What do writer John Steinbeck and sardines have in common? They both have strong ties to Monterey County, a dreamy, mild-weathered region nestled along the Central Coast. One of its most notable hubs is Cannery Row, Monterey’s waterfront district that saw its heyday in the early 20th century as immigrants settled to fish the waters and package the area’s famous salty tinned seafood. Today, Monterey County thrives as a dynamic meeting destination, boasting natural beauty and a welcoming hospitality community.
Vibe: “Monterey County is the quintessential California experience, bringing it all together in one inspiring destination,” says Rob O’Keefe, president and CEO of See Monterey. “Actually, inspiration is Monterey’s superpower. It’s driven by the blend of versatile, world-class meeting venues and incredible outdoor experiences, all set against some of California’s most iconic scenery.”
Transportation: Monterey County is two hours from San Francisco International Airport and 1 1/2 hours from San Jose Mineta International Airport. Monterey Regional Airport offers direct service from several major cities (with Chicago coming in late May), making most U.S. markets just one stop away. In Monterey, many popular attractions are within walking distance of each other, and the Monterey-Salinas Transit system runs the free Monterey Trolley.
Hotels: Groups meeting at the Monterey Conference Center might appreciate the ultraconvenience of two connected hotels: the LEED-certified Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay and the Monterey Marriott. In Carmel Valley, Bernardus Lodge & Spa and Carmel Valley Ranch appeal with their relaxing, pastoral atmospheres, while InterContinental The Clement Monterey and Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa offer the utmost luxury in lively Monterey. For a touch of history, Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove is a former early-1900s summer camp steps away from Asilomar State Beach.
Venues: The Monterey Conference Center’s 40,000-plus square feet of modern gathering space includes three ballrooms and several smaller meeting rooms—when combined with the adjoining hotels, over 80,000 square feet of space is available. For a standalone venue with a rustic vibe, The Barns at Cooper Molera is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Monterey with full-service catering, event-coordination services, and elevated decor rental options.
Restaurants: For a classic Monterey dining experience, The Fish Hopper on Fisherman’s Wharf (with buyouts for 300) is a must-try, with fresh seafood dishes such as macadamia-crusted halibut. Stokes Adobe is set in a two-story historic home, serving up inventive craft cocktails and upscale French- and Italian-inspired fare. Farm-to-table cuisine is king at Bernardus Lodge & Spa’s Lucia Restaurant & Bar—its dishes are often made using ingredients harvested from the property’s well-tended, organic herb and vegetable garden.
Must-Sees & -Dos: During downtime, enjoy a tour of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where attendees can get up close to jellyfish, giant Pacific octopuses, and other sea creatures. Learn about John Steinbeck’s legacy at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, or take your group to play a round on the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links. One of the area’s quintessential attractions, scenic state Route 1 through Big Sur, has now fully reopened—attendees should take some time during their stay to make the iconic trip.
