Swing into spring on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. This spectacular destination on California's central coast is packed with fun events and activities this month, from cycling races to food, wine, and art festivals. Enjoy shopping at outdoor markets, wine tasting at Pebble Beach, running along the Big Sur coastline, meeting creatures of deep, and celebrating with an Easter Brunch in the gorgeous surroundings of Monterey.

Experience the culture, art, food, and natural beauty of Monterey this season. Here are a few favorite Monterey events to inspire your next California adventure.

Monterey Outdoor Market - April 2-3 - Old Custom House Plaza

Check out this weekend shopping event at the Monterey Custom House Plaza in a beautiful setting near Old Fisherman's Wharf. The outdoor market features local artisans, hand-made leather and jewelry, specialty foods, and live music with breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. From 10:00 a.m. - 06:00 p.m., the Monterey Outdoor Market is the place to shop for unique local art and cuisine.

Sea Otter Classic - April 7-10

The Life Time Sea Otter Classic – the largest cycling event in North America – returns to Monterey in 2022. Enjoy four days of action-packed fun, competitive bike racing and recreational cycling tours with stunning coastal views. Professional and amateur athletes can participate in over 300 events, including gravel, cross country, downhill, dual slalom, short track, circuit, and road racing along the rolling hills and gorgeous coastal roads of Monterey County. If you love the dirt, the Sea Otter has an off-road tour for mountain bikes that traverses the scenic trails and roads of the Fort Ord National Monument.

Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival - April 7-10

Experience a hedonistic, epicurean event on California's Central Coast. The annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival showcases 250 acclaimed wineries and 100 celebrity chefs to create a four-day celebration on the breathtaking Monterey coastline. Throughout the weekend you'll enjoy food and wine tastings, incredible dining experiences, and cooking demos from Michelin-starred restaurateurs and James Beard chefs. The event also features an opening night reception, a grand tasting, and a golf tournament at the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Monterey Bay Aquarium - In the Deep Exhibit Opens - April 9

Experience the newest exhibit - Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean - at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, opening April 9th. See giant isopods, glowing jellies, and the mysterious animals that thrive in the mostly unexplored deep sea. Enjoy an amazing descent into the dark ocean and discover an underwater light show in the world's largest habitat.

Monterey Ocean Arts Festival - April 9 - Monterey Museum of Art

Learn about ocean science through art at this free family event at the Monterey Museum of Art. See ocean-themed visual and performing art created by Monterey County artists, ages 10 - 25 years old. The Monterey Ocean Arts Festival, on Saturday, April 9, 1pm-4pm, is a fun way to understand and advocate for our oceans.

Easter Sunday Brunch at Esteban Restaurant - April 17

Gather with family for a delicious Easter Brunch at Estéban Restaurant, served 10:00am - 2:00pm. The delicious East Brunch Menu offers a new spin on Spanish cuisine with farm-fresh local ingredients. The restaurant in Old Town Monterey also offers the all-night Tapas & Dinner Menu from 4:30pm - 8:30pm and a lovely outdoor dining patio.

Big Sur International Marathon - April 24

The annual Big Sur Marathon takes runners along the rugged edge of the California coast. The marathon course is from Big Sur to Carmel on Highway 1, the nation's first designated Scenic Highway, with breathtaking ocean views. The course is USATF certified and an official Boston qualifier. The race weekend includes the 2022 Health & Fitness Expo at the Monterey Conference Center, April 22-23.

2022 Trans Am SpeedFest - April 21 – 24 - WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Racing fans go into high gear at the Trans Am SpeedFest at Laguna Seca - one of the most spectacular race venues in the world. See Trans-Ams speed around Laguna's 11-turn, 2.2-mile race course with high-speed turns, elevation changes, fast straights, challenging corners, and The Corkscrew.

During Sunday's Feature Reunion race, Historic Trans-Am will honor American racing's greatest cars and drivers. Located on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca hosts elite racing series, including Formula 5000, IndyCar, American Le Mans, MotoGP, and World SuperBike.

Monterey Boutique Hotels in the Heart of Action

Racing fans, wine and food lovers, runners, and families can enjoy charming boutique accommodations at Inns of Monterey. Our collection of boutique hotels in Old Town Monterey and on historic Cannery Row puts you close to the best Monterey events, festivals, and attractions.

Our unique and historic hotels are within steps of the best things to do in Monterey, including the shops and restaurants on Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Monterey Bay Recreational Trail. We're also just short drive from the Monterey County Fairgrounds, Pebble Beach, Laguna Seca, and Fisherman's Wharf.

Enjoy comfortable rooms and suites with scenic Monterey Bay and city views, as well as a complimentary breakfast and convenient parking. Reserve our latest Monterey hotel specials for easy escapes to the California coast. Be sure to check out special pages for the latest package and offers.

The Best Monterey Events in April