Classic Monterey

The Monterey Peninsula is famous the world over for its spectacular natural beauty and exceptional golf, but there's so much more to entertain your group: Cannery Row, an eclectic collection of shops, restaurants, clubs, galleries and a turn-of-the-century carousel; the world-renown Monterey Bay Aquarium; Fisherman's Wharf; The Maritime Museum; History tours; Monterey Wine Country; Carmel by-the-Sea; Whale watching; Cuisine from continental to California and all kinds of aquatic activities.

Accommodations
The Monterey area offers more than 250 properties and 10,000 guest rooms.  Accommodations range from full-service hotels and resorts to Bed & Breakfast Inns. The Monterey Meeting Connection, a formal association of the Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay, Hotel Pacific, Monterey Marriott and the Monterey Conference Center, offers over 800 rooms, so large groups can meet under one roof.

Airport Information
Monterey is easily accessible by air. The Monterey Peninsula Airport is located just 10 minutes from downtown, hotels and the Conference Center. There are three major airlines that provide over 50 arrival and departures per day.

Transportation
Although downtown, Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row are steps from the Conference Center, rental cars, limousines and taxis are readily available. An extensive local transit system also serves the entire Peninsula.  The Waterfront Area Visitor Express (WAVE) is a free seasonal (Memorial Day through Labor day) shuttle service serving the Monterey Bay Aquarium and other tourist destinations, with a stop directly in front of the Conference Center.  There are a number of private ground operators available to provide buses for hotel shuttles, tours and excursions.

Value Season
November through February is a great time to enjoy first-class accommodations at reduced winter rates.

Climate
Mild and Mediterranean. Monterey enjoys an average temperature of 66 F (19 C).

Cultural Facilities/Activities
Monterey is world-renown for golf, but there's more to the Peninsula than the pursuit of par. Monterey is one of California's most naturally beautiful and historically rich cities.

The Conference Center is adjacent to the original Presidio of Monterey, founded in 1776. And it's a short walk to historic Colton Hall, site of the signing of California's first constitution. The Maritime Museum of Monterey pays homage to our nautical heritage and Fisherman's Wharf remains a whirlwind of activity.

A paved bayside recreation trail leads to Cannery Row with its shops, galleries, carousel, restaurants, clubs and the spectacular Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Bikes, surreys, inline skates and ocean kayaks are available for rent.

Nearby, you can enjoy Carmel with its coastal castles, storybook cottages, one-of-a-kind shops and white sand beach; Victorian Pacific Grove; the coves and crashing waves of Point Lobos State Park; Steinbeck Country and the new National Steinbeck Center; the magnificent Big Sur coastline and Monterey Wine Country. Visit the Monterey Peninsula Online Guide for more information.