With a slew of things to do and iconic spots to see, summer in Monterey is not to be missed. Here are some things to keep in mind when scheduling your Monterey getaway this summer.
Monterey in Bloom – Starting in spring, Ocean View Boulevard in Pacific Grove breaks out in beautiful magenta ice plant, otherwise known as the “Magic Purple Carpet”, turning one of the most beautiful coastline views into a more stunning site. Rent a bike from one of our hotels and take a magic carpet ride along the coast.
Experience Cannery Row - Take a stroll and experience summer fun for the whole family on Cannery Row. Experience the marine life of the National Marine Sanctuary from tide pools formed McAbee beach located just below Steinbeck Plaza or visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which includes hours of fun for all ages! Explore the magic of the coast and take a surrey ride from Adventures by the Sea and ride along the Recreation Trail and finish with a stop at Ghirardelli’s Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop! Enjoy a taste of the local wine crop while taking in picturesque ocean views at A Taste of Monterey where you can try Monterey’s award winning Chardonnay varietal along with other impressive fine wines from 95 wineries in Monterey.
Relax at the Beach – With the sun not setting until late, now is the perfect time to enjoy a beach day on one of Monterey’s many beaches. Spend a day, soaking in the sunshine on Del Monte Beach in Monterey or launch a kayak from San Carlos or McAbee Beach along Cannery Row.
Whale Watching – Monterey is iconic for its whale watching trips, as the deep underwater Monterey Submarine Canyon provides a feast for the whales and brings them a bit closer to shores, unlike other areas in the Pacific. Blue Whales and Humpback Whales are seen during summer months and you may even catch an Orca sighting! Dolphins are also commonly spotted during the summer along with Harbor Seals. Schedule your trip by visiting Monterey Bay Whale Watch.
Take a Drive – The central coast of California is extreme in its rugged beauty. There's no better way to explore the region than with scenic road trip through the Monterey Peninsula. Highway 1 offers spectacular scenery and attractions along the way. Live the dreamy California lifestyle with the windows rolled down on exciting road trips that begin in Monterey, minutes away from our hotels. Highway 1, noted as one of the nation’s top scenic drives, extends the length of California’s coast. Take advantage of the winding two-lane highways turn-offs for photo opportunities and nature viewing. Book your stay at one of our hotels and experience the beautiful coast of Big Sur for yourself.
Monterey Jazz Festival, a leader in the jazz world since 1958, celebrates the legacy of jazz, expands its boundaries, and provides opportunities to experience jazz through the creative production of performances and educational programs.
The Next Generation Jazz Festival began in 1971 as one of Monterey Jazz Festival's core education programs. It brings together the top student-musicians from around the country to compete and secure a spot on the Lyons stage at the Monterey Jazz Festival. These competitions are adjudicated by internationally known jazz artists and the Festival's Artist-In-Residence. The Next Generation Jazz Festival is scheduled for April 5-7, 2019 at the Monterey Conference Center and locations throughout downtown Monterey.