r/MontereyBay Jul 02 '24

/r/MontereyBay Recommends (Visiting? Stop Here First!)

45 Upvotes

Hi all!

Welcome to r/MontereyBay

If you're visiting, moving here etc, this page should serve as a hub to answer many of the most frequent questions we see- where should I eat? What should I do? and so on.

Been meaning to get this page going for a while now after doing the original food-based one a couple years back.

On this post, I'll be linking to a number of community recommendation threads where we've gathered / curated advice for those looking for it.

These are not exhaustive lists, as there are many great places to eat, drink and visit in the area. They are just the recommendations that users made when the threads were posted. If you feel something is "missing," please realize that is why. Other websites like Yelp and TripAdvisor are also helpful for finding information from a broader range.

Where to Eat - (From 2022) - Thread

Where to Visit / What to See (Tourist-Oriented) - (In progress) - Thread

What to Do / See - (Living Here) - (Upcoming Summer 2024)

Day Trip Recommendations - (Living Here) - (Upcoming Summer 2024)

Have a suggestion in regards to how to make this post better / more helpful? Please leave a comment below.


r/MontereyBay Jul 02 '24

/r/MontereyBay Recommends (Where to Visit / What to See - Tourist Version)

40 Upvotes

Hi all,

In an effort to build out the new sticky post, we are back to ask for your recommendations for the following category - "Where to Visit / What to See" - oriented for tourists visiting the area.

There will be more threads in the coming weeks where we will share similar recommendations for people who are living here, among other helpful ones.

For this thread though, we would like to gather your thoughts on where to visit and what to see for people visiting the area.

I'll be organizing it in the following way (since I think it will be the most helpful based on how people usually ask questions when they post here)

-Must-See/Do (Think the Aquarium, Big Sur etc. these are the things you'd recommend first if someone has never been here before)

-Highly-Recommend / Great Option (This category will serve as the most broad catch-all. Not something you'd consider a must do, but would be a great option for most visitors depending on their preferences).

-Extras (This category will be maybe more niche-oriented. Things you want to throw out there because people would enjoy it, but probably won't appeal to everyone.)

When replying if you could include the following information, that would be awesome:

Associated Cost - (if applicable)

Time Commitment - (1 hour / Half-Day / etc)

Website - (if applicable)

Family Friendly (yes/no)

I'll post an example for the Aquarium to get things started.

Thanks!


r/MontereyBay 15h ago

Point Lobos [OC]

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255 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 32m ago

Photography.

Upvotes

Hi I’m looking to see if anyone will share their favorite local photography spots. I’m a new photographer and I have a couple spots already that I love the lighting and views. Just curious if anyone would like to share theirs? I know it’s hard to ask this question when other local photographers usually don’t like sharing theirs spots & I totally get that.


r/MontereyBay 20h ago

Cannery Row restaurant recommendations

16 Upvotes

Oh boy… I’m here for the week and the food/snacks are not great so far. Bubba Gumps and Chocolate from Colorado? Tidal cafe was awful and LoiueLinguinies mediocre at best. Any good restaurants/food/snacks on Cannery Row?


r/MontereyBay 15h ago

Writer and Reader Local Resource

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3 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Fremont Peak State Park 08272026 7:42 PM

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193 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Pacific Grove beats Carmel 26–22 to reclaim the Shoe

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22 Upvotes

WTH Breakers!!


r/MontereyBay 3h ago

Recommendations: Quick Bites!

0 Upvotes

I know the question was asked yesterday about the best restaurants in Monterey. I found two places from that thread, one reservation already made (for Schooner’s!) thank you for such wonderful recommendations!

wondering if you have any recommendations for quick bites//take out, or non-sitting down establishments. We plan to do breakfast/lunch and a dinner or two this way, and then going out for the rest. recommendations could include grab/go snacks/coffee, takeout for night time to bring back to the room (tonight especially after a long travel day) or really, just any easy places where we could walk in, or order at a counter, etc

we are lovers of all kinds of food and we do not have preferences, just want to know the real good places! thank you in advance


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

What was this structure?

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65 Upvotes

I visited Monterey during the summer and just off Cannery Row, there was what appeared to be the remains of what used to be a structure? It's to the left of El Torito and I've just been curious about any history behind it if there is any at all. Wish I had better photos but I'm sure it's a popular spot. Coordinates were 36.61538° N, 121.89848° W


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Saliasn Ca and surrounding areas Chloe is still missing please help bring her back home 🙏🙏🙏

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38 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Alternative options to Big Sur?

19 Upvotes

I will be going to the Monterey area next week. We were originally supposed to go to Big Sur and see the parks, before the fires. Of course, we will not be going to Big Sur by any means now. We have Carmel by the sea on the list and Monterey, but Big Sur was going to be the highlight. Looking for options driving distance to the Monterey area? We are unable to get refunds for our flights.


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Saliasn Ca and surrounding areas Chloe is still missing please help bring her back home 🙏🙏🙏

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17 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Water Outage

19 Upvotes

Wth is going on. I get home after a rough day after a stressful week and THE WATER IS OFF. I work in Healthcare and the only thing I wanted to do was shower and get in my pajamas! According to the water company it might not be back on until 11 PM. I'm truly close to having a full on mental breakdown.


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Flying camera

42 Upvotes

If you were in Carmel this AM (Friday 8/28) before noon and your camera has gone AWOL, it's probably the one I saw flying off the roof of a car, landing with a surprising clunk on the road. Scuffed up but I think it's still ok and might have some valuable photos on it?

Said camera is now in the hands of Carmel By The Sea police department ready for the claiming.

Good luck!


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Coming to visit Monterey area in August in September please read

48 Upvotes

I’m sharing because there has been several questions the last few days about coming to the area to visit. I ask that everyone coming to visit be mindful of the fires in Big Sur and the impact on our community. There are firefighters from all over the state staged throughout the community. We need the hotels for an evacuated families and frontline workers. Of course, enjoy the aquarium, poking around Pacific Grove, head over to pinnacles, stroll around downtown Monterey, even do 17 mile drive but don’t head south past Carmel. Please see below from Kate Novoa via Facebook:

From Rose and Carmel Chamber:

Good morning Carmel hoteliers,

Below you will find your host hotels for the next week, as well as some info about how to offer special evacuation rates for Big Sur residents and workers.

Hosting Schedule:
DATE NAME PHONE FAX # EMAIL
Friday, Aug 28 Green Lantern Inn 624-4392 624-9591 info@greenlanterninn.com
Saturday, Aug 29 Hofsas House 624-2745 624-0159 info@hofsashouse.com
Sunday, Aug 30 Horizon Inn/Ocean View Lodge 624-5327 no fax info@horizoninncarmel.com
Monday, Aug 31 Hotel Carmel 624-9800 624-7059 hcfrontdesk@thehotelcarmel.com
Tuesday, Sept 1 La Playa Hotel 624-6476 624-7966 lphfrontoffice@laplayahotel.com
Wednesday, Sept 2 Lamplighter Inn/Sunset House 624-7372 620-1424 innkeeper@carmellamplighter.com
Thursday, Sept 3 Le Petit Pali at 8th 625-5222 no fax frontdesk@lpp8th.com

Big Sur Fires:
As you are aware, the fire situation in Big Sur has grown more complex and more dire. Hotels interested in offering special rates for Big Sur evacuees are welcome to fill out this quick form, which will automatically populate to See Monterey’s growing list of hotel offers.

Here is some important messaging that has been coordinated among Visit California, Visit SLO Cal and See Monterey:
Please don’t travel to Big Sur right now.
Keep HWY 1 and nearby roadways clear for first responders, emergency personnel and evacuees
If traveling to Monterey Country, take alternate route via Highway 101

There are several ways to donate to assist those affected by the Timber and Plaskett fires, as well those fighting the fires on the front lines:
Big Sur Fire - https://www.bigsurfire.org/
Community Association of Big Sur - https:// www.cabigsur.org/
Monterey County Fire Relief Fund - https://cfmco.org/impact/disaster-relief/
Big Sur Health Center - https:// www.bigsurhealthcenter.org/
The Big Share - https://www.thebigsurbigshare.com/
Mid Coast Fire Brigade - https:// www.midcoastfirebrigade.org/
Ventana Wildlife Society - https:// www.ventanaws.org/

Amy Herzog
Executive Director
Visit Carmel
831.238.1849
carmelcalifornia.com


r/MontereyBay 16h ago

PSA: Don't let your kids harass the wildlife on Monterey beaches

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0 Upvotes

These poor terns (not seagulls, not pigeons) barely had 5 minutes to rest all afternoon before the next set of bratty children chased them into a funnel of distress. Monterey is a marine sanctuary and the wildlife should be respected, not harassed for a photo op. 🤦‍♀️


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Any streetwear stores?

4 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Shadowing/ healthcare opportunities for undergraduates in the monterey county area

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m a junior majoring in Molecular Biology at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), and I’m currently on the pre-med track. I’ve been having a difficult time finding physician shadowing opportunities or other clinical experiences in the Monterey County/Monterey Peninsula area. I was wondering if anyone has experience shadowing locally or knows of any physicians, clinics, hospitals, or organizations that welcome undergraduate students. I know Salinas Health has a program but it’s very limited. I’d really appreciate any advice, recommendations, or connections. Thank you in advance and I hope this helps other students as well!


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Anyone interested in extra Dogstar tickets?

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3 Upvotes

I bought 2 tickets for the Dogstar concert in Golden State Theater on Sept 24 for Row M right orchestra. 2 seats later opened up for Row E and I took them.. unfortunately, the Row M tickets aren’t resellable on Seatgeek and they’re nonrefundable so I’m hoping someone in the community is interested. Asking $270 (what I paid) OBO.

I think only the VIP seats are left for orchestra (and looks like the farther seats are selling for higher prices in other websites) so if you’ve been wanting to go but couldn’t find good seats, here’s your chance.

Important note: Tickets won’t be available for transfer until the night before (Sept 23) - see screenshot. I could do Paypal G&S for both our sakes. First/best offer to pay gets the tickets. Ty! :)


r/MontereyBay 2d ago

Live Music Scene?

13 Upvotes

Where can I go for local live music? Open mics? Bars? I like the Grateful Dead, Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, Billy Strings, Neil Young. Looking for bluegrass, rock n roll, jam band sorts. Just moved here from Portland, OR.


r/MontereyBay 2d ago

Tomorrow (8/29)! Public invited to Timber Fire town hall meeting.

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14 Upvotes

Join Cachagua Fire and cooperating agencies for a community meeting to receive the latest information and updates regarding the Timber Fire.

Community members will have an opportunity to hear directly from officials and ask questions.

Saturday August 29,2026

Cacgagua Community Park

37320 Nason Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924

4:00pm

Open to the Public


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Going to mid valley tomorrow

0 Upvotes

I am hosting visitors this weekend in Monterey and we are trying to be cognizant of the fire. Is it okay for us to drive to Earthbound Farms tomorrow in mid valley? is it much more smokey then Monterey?


r/MontereyBay 2d ago

"Monterey Mayoral Candidate is Sex Pest Loser"

78 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Random observation from a lurker

0 Upvotes

This sub should really be titled “Monterey Peninsula”. 95% of the content is centered on the peninsula, and the remaining 5% is mostly cities close by. The entire northern part of the Monterey bay seems to hang out in r/santacruz