Nestled along the Northern California coast, between the Atlantic Ocean and a rich agricultural valley, Monterey boasts a bold culinary spirit. Surrounded by produce farms and rolling vineyards in the Carmel and Salinas valleys, Monterey is truly a food and wine lovers heaven.
Discover the fresh flavors of summer in Monterey at historic farmer's markets, food and wine festivals, restaurants, and food truck nights. Shop for local organic produce at the Farmer's Market in Old Monterey, enjoy wine tasting and waterfront dining on Cannery Row, or explore the city's wonderful eateries and bars. Experience Monterey's food and wine culture this summer - the perfect destination to feed your soul.
The Summer Flavors of Monterey
Farmer's Market at Old Monterey Marketplace
Experience Monterey's amazing farmer's market on Alvarado Street in Old Monterey on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. The Farmer's Market at Old Monterey Marketplace is an afternoon tradition featuring three blocks of local organic produce, international foods, pastries, flowers, arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, furniture, and clothing, In the summer, the Monterey farmer's market is a lively gathering spot for locals and tourists.
Food Truck Fridays at the Monterey Fairgrounds
The food truck culture in Monterey celebrates the area's culinary diversity. Foodies can enjoy Monterey's bold food culture at Food Truck Friday from 4 pm - 7 pm at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center. Every Friday night, you'll find different food trucks, with everything from artisan grilled cheese to barbeque to Mexican fare and fried chicken. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy Monterey's best outdoor dining experience and the summer's best food event.
Wine Tasting on Cannery Row
The Monterey, California coast is famous for its delicious wines cultivated from the warm sun, cool fog, and ancient soils. With historic wine-making roots that run deep, Monterey County is home to renowned vineyards and wineries, from the slopes of Carmel Valley to the rolling hills of Salinas. Sip Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel as you tour beautiful Monterey wineries and tasting rooms and the River Road Wine Trail in the Salinas Valley.
You can also experience Monterey's wine culture on historic Cannery Row, with waterfront tasting rooms and markets. Enjoy wine tasting and shopping at Carmel Ridge Winery Tasting Room, Bargetto Winery of Cannery Row, and A Taste of Monterey - Wine Market & Bistro.
Monterey Food & Wine Festivals
Artichoke Festival - July 24 - 25, 2021
A tradition for more than a half a century, the Artichoke Festival showcases California's official state vegetable and Monterey County's favorite thistle. Held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, the weekend event offers cooking demos, tours of the artichoke farms, artichoke-themed art, wine, fresh artichokes for sale, and artichoke dishes cooked every way imaginable. Discover Monterey's Artichoke Festival from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.
Salinas Valley Wine & Food Festival - August 7, 2021
Get a taste of Monterey County's local bounty at the annual Salinas Valley Food & Wine Festival. Stroll down Main Street in charming Oldtown Salinas filled with incredible food, wine and beer vendors, tasting stops, and sampling stations. Enjoy award-winning wines, craft brews, live entertainment, and culinary delights from the "Salad Bowl of the World" - Salinas Valley.
Inns of Monterey For True Local Experiences
Plan a fun, food loving getaway to Monterey this summer and discover the bounty of the California coast. The Inns of Monterey offers a collection of five boutique hotels located in Old Town Monterey and on Cannery Row, immersed in the city's food and wine scene.
Hit the famous Monterey Farmer's Market, a summer tradition. Enjoy wine tasting with views of Monterey Bay. Enjoy modern Spanish cuisine and home-made sangrias at Esteban at Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa, boasting one of Old Monterey's best outdoor patios.
Escape to Monterey this summer at any of our charming Inns of Monterey hotels. Enjoy delightful accommodations, city and bay views, complimentary breakfast, and some of Monterey's best dining experiences.