MONTEREY, CA — Visitors to Monterey County will not be short on discovering iconic landmarks, a storied history, sustainable and diverse culinary offerings, top-notch vineyards and wineries, varied landscapes from scenic coastal views to rugged terrain, world-class art and more. The destination has a population of more than 435,000 residents and boasts 99 miles of prime Pacific coastline, a world famous aquarium, 46,000 acres of premium vineyards, 65 tasting rooms, 82 wineries, more than 20 golf courses including the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, hillside elevations of over 5,500 feet and more than 220 lodging properties. The destination welcomes more than 4.6 million overnight visitors annually.
Monterey County’s widely acclaimed calendar of events attracts visitors from around the world. Music lovers are drawn to the Carmel Bach Festival in July and the Monterey Jazz Festival in September. Car lovers and racing fans descend on Monterey County for the legendary Monterey Car Week and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, as well as racing events at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. February’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and April’s Big Sur International Marathon are just a few of many competitive events that take place throughout the year. The county also hosts prestigious culinary events for epicureans including Relais & Chateaux GourmetFest in March and Pebble Beach Food & Wine in April.
Monterey County offers everything from the quintessential sandy California surfing beaches and stunning cliffs with spectacular views of the ocean to picture-perfect rocky shorelines. Dive, surf, sail, kayak and watch wildlife from one of 13 beaches, or just enjoy the scenery. Local parks including Fort Ord National Monument, Pinnacles National Park and the Point Lobos State Reserve offer an array of activities including hiking, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, surfing, birding, scuba diving, stargazing and more!
Culinary is at the heart of Monterey County. From the bounty of fresh seafood caught daily on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, to farm-to-table produce from the Salinas Valley, gourmet food is everywhere. Local specialties include artichokes, mushrooms, strawberries, calamari, halibut and abalone. The destination is also home to a Michelin Star restaurant and top Wine Spectator-ranked wines, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals that thrive in this climate. Local chefs and winemakers work together to make each meal a memorable culinary experience.