It is far too easy to narrow the appeal of Monterey County. For some, it is a golf destination. Outdoors enthusiasts have long been drawn to the untamed beauty of Big Sur. For fans of activities as disparate as motorsports and jazz, the county is on bucket lists. And there is the bay, attracting scientists and environmentalists, as well as whale watchers and those who love to fish. Yet there is so much on offer, so much to appreciate. Monterey was once the capital of California. The petition for statehood was signed—in English and Spanish—at Colton Hall, which still exists. Steinbeck documented the emergence of Monterey County as the “salad bowl of America.” Traces of the county as known by the Indigenous people, by Mexican pioneers and by those who scratched out a humble living working the canneries and soldiers stationed at the former Fort Ord still exist. But—like Cannery Row—tourism has transformed a series of small towns into a tourist destination. Each year, Monterey County and its 450,000 residents welcome some 5 million visitors. And that has resulted in restaurants, craft breweries, arcades—a lot of fun and adventure to be had. We hope this guide opens the possibilities of Monterey County. As always, things can change according to circumstance. For current updates on local news and events, visit montereycountynow. com, salinasvalleynow.com or pick up a copy of Monterey County Weekly. Enjoy your visit. -Dave Faries DANIEL DREIFUSS WELCOME Contents 22 EVENTS CALENDAR | 32 AT PLAY | 46 GOLF | 52 SPA 54 DRINKS | 66 AREA MAP | 68 WINE | FOOD 76 BIG SUR • 78 CARMEL • 85 CARMEL VALLEY • 88 MARINA • 90 MONTEREY • 103 NORTH COUNTY • 104 PACIFIC GROVE • 109 PEBBLE BEACH • 110 SALINAS • 114 SEASIDE/ SAND CITY • 118 SOUTH COUNTY • 118 SANTA CRUZ | 120 ARTS & CULTURE Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve Publisher Erik Cushman Project Editor Dave Faries Editor Sara Rubin Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser Contributing Writers and Copy Editors Sloan Campi, Erik Chalhoub, Royvi Hernandez, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Agata Popęda, Katie Rodriguez, Aric Sleeper Graphic Designers Annie Cobb, Lani Headley, Kevin Jewell Advertising Keith Bruecker, Diane Glim, George Kassal Business Development Director Keely Richter Photos by Daniel Dreifuss or as noted Cover Photo Steve Zmak The information in this guide was compiled in spring 2026. Changes may have occurred since publication. Note: Carmel approved numbered addresses for the first time for homes and businesses in the village. These were planned, but not yet in place at the time of publication. The Best of Monterey Bay® is published by Milestone Communications, Inc., a California corporation. The entire contents are copyright 2026. No portion may be reproduced. 831394-5656. www.montereycountynow.com. 20 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 Subscribeto the newsletter: montereycountynow.com/subscribe Go to montereycountynow.com Discover Monterey County Now NEWS • ARTS ENTERTAINMENT FOOD • DRINK CALENDAR LOCAL NEWS SERVED DAILY FOR FREE MCNOW_1-3v_VG26_kpr.indd 1 6/12/26 12:09 PM
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