Monterey is a spectacular coastal community in northern California with a temperate climate year-round. Visitors from around the world come to Monterey to experience its natural beauty, cultural resources and rich historic past.

Located 115 miles south of San Francisco and 350 miles north of Los Angeles, Monterey offers an excellent quality of life and unparalleled beauty. The City features a dazzling waterfront along the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a lush urban forest, a rich array of historic and cultural resources, museums, gardens, recreational activities and a wide variety of special events scheduled throughout the year. maps & directions

Monterey is the home of the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, located on the street immortalized in John Steinbeck's novel Cannery Row, and features renowned events such as the annual Monterey Jazz Festival. Monterey has a world-class Monterey Conference Center,  and many wonderful restaurants, hotels, galleries and shops sprinkled among its various shopping districts.

Monterey's rich history includes Spanish exploration dating back to 1542, and the establishment of the San Carlos Cathedral by Father Junipero Serra in 1770. It was the site of Alta California's capital under Spain and later Mexico, and the place where California statehood began in 1849. This rich history can be explored by visiting Monterey's many historical sites and interpretive centers. Map of Historic Sites (PDF)

The military presence in Monterey spans from the city's founding with the original Spanish presidio to the present. The Naval Postgraduate School trains officers from the U.S. and many other nations, and the Defense Language Institute teaches the world's languages to the U.S. Armed Forces. Known as "The Language Capital of the World". Monterey is also home to outstanding educational institutions including the Monterey Institute for International Studies.