Monterey

Monterey is a coastal city on Monterey Bay in California, stretching along the waterfront with two wharves and several beaches. The Defense Language Institute occupies a large portion of the city area east of the historic downtown.

Founded in 1770 as a Spanish settlement, the city served as California's first capital during Spanish and Mexican rule. In 1849, delegates met here to draft the state constitution just before California became part of the union.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium displays marine life from the bay through large observation windows in former sardine canneries. Fishermen and seafood vendors work along the wharves, selling catches brought in daily by local boats.

Monterey Regional Airport offers direct flights to several major western cities and sits a short drive from downtown. Public buses run along the coast and connect main attractions, the wharves, and the train station.

The Defense Language Institute trains military personnel in more than fifteen languages, making the city a center for international language education. Many shops and restaurants downtown display multilingual signs that reflect this international presence.

Location: Monterey County

Inception: 1770

Elevation above the sea: 8 m

Shares border with: Sand City, Los Angeles

Website: https://monterey.gov

GPS coordinates: 36.60024,-121.89468

Latest update: December 12, 2025 19:28