MonTereyBayVIsITors.CoM Before he became famous, Robert Louis Stevenson came to Monterey. He spent his days wandering the shoreline and hiking the rugged woods. In 1880 he wrote about the experience, noting that “on no other coast that I know shall you enjoy in calm, sunny weather, such a spectacle of ocean’s greatness.” But Stevenson was not the first to recognize Monterey County as a haven for visitors. On one of his journeys, he came across a new community of neat homes and well-kept streets. All of the houses appeared to be vacant. Eventually he encountered a pastor, who informed Stevenson that this hamlet was a Christian resort. That town—Pacific Grove—is now populated year-round, although it still has many vacation homes and Victorian inns. The county is known for its literary figures. John Steinbeck made Cannery Row in Monterey a destination. The area has served as a location for some 200 films and television series. Thanks to the Monterey Jazz Festival and newer events like the California Roots Music & Art Festival, great musicians frequent the county. It is also home to two global icons in the world of sports. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca was built in the hills outside of Monterey in 1957. The world’s best drivers test their skills against the famed Corkscrew. Long before, in 1919, Pebble Beach Golf Links was laid out. The course is home in 2023 to the U.S. Women’s Open for the first time ever. But some, like Stevenson, will tell you that the area doesn’t need any help attracting visitors. There are the stunning vistas, the many trails and, of course, Monterey Bay. “I have never been in any place that seemed so dreamlike,” Stevenson wrote. This guide is a quick tour of what can be packed into a trip to Monterey County. For updates on local news and events, visit mcweekly.com or pick up a copy of Monterey County Weekly. And go have some fun. -Dave Faries 22 events Calendar 32 at Play 44 Golf 50 spa 52 Cannabis 56 food 66 Local Map 102 Drinks 112 Wine 120 arts, Culture & Music Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve Publisher Erik Cushman Project Editor Dave Faries Editor Sara Rubin Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser Contributing Writers and Copy Editors Tajha Chappellet-Lanier, Sheila Gibbons Hiebert, Kyarra Harris, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Rey Mashayekhi, Agata Popeda, David Schmalz Photographer Daniel Dreifuss, except where noted Graphic Designers Alexis Estrada, Lani Headley, Kevin Jewell Advertising Keith Bruecker, Diane Glim, George Kassal Business Development Director Keely Richter Cover Photo Li Liu The information presented in this guide was collected in the spring of 2023. Some information may have changed since. The Best of Monterey Bay® is published by Milestone Communications, Inc., a California corporation. The entire contents are copyright 2023. No portion may be reproduced. 831-394-5656. www.mcweekly.com. WELCOME LI LIU 20 The Best of Monterey Bay ® 2023-2024 News Arts Culture Food and More SIGN UP TODAY: mcweekly.com/signup DISCOVER MONTEREY COUNTY NOW Local news and lively commentary delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to Monterey County NOW and get it DAILY. Local MCNOW_1-3v_VG23_kpr.indd 1 6/15/23 3:42 PM
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