About Us

Who is the Monterey Meeting Connection?

The Monterey Meeting Connection is a single destination marketing and sales operation developed to promote and generate group meetings and conventions into the City of Monterey. From upscale executive retreats to larger conferences, the Monterey Meeting Connection has a wide range of properties to accommodate any size group. A one-stop shop, the Monterey Meeting Connection’s detail-oriented staff searches for the perfect property for every event, arranges site inspections, property tours and more for the meeting planner’s consideration.

Why should I hold a meeting in Monterey?

Monterey offers a unique location coupled with a complete infrastructure and a wide variety of activities and amenities to meet the needs of groups large and small.

Experience…

  • 19 Championship Golf Courses
  • The Internationally Acclaimed Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Unique Meeting Spaces & Exceptional Off-Site Venues
  • Tantalizing Cuisine
  • Wine Tasting & Tours from 75 Wineries
  • Cannery Row
  • Museums & Art Galleries
  • 17-Mile Drive & Pebble Beach
  • Great Weather & Recreational Activities

Monterey is perfectly positioned as the focal point of the Monterey Peninsula. The destinations of Carmel, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Carmel Valley, and Big Sur are all within easy driving distance.

Historic Facts & Features

The Monterey Peninsula is rich in history and culture. Following are some of the interesting facts you may not know about the region:

  • Colton Hall – the first American civic building in California
  • California Constitutional Convention – held here in 1849
  • First Theater – built in 1864, this adobe theater was the first in California
  • San Carlos Cathedral – built in 1795, it is the oldest church in continuous use in California
  • Point Pinos Lighthouse – oldest continuous operating lighthouse on the West Coast
  • Robert Louis Stevenson resided here and based parts of “Treasure Island” on Monterey
  • John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden” and “Grapes of Wrath” were based on his experiences of the region

Monterey is also home to some world-renowned events such as the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Concours d’Elegance. Your Monterey Meeting Connection representative can assist you with information about events on the local calendar.

Where is the nearest airport?

The Monterey Peninsula Airport is conveniently located in Monterey, just minutes from all major conference hotels and meeting facilities. In addition, three major international airports are located within driving distance: San Jose International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and Oakland International Airport.

Arriving by air:

Direct flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix arrive daily at the Monterey Peninsula Airport. Three airlines offer service to Monterey and connect with all domestic and international flights: American Eagle out of LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), America West out of Phoenix, and United Express out of LAX and SFO (San Francisco International Airport).

San Jose International Airport is located approximately 65 miles north of Monterey.

San Francisco International Airport is located approximately 100 miles north of Monterey.

Oakland International Airport is located approximately 100 miles north of Monterey.

Private Jet Service is also available. Contact Million-Air Monterey, the Monterey Jet Center or the Monterey Peninsula Airport for details.

What are the transportation options from the airport?

The Monterey/Salinas Airbus provides airport shuttle service between Monterey, San Jose and San Francisco for approximately $30 each way. Call 888-883-2871 or visit www.montereyairbus.com for schedule and reservations.

Curbside Cab Service from the Monterey Peninsula Airport to downtown Monterey is approximately $9.

Car Rental Agencies of several national chains are located at the airport.

Limousine Services are also available.

What if I arrive by land?

  • From the north, the fastest route is 101 South to 156 West (near Prunedale) to Hwy 1 South.
  • From the south, the fastest route is 101 North (to Salinas), then west on Hwy 68, approximately 25 miles to Hwy 1.
  • The scenic route is the famous Hwy 1 that goes directly into Monterey from both the north and south of California.

Local Transportation

Local bus transportation is inexpensive and easy to use. Visitors in the summer months can also take advantage of the free shuttle WAVE (Waterfront Area Visitor Express) buses, which run on a circular route from Del Monte Shopping Center to downtown Monterey to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and various attractions in between.

How many guestrooms are in Monterey?

There are over 10,000 guestrooms within ten minutes of Monterey, ranging from bed and breakfast inns and boutique hotels to full-service conference hotels and resorts. The Monterey Conference Center is surrounded by several hotels within a two-mile radius that can accommodate up to 2,500 attendees for meetings and conventions.

Where is the Monterey Conference Center located?

The Monterey Conference Center, located in downtown Monterey at the edge of Monterey Bay, combines a striking architecture, an impressive art collection and versatile spaces, making it one of the most sought after meeting venues in the West.

The Monterey Conference Center is physically connected to major hotels, with Fisherman’s Wharf, exciting restaurants and nightlife steps away. A short stroll along a magnificent bay-front trail takes you to Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The award-winning Monterey Conference Center features:

  • 19,600 square foot ballroom – unobstructed
  • Exhibit space for 121' x 10' booths
  • Steinbeck Forum offers theater seating for 494
  • Six breakout rooms and two boardrooms

What is the weather like in Monterey?

The average daily temperature is 68° F.

What types of tours or activities options are available in Monterey?

Monterey offers a wide variety of unique tours for large and small groups. Following is a list of options:

  • Adobes Path of History Tours
  • Aquarium Tours
  • Art Gallery Strolls
  • Beach Parties
  • Cooking Classes
  • Cycling Tours
  • Evening Ghost Walks
  • Fishing Trips
  • Garden Walks
  • Golf Adventures
  • Hang Gliding/Parachute Excursions
  • Hikes in Big Sur
  • Historical California Mission Trail
  • Horseback Riding Day Trips
  • Kayaking on Monterey Bay
  • Kite Flying
  • Literary History Tours
  • Marine Life Education Tours
  • Mini-Olympics on the Beach
  • Movie Location Tours
  • Museum Tours
  • Musical Concerts
  • Nature Walks
  • Organic Farming Education Trips
  • Picnics in the Park
  • Race Car Driving Adventures
  • Sailing
  • Scenic Highway 1 & 17-Mile Drive
  • Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Trips
  • Shopping Trips
  • Spa/Wellness Days
  • Steinbeck Center and House Tours
  • Sunset Cruises
  • Tennis Workshops
  • Whale Watching
  • Wine Tasting Tours
  • Yacht Charters

Your Monterey Meeting Connection representative can help select tour options to suit your group needs.

Can you suggest a good restaurant for my group?

There are more than 200 excellent restaurants of all varieties on the Monterey Peninsula, many with banquet facilities. From its five-star restaurants to its award-winning wines, the Monterey Peninsula is a gourmet food lovers’ paradise.

Your Monterey Meeting Connection representative can help select a restaurant tailored to your group needs.