Hotels near Monterey Peninsula (MRY), United States of America

Created in 1941, the Monterey Regional Airport used to be known as the Monterey Peninsula Airport until it was renamed in 2011. Located three miles south-east of Monterey, California, this regional airport is based on a 498-acre site with two parallel runways. Four airlines serve the airport, including Alaska Airlines, American, Allegiant and United Airlines, and common destinations include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Phoenix, Arizona. The airport has counted a number of famous names among its passengers over the years, including John F. Kennedy and Pope John Paul II.

Food and Drink at Monterey Regional Airport

If you're feeling peckish, there are three places to eat inside the Monterey Regional Airport terminal. The Golden Tee Restaurant is popular with locals thanks to its tasty fare which includes sandabs, calamari and prime rib. The fine dining restaurant has a picturesque setting, overlooking the runway and Monterey Bay. Travellers can choose from sandwiches and salads at the Fly Away Cafe, or enjoy donuts, bagels and pastries at the Golden Tee Snack Bar. If you want to buy souvenirs and sundries, the airport has a gift shop selling jewellery, wine, books and magazines. The airport also offers free WiFi.

The Best Places to Stay near Monterey Regional Airport

The Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) runs a public bus service from the airport to various destinations across Monterey County. Six taxi companies serve the airport and there are six car rental firms to choose from. If you’re driving, Monterey Regional Airport is around 10 minutes from central Monterey.

The best place to find accommodation near Monterey Regional Airport is in Monterey itself. This lively, charming coastal town offers a range of one- to four-star accommodation, from friendly B&Bs to luxurious hotels and beach resorts. You can choose to stay near a dreamy Californian beach, in a bustling city or besides a scenic vineyard, and still be within easy reach of Monterey Regional Airport.

Attractions near Monterey Regional Aiport

The world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium teems with everything from sunfish to sea otters, hammerhead sharks to green sea turtles. Visitors to the city can also arrange whale-watching trips from Fisherman's Wharf, where sea otters, seals and pelicans can be spotted lounging about on the waterfront.

Monterey is one of California's leading wine-producing regions with vineyards dotted throughout the county. Oenophiles can sip stellar wines at tasting rooms in Cannery Row, Carmel Valley and Carmel-by-the-Sea. If you prefer outdoor activity, sporting activities in the region include kayaking, cycling, surfing and golf. Keen golfers can tee off at scenic golf courses in Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Salinas.

South of Monterey you’ll find one of the best stretches of California's famous Highway One route. It runs for 250 miles through rugged coastline, scenic seaside towns, vineyards and redwood forests – but if you’re pushed for time, focus on the jaw-dropping 17-Mile Drive through the exclusive Pebble Beach. Why not pick up a rental car at Monterey Regional Airport and explore it all at leisure?