Like Jazz' Love the Monterey Jazz Festival!

The Monterey Jazz Festival is the world's longest running annual celebration of all that's great about jazz. Held in Monterey, California every year in mid-September the festival attracts jazz followers from around the globe. All the big names in the world of Jazz are represented - the 2005 program includes performances from Mavis Staples, Madeleine Peyroux and the Christian McBride Situation.

Make a date with Monterey

Tickets for the Monterey Jazz Festival can be purchased in advance. In fact, purchase of tickets at least a month before the festival begins is encouraged as there's only so many to go around!

But the Monterey Jazz Festival is not just for jazz buffs. The three-day event, which is set within the breathtaking 20-acre Monterey Fairground - a giant oak-filled park in the city - offers plenty of fun for all the family. Aside from the magnificent setting, a whole host of side activities can be enjoyed, as well as displays of international cuisine and opportunities to shop from marquees and stalls.

Outside the park, activities in the city of Monterey abound too. Not to be missed is a walk along the coastal trail and a visit to one of the many beautiful beaches that line the peninsula.

Getting to Monterey

Monterey has its own airport. International travelers may fly direct into Monterey (airport code MRY) or connect to the airport via an internal flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Car hire can be booked in advance for pick up from Monterey airport at http://www.your-carhire.com