Fall is an ideal time to visit Monterey County. You’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures, autumnal experiences (think football watch parties and your favorite candies), beautiful sunsets and fewer crowds. The season also allows you to slow down and truly immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes that are distinct to our world-class destination. As you plan your fall getaway, we’ve compiled a list of both new offerings and seasonal favorites to check out below.
Table of Contents
- Fall for These Food & Drink Locations
- Favorite Football Viewing Spots
- New and Renovated Attractions This Autumn
- Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth (Halloween Candy Roundup)
Fall for These Food & Drink Locations
- Hog’s Breath Inn (Carmel-by-the-Sea): Recently renovated, Hogs Breath Inn has been a staple in Carmel-by-the-Sea for more than 50 years. Originally founded by Clint Eastwood, you’ll still find plenty of nods to the actor/director within the restaurant’s new design that blends modern touches with rustic charm. You’ll also see returning menu favorites, including the “Dirty Harry” burger.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium’s “Concierge Bar” (Monterey): Diners at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium can now enjoy batch-made cocktails served in take-home mason jars from its new Concierge Bar. With fitting names like Monterey Mule, Bloody Mary Comb Jelly and High Tide, you can sip your beverage on the go while enjoying the Aquarium’s indoor theater and outdoor decks.
- Nora’s (Carmel-by-the-Sea): Using recipes that have been passed down through generations, this new restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea offers home-cooked comfort foods, including meatloaf, chicken pot pie, and seafood pasta dishes. Nora’s comes from the owners of other Carmel restaurant staples, Anton & Michel, Tree House Café and Village Corner.
- The Perfect Crumb (Pacific Grove): This local favorite Monterey bakery has relocated to Lighthouse Street in Pacific Grove.You’ll find the same delicious treats, breakfast items and lunch offerings, now with more seating.Insider Tip:Call ahead to reserve their cinnamon rolls. You’ll thank us!
- Brousseau Wine Studio (Marina): Long-time winemaker Bill Brosseau offers appointment-only wine tastings to highlight the artistry of winemaking at this new location in Marina. Book a tasting or inquire about the Studio’s Harvest Party on October 25.
- Caffe Soleli Bistro & Deli (Salinas): This new, locally owned, European-inspired Bistro is equally charming and delicious. Enjoy a robust menu featuring specialty coffees, baked goods, breakfast items, fresh salads, wraps and sandwich options, and a daily featured flatbread and soup.
- Sourdough & Co. (Salinas): Enjoy warm, freshly baked sourdough rolls paired with quality meats, cheeses and a variety of fixings at this new dining spot in Salinas. Sandwiches aren’t your thing? Try their flatbreads or soup served with a side of sourdough bread or, in our recommendation, a bread bowl.
Favorite Football Viewing Spots
- Peter B’s (Monterey): Located within the Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey’s original craft brewery reopened after a renovation that included a menu revitalization. Voted as one of the “Best Sports Bars” in Monterey, you’ll be able to catch the game on its 25 HDTVs. Visiting on a Saturday or Sunday? Stop in for its Football Breakfast Special featuring a smothered breakfast burrito, popular breakfast drinks, or a pint of craft beer.
- River Ranch Bar and Grill (Carmel Valley): Located within Carmel Valley Ranch, this new open-air eatery includes a covered outdoor bar and terrace with multiple TVs to catch the game. The menu features a variety of options, like sandwiches, wraps, salads, and unique hand-crafted drinks, beers and local wines. Catch its Oktoberfest and Game Day menus this fall.
New & Renovated Attractions This Autumn
- Ensen Community Park (Salinas):The kids will have a ball at this new 6-acre community park in Salinas. Featuring a playground, dog park, basketball court, pickleball court, skate park and more, your whole family will be able to find ways to enjoy the outdoors.
- Pebble Beach Resorts (Pebble Beach): Pebble Beach Resorts has been busy undergoing multiple renovation projects, recently debuting a new green at the 15th hole of the championship course, Spyglass Hill. The legendary golf resorts also reopened the iconic Lodge at Pebble Beach, featuring a new lobby with breathtaking views of Stillwater Cove.Make sure to book a stay and tee time this fall.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
- Your Halloween Candy Roundup (multiple locations): Forget the tricks; it’s all about the treats in Monterey County. You’ll find a variety of sweet shops throughout Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, including:
- Candy World (Monterey):Choose from barrels of taffy to gummies and a case full of chocolates at this Old Fisherman’s Wharf shop.
- Carousel Candies (Monterey):Find an assortment of handmade confections, from its famous salt water taffy to caramel apples, caramel corn and chocolates, including turtles, pecan rolls and more, at this longtime Old Fisherman’s Wharf favorite.
- Cottage of Sweets (Carmel-by-the-Sea): Set in a fairy tale-like cottage, this British-style sweets shop offers imported licorice, homemade fudge and plenty of other sugary delectables.
- Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop (Monterey): Check out the globally recognized brand’s shop along Cannery Row featuring Ghirardelli’s famous chocolate squares, baked goods and ice cream.
- IT’SUGAR (Monterey): Located along Cannery Row, IT’SUGAR offers every kind of candy imaginable – from retro favorites to international finds and seasonal fall flavors.
- Lula’s Chocolates (Carmel-by-the-Sea):This family-owned chocolate shop continues to produce some of the best premium confections around.
- Sea Shack Candy Co. (Carmel-by-the-Sea):This new candy shop brings coastal vibes with a wide selection of Swedish-style gummies, from sours to fruity classics, as well as gourmet chocolates.