Monterey

Monterey (pop. 27,558), city in northern California on the Pacific coast, situated about 120 mi (193 km) south of San Francisco. Until 1850, Monterey was the capital of California, under Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. rule. The 18th-century Spanish Presidio, formerly the capitol, is now the home of the U.S. Army Language School. The city, with its surrounding area, including Carmel, is a popular tourist resort and artists' colony.