Welcome to Monterey
With its seaside location, it’s no surprise that life in Monterey is heavily tied to the ocean and its many gifts. This is one of the most picturesque spots along the Central Coast of California, with jaw-dropping views of the unbelievably blue Pacific waters. The miles of trails and scenic lanes that wind through this community create beautiful spots for walking, jogging, or driving along the coast. This community is ideally located along the Central Coast, within an easy drive to the Monterey Regional Airpot and several other coastal landmark communities.
Monterey is well-loved and well-known throughout the country. Notable attractions in this vibrant center include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Monterey Bay Museum of Art. Cannery Row, now home to lively restaurants and the aquarium, inspired John Steinbeck’s novel sharing the name.
What to Love
- Stunning views of the rocky Pacific coast
- Bustling oceanside dining and retail district
- Perfect blend of suburban and urban vibes
- Charming, unique residential areas
Local Lifestyle
This highly-desired coastal community is one of the best places to live in California. With lots of warm sunshine, beautiful views of the Pacific, and wonderful amenities, it is a treasure of the Central Coast. The vibrant oceanside downtown district has so much to do, lively restaurants, unique coffee shops, upscale shops, and fun attractions.
Even with a lively commercial district, Monterey has plenty of peaceful residential havens like the well-established area of Mar Vista. Monterey has two private, gated communities for those seeking a truly tranquil, exclusive space: Pasadera and Monterra.
Monterey boasts several great parks and recreation areas, such as El Estero Park, with its stunning central lake and the fun Dennis the Menace Playground. The area has several world-class golf courses, each with striking views of the coastline and surrounding landscape.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The seaside fishing docks and Pacific bounty heavily influence the local food scene in Monterey. Traditional Italian eatery Osteria Al Mare treats diners to dishes like handmade pasta and locally sourced seafood. Chef Maurizio Cutrignelli artfully prepares favorites like fettuccine al Pescatore and fresh pan-seared salmon.
Monterey’s Fish House is a local corner eatery serving fresh seafood, steak, and pasta dishes expertly paired with craft beers and fine local wines. This hidden gem has a great oyster bar, a rustic ambiance, and a festive atmosphere.
Sandbar & Grill is a pier-side restaurant with wide windows for excellent views of the bay and marina. The menu here features dishes inspired by the dockside catches just outside, with ingredients like Dungeness crab and sanddab.
Housed in the wonderfully restored Cooper Molera building, Alta Bakery is a refined New American cafe serving light fare and delicious beverages. Local favorites include the smoked salmon toast and the heirloom tomato salad. Alta is a great spot for coffee, especially the golden milk lattes.
Things to Do
Monterey has a lively cultural scene, hosting several art and music festivals throughout the year. Each fall, the Monterey Jazz Festival celebrates the art and influence of jazz musicians and composers. This is the longest continuously-running jazz festival in the world, bringing the joy of music to Monterey since 1958. The Monterey International Blues Festival celebrates current blues superstars and commemorates the rich history of blues music.
The Sea Otter Classic is one of the most acclaimed cycling festivals in the world. This annual gathering is both a festival and a race event. Race events during the Sea Otter Classic include road, gravel, and cross-country rides. The festival and convention portion of the Sea Otter Classic brings the biggest names and brands in racing together for cycling enthusiasts to enjoy. As a course for both auto and motorbike racing, the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is an iconic location for world-famous races and special events. This classic road course winds through the hillsides of the Monterey Peninsula for lots of elevation changes and great views.
