Fall in Monterey has a little twist from typical autumn seasons around the country. While the rest of the country welcomes cooler days and nights, we finally see warmer temps as the fog from summer month's rolls away and the sun has a chance to shine. Our Indian Summer makes this season the perfect time to visit Monterey for many reasons. We put together a fall bucket list of things you won't want to miss.
- Attend a local event - With plenty of local craft shows and music festivals there's something for everyone. Get out to the racetrack for the Monterey Sports Car Championship powered by McLaren, September 13-15th or the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, September 20-22, 2019. Enjoy the talent of Diana Krall and Marcus Miller at the Monterey Jazz Festival starting September 27th. Tease the taste buds with a gourmet food and wine tastings and live music at the outdoor Taste of Carmel event, taking place October 3-4th.
- Visit the aquarium – As we settle into a new school year, you'll find smaller crowds at the Monterey Bay Aquarium making this the ideal time to visit. Learn more about our special hotel packages and how to make the most of your trip to the aquarium here.
- Visit the Monarch Sanctuary - If Monarch butterflies were an airline, they would have one of the best on-time performance records. Every year in early October, thousands of these delicate, jewel-like, orange and black creatures land on several coastal areas in central and southern California to overwinter through February. One of the most notable places to view this dazzling sight is at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary on Monterey Bay.
- Take Advantage of Harvest Season – With many vineyards starting to pick now is the perfect time to pay a special visit to a winery for a taste of the local crop. A Taste of Monterey and Carmel Ridge Winery both have great tasting rooms located on Cannery Row or take a drive out to Carmel Valley to visit one of the many local vineyards.
- Experience the outdoors – As the temperatures begin to rise across the peninsula it's hard to not to spend every minute outdoors. Soak in those California rays by taking a hike at Point Lobos State Reserve, kayak in the bay, rent bikes and cruise along Monterey's Recreation Trail or get out on the course at one of the many top golf courses Monterey has to offer!