Around Town BEST BEACH Carmel Beach Ocean Avenue and Scenic Road, Carmel You don’t need a circus barker to convince you to visit Carmel Beach, it’s just that picturesque. Known as one of the most scenic destinations in Carmel, this beach is an iconic spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy the gentle breeze along the Pacific Ocean. Taking up just one mile, the whitesand beach has an adjacent scenic walking path that allows visitors of all ages to fully take in the panoramic views. And it’s the most dog-friendly beach in Monterey County. We’re not sure about the policy on circus monkeys. BEST LIBRARY Monterey Public Library 625 Pacific St., Monterey (831) 646-3933, monterey.gov/library. Going to the library feels like sticking your hand into a magician’s hat. Sometimes patrons get what’s expected and at first sight, like books, computers and magazines. Other times, they have to dig deeper and find an array of workshops and activities for all ages, from learning a new craft to checking out cooking equipment to getting new seeds to cultivate veggies or flowers. Libraries are not old hat. They have pretty much everything. BEST HANGOUT FOR TEENS Del Monte Shopping Center 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey (831) 373-2705, delmontecenter.com It’s no secret that a group of bored teenagers can turn your household into a three-ring circus. Luckily, Del Monte Shopping Center has nearly 60 years experience ringleading even the most distractable teens. Act one: all the clothing, shoes and accessory shops you need for a proper fit check. Act two: pretzel dippers, pizza and chocolates. Act three: the requisite scented candle and body-spray purchase. Final act: you and your besties showing off your haul for the gram. BEST HANGOUT FOR SENIORS Carmel Foundation 8th and Lincoln, Carmel (831) 624-1588, carmelfoundation.org There’s no downtime at Carmel Foundation. On any day, there might be yoga, a book club discussion, a hike being organized, group singing, a photography class and a wood carving workshop—all before lunch, which is as good as most Carmel restaurants, only less expensive. In a way, Carmel Foundation is as engaging as a circus, with its firebreathers, clowns, trapeze artists and other acts to attract your attention, except that the offerings reach all interests, from cards to chess to impressionist painting, line dancing or much-needed personal support. It’s an organization that makes certain that seniors are active and engaged. BEST SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY Carmel Valley Manor 8545 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel (831) 624-1281, cvmanor.com After you have run away to join the circus, where do you go next? For another year, Carmel Valley Manor ranks as the region’s Best Senior Living Community. When you’re ready to hang up the sequined leotards and ringleader’s whip, this age 60+ residential community offers serene living and a variety of marquee activities like lawn bowling and flower arranging. And while elephants and monkeys won’t be roaming the picturesque grounds, trained dogs (as well as cats) are welcome. 24 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2026 montereycountynow.com/bestof Reservations up to 60 days IN ADVANCE. ’12 ’11 ’13 ’14 RECOGNIZED BY GOLF DIGEST AS ONE OF THE “BEST DEALS IN GOLF” 77 ASILOMAR BLVD, PACIFIC GROVE • 831.648.5775 • www.playpacificgrove.com • Best Public Golf Course ’16 ’15 ’18 ’17 ’24 ’25 ’26 ’20 ’19 ’23 ’22 PG-GolfLinks_1-2h_BO26_dg.indd 1 9/14/26 12:46
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