Monterey County is constantly evolving with new restaurants, wineries, hotels, and activities. This summer, add these new places to eat, sip, stay, and experience to your itinerary.

Dining and Drinking 

Ad Astra Bread Co. (Monterey) - Enjoy fresh sourdough bread loaves baked daily. Ad Astra Bread Co. was previously located inside of Other Brother Beer where they served fresh baked bread along with other delicious food!  They are currently in the process of opening their own location. Ad Astra’s new location in downtown Monterey is coming soon. 

Bistro Moulin (Monterey) Under new ownership and freshly renovated, Chef Federico has partnered with his wife, Sabrina to deliver his signature dishes with European cuisine & fine wines from around the world. Private dinners and catering are available upon request. A special menu and beverage selection will be provided soon.  

Nicolás Cocina de Herencia (Carmel-by-the-Sea) – From the owners of Villa Azteca, this new restaurant is located in the Carmel Plaza and will be serving Michoacán dishes as well as other Mexican favorites, incorporating three generations of family recipes. Coming soon. 

The Annex (Carmel-by-the-Sea)– Located at Seventh and Dolores Steakhouse, this casual and comfortable experience offers a daytime menu that includes a menu of charcuterie, artisan cheeses, small plates, and snacks that pair perfectly with great wines, emphasizing Folktale Winery. 

Maligne (Seaside)– This Seaside gem was just recently recognized as a Bib Gourmand by MICHELIN. The menu draws on Italian-American and French classics, but the feel is thoroughly Californian, with a light, contemporary touch and spectacular local ingredients. 

Lodging and Meeting Space 

Carmel Beach Hotel (Carmel-by-the-Sea) – Located only 100 steps from Carmel Beach, this hotel has 26 guest rooms featuring three suites. Guests have exclusive access to on-property and in-room dining, spa, and fitness studio as well. The restaurant on-site, Secoya, focuses on local ingredients and seaside fare, put together by award-winning Aubergine Chef Justin Cogley. 

Carmel Valley Ranch (Carmel Valley) - Located on 500 acres of stunning foothills, Carmel Valley Ranch brings more this summer debuting newly reimagined suites. The Carmel Suite Trio and the Live Oak Suite are the new spaces that bring a breath of fresh air. Equipped with a modern interior with residential touches – guests are sure to feel right at home when visiting. The Carmel Suite Trio features modern ranch-style decor complemented by warm natural materials, thoughtful touches of art, and layered textures. This room includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms with an expansive terrace and firepit where guests can sit and enjoy the sunset views. The Live Oak Suite brings the ultimate family experience. Offering two-bedroom suites that are casual yet refined with an airy interior and natural aesthetic. Families can play games or relax in the separate living room or enjoy the views on the private deck.  

Le Petit Pali (Carmel-by-the-Sea)– What was previously known as The Hideaway and The Getaway, Le Petit Pali introduces two new hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave offers 34 newly designed guest rooms in the heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea that brings guests a sense of a traditional inn, genuine charm, and unexpected luxury. This hotel is only a short stroll from Carmel Beach, shopping, and dining. Le Petit Pali at 8th Ave is a 24-room craftsman-style hotel also located in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. Guests can enjoy the same amount of charm and luxury along with complimentary amenities such as Continental Champagne Breakfast, house bicycles, and much more. 

Villa Mara (Carmel-by-the-Sea) - This adult-only, 16-room luxury boutique hotel is nestled in the Carmel Point neighborhood located in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The property was recently renovated to create a residential-inspired point of view. Vila Mara is located only steps from Carmel Beach and one mile from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea's shops and restaurants. Guests can enjoy amenities such as firepits, custom water features, and over 400 plants giving guests the perfect way to spend their days and nights. 

Activities  

Compact DISCO 831 (Monterey)
Head downtown to experience Compact Disco, Monterey's newest music and dance club venue, dedicated to the rich history of disco and house music. Being the first venue in Monterey, it promises quality underground house beats and a memorable night of fantastic music with local and international DJs who play Chicago house, Detroit techno, Philly soul, Italo disco, bossa nova, and more. 420 Tyler St, Monterey, CA 

Treasure Hunt The Ride (Monterey) Guests are invited to tour the newly discovered caverns located beneath Cannery Row. Legend says that these caverns served as the hideout where the famous and only pirate, Pirate Hippolyte Bouchard, and his crew hid their treasure. Guests can board an old-fashioned ore cart that takes them on a 15–20-minute journey to collect treasure and fend off dangers such as the creatures in the cave, skeleton pirates, and even the ghost of Bouchard! Using “treasure collectors” guests can see their score on an LCD screen in front of them.  

Specialized Aviation (Monterey) – See the Monterey Bay from a bird’s eye view with Specialized Aviation! The one-hour Big Sur Tour takes guests along the shore through Big Sur. Throughout the tour, guests can see Moss Landing, Elkhorn Slough, Monterey, Carmel, and even the Point Sur Lighthouse. Customized and group adventures are available upon request.  

Vinecycle Tours (Marina) - Ride along a 12-mile loop to explore the former Military base. During this 2-hour tour, riders will learn about native plants, animal life, and military history along the way. Guided Fort Ord e-bike tours are available every Wednesday at 10 am! Private Group Tours are available.