Salinas, California

Where Is Area Code 831?

Area code 831 is in central coastal California. It serves most of Monterey County, all of San Benito County, and the southern part of Santa Cruz County. Salinas is one of the main cities in the area code.

Area code 831 covers cities and communities such as Salinas, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Hollister, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Marina, Soledad, Gonzales, Greenfield, King City, and San Juan Bautista. The area stretches from Monterey Bay inland to parts of the Salinas Valley. It includes both coastal communities and agricultural towns.

This area code also covers well-known places such as Monterey Bay, Cannery Row, and the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea. It includes parts of Big Sur in Monterey County. The region is known for its coastline, farming areas, and historic missions, including the San Juan Bautista Mission.

History of Area Code 831

Area code 831 was created on July 11, 1998. It was split from area code 408 as telephone demand grew in central California. The split gave the Monterey Bay and Salinas Valley region its own area code.

Area code 831 has not been overlaid by another area code. It remains a standalone geographic area code. Its creation reflected population growth, business expansion, and increased demand for new telephone numbers in communities south of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Key Facts About Area Code 831

• Area code 831 is in California, and Salinas is one of its major cities.
• Area code 831 serves Monterey County, San Benito County, and the southern part of Santa Cruz County.
• Area code 831 is in the Pacific Time Zone.
• Area code 831 was created on July 11, 1998, in a split from area code 408.
• Area code 831 is a geographic area code, not a toll-free code.
• Area code 831 covers major cities including Salinas, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, and Hollister.
• Area code 831 includes notable places such as Monterey Bay, Big Sur, Cannery Row, and the California State University, Monterey Bay campus in Seaside.
• California State University, Monterey Bay is located in the 831 area code, and the main campus opened in 1995.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 831 in?

Area code 831 is in California.

What major cities use area code 831?

Major cities in area code 831 include Salinas, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Hollister, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Seaside, Marina, and Pacific Grove.

Is area code 831 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 831 is a geographic area code for central coastal California.