Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility City of Monterey, CA

Leisure

CoM-250yr-Logo-WebMonterey is a scenic and historic California coastal destination. Just two hours by car from San Francisco or a five hour drive from Los Angeles, Monterey is place to EXPLORE and ENJOY! From the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to Spanish-era adobes and John Steinbeck's Cannery Row, Monterey welcomes visitors from around the world. Monterey turned 250 years in 2020!

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Let SeeMonterey.com help you plan your adventure in Monterey. Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau


App_screenshot_cvbPlan your trip with the see monterey Virtual travel center app
The Visitor Center at Lake El Estero is now closed. It was replaced with an online, trip-planning concierge tool, the See Monterey Virtual Travel Center App. Get the link to download the app | Read the blog post

The new See Monterey Virtual Visitor Center trip-planning tools, including the free See Monterey App, is designed to allow travelers to discover everything the destination has to offer, including places to stay, popular restaurants, things to do, shopping and more. Using your geolocation, the See Monterey App helps you find nearby local activities, arrange personalized itineraries and have real-time conversations with local experts. It’s now easier than ever to explore Monterey County with the See Monterey App! There's also a desktop tool option.

By downloading the See Monterey App, you are helping promote responsible and sustainable travel behavior to protect and preserve the destination and environment by opting to plan your trip digitally and not waste paper. Whether you're planning your adventure from afar or you just arrived, with this trip planning tool the See Monterey team can help you get organized virtually and maximize your time in Monterey County. 

Visitors can also visit SeeMonterey.com.  Team members are available on a live chat M-F, or call the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau Office: (831) 657-6400.  Thank you for your interest in visiting beautiful Monterey!

MRegional-Airport-logoFly direct to and from Monterey to and from Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orange County, Phoenix,  San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle!



A few reasons to visit Monterey:
Five of 26 Best Beach Towns in America (purewow.com, Apr 2022)
Featured Trail Town - Monterey for Runners (American Trail Running Association, Mar 2021)
Experience the Magic of Monterey, CA - A weekend stroll reveals 250 years of history and a slew of modern wonders. (AAA Via Magazine, Feb 2020)
9 charming small towns that look just like a Hallmark Christmas movie (Matador Network, Dec 2019)
14 Exciting California Family Vacations with Activities for all Ages (Trip Advisor, Aug 2019)
15 Idyllic Long Weekend Getaways Perfect for a Summer Trip (Trip Advisor, Jun 2019)
9 Awesome One Week Vacation Destinations (Expedia, Dec 2018)
9 Iconic Flavors Across the USA (Expedia, Sep 2018)
21 of the Most Scenic West Coast Cities (Expedia, Jul 2018)
20 Must See Literary Destinations Around the World (Expedia, Mar 2018)
15 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways for Couples in the USA (TripAdvisor, Aug 2018)
12 Government Instagram Accounts you Need to Follow (Citysourced, Aug 2017)
One of the Best Small Cities, Reader's Choice (Condé Nast Traveler, Oct 2017)
Best Beach Vacations in the USA for Total Relaxation (TripAdvisor.com, Sep 2017)
Gray Whales Are Migrating Now: See Them Close-Up In Monterey, California (Forbes.com, Jan 2017)
Bicycling Magazine names Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail one of California's Best Bike Paths
Travel + Leisure Magazine named Monterey #6 "America's Favorite Beach Towns" 2016
Watch Big Blue Live Online! Episodes are available to watch on PBS.org
Check out Buzzfeed's "14 Reasons Monterey Will Ruin You For Life"
10 Places Where the Wild Things Are - "Monterey Bay is the best place to see marine mammals outside the Antarctic"

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