What’s new and notable in Monterey County, CA

Monterey County, CA is poised for an exciting year ahead with a series of new accommodations, dining experiences and significant anniversaries.

As the community welcomes fresh hospitality options like the upcoming Kimpton Hotel in Pacific Grove and the recently opened Monterey Beach Hotel, visitors can also indulge in an array of new culinary offerings.

Additionally, 2025 marks a year of celebration, including landmark anniversaries for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Carmel Bach Festival and other cultural icons.

Accommodations & hotel experiences

Exciting new lodging options across Monterey County provide travelers with a diverse selection of stylish and distinctive accommodations.

Kimpton (Pacific Grove) | Opening Late 2025. The upcoming Kimpton Hotel in the heart of Pacific Grove features stylish accommodations and unique amenities that reflect the charm of Monterey County.

Fisherman’s Cove Inn (Monterey) Newly opened Fisherman’s Cove Inn offers new amenities like K-Cup makers, hair dryers and luxury custom bath products, with a full room makeover set to debut in the winter of 2025.

Monterey Beach Hotel  Monterey’s only beachfront property is now part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, and has reopened after a major renovation. It features 192 guest rooms, oceanfront dining at The Lantern Room, private beach access, complimentary e-bikes and a heated outdoor pool.

Stilwell Hotel (Carmel-by-the-Sea) Stilwell Hotel offers a relaxed, beach-inspired environment in the heart of the village, featuring 42 guest rooms and thoughtfully curated public spaces.

Monterey Hostel A nonprofit lodging provider, it has undergone a complete interior renovation, offering eco-friendly accommodations with private family rooms, wheelchair-accessible guest rooms and a new outdoor deck, It utilizes energy-efficient systems to reduce environmental impact.

Alila Ventana New Programming: Alila Moments & Experiences will offer new programming that allows visitors to experience the destination in a whole new light, including Tea & Tarot Cards, Nature’s Nectar Infusions and Trail Run Fun.

Dining & Experiences

New dining experiences offer visitors a wide range of culinary options that celebrate the bounty of seafood from Monterey Bay.

Wildflower Experience (Bradley) | Returning May 2025  The Wildflower Experience makes its highly anticipated return after a six-year hiatus, offering a full weekend festival featuring live entertainment, wine tasting, a celebration beer garden, race clinics with top professionals, movie nights under the stars, campfire antics and more.

Pop & Hiss (Pacific Grove) A newly opened bar and record shop in Pacific Grove, offers a unique blend of live music, craft cocktails and vinyl shopping, creating a vibrant, retro-inspired social hub for music lovers.

Nico’s Ice Cream (Monterey) Blending real fruit with creamy vanilla ice cream using an imported machine from New Zealand, this Portland ice cream shop has expanded to Monterey’s iconic Cannery Row.

Brewjee Coffee Co (Salinas) Expanded from a mobile cart to a storefront in bustling downtown Salinas, Brewjee Coffee Co offers craft coffee and pastries.

Maido Sushi Cafe (Marina) A family-owned business offering fresh Japanese to-go meals, snacks and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.

Piccolo (Monterey) Piccolo on Cannery Row offers a menu featuring panini, fresh salads and hearty soups, making it a perfect spot for a satisfying meal on the coastline.

Hops & Fog Brewing Co. (Pacific Grove) Marking the town’s first brewery since it became wet in 1969, Hops &Fog features a unique selection of craft beers and artisan food in a vibrant, community-focused space.

Otto’s Bread Company (Salinas) Otto Kramm has opened his first shop in downtown Salinas offering an array of sourdough bread loaves, dinner rolls and pretzels, along with pastries and hot food.

The Village (Big Sur) The Village is a dynamic new concept featuring a restaurant, yoga studio, event space and a provisions market with coffee and juice, It offers a unique blend of wellness, dining and community experiences.

Solstice: Located in The Village and helmed by Chef Tim Eelman, Solstice offers expertly executed, wood-fired fare spotlighting local produce and seafood from Monterey Bay, with a vibrant weekend brunch and dinner tasting menu.

Bodega: A coffee and juice bar offering a delightful selection of espresso, tea, cold-pressed juices, pastries and tartines.

Carmel Valley Creamery (Carmel Valley) A micro-creamery, coffee shop and mini épicerie offering artisan cheese made on-site, located in the heart of Carmel Valley.

Congo Go! Cafe (Seaside) Serving Southeast Asian-inspired boba drinks and a variety of small and big bites, including crab puffs and furikake fries.

Rising Phoenix Taproom (King City)  A locally owned craft beer destination in King City, offering a curated selection of local and regional beers on tap, along with a spacious outdoor area.

Awards & Milestones

Monterey County celebrates prestigious culinary accolades and landmark anniversaries, highlighting its rich cultural heritage.

Aubergine Receives Second Michelin Star In 2024, Aubergine in Carmel-by-the-Sea was awarded its second Michelin star, making it the only two-starred restaurant between the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles..

50th Anniversary of Alila Ventana Big Sur In 2025, Alila Ventana Big Sur will celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking half a century as an iconic luxury retreat that embraces the natural beauty of the Big Sur coastline.

John Steinbeck’s Novel Anniversaries Monterey celebrates two literary milestones: the 80th anniversary of John Steinbeck’s iconic novel “Cannery Row” and the 90th anniversary of “Tortilla Flat”, both capturing the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Old Fisherman’s Wharf’s 180^th Birthday  Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf will celebrate its 180th birthday, honoring its rich history as a vibrant fishing hub.

Carmel Bach Festival’s 90^th Anniversary Carmel Bach Festival will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year, continuing its legacy as one of the oldest music festivals in the United States and honoring the works of Johann Sebastian Bach through classical music performances.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance’s 75^th Anniversary The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will mark its 75th anniversary, celebrating its legacy as one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world.

Hawthorne Gallery’s 30^th Anniversary Big Sur’s Hawthorne Gallery will celebrate its 30th anniversary, honoring three decades of showcasing exceptional art and supporting local artists.

See Monterey has launched its new website with the integration of Mindtrip’s  AI technology. This integration enables visitors to create personalized trip plans and itineraries complete with photos, maps, reviews and booking options. The groundbreaking partnership with Mindtrip will transform the travel planning experience with its data-driven platform, allowing SeeMonterey.com to easily connect with and support local businesses, hotels, restaurants and activities throughout the county.

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