The most magical time of year in Monterey has returned, and we have the perfect holiday gift guide to help you find the Monterey-inspired gift for everyone on your list. From unique outdoor adventures and curated epicurean experiences to relaxation and locally made and sourced gifts, Monterey has something for every type of person.
For the Outdoor Adventurer
If you’re shopping for someone on your list who feels most at home outdoors, Monterey County offers endless ways to explore:
For the person who dreams of open roads and ocean views, this experience is classic California at its best. Monterey Touring Vehicles gives you the chance to slip into a rare vintage car and see the coast the way it was meant to be seen. Their fleet includes iconic convertibles, muscle cars and even a Rolls-Royce with a private driver for a full luxury moment. It’s an unforgettable way to take in Highway 1, Big Sur, 17-Mile Drive and the scenic views that make this region famous.
Go Car Tours is the kind of experience people remember because it turns sightseeing into a little adventure. These small electric cars come with a GPS-guided audio tour that talks as you drive, points out the best viewpoints and shares stories about our region. It’s like having a local show you around, and this little car goes where tour buses can’t. Best of all, your sightseeing experience happens at your pace, allowing for detours and stopping for coffee or lunch!
Imagine gifting someone the moment they jump from 18,000 feet above the California coastline, free-falling for up to 90 seconds, with the shimmering waters of Monterey Bay beneath, the forested ridges of the Santa Lucia Mountains behind and the dramatic sweep of Big Sur to the south. As the parachute opens and the coastline comes into full view, the world feels suspended for a breath. Skydive Monterey delivers rare views of Monterey County while giving you some of the most exhilarating memories you can make here.
For the Nature Lover
Searching for the perfect gift for the nature lover in your life? Monterey County is home to some of California’s most awe-inspiring wild landscapes, from whale-rich waters to peaceful wetlands and towering redwoods. These guided experiences offer rare, up-close encounters with wildlife and scenery, making them unforgettable ways to connect with the natural world.
Monterey Bay is one of the best places in the world to see whales, which is why a whale watching tour stands out an epic gift for anyone who loves nature. Choose from Princess Monterey Whale Watching, Monterey Bay Whale Watch, Sea Goddess Whale Watching and more. Seasonal migrations bring humpbacks, blue whales, dolphins and pods of orcas through the Central Coast. Seeing the coastline from the water brings a sense of discovery that never quite repeats itself.
An Elkhorn Slough kayak tour with Monterey Bay Kayaks gives you a calm window into one of Monterey County’s most protected landscapes. The water is usually quiet, the marshland opens around you, and wildlife appear naturally as you go. It’s an easy scenic way to experience the natural side of Monterey.
If paddling isn’t their style, the Monterey Bay Eco Tours offers the same peaceful setting from the comfort of a boat. Naturalists guide the experience and point out otters, seals and coastal birds as the boat moves through the slough at an even more relaxed pace.
A guided tour with Big Sur Guides and Hiking brings hikers to the heart of the region’s redwoods, coastal ridges and open wilderness. Their local team knows the trails throughout each season; from spring wildflowers to summer condor sightings, they shape the route based on what the landscape is offering that day. It’s a grounded scenic way to explore Big Sur with someone who understands the area’s history and natural rhythm.
Bring a little bit of nature home with Dirty Girl Plant Co. From easy-care houseplants to rare finds, this spot is a dream for plant lovers (and holiday gifting).
For the Monterey Icons fan
For the Monterey super-fan who loves all the classics, this is the gift list. From world-famous aquariums and legendary racetracks to hometown pride under stadium lights and the nostalgia of Cannery Row, Monterey County offers iconic experiences that make this place unforgettable. These gifts tap into the spirit, history, and energy that make Monterey… well, Monterey.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most recognizable places on the Central Coast and an easy experience to share with anyone. Recognized around the world for its conservation work, living kelp forest, and thoughtful exhibits, it remains a defining Monterey Experience.
Monterey Bay Football Club brings a burst of local pride to the peninsula, and match nights at the Cardinale Stadium carry a kind of energy that’s uniquely Monterey. Coastal air, bright lights and crowds of loyal supporters create an atmosphere of lively, welcoming energy.
A day at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is one of the most thrilling and one of the most Monterey gifts you can give. The iconic corkscrew turn, the sound of engines echoing through the hills and the energy of the crowd create an atmosphere that is unmistakably Monterey. Race day tickets or experience passes give the chance to feel the speed, the precision and the excitement of one of the world’s most legendary tracks.
A Cannery Row gift experience brings together Monterey history, ocean views, and a mix of places to explore along the waterfront. Stay at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa or InterContinental The Clement Monterey and step out to explore more than 30 retail shops and boutiques. Enjoy oceanfront dining at spots like The Sardine Factory, Schooners, or The Fish Hopper.
For THE GOLF ENTHUSIAST
Treat the golf lover in your life to unforgettable tee times and world-class courses in Monterey County.
A bucket-list round for golfers worldwide, Pebble Beach Golf Links is known for its dramatic oceanside holes, championship pedigree and the kind of scenery that defines the sport’s greatest moments.
One of the toughest and most respected courses in the country, Spyglass Hill’s opening stretch is iconic, and the forested back nine delivers precision and challenge to any golfer.
Pacific Grove, lovingly called “Poor Man’s Pebble”, offers stunning coastal holes at a fraction of the cost and is a community gem with genuine charm. The course is famous for its two distinct nines: the front nine is a traditional parkland-style layout, and the back nine is a links-style layout featuring windswept dunes and dramatic ocean views.
Del Monte Golf Course is one of the oldest courses in continuous operation west of the Mississippi, and an unforgettable course. The birthplace of the California State Amateur, this course features a classic design, walkable routing, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Bayonet and Black Horse: Any golf lover would love a round at one or both of the courses here. Known for their scenic beauty and rich history, these courses provide an unforgettable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
The Hay: Give the gift of a round at The Hay, a fun and scenic golf course at Pebble Beach, designed by Tiger Woods. Perfect for golfers of all abilities, it offers a memorable experience with breathtaking views.
Indoor Golf Experiences: Give the gift of fun with a round at The Links Club, a premier sports bar & event venue with golf simulators or a playful outing at Tipsy Putt in Monterey. Whether it’s a laid-back, scenic golf experience or a mini-golf adventure with drinks, these unique spots offer great times for friends and family alike.
For the Arts & Culture Connosieur
Here are some one-of-a-kind gifts the art lover in your life would enjoy.
Founded in 1927, Carmel Art Association is an artist-run gallery showcasing and representing juried work from local painters, sculptors, weavers and printmakers and is an inspiring stop for finding a meaningful one-of-a-kind gift that carries the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula home with you.
Somewhere in Carmel is another Carmel-by-the-Sea favorite. A beautifully curated shop filled with coastal-cool décor, gifts, and one-of-a-kind finds you’ll want to take home.
Golden State Theater, the beautifully restored 1920s venue in downtown Monterey, hosts concerts, comedy and film events in an intimate and historic setting. Tickets to a show here make for unforgettable memories and a gift to enjoy together.
The National Steinbeck Center in Salinas brings the stories of Monterey County’s most famous author to life through exhibits, artifacts and interactive installations. A visit here is a meaningful gift for literature lovers, offering a deeper connection to the landscapes and communities that shaped Steinbeck’s iconic works.
Monterey Glassworks offers a hands-on way to create something truly personal. Their glassblowing classes let you design and craft your own piece, from ornaments to vibrant vessels, under the guidance of expert artists. It’s an immersive, locally made experience that turns creativity into a memorable keepsake.
For the Foodie
Gift the foodie in your life a culinary adventure through Monterey County.
Pezzini Farms: Stock up on field-fresh artichokes, seasonal produce, and locally made treats — a true taste of the region.
Chez Noir: A Michelin-recognized culinary gem in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Chez Noir offers beautifully crafted coastal cuisine in an intimate setting.
The Meatery: This award-winning Seaside butcher shop and eatery specializes in premium cuts, house-made charcuterie and chef-crafted sandwiches. This is the perfect present for the food lover who appreciates high-quality, locally sourced flavor.
Big Sur Salts: Hand-harvested straight from the Big Sur coastline, their craft salt and salt blends represent Big Sur in color, taste and aroma.
Carmel Honey Company: It began with Founder and Beekeeper Jake Reisdorf's 5th-grade project and a passion for bees. Their customizable mini gift sets are the perfect way to share a little sweetness—just bee-cause!
Lula's Chocolates: Using recipes passed down from Grandmother Lula herself, Lula's Chocolates are hand-crafted in small batches, including Sea Salt Caramels, Truffles, Nut Clusters, California Toffee and everything in between.
Thai Is Fun Cooking Class: Experience a hands-on class that teaches authentic Thai cooking techniques in a fun and engaging atmosphere.
The Quail and Olive: This boutique offers high-quality olive oils, vinegars and specialty oils for tasting and purchase.
For the Wine and Brew Lover
Treat the wine and brew lover in your life to a taste of the finest wineries, craft breweries and coffee shops in Monterey County.
Alvarado Street Brewery: Give the gift of craft beer at Alvarado Street Brewery in Monterey, Salinas or Carmel-by-the-Sea! Known for its innovative brews and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a perfect destination for beer enthusiasts to savor unique, locally-crafted flavors.
Captain + Stoker Small-Batch Roasted Coffee: This coffee shop and roastery focuses on direct-trade specialty coffee.
Holman Ranch Wine: Holman Ranch is the only 100% estate vineyard and winery in the Carmel Valley AVA. Wine can be purchased by the bottle or in Holiday Gift Sets. They also have a tasting room that offers personalized tastings and retail bottles.
Twisted Roots Winery: Founded on heritage vineyards and small-batch craftsmanship, Twisted Roots offers approachable wines with a sense of history. A tasting or bottle set from their Carmel Valley Village tasting room makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves discovering local wine.
For the Book Worm
Give the gift of literary delight from the unique bookshops in Monterey County.
Bookworks Café & Bookstore: A beloved Pacific Grove staple, Bookworks pairs a cozy neighborhood café with a thoughtfully curated selection of books. It’s the perfect spot to browse new reads, enjoy a warm drink, and pick up a meaningful, locally rooted gift for the book lover in your life.
Pilgrim's Way Community Bookstore & Secret Garden: This is the last remaining bookshop in Carmel-by-the-Sea, offering many gifts such as jewelry, greeting cards, candles, garden items, crystals, and, of course, books.
Old Capitol Books: This bookstore offers local new and used books from fiction, sci-fi, mystery, biographies and more.
Olivia & Daisy Books: Olivia and Daisy is a bespoke, neighborhood bookshop for all ages located in the heart of Carmel Valley. They offer selections of literary fiction, historical fiction, non-fiction, thrillers, cookbooks, children's books and plenty of other options that any book lover would enjoy.
For the Relation Seeker
Give the gift of tranquility with relaxing experiences in Monterey County.
Post Ranch Inn: Perched high above the Pacific, Post Ranch Inn offers a luxury wellness escape defined by quiet, earth-centered rejuvenation. Guests can enjoy private cliffside soaking tubs, guided mindfulness sessions, and signature spa treatments inspired by the elements of Big Sur, such as the Ocean Stone Massage, Post Ranch Herbal Compress, and Energy Balancing Rituals.
Sanctuary Beach Resort: Guests can get the ultimate sleep with the soothing waves on the shoreline of Marina State Beach in a private oceanfront cottage. The property offers daily wellness activities, such as yoga and stretching, as well as a variety of spa treatments at The Renewal Studio & Spa.
Intercontinental The Clement Monterey: Give the gift of luxury with the Intercontinental The Clement Monterey. There are panoramic ocean views, a spa to rejuvenate and relax, along with an award-winning restaurant renowned for its Californian coastal cuisine.
The Refuge: This unique day spa offers a tranquil retreat with hot baths, cold plunges and soothing treatments, perfect for anyone in need of a serene escape.
