As we bid farewell to summer, the fall brings to Monterey County our ‘second summer’ and our warmest temperatures of the year. These optimal conditions and fewer crowds make it the perfect season to explore the amazing natural beauty of this iconic central coast destination. To help you plan your perfect getaway, here are the top 5 things to do in the destination this fall.
#1 Indulge in Local Food and Wine
Monterey County is known for its agricultural bounty, the catalyst to an amazing culinary and wine scene. A must-visit stop on any trip should include Pezzini Farms in Castroville. The 80-year-old staple allows guests to taste the vegetable with the rough exterior but has a heart of green gold – the artichoke – for which the town is celebrated. The Artichoke Trail incorporates over 20 stops, including restaurants, farm stands and attractions that highlight the numerous ways visitors can enjoy and experience this unique vegetable in Monterey County. Visitors can also set their sights on new dining options that have popped up all over the county in recent months such as The Lantern Room at the newly renovated Monterey Beach Hotel. Also, visitors can check out Michelin-starred restaurants such as Aubergine, which just received their second star.
Carmel Valley is a wine lover’s paradise, with tasting rooms including Corral Wine Co. to more established spots like Folktale Winery & Vineyards. Be sure to celebrate California Wine Month this September at other notable wineries including Holman Ranch and Scheid Vineyards.
#2 Book An Experiential Tour
Choose your experience with Adventures by the Sea. There are multiple locations in Monterey to provide a variety of activities for anyone to enjoy. They have kayaks, e-bikes, paddle boards and more available for rent.
For sea lovers, head to Moss Landing to experience Monterey Bay Eco Tours, which provides a wildlife tour on an electric catamaran, sail away on a romantic sunset cruise, to a whale watching excursion or sailing adventure.
Or for an educational tour by land, visit the California Welcome Center in Salinas to learn more about the history in the county.
#3 Enjoy Unmatched Scenery
Get outside and explore the area’s natural beauty by golfing Bayonet & Black Horse in Seaside, paragliding atop the sand dunes in Marina, hiking Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley or kayaking at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. No trip to Monterey County is complete without a stop at one of the area’s stunning beaches, like Del Monte Beach in Monterey or the pet-friendly Carmel Beach.
Those who prefer the wind in their hair will love to see Monterey County’s 99 miles of coastline by car along the iconic US-1 coastal highway or 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach. Classic cars are available to rent through Monterey Touring Vehicles, with choices from a 1964 Chevy Corvette Stingray or a 1969 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400.
#4 Check Out Fall Events
Several of Monterey County’s beloved events are happening this fall such as the Monterey Jazz Festival (Sept. 27-29) that celebrates America's creativity and cultural heritage by presenting legendary jazz musicians, composers, and young rising stars.
Late in the season, the Big Sur Food & Wine Festival (Nov. 1-3) gathers the best and brightest chefs and winemakers on the central coast in one of the world’s most ruggedly beautiful locations.
#5 Spot Local Wildlife
There is no better place to spy sea life than the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, packed with penguins, sharks, jellyfish and otters. This is the perfect time to celebrate Sea Otter Awareness Week (Sept. 23-29) to see the cute and playful animals in Monterey County. Fall is also the ideal time to visit the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, as they flock to the region beginning in October and stay for the winter.
Travel Responsibly
Visitors are encouraged to travel responsibly in Monterey County by following all current health and safety guidelines and respecting the area’s iconic landscapes by staying on trails and leaving no trace behind.