Monterey County, CA

California
Carmel featuring signage, a city and street scenes

Popular cities in Monterey County

Monterey featuring general coastal views, a sandy beach and landscape views
Monterey
Known for Beaches, Sea and Aquariums
Discover one of California’s most beautiful coastal cities, known for its fabulous aquarium and for being the setting for a famous John Steinbeck novel.

Reasons to visit

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Fisherman's Wharf
  • Cannery Row
Carmel featuring a house and autumn leaves
Carmel
Known for Beaches, Sea and Scenery
This charming oceanfront town is a perfect day-trip for art, food and relaxation.

Reasons to visit

  • Carmel Beach
  • Carmel Mission Basilica
  • Monastery Beach
McWay Falls featuring rocky coastline, a beach and a bay or harbor
Big Sur
Known for Sea, Hiking and Nature
Drive along one of the nation’s most scenic byways, stopping often to view and photograph gorgeous panoramas, wildlife and vegetation.

Reasons to visit

  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
  • Pfeiffer Beach
  • Sand Dollar Beach
Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove
Known for Beaches, Sea and Aquariums
Soak up the old-style charm of this small seaside city, which is famed for the monarch butterflies that stop here on their great migrations.

Reasons to visit

  • Lovers Point
  • Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary
  • Point Pinos Lighthouse
17-Mile Drive
Pebble Beach
Known for Pebble beaches, Beaches and Golf
Experience the beaches, golf, and history in Pebble Beach!

Reasons to visit

  • Spyglass Hill Golf Course
  • Cypress Point Golf Club
  • Moss Beach
National Steinbeck Center which includes interior views
Salinas
Known for Dining, Family-friendly and Business
Discover the rich literary heritage of this agricultural city, the birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning author of The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck.

Reasons to visit

  • Toro County Park
  • National Steinbeck Center