Where to Fly a Drone in Monterey, CA: Rules, No-Fly Zones, and Where You Can Fly

Chris K.

Oct 17

4 min read

Monterey is one of the most beautiful places in California to fly a drone, and also one of the most complicated. Between airport airspace, a national marine sanctuary, protected state parks, and plenty of private land, much of the peninsula is either off-limits or needs permission first. Here's what to know about where to fly a drone in Monterey, the rules that apply, and the easiest way to get in the air if you just want to fly.

Note: Drone rules change. Treat this guide as general information, not legal advice, and verify the current rules with the FAA and the landowner or land manager for your spot.

The Basic FAA Rules for Recreational Drone Pilots

Before you think about location, make sure you're legal to fly at all. For recreational flyers in the U.S., the FAA's core rules include:

Pass the TRUST test. The Recreational UAS Safety Test is free and online. Carry proof of completion when you fly.
Register drones over 250 grams. That's about 0.55 lb. Mark the registration number on the drone, and make sure it meets the FAA's Remote ID rules.
Stay at or below 400 feet above the ground in uncontrolled airspace.
Keep it in visual line of sight. If you fly with FPV goggles, you need a visual observer standing next to you who can see the drone at all times.
Don't fly over people or moving vehicles, and always give way to manned aircraft.
Get authorization for controlled airspace before you take off.

Monterey Regional Airport Airspace

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is surrounded by controlled Class C airspace that covers large parts of the peninsula, including much of Monterey and its neighboring communities. Use the FAA's B4UFLY tool or another FAA-approved app to see the airspace at your exact spot. In many areas near the airport you can request near-instant LAANC authorization to fly up to a set altitude. In others, recreational flights aren't approved at all.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Almost the entire coastline here borders the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the country. The sanctuary restricts low flights by motorized aircraft, including drones, over certain zones along the coast. Even outside those zones, flying low over seals, sea lions, sea otters, whales, or nesting birds can count as harassing wildlife under federal law. If animals look up, move, or flush, you're too close.

State Parks and Reserves

Many California state parks restrict or prohibit drones, and the rules vary by park. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, just south of Carmel, does not allow them. For any state beach, park, or reserve on the peninsula, read that park's rules or contact the park office first.

National Parks and Private Land

Drones are prohibited in National Park Service units, including Pinnacles National Park east of the Salinas Valley. Closer to home, much of the most famous scenery is private. The 17-Mile Drive area in Pebble Beach is privately owned, so you need the owner's permission to take off or land there. The same goes for golf courses, resorts, farms, and neighborhoods.

City Parks, Beaches, and Big Events

Cities and counties can set their own rules for taking off and landing on their property, and some parks and beaches don't allow it. Look for posted signs, and call the parks department if you're unsure. Busy places like Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, and crowded beaches are a bad fit anyway, since you can't fly over people. Big events such as Monterey Car Week or pro golf at Pebble Beach can also bring temporary flight restrictions (TFRs).

So Where Can You Fly a Drone in Monterey?

The honest answer: the best spots are open areas where the airspace allows it, the landowner has said yes, and you're well away from crowds and wildlife. A few good ways to find one:

Join a model aircraft club. Clubs affiliated with the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) often have dedicated flying fields with established safety rules, and members are a great source of local knowledge.
Ask a landowner. Many farms, ranches, and venues will say yes if you ask politely and explain how you'll fly safely.
Head inland. Open areas away from the coast and the airport tend to have fewer restrictions than the shoreline.

The Easy Way: Fly With Monterey FPV

If you'd rather skip the research and the gear, that's exactly why we started Monterey FPV Experience. We fly at private spots around Monterey, picked for each session based on the weather and wind, and we provide all the equipment: a DJI Avata 2, DJI Goggles 3, and the Motion Controller. You get a full safety briefing before takeoff and an instructor beside you the whole flight, and you don't need to own a drone.

Learn more about the drone you'll fly, see where we fly, or compare packages. A flight also makes a standout family outing or date, so check out our things to do in Monterey with kids and date ideas around Monterey for more ways to fill the day.