Monterey 2024: New thrills from Pebble Beach to Big Sur!

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Explore Monterey County in 2024: New hotels, festivals, and diverse experiences await in this Californian gem, from Pebble Beach to Big Sur.

Spanning a region from the iconic Pebble Beach to the verdant Carmel Valley, and stretching from Marina’s sandy shores to the rugged Pinnacles National Park in Soledad, the diverse expanse of Monterey County is set for a thrilling year in 2024. This area, a tapestry of interconnected locales, is poised for growth with new initiatives, adventures, and significant events. The year will see the launch of multiple hotels and dining spots, the eagerly awaited Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival’s return, and an array of unique county-wide activities, ensuring that every visitor finds their own special journey in Monterey County.

“Monterey County’s array of experiences invites endless discovery,” stated Rob O’Keefe, President and CEO of See Monterey. “As we usher in the new year, we’re excited to offer another layer of profound, genuine experiences. Monterey epitomizes the ultimate California experience, and 2024 is set to provide a wealth of enriching and rejuvenating opportunities.”

Fresh & Revitalized Accommodations

Monterey County will enhance its hospitality offerings with several new, updated, and soon-to-be-unveiled accommodations, encouraging exploration across the county’s varied landscapes. These include:

Monterey Hostel (Monterey) | Spring 2024 Debut

Situated a block away from the vibrant Lighthouse Avenue, the refreshed Monterey Hostel will offer budget-friendly accommodations while providing guests with opportunities for education and conservation.
Stilwell Hotel (Carmel-by-the-Sea) | March 2024 Opening

Nestled in the quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea, Stilwell will present 42 elegantly appointed rooms, boasting ocean vistas, in-room fireplaces, and complimentary amenities such as breakfast and parking, curated by Lark Hotels.
Home2 Suites by Hilton (Marina) | February 2024 Launch

Catering to families and pet lovers, this 93-room, all-suite hotel is ideal for extended stays, featuring in-suite kitchenettes.
La Playa Hotel (Carmel-by-the-Sea) | Comprehensive Renovation, October 2023

This historic 74-room hotel, affectionately known as “The Grand Dame of Carmel,” underwent a $15 million facelift, revitalizing its guestrooms, adding new suites, and upgrading its indoor and outdoor spaces.
Hilton Garden Inn (Monterey) | Complete Renovation, October 2023

Centrally located in Monterey, this hotel finished a comprehensive $17 million renovation, refreshing its public areas, guest rooms, pool, bar, and restaurant.
Le Petit Pali Ocean Ave & Le Petit Pali 8th Ave (Carmel-by-the-Sea) | July 2023 Opening

These two sister properties in Carmel-by-the-Sea, under the new Le Petit Pali brand by Palisociety, offer a combined 58 rooms and feature unique design elements, Champagne breakfasts, and social hours celebrating local businesses.
Carmel Beach Hotel (Carmel-by-the-Sea) | June 2023 Debut

A short walk from the beach, this luxury hotel occupies seven historic buildings with 26 rooms, offering ocean views, private decks, an exclusive spa, and the Secoya Restaurant, led by Michelin-starred Chef Justin Cogley.
Innovative and Diverse Culinary Experiences

Monterey County’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, embracing a variety of new dining and bar experiences, each with its unique narrative:

Mainlander’s Tropical Cocktail Lounge (Salinas) | Summer 2024 Opening

Perched above the newly opened Live @ Heirloom Pizza Co., this lounge will serve rum-based drinks in a tropical setting.
Sweet Reba’s (Salinas) | Summer 2024 Debut

Expanding from its Carmel bakery origins, Sweet Reba’s will bring its popular confections to Oldtown Salinas, along with new savory and lunch offerings.
Jeju (Carmel-by-the-Sea) | Spring 2024 Launch

Set to open in Carmel Plaza, Jeju will offer authentic South Korean and Jeju Island cuisine, with a preview available at Carmel Burger Bar.
Otto’s Bread Company (Salinas) | Spring 2024 Opening

Otto Kramm’s first bakery in downtown Salinas will feature a variety of sourdough bread, rolls, pretzels, pastries, and hot food.
Hops and Fog Brewing Company (Pacific Grove) | Spring 2024 Debut

This new brewpub in Pacific Grove will feature a wood-fired oven alongside its brews.
Solstice (Big Sur) | April 2024 Opening

As The Village’s premier restaurant, Solstice celebrates the summer solstice daily with Chef Tim Eelman’s cuisine, emphasizing local produce, fish, and game, cooked over a live fire.
The Village (Big Sur) | April 2024 Launch

At Big Sur’s entrance, The Village offers a trio of experiences: Big Sur Bodega, Solstice, and Word of Mouth Yoga, blending Big Sur’s history, flavors, and community spirit.
Lady & Larder (Carmel Valley) | December 2023 Opening

The Los Angeles-based cheese and sandwich shop, led by twin sisters Sarah and Boo Simms, opened its second location, highlighting local produce, cheeses, and natural wines.
Nicolás Cocina de Herencia (Carmel-by-the-Sea) | November 2023 Opening

Chef/Owner Susana Alvarez, known for Villa Azteca, brings specialty Michoacán dishes and family recipes to this chic space in Carmel Plaza.
Chalone Vineyard Tasting Room (Carmel-by-the-Sea) | November 2023 Debut

This renowned vineyard’s new tasting room in Carmel Plaza offers a selection of award-winning wines in a cozy, wood-accented setting.
Live @ Heirloom Pizza Co. (Salinas) | October 2023 Launch

Specializing in deep dish and thin crust pizzas, this eatery in Salinas also features a live music venue.
Ad Astra (Monterey) | August 2023 Opening

Ad Astra Bread Co.’s new downtown Monterey location serves artisanal sourdough and baked goods, with outdoor dining options.
The Annex (Carmel-by-the-Sea) | August 2023 Debut

This new wine garden offers local wines and small plates in a courtyard and interior space connected to the Seventh & Dolores restaurant.
Post No Bills (Carmel) | August 2023 Opening

The second Post No Bills location features two patios, a spacious interior with unique decor, pub fare, and over 14 local brews on tap.
Compact Disco (Monterey) | July 2023 Launch

Downtown Monterey’s new day and nightclub offers a tropical disco vibe, transforming from a HiFi listening room to a discotheque-style lounge.
Exciting Events and Immersive Experiences

Monterey boasts a wide array of entertainment options, including new attractions this year:

Tipsy Putt (Monterey) | February 2024 Opening

Near Cannery Row, this indoor mini-golf sports bar will serve local brews and wine, Mexican food, and interactive games.
Treasure Hunt: The Ride (Monterey) | July 2023 Debut

An immersive, interactive dark ride based on Pirate Captain Hippolyte

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