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North AmericaUnited StatesCalifornia

Monterey

California, United States · North America

About Monterey

Monterey works well as a base: 10 minutes from Seaside, 7km from 17-Mile Drive.

Monterey is a town located in California, United States. With a population of 28,338, it is an important destination in North America.

On a road trip, Monterey sits in United States, where you drive on the right. It's in the America/Los Angeles time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Monterey to your route.

About Monterey

Achasta (also, Achiesta) is a former Ohlone settlement in Monterey County, California. It was located at the site of modern-day Monterey. Achasta was historically a dwelling of the Rumsen people. Alternate historical spellings include Achastas, Achastli, Achastlian, Achastlien, Achastlier, Achastlies.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Monterey

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Monterey?

Monterey offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Monterey?

Plan your road trip to Monterey with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Monterey as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Monterey located?

Monterey is located in California, United States, North America. The coordinates are 36.6002 latitude, -121.8947 longitude.

What is the population of Monterey?

Monterey has a population of approximately 28,338 people, making it a town in United States.

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Quick Information

Population
28,338
Continent
North America
Country
United States
Region
California
Timezone
America/Los_Angeles
Coordinates
36.6002, -121.8947

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United States

Police
911
Ambulance
911
Fire
911
Driving side
right

AAA roadside assistance: 1-800-222-4357. Right turn on red is legal in most states unless signed otherwise.

Full driving guide for United States

Tags

North AmericaUnited StatesCaliforniaTown

Worth the detour from Monterey

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

landmark

Monterey Bay Aquarium

World-class aquarium on Cannery Row showcasing the marine habitats of Monterey Bay with living kelp forests.

2 km · about 5 min drive

landmark

Pebble Beach (Concours d'Elegance Venue)

The hallowed 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links hosts the world's most prestigious classic car competition each August.

6 km · about 10 min drive

coastal drive

17-Mile Drive

Legendary private toll road winding through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, passing the Lone Cypress, crashing surf at Bird Rock, and fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links.

7 km · about 15 min drive

racetrack

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Famous for the Corkscrew - a dramatic downhill left-right chicane

13 km · about 25 min drive

scenic viewpoint

Bixby Bridge Viewpoint (Big Sur)

The iconic concrete arch bridge spanning a deep canyon on the PCH, one of the most photographed bridges on the California coast.

25 km · about 30 min drive

scenic viewpoint

Big Sur

A rugged stretch of California coastline between Carmel and San Simeon with dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, and the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.

37 km · about 45 min drive

coastal drive

Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)

Iconic coastal highway stretching along California's stunning coastline

41 km · about 45 min drive

photogenic

Pfeiffer Beach

Purple-tinted manganese sand and Keyhole Arch, which channels a beam of sunset light through the rock for a few weeks each winter. Reached by narrow, unsigned Sycamore Canyon Road off Highway 1.

41 km · about 45 min drive

Driving roads near Monterey

  • Right here17-Mile DriveLegendary private toll road winding through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, passing the Lone Cypress, crashing surf at Bird Rock, and fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links.
  • 25 kmBixby Bridge Viewpoint (Big Sur)The iconic concrete arch bridge spanning a deep canyon on the PCH, one of the most photographed bridges on the California coast.
  • 37 kmBig SurA rugged stretch of California coastline between Carmel and San Simeon with dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, and the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.
  • 41 kmPacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)Iconic coastal highway stretching along California's stunning coastline
  • 53 kmMcWay Falls Viewpoint (Big Sur)A pull-off overlooking an 80-foot waterfall that cascades directly onto a pristine sandy beach in a sheltered cove.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Monterey.

Pacific Grove

🇺🇸 United States

3 km awayPop. 15,674

Seaside

🇺🇸 United States

4 km awayPop. 33,025

Del Monte Forest

🇺🇸 United States

5 km awayPop. 4,514

Del Rey Oaks

🇺🇸 United States

5 km awayPop. 1,688

Carmel-by-the-Sea

🇺🇸 United States

6 km awayPop. 3,897

Marina

🇺🇸 United States

12 km awayPop. 21,229

Carmel Valley Village

🇺🇸 United States

16 km awayPop. 4,407

Castroville

🇺🇸 United States

22 km awayPop. 6,481

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence