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.