The Monterey Peninsula is located on the central California coast and comprises the cities of Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove, and unincorporated areas of Monterey County including the resort and community of Pebble Beach.
The Monterey Peninsula is different than any other part of California. Here, time slows, the architecture is humble (with the exception of the homes in Pebble Beach), and the lifestyle is the perfect synthesis of SoCal laid back and NorCal sophisticated.
The Monterey Peninsula is different than any other part of California. Here, time slows, the architecture is humble (with the exception of the homes in Pebble Beach), and the lifestyle is the perfect synthesis of SoCal laid back and NorCal sophisticated.
Attractions
| Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the top shopping destinations in the United States, but one with deep bohemian roots. Spend your morning exploring chic boutiques along Ocean Avenue, anchored by tiny shopping center Carmel Plaza. |  |
| The Aquarium has enough extraordinary exhibits to fill an entire day. For a quick tour, start with the million-gallon Open Sea Exhibit and other special exhibitions. Then cross over the bridge to the Ocean's Edge Galleries and swing by the Kelp Forest exhibit and (if little ones are in tow) the Splash Zone. Head downstairs for the Monterey Bay Habitats exhibit and interactive Touch Pool. |  |
| Monterey Movie Tours motor coach is a unique tour that shows off both Monterey's most remarkable scenery and its cinematic history. As you drive by Monterey's most notable scenic spots and along legendary 17-Mile Drive, monitors on board the bus will show the locations as they have appeared in films throughout the years. |  |
| In January 1958, the City of Monterey officially re-named Ocean View Avenue "Cannery Row" in honor of John Steinbeck and his novel that described a colorful past set amid the cannery culture of the time. Now, Cannery Row's buildings are updated, shinier versions of turn-of-the-century canneries. They house an eclectic blend of specialty shops, local artists' galleries, and more than 25 restaurants and world-class attractions that make Cannery Row a top tourist destination. |  |
| 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach is one of the best-known scenic drives in the world. It takes visitors past impressive homes and the world's greatest golf courses, as well as miles of scenic coastline and the serene majesty of Del Monte Forest. |  |
| Highway 1 from Monterey through Big Sur is the road trip of a lifetime. It's a State Scenic Highway and has been declared an All-American Road by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Scenic Byways Program. |  |
Dining
| Almost every restaurant within the gates of Pebble Beach has unparalleled panoramas of pristine golf courses, upscale accommodations, and the ocean, of course! At Spanish Bay feel free to soak in the sunset and the Asian fusion menu at Roy's at Pebble Beach or stick to American classics at STICKS. Meanwhile, The Bench and Stillwater Bar & Grill overlook the famous 18th hole at the Pebble Beach Golf Links. |  |
| Enjoy fine dining at AAA four-diamond award winning restaurant Pacific's Edge at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, called one of the top 20 restaurants in the United States by Wine Spectator. Perched on a hill above the Pacific Ocean, Pacific's Edge offers stunning views of the Carmel coastline. Watch the sun set as you dine. |  |
| Looking for Monterey classics like clam chowder, calamari and sand dabs served with a side of seaside sanctuary? Look no further than the several eateries on Old Fisherman's Wharf. Here you will find icons like Old Fisherman's Grotto, Domenico's, Café Fina, Big Fish Grill and Crabby Jim's. |  |
Special Events
| 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 couple of the many competitive events that take place throughout the year. |  |
Wine Tasting
| Monterey County was named as one of 2013's "Top Ten Wine Travel Destinations" in the world by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and for good reason. It’s one of the largest wine growing and producing regions in California made famous by unique microclimates and diverse growing conditions that produce 42 varietals. There are wineries and tasting rooms in virtually every city in the county, including Marina, Salinas Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley |  |
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