Where is Monterey, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 05, 2026, 14:55 ET

Where is Monterey, California Located in the United States? - Monterey is a city located in the Monterey County in California, United States. Monterey lies between 36.6002 Degrees North latitudes and -121.8947 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Monterey, Monterey, California

Where is Monterey Located in Monterey, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Monterey in Monterey County, in the U.S. state of California.

Monterey Map, California, USA

About Monterey Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Monterey, Monterey County, California

Monterey is located in Monterey County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the central part of the state in the state of the United States along the Monterey Bay coastline of California’s Central Coast region. The city was incorporated in 1890 and its name comes from Spanish colonial history honoring Gaspar de Zúñiga y Acevedo, Count of Monterrey, and it developed from an early Spanish and Mexican capital settlement into a coastal city known for tourism and marine research.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Monterey is 30,218 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,700 people per square mile.

Area and Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Monterey covers a total area of approximately 11.7 square miles (about 30.3 square kilometers), including about 8.5 square miles (22.0 square kilometers) of land and 3.2 square miles (8.3 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Monterey is situated south of Seaside and north of Pacific Grove, positioned along the southern shoreline of Monterey Bay. The city features coastal bluffs, historic districts, and scenic ocean views that define the Monterey Peninsula landscape. State Route 1 runs through the area, providing a major transportation route connecting Monterey to surrounding communities along California’s Central Coast.

Attractions and Recreation

Monterey offers historic sites, marine attractions, and coastal recreation areas that support tourism and education. Popular destinations include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row historic district, and Fisherman’s Wharf. The city is also home to the Naval Postgraduate School and nearby research institutions that contribute to higher education and marine science in the region.

Transportation

Monterey is served by State Route 1 and nearby State Route 68, offering convenient highway access throughout Monterey County and California’s Central Coast region. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is Monterey Regional Airport, located approximately 3 miles to the southeast.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Monterey City Website.

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Monterey City Facts

CityMonterey
StateCalifornia
CountyMonterey County
CountryUnited States
RegionMonterey Bay - Central Coast
IncorporatedJune 3, 1890
Founded1770
Total AreaApproximately 11.7 sq mi (30.3 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 8.5 sq mi (22.0 km2)
Water AreaApproximately 3.2 sq mi (8.3 km2)
ElevationApproximately 26 ft (8 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 31,000+
Population (2020 Census)30,218
Population DensityApproximately 3,500 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes93940, 93942, 93943, 93944
Area Code831
Major HighwaysState Route 1, State Route 68
Public TransitMonterey-Salinas Transit Bus
Major AttractionsMonterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf
Official Websitehttps://monterey.gov/

Distance from Monterey City, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Pacific Grove, CA – 2 miles (3 km)
  • Seaside, CA – 4 miles (6 km)
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Marina, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Salinas, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
  • Watsonville, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Santa Cruz, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Gilroy, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
  • Hollister, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
  • King City, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Soledad, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Greenfield, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
  • San Jose, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Mountain View, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Sunnyvale, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Palo Alto, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
  • San Mateo, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
  • San Francisco, CA – 115 miles (185 km)
  • San Luis Obispo, CA – 135 miles (217 km)
  • Fresno, CA – 150 miles (241 km)

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