California · Pacific Time
831 Area Code
Area code 831 is in California, serving Monterey Bay region including Salinas, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Hollister. It is in the Pacific Time zone.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 831 area code?
831 is a California area code covering Monterey Bay region including Salinas, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Hollister. In the wider directory it sits in the West region.
Cities in the 831 area code
- Salinas
- Santa Cruz
- Watsonville
- Monterey
- Seaside
- Hollister
- Marina
- Soledad
- Scotts Valley
- Pacific Grove
- Capitola
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- King City
Counties served by 831
Monterey County, Santa Cruz County and San Benito County.
Dialing 831
Salinas, CA is currently served by the single area code 831, with no overlay. Ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) always works and is increasingly the norm nationwide; some local calls may still connect with seven digits. If a future overlay is added, 10-digit dialing would become mandatory.
From outside the US, dial +1 831 followed by the seven-digit number.
History of the 831 area code
831 went into service on July 11, 1998, created when it was split from 408. It serves Salinas and the surrounding part of California. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 831 a scam or spam risk?
831 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 831 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Salinas, CA or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other California area codes
Explore more
See every code in California, compare codes across the West region, or view all Pacific Time codes. You can also browse the 8XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
831 area code FAQ
Where is the 831 area code?
The 831 area code is in California, covering Monterey Bay region including Salinas, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Hollister, in the West region.
What cities are in the 831 area code?
Cities in the 831 area code include Salinas, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Monterey, Seaside, Hollister, Marina, Soledad, Scotts Valley and Pacific Grove.
What time zone is 831 in?
831 is in the Pacific Time zone.
When did the 831 area code start?
831 went into service on July 11, 1998.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 831?
Ten-digit dialing always works, and many areas now require it; some local calls in this area may still connect with seven digits.
Is 831 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 831 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.