Destination Overview

Monterey County holds extraordinary moments for everyone. For meeting planners, Monterey County provides a relaxing, un-harried, upscale resort-like ambiance in which your group can feel special without the expensive price tag.

While the area is known for golf and wine, it offers access to a diverse and appealing set of other activities. It is the quintessential Central Coast of California experience - multidimensional and not solely focused on one destination asset. 

By the Numbers

• 252 lodging facilities with 12,004 guest rooms
• 700+ restaurants
• More than 100 art galleries
• 25 golf courses
• More than 125 unique vineyards in 9 AVAs, including many wineries that are open to the public
• 99 miles of shoreline, including the Big Sur coast 
• 19 State parks
• 10 Major Museums (Cultural, Art, Natural History and Childrens')

Unique Communities with their own Personalities

Monterey County is made up of 3,371 square miles with a population of over 415,000.  There are 12 towns and multiple other unincorporated areas all with distinct characteristics that you and your delegates will want to experience.

Transportation

• Monterey Regional Airport with direct service to Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego
• Amtrak rail service out of Salinas
• Monterey-Salinas Transit provides inexpensive and easy to use bus transportation throughout Monterey County

Top Attractions

• Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
• 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach
• National Steinbeck Center 
• Cannery Row
• Old Fisherman's Wharf
• Pinnacles National Park
• Elkhorn Slough
• Big Sur

Did you know... ?

• The Lone Cypress is trademarked.

• In 1948, a young woman by the name of Norma Jean was crowned Castroville's first "Artichoke Queen" and later became famed actress Marilyn Monroe. 

• Neon signs, billboards and hot dog stands are prohibited in the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and a permit is required to wear high-heeled shoes.

• Known as the birthplace of California, Monterey was the first capital under Spanish rule and the location where the Republic of California's constitution was drafted. 

• Learn more quirky and fun facts here.