Monterey County is a county on California's Central Coast, in the United States. It takes its character from the water that frames it: Monterey Bay, where the coastline curves in a long, open sweep, and the rolling country that meets the sea.
What draws visitors
- Monterey Bay, the defining feature of the county and the place to begin any visit to the coast.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, a village within the county known for its distinctive character and its setting by the water.
- Pebble Beach, home to its famous golf course, which draws golfers and those who simply want to see the landscape.
Because the county is spread along the coast, a visit tends to suit those who like to move between places: a walk along the shore in one spot, a drive through the hills or along the bay in another. The landscape changes as you travel, and much of the pleasure lies in that gradual shift.
Planning a trip
Monterey County works well as a base for a few days, with the bay, the villages and the golf courses all within reach of one another. Check current details for the specific places you want to visit before you go, as hours, access and conditions can change.
