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
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.
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.
Top Attractions
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, California Quick Facts
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| City | Monterey |
| County | Monterey County |
| State | California |
| State Capital | Sacramento |
| US Region | Pacific |
| Latitude | 36.6002° N |
| Longitude | 121.8947° W |
| Elevation | 26 ft (8 m) |
| Land Area | 8.48 sq mi |
| Water Area | 19.17 sq mi |
| Total Area | 27.65 sq mi |
| Population (2020 Census) | 30,218 |
| Population Density | Approximately 3,564 per sq mi |
| ZIP Codes | 93940, 93943 |
| Area Code | 831 |
| Time Zone Standard | Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC−8) |
| Time Zone Daylight | Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC−7) |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| FIPS Code | 06-48870 |
| Congressional District | California's 19th Congressional District |
Transportation and Connectivity in Monterey
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Monterey Regional Airport |
| IATA Code | MRY |
| Port | Monterey Harbor |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 1, California State Route 68 |
| Train/Amtrak Service | Nearest Amtrak stations are Salinas and Castroville |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) |
- U.S. Highway 1 – Scenic coastal highway connecting Monterey with Big Sur, Santa Cruz, and Southern California.
- California State Route 68 – Major inland route connecting Monterey with Salinas and the central Monterey County region.
- Del Monte Boulevard – Important local roadway connecting downtown Monterey with coastal communities and commercial areas.
- Fremont Street – Major local route providing access to neighborhoods and nearby attractions.
Top Places to Visit in Monterey, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | Aquarium |
| Cannery Row | Historic District |
| Fisherman's Wharf | Waterfront Attraction |
| Point Lobos State Natural Reserve | Natural Reserve |
| Old Fisherman's Wharf | Historic Waterfront |
| Monterey State Historic Park | Historic Site |
| Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History | Museum |
| Presidio of Monterey | Historic Military Site |
| 17-Mile Drive | Scenic Route |
| Del Monte Beach | Beach |
Driving Distances from Monterey, California to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Grove | California | 3 | 10 minutes |
| Seaside | California | 3 | 10 minutes |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | California | 5 | 15 minutes |
| Salinas | California | 18 | 25 minutes |
| Marina | California | 10 | 15 minutes |
| Santa Cruz | California | 45 | 1 hour |
| San Jose | California | 74 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| San Francisco | California | 115 | 2 hours |
| Fresno | California | 145 | 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Los Angeles | California | 315 | 5 hours |
Colleges and Universities in Monterey, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey | Private | Graduate University | International studies and languages |
| Naval Postgraduate School | Public | Graduate University | Defense research and education |
| Monterey Peninsula College | Public | Community College | Transfer and career programs |
| California State University Monterey Bay | Public | University | Coastal research and liberal arts |
| University of California Santa Cruz | Public | University | Research and environmental studies |
Waterbodies in Monterey, California
Monterey Bay, Pacific Ocean, Del Monte Lake, Carmel River, Salinas River, El Estero Lake, Monterey Harbor, Santa Lucia Channel.
Stadiums in Monterey
Cardinale Stadium, Monterey Peninsula College Stadium, Sollecito Ballpark, Rabobank Stadium, Laguna Seca Recreation Area.
Monterey, California — Key Historical Facts
- Monterey was founded in 1770 by Spanish explorers and became the capital of Alta California under Spanish and Mexican rule.
- The city hosted the first constitutional convention of California in 1849, which helped establish the state's government before statehood.
- Monterey developed as an important fishing and maritime center, especially during the growth of the sardine industry in the early twentieth century.
- Cannery Row became internationally known through the writings of author John Steinbeck, who documented the area's fishing community.
- Today, Monterey is recognized for its historic landmarks, marine research, tourism, and scenic location along Monterey Bay.
References
- City of Monterey
- Monterey County Government
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Monterey Peninsula College
- Visit California
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