Get Ready To Explore Monterey County’s Thrilling New Changes In 2026

Published on December 17, 2025

With the reopening of Highway 1 and the new amenities, Monterey County, California, will be open to travelers like never before. Monterey County will be able to offer visitors updated cultural experiences, new hotels, and a variety of dining options. 2026 will be the start of Monterey County’s new vibrant culture and stunning scenery.

With the reopening of Highway 1, Monterey County will have extensive travel options for visitors like never before, making 2026 a pivotal year for the region. In 2026, Monterey County will have’s vibrant culture and stunning scenery, Monterey County will have extensive travel options for people. 2026 will have Monterey County’s new vibrant hotel and dining options.

Highway 1 Update: Construction Progressing at Last

The 4WD highway project and repairs from the last two winters are all finished, along with one of the most anticipated events in Monterey County: the reopening of Highway 1 in Big Sur, scheduled for March 2026. One of the world-famous coastal highways runs through Big Sur and has been closed since the beginning of 2023 due to landslides and the loss of access to natural landmarks along the closed section. Travelers are looking forward to uninterrupted drives along the beautiful, coastal highway and access to the breathtaking Big Sur views of the Pacific along the dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches.

While the closed section of Highway 1 was inaccessible, Monterey and the rest of the Highway 1 coastal destinations were all inaccessible as well. This road access construction progress, now connecting Monterey and all the other coastal destinations in the region, highlights the beauty of the Highway 1 travel experience.

New Programs to Improve Visitor Experience

Monterey is beginning to see the benefits of the road being reopened. In addition to that, See Monterey is beginning two new programs. The first is the Monterey 1000 Celebration. It is to celebrate Monterey County’s 1000 years of rich history. This will give travelers the opportunity to explore Monterey County’s history through programs and special events. This will help people learn about the important history of Monterey County in the history of California.

The second new program is Off the Canvas. It is intended to help people explore Monterey County’s public art. This program will help people see the work of local artists and help them learn about the art community. These programs are both intended to help people learn about the culture of Monterey County in new and different ways, instead of just the natural beauty of the area.

More Places to Stay and Eat

To make the visitor experience even better, Monterey County is going to offer new places to sleep and new places to eat in 2026. Starting in Winter 2026, Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove will become the company’s first hotel along the Central Coast of California. This 99-room hotel will offer a getaway experience to guests in a Mediterranean-style setting and will also offer wellness activities, such as yoga and sound baths. Travelers will be able to visit The Caledonian, the hotel’s main restaurant, and sit in their courtyard with a fireplace.

Along with this, in January 2026, the Courtyard by Marriott and the Residence Inn by Marriott will be opening in Sand City. This will be Sand City’s first hotel, and it will include an event space designed by Lido that’s meant to highlight local art and culture. The hotel is in a prime location near Monterey Bay and popular golf courses, and will give guests a stylish and affordable place to stay.

News of the spa refresh at Carmel Valley Ranch and the opening of the new Spa Aiyana in spring 2026. The recently reimagined Lodge at Pebble Beach and other new accommodations, such as the Isabella in Monterey, which is set to open in May 2026, provide a variety of experiences suited to different interests and price points. Monterey County will have the perfect combination of luxury, new comfort, and creative experiences.

A Culinary Renaissance in Monterey County

New culinary activities are being introduced in Monterey County, and the county’s culinary scene continues to evolve. A regional specialty and a new take on baked goods are offered by Sweet Reba’s Bakery and Kitchen, which opened in December 2025 in Salinas and will be in the greater Monterey area. Salinas, which is located in the heart of a vibrant downtown area and is visited by members of the Food Network’s Cake Wars, offers a variety of local baked goods.

As of December 2025, Domaine Messier, a Carmel-by-the-Sea winery, provides patrons with the opportunity to sample varieties of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Also, for the informal dining experience, American and Filipino BBQ and clam chowder will be served at Benny Walkers, located in downtown Monterey, which is set to open in early 2026.

Additional new eateries like El Charrito, Lalla Grill in the Marina, and Corner Market, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County, are expanding culinary offerings more from the region’s fresh local produce, and creativity in the kitchen.

Additional Flights and Growing Tourism

With more flights and new tourism initiatives set for 2026, Monterey County is also becoming more accessible. By May 2026, Monterey’s Regional Airport will feature a United Airlines direct, seasonal flight to Chicago O’Hare Airport. This route will be the first direct flight from the Midwest to Monterey County’s magnificent coastline, and will open the opportunity for travelers to experience the region’s culture and beauty for the first time.

Monterey Bay will be the first in the state to offer hybrid-electric whale watching cruises. Starting in the Fall of 2026, the environmentally-friendly cruises will allow passengers to take in the sights of the bay, all the while helping to lower the region’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion: 2026 – The Year of Rediscovery for Monterey County

The end of 2026 is also the expected end for the construction of Highway 1. 2026 will offer Monterey County the latest in accommodation enhancements, and new eating and travelling choices, all in the contemporary style of new cultural programs. The county will offer all visitors a unique and wonderful travelling experience. 2026 is destined to attract a unique Monterey County experience to all who wish a balance of relaxation, adventure, and culture. Monterey County is sure to be one of the most popular spots to visit in 2026.