The Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) team works collaboratively to deliver an easy, efficient, and customer-friendly experience to travelers. Our efforts are validated through new and returning passengers, as well as recognition by editors, travel industry experts, and readers of USA TODAY. MRY ranked third in the nationally distributed newspaper’s “Best Resort Airport” category for the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards and is thankful to everyone who voted to share their appreciation for the effortless experience we offer. 

In the award overview, USA TODAY spotlights MRY’s simple terminal layout and proximity to visiting some of California’s most iconic places, including Pebble Beach and Carmel Valley, as well as being the gateway to Santa Lucia Highlands, Arroyo Seco, and other designated American Viticultural Areas. Read about how MRY and the other recognized airports stand out for their convenience and charm, and the ability to simplify travel by visiting 10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-resort-airport. 

Additional ways the MRY team and partners work to deliver a top-level travel experience and earn the business and votes of local and visiting travelers include: 

World-class Experience and Hometown Feel

MRY offers nonstop flights to 11 destinations where people want to travel most, and one-stop connections to hundreds of other great cities. Passengers enjoy the charm and convenience of our 1950s-era legacy passenger terminal and how our team provides a hassle-free travel experience. They also eagerly anticipate traveling through our under-construction replacement terminal—a premier project in the MRY Metamorphosis Safety Enhancement Program—which will open in summer 2027 and offer a modern, accessible, and enhanced passenger experience.  

Award-winning General Aviation Services

MRY is proud to have Monterey Jet Center as our partner to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality services to passengers who choose a fixed-base operator (FBO) for their business and leisure travels. In both 2026 and 2022, Monterey Jet Center was awarded the prestigious “Best FBO” and “Best Independent FBO” awards by Professional Pilot Magazine, with two team members ranking #1 in their line service and customer service roles. 

Stay, Play, and Explore

From 17 Mile Drive to miles of sandy beaches, MRY is the gateway to California’s scenic Central Coast. The region’s coastline is filled with flora and fauna and its natural beauty is a nature lover’s dream. Kids of all ages visit for unique attractions, which are minutes from the airport, including the inspiring Monterey Bay Aquarium and charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, as well as internationally acclaimed events such as Monterey Car Week, the U.S. Open Golf Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links, the Monterey Jazz Festival, INDYCAR at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and the Big Sur International Marathon. 

“Our customers mean the world to us and we are committed to giving them a safe, secure, and smooth travel experience, whether they are departing from or arriving to our beautiful region,” said Monterey Regional Airport Executive Director Chris Morello. “We are honored our customers ranked us number three in the Best Resort Category for USA Today’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, a testimonial to what makes our airport so special.” 

MRY also congratulates Woody’s at the Airport, which earned the third-place award for USA TODAY’s “Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant” category in 2026.