The City of Monterey in Monterey County is located on Monterey Bay along the Pacific coast in Central California. Monterey lies at an elevation of 26 feet (8 m) above sea level. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 27,810. Monterey is of historical importance because it was the capital ofAlta California, under both Spain and Mexico, from 1777 to 1846. The city is also noted for its rich history of resident artists beginning in the late 19th century and its historically famed fishery.
Monterey is home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf and the annual Monterey Jazz Festival.