Monterey County Travel Guide
California
Popular cities in Monterey County
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
- 17-Mile Drive
- Cannery Row
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
- Bixby Bridge
Big Sur
Known for Sea, Hiking and Nature
Romantic Big Sur is calling! Discover its oceanfront, hiking, beaches and more.
Reasons to visit
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Pfeiffer Beach
- McWay Falls
Pebble Beach
Known for Pebble beaches, Beaches and Golf
Experience the beaches, golf and natural setting in Pebble Beach!
Reasons to visit
- Spyglass Hill Golf Course
- Lone Cypress Pine
- Cypress Point Golf Club
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
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
- National Steinbeck Center
- Toro County Park