About Monterey
Area Information
Monterey is a city on the coast of Central California. Located on the southern edge of Monterey Bay and next to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the area is known for its diverse marine life, as well as its significance in California history as a fishing-industry hub. A temperate climate and variety of parks and beaches make Monterey a good place for those with an active lifestyle. Monterey is a small community, roughly 9 square miles, with a population of just over 27,000. However, during tourist season, the population increases to nearly 70,000.
Monterey is a popular tourist destination, but locals can travel 4 miles to nearby Carmel or Pebble Beach for a quick getaway, or head to Santa Cruz, which is about 45 miles away. Renting in Monterey also puts you close to the San Francisco Bay Area. San Jose is 70 miles away, while San Francisco is 123 miles away.
Renting in Monterey, CA
There is not a lot of rental inventory in Monterey, but much of the market is dedicated to seasonal rentals for tourists. Apartments for rent in Monterey are priced high, but savvy renters can find good deals.
Tourist Attractions
- Monterey Bay Aquarium: One of the largest in the United States, this aquarium not only houses a wide variety of marine life, but also hosts prestigious marine science laboratories and gives scientists access to the largest and deepest underwater canyon off the Pacific Coast.
- Cannery Row: Made famous by John Steinbeck and once home to a thriving sardine-canning industry, this waterfront district is now packed with restaurants, shopping and other tourist attractions, such as Fisherman's Wharf.
- Monterey State Historic Park: This collection of 17 historic buildings is a National Historic Landmark. It includes California's first theater, a home where writer Robert Louis Stevenson once lived, and California's oldest public building, the Custom House.
- Monterey Jazz Festival: Held every September, this is the longest-running jazz festival in the world.
