Monterey area
Explore a world-famous coastline
The Monterey area offers miles of beaches, hiking and cycling trails—and nearby towns invite you to discover the area's rich history, culture and arts scene. Offshore, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is home to a rich variety of marine life.
Our community is proud to put sustainability into practice every day. Our collective efforts have helped Monterey County become the third certified “Green Destination” in the United States on the Global Destination Sustainability Index.
Parks and nature
Part of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the waters just off our decks are home to a rich variety of marine life. This region's natural beauty can be seen on foot, kayak, boat, bike surrey, scuba and more:
General information
These links to local communities, travel guides and visitor bureaus can help you plan a great trip to Monterey and the Central Coast.
Related videos
Spot sea otters in Elkhorn Slough
Come along on an expedition to Elkhorn Slough, a flourishing California estuary teeming with wildlife, thanks in part to the presence of our beloved otter companions.
Keep exploring
Visit
Other ways to visit
Looking for free tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium? See if you qualify for any of these special programs.
Read more – Other ways to visit
Visit
Exhibits
Explore our exhibits and meet all the amazing and animals that live in waters from the shore to the open sea.
View exhibits – Exhibits