Destination

Register and book your hotel!

All hotel reservations for OCEANS 2026 Monterey should be made through the official conference housing link, available exclusively to registered attendees. MCI USA is the official housing and conference services provider for OCEANS 2026 Monterey.

By booking within the official housing block, you’ll secure the lowest available rates and directly support the conference. Plus, you’ll stay amongst your OCEANS community peers—creating opportunities to connect and network beyond the sessions and exhibition halls.

Monterey: The Pacific Hub for Ocean Innovation

Nestled along California’s stunning central coast, Monterey stands at the crossroads of ocean science, technology, and sustainability. As a global destination for marine research and innovation, Monterey brings together oceanographers, engineers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs dedicated to advancing the future of our oceans.

Known as California’s Ocean City, Monterey offers unparalleled access to a deep and diverse ecosystem of partners, collaborators, and resources. From its historic harbor and research institutions to its proximity to Silicon Valley, the city blends marine expertise with technological excellence.

Monterey’s economy thrives at the intersection of science, technology, and education—driven by leading organizations such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), the Naval Postgraduate School, and California State University Monterey Bay. This collaborative network attracts innovators focused on ocean data analytics, robotics, climate modeling, and the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in marine systems and sustainability research.

As part of California’s broader “Blue Economy,” Monterey supports a growing community of ocean-focused startups, defense contractors, research labs, and conservation groups. The region is home to dozens of initiatives in autonomous underwater vehicles, AI-enhanced data processing, acoustic sensing, renewable energy, and coastal resilience—positioning it as one of the most forward-thinking marine technology centers in North America.

With its scenic coastline, vibrant cultural community, and easy access to nearby academic hubs like Stanford University and UC Santa Cruz, Monterey offers not just a conference experience but an environment that inspires discovery. It’s a place where ideas surface, collaborations grow, and the next wave of ocean innovation begins.

Getting to Monterey

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is your gateway to the OCEANS 2026 venue. The airport offers convenient access to the city and is just a short drive—approximately 10 minutes—from downtown Monterey and the conference site. You’ll find several major carriers with connections through Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Denver (DEN), Phoenix (PHX), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and rideshare services.

Alternative Airports

While Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the most convenient option, several nearby airports provide additional flexibility for travel:

• San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC): Approximately 1.5 hours from Monterey.

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Roughly a 2-hour drive along the scenic California coast.

• Oakland International Airport (OAK): About 2 hours northeast of Monterey.

Whether you arrive directly in Monterey or enjoy a drive down the iconic Highway 1, the journey to OCEANS 2026 Monterey promises spectacular views and a seamless travel experience.

Conference Venue

OCEANS 2026 Monterey will be held at the Monterey Conference Center, located in the heart of downtown Monterey and just steps from the city’s waterfront, restaurants, and hotels.

Monterey Conference Center
1 Portola Plaza
Monterey, California 93940
Phone: (831) 646-3770
Website: montereyconferencecenter.org

The venue is fully ADA accessible, offering accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms, and seating areas to ensure all attendees can comfortably participate in sessions and events. If you require specific accommodations, please indicate your needs during registration or contact the conference team in advance.

Traveling from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)

If you’re driving from Monterey Regional Airport, take Olmsted Road to Highway 68 West toward Monterey.
Merge onto Highway 1 North and take the exit for Del Monte Avenue toward downtown Monterey.
Continue straight on Del Monte Avenue, then turn left onto Alvarado Street.
Follow Alvarado to Del Monte Avenue/Portola Plaza, where you’ll find the Monterey Conference Center on your right.

Parking is available in nearby city garages and lots within walking distance of the venue.

Monterey offers a variety of convenient transportation options to help you explore the city and surrounding coastal areas. Taxis and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available, and the Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) system provides reliable bus service throughout the region, including nearby Carmel and Pacific Grove.

Downtown Monterey is compact and highly walkable—many hotels, restaurants, and attractions are just steps from the Monterey Conference Center. Visitors can also enjoy bike and scooter rentals, as well as scenic walking paths along the waterfront and Cannery Row.

If you need a visa to attend, your registration confirmation email will include a link to a questionnaire. Completing this questionnaire will provide us with the additional information required to create a Letter of Invitation for you.