Monterey County, County in Central Coast region, California, United States
Description
Monterey County is an administrative division along the Pacific coast of California, stretching from Monterey Bay southward through rocky shorelines and inland valleys of farmland. The landscape shifts between beach towns with cliffs, rolling hills covered in vineyards, and flat fields within the Salinas Valley.
History
The area became an administrative division in 1850 when California joined the United States, following earlier control by Spanish and Mexican authorities. The city of Monterey served as the capital during the Spanish colonial period and continued as a government center.
Culture
Residents celebrate their agricultural roots through farmers markets and wine festivals held throughout the valleys year-round. Many coastal towns carry Spanish names and reflect the earlier settlement patterns, visible in street layouts and building styles today.
Practical
Visitors can explore the coastline along Highway 1 or head inland toward the agricultural regions. Public buses connect coastal cities with smaller towns in the interior, though service becomes less frequent in the southern areas.
Did you know?
The administrative region includes parts of a large national forest and a protected underwater sanctuary that provides habitat for marine mammals and rare bird species. Another national park within the boundaries is known for its rock spires of volcanic origin.
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Big Sur
32 km
Bixby Creek Bridge
55.1 km
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
55.2 km
17-Mile Drive
70.1 km
Monterey Bay Aquarium
67.7 km
Pebble Beach Golf Links
66.8 km
Pinnacles National Park
30.3 km
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo
64.2 km
Mission San Juan Bautista
70.4 km
McWay Falls
33.7 km
Lone Cypress
69.2 km
Mission San Antonio de Padua
25.6 km
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
33.3 km
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
42.4 km
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
18.8 km
Tassajara Zen Mountain Center
29.1 kmSpyglass Hill Golf Course
69.4 km
Asilomar State Beach
70.4 km
Tassajara Hot Springs
21.6 km
Mrs. Clinton Walker House
65.3 km
Asilomar Conference Grounds
69.9 km
Point Sur Lighthouse
53.3 km
Limekiln State Park
31.7 km
Garrapata State Park
59.5 km
Redman Hirahara Farmstead
84.1 km
Tehàma Golf Club
59.1 km
Andrew Molera State Park
47.2 km
Tor House and Hawk Tower
65.1 km
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