landmark
Monterey Bay Aquarium
World-class aquarium on Cannery Row showcasing the marine habitats of Monterey Bay with living kelp forests.
2 km · about 5 min drive
North AmericaUnited StatesCalifornia
Monterey
California, United States · North America
About Monterey
Monterey works well as a base: 10 minutes from Seaside, 25km from Pacific Coast Highway - Big Sur (CA-1).
Monterey is in California, United States, with about 28,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Seaside, about 4 km away.
Where to Stay in Monterey
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Explore the Area
Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Monterey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Monterey?
Within an hour or so of Monterey: Monterey Bay Aquarium (2 km), Pebble Beach (Concours d'Elegance Venue) (6 km), 17-Mile Drive (7 km), WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (13 km).
Are there any good drives near Monterey?
The nearest famous roads are 17-Mile Drive, Pacific Coast Highway - Big Sur (CA-1) and Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1).
Where is Monterey?
Monterey is in California, United States, about 4 km from Seaside.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 28,338
- Continent
- North America
- Country
- United States
- Region
- California
- Timezone
- America/Los_Angeles
- Coordinates
- 36.6002, -121.8947
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United States
AAA roadside assistance: 1-800-222-4357. Right turn on red is legal in most states unless signed otherwise.
Full driving guide for United StatesTags
Worth the detour from Monterey
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Pebble Beach (Concours d'Elegance Venue)
The hallowed 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links hosts the world's most prestigious classic car competition each August.
6 km · about 10 min drive
coastal drive
17-Mile Drive
Legendary private toll road winding through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, passing the Lone Cypress, crashing surf at Bird Rock, and fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links.
7 km · about 15 min drive
racetrack
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Famous for the Corkscrew - a dramatic downhill left-right chicane
13 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Bixby Bridge Viewpoint (Big Sur)
The iconic concrete arch bridge spanning a deep canyon on the PCH, one of the most photographed bridges on the California coast.
25 km · about 30 min drive
famous road
Pacific Coast Highway - Big Sur (CA-1)
The cliff-edge stretch between Carmel and San Simeon over Bixby Creek Bridge, the definitive American coastal drive.
25 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Big Sur
A rugged stretch of California coastline between Carmel and San Simeon with dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, and the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.
37 km · about 45 min drive
coastal drive
Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
Iconic coastal highway stretching along California's stunning coastline
41 km · about 45 min drive
Driving roads near Monterey
- Right here17-Mile DriveLegendary private toll road winding through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, passing the Lone Cypress, crashing surf at Bird Rock, and fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links.
- 25 kmBixby Bridge Viewpoint (Big Sur)The iconic concrete arch bridge spanning a deep canyon on the PCH, one of the most photographed bridges on the California coast.
- 25 kmPacific Coast Highway - Big Sur (CA-1)The cliff-edge stretch between Carmel and San Simeon over Bixby Creek Bridge, the definitive American coastal drive.
- 37 kmBig SurA rugged stretch of California coastline between Carmel and San Simeon with dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, and the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.
- 41 kmPacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)Iconic coastal highway stretching along California's stunning coastline
- 53 kmMcWay Falls Viewpoint (Big Sur)A pull-off overlooking an 80-foot waterfall that cascades directly onto a pristine sandy beach in a sheltered cove.
Nearby Destinations
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