County highlights everything that's best about California all in one picturesque area. From seaside restaurants to hillside vineyards and intimate tasting rooms of the Salinas and Carmel Valleys, from Big Sur's redwood groves to Pebble Beach's perfectly groomed golf courses, from Salinas' old-fashioned rodeo to Carmel-by-the-Sea's elite music and art festivals, Monterey is a feast of fun just waiting to be sampled.
Hit the Road
Waves crashing on the craggy rocks that dot Monterey County’s 99 miles of coastline. Sand dunes bathed in sea spray in Marina, Seaside and Sand City. Boat docks lined with sun bathing sea lions in Moss Landing. Cruise through charming towns like Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Be humbled by the towering Redwoods of Big Sur. Ponder row upon row of verdant fields and vineyards gracing the Salinas Valley. Drop the top or roll down the windows and prepare for jaw-dropping views.
Outdoor Recreation
Explore miles of epic hiking trails. Bask on the sand of spectacular California beaches. Ride out on an outback equestrian adventure. Work your core on a Stand up Paddleboard. Whale watch on the nation’s largest marine sanctuary. Windsurf off sand dunes. Kayak pristine nature preserves. Trek, bike or simply take a stroll in John Steinbeck’s footsteps. Monterey County takes the great outdoors to the next level.
Go for a Wine Walk
Do the math: nine distinct wine growing regions, 40,000 acres of vineyards, 85 wine producers, and 42 varietals of grape add up to an unforgettable wine experience in Monterey County. Whether exploring inland sun-kissed vineyards to sipping wines made from rugged coastal grapes, this is one wine country you can fully immerse yourself in.
Shop this Way
Hunt for antiques. Shop to the serenade of live music. Find unique handmade crafts. Stroll through open-air and dog-friendly malls. Seek ancient Asian treasures. Get the ultimate shopping high in this Mecca of merchants.
Tee Off
Monterey is a golfer’s paradise with 28 distinct courses including the legendary greens of Pebble Beach. Don’t miss the iconic views, phenomenal deals and good times found at courses like Pacific Grove Golf Links or Del Monte Golf Course – the oldest in operation west of the Mississippi.
A Deep Attraction
Make a splash as you revel at jellies and massive sea turtles or watch otters and penguins at play inside the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Your window to marine life, more than 35,000 creatures representing over 550 species fill 34 major galleries in nearly 200 exhibits.
See Historic Sites Inspired by John Steinbeck
If you're a book worm, you could make an entire trip out of tracking places and characters mentioned in Steinbeck's novels because they almost all resided in Monterey County. From Fremont Peak State Park to Old Fisherman's Wharf, be transported to the inspired American author and Nobel Prize winner's world.