Birds eye view of Salinas Soccer Complex

Specialty Groups

Monterey County’s stunning coastline, charming towns and versatile venues set the stage for gatherings that leave a lasting impression. Whether your event is centered on sports, learning, worship, service or celebration, Monterey County offers spaces and experiences designed to bring your group together.

Sports Venues in Monterey

Monterey County offers the perfect balance of competitive sports facilities, comfortable group lodging, delicious dining options and memorable group activities. From regional tournaments to club trips and team retreats, this destination delivers everything you need to host, stay, eat and play.

Venue Highlights

Whether you’re organizing practices, matches or full tournaments, Monterey County offers a range of stadiums, athletic fields, sports complexes and training facilities.

Team Activities & Bonding

After the final whistle, keep the fun going with group excursions like whale watching, kayaking in Monterey Bay, or bike rides along scenic shorelines. These activities foster bonding and make your trip memorable.

Team-Friendly Hotels

Monterey County boasts hotels and inns that can accommodate teams, staff and family members, making it easy for groups to stay together. Many provide group rates, meeting spaces and easy access to venues.

Group-Friendly Restaurants

Whether it’s a welcome dinner, milestone celebration or casual group meal, Monterey County’s diverse restaurants provide the space and menu options to accommodate the needs of your group. Many restaurants offer private rooms or set menus for groups of 20 or more.

UPCOMING Sporting Events in Monterey County

Planning your trip around a big game or local sporting spectacle? Monterey County hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year, like local Monterey Bay Football Club soccer games, to thrilling motorsports at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and endurance challenges, which are perfect for visitors who love watching live sports.

Specialty Groups
Specialty Groups
Specialty Groups
Specialty Groups
Specialty Groups
Specialty Groups
Specialty Groups
Specialty Groups
Specialty Groups
Specialty Groups

California International Airshow Salinas

9/26/2026 - 9/27/2026
Recurring daily

Look to the skies for one of California’s most thrilling events–the California International Airshow Salinas! This high-energy spectacle brings together world-class military and civilian aviators for jaw-dropping aerial stunts, precision flying, and heart-pounding performances. The weekend is a perfect blend of excitement, patriotism and community spirit. In the sky, 2026 will include the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds and much more to come....

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Monterey Bay Pickleball Open

10/23/2026 - 10/25/2026
Recurring daily

For amateur registration. All event fees (Excluding the Open Prize Money Competition) are included. Your registration is to play in 1, 2 or 3 events - you pick & choose! (Please make sure to withdraw from events if you can't play one day - non-withdrawals will become forfeits, which can severally lower your DUPR rating.)   Be aware: to play...

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Big Sur River Run

10/24/2026

You don’t want to miss it. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 24, 2026, when the beloved Big Sur River Run returns to beautiful Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. This community tradition brings together runners, walkers, families, and supporters from near and far for a day that’s about so much more than the race itself. Run, Walk, and Experience Big...

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Monterey Bay Half Marathon

11/7/2026 - 11/8/2026

The Monterey Bay Half Marathon is an out-and-back course beginning in historic downtown Monterey, running along Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, and next to the beautiful Pacific Grove shoreline. The course features scenic views of waves crashing on rocky beaches, beautiful Victorian-era homes, and frequent sightings of aquatic life (whales, dolphins, sea otters, pelicans and more). Celebrate your finish with family and...

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Monterey Bay Half Marathon

11/8/2026

Come cheer on and support the runners in the Monterey Bay Half Marathon! Feel free to stop by our Health and Fitness Expo that will be taking place Friday-Saturday. Additional events on Saturday will include the Pacific Grove Lighthouse 5K and the By-The-Bay 3K. The Finish Festival will be on Sunday. Visit the MBHM website for more information!

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AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

2/1/2027 - 2/7/2027

Held every winter on the stunning Monterey Peninsula, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am blends world-class golf, scenic beauty and relaxed California charm. Taking place across Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill, this event draws PGA pros and amateurs alike for four days of elite competition and coastal vibes. The tournament offers breathtaking ocean views, fan-friendly access and a lively atmosphere....

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Sea Otter Classic

4/15/2027 - 4/18/2027

A four-day "Celebration of Cycling," the Sea Otter Classic is regarded as the largest and most comprehensive gathering of cycling enthusiasts in the world. Part recreational biking, part competitive event, part festival, part expo and 100% fun. This action-packed cycling extravaganza features amateur and pro cycling events as well as family activities for all ages. New in 2026, the weekend will...

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Big Sur International Marathon

4/25/2027

Widely considered one of the world's most scenic races, the Big Sur International Marathon takes runners on an unforgettable journey along California's iconic Highway 1. Beginning in Big Sur and finishing in Carmel, the course winds past towering redwoods, dramatic ocean vistas, and the rugged beauty of the Big Sur coastline. Whether you're running the full marathon, one of the...

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Spartan Race

5/29/2027 - 5/30/2027

Challenge yourself on the rugged trails of Toro Park during Spartan Race Monterey, one of California's premier obstacle course racing events. Set against rolling hills and sweeping views of Monterey County, competitors of all skill levels take on a series of demanding obstacles designed to test strength, endurance, and determination. With race options ranging from beginner-friendly courses to elite competitions,...

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2027 U.S. Open Championship

6/17/2027 - 6/20/2027

The U.S. Open Championship brings the world's top golfers together to compete for one of the sport's most coveted titles at legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links. Fans can experience championship play, practice rounds, merchandise, food and beverage offerings, and the electric atmosphere that surrounds golf's biggest week. Beyond the course, discover everything Monterey County has to offer, from scenic Highway...

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Other Specialty Groups

Military

Monterey County holds significance in U.S. military history and remains an important hub for today’s armed forces. The region is home to the historic Fort Ord, once one of the largest and most influential U.S. Army training installations, and to the Presidio of Monterey, which continues to play a vital role in military education and operations. This unique concentration of military heritage makes Monterey County a meaningful destination for military reunions, veteran gatherings, commemorative events and service-focused retreats.

For military personnel, the Presidio of Monterey offers venues that can be rented with appropriate identification.

Education & Alumni Groups

Monterey County is deeply rooted in education, innovation and discovery, making it a natural destination for academic conferences, alumni reunions, student retreats and educational workshops. The region is home to California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), which is located on the historic grounds of the former Fort Ord, blending higher education with a rich history and ongoing transformation.

From marine science to history and environmental studies, the region encourages curiosity, conversation, and connection beyond the classroom.

Religious

Monterey County sits at the heart of California’s missionary history. Just minutes away in Carmel-by-the-Sea stands Carmel Mission Basilica, one of the most important and revered missions in the state and a cornerstone of California’s spiritual heritage.

Founded in the 18th century, Carmel Mission represents faith, perseverance, and community, values that continue to resonate with religious groups today.

Fraternal

For fraternal organizations, social clubs and special-interest groups, Monterey County offers a balance of structured meeting space and relaxed social environments. Groups can gather for meetings by day and enjoy shared experiences–dining, exploring and celebrating–by night.

This is a map of the united states in regards to flight options to Monterey Regional Airport

Traveling to Monterey is convenient, with over 500 direct and one-stop flights from most major U.S. cities and many international cities. Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) has short, hassle-free security lines and is located 10 minutes from downtown Monterey. The destination is also an easy drive from San Francisco and Silicon Valley, or a scenic drive up famed Highway 1 from Los Angeles.

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Specialty Groups

Specialty Groups