Est 1770 - Monterey served as the capital of California from 1777 to 1849, under the flags of Spain and Mexico. The city is noted for its rich history of resident artists and its historically famed fishery.

Monterey is home to the Naval Postgraduate School, the Defense Language Institute, the Monterey Institute of International Studies, the former Fort Ord, part of which is now the site of California State University Monterey Bay; Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Monterey American Viticultural Area; Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf and a Marine Mammal Center field station located in the area.