Pacific Grove Monarch Butterfly Season 2026: Visitor Guide
The western monarch migration is underway, but only a few butterflies have arrived at the sanctuary so far....
- Discover California’s Remarkable Central Coast
Discover Monterey County, California
Experience dramatic coastlines, welcoming communities, beautiful vineyards, rich agricultural valleys, and unforgettable outdoor adventures along California’s Central Coast.
Hidden Gems From Coast to Valley
Discover peaceful beaches, scenic trails, local businesses, and unique attractions beyond the well-known Monterey County landmarks.
Stay Informed, Stay Inspired
Get timely updates about attractions, outdoor experiences, local businesses, cultural events, and regional developments.
About Monterey County
Welcome to Monterey County
Monterey County is where the Pacific Ocean meets rolling hills, productive farmland, historic communities, and some of California’s most recognizable landscapes.
Visitors can spend the morning watching waves along the Monterey Peninsula, explore galleries and boutiques in Carmel-by-the-Sea, drive through the natural beauty of Big Sur, or discover the agricultural communities of the Salinas Valley.
The county sits on California’s Central Coast and includes coastal destinations, inland cities, small towns, wine regions, parks, beaches, and working farmland. The Salinas Valley also plays an important role in California agriculture.
More Than a Travel Destination
Experience dramatic coastlines, welcoming communities, beautiful vineyards, rich agricultural valleys, and unforgettable outdoor adventures along California’s Central Coast.
Sarah M.
We were looking for a relaxing Central Coast getaway and found so many great ideas here. The destination guides made it easy to explore Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and nearby coastal areas without missing the hidden gems.
Christian G.
Before visiting Monterey County, we only knew about Big Sur. This guide introduced us to local communities, farmers markets, wineries, and beautiful places we would have never discovered on our own.
Emily T.
The information was organized, easy to follow, and helped us create a complete itinerary. We found great places to visit, outdoor activities, and dining recommendations that made our vacation much easier to plan.
Wilfred L.
Monterey County has some of the most beautiful outdoor scenery we have experienced. The hiking and nature recommendations helped us discover incredible trails, ocean views, and peaceful places away from crowded attractions.
Jessica L.
Discover More of Monterey County
Latest News & Articles
Discover recent news, community updates, events, seasonal highlights, and important happenings from across Monterey County.
Astro-Tourism in Monterey County: Where to See Stars, Planets & the Milky Way
Monterey County is famous for its rugged coastline, charming communities, and rich history, but in 2026, it is...
Monterey County Farmers Markets 2026
Monterey County farmers markets offer one of the most direct ways to experience the region’s agricultural identity. The...
Monterey County exceeded our expectations. We came for the coastline but discovered so much more—from scenic drives through Big Sur to charming local shops and incredible restaurants. This guide helped us plan a trip filled with unforgettable moments.