# Monterey Car Week: what to do between sessions in Monterey and Pebble Beach

Source: https://eventweekends.com/culture/monterey-car-week/
Last checked: 2026-11-02

## In short

- **When:** 9 to 15 August 2027 (expected, not yet confirmed by the organiser)
- **Where:** Pebble Beach and venues around the peninsula, Monterey and Pebble Beach, United States, about 6 km from the centre
- **Free time:** Gaps of two to four hours between screenings or shows, and whole days for companions.
- **Best base:** Monterey and Pacific Grove: Near Cannery Row.
- **Getting there:** Monterey (MRY) has a few flights; San José (SJC) is 1 hour 15 minutes.
- **Weather:** In August, Monterey and Pebble Beach averages highs of about 19°C and lows of 13°C, with roughly 1 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 13 h 45 min of daylight.
- **Top things to do:** Monterey Bay Aquarium; Big Sur coast drive; Whale watching

## Know before you go

- The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance closes the week on Sunday.

## Weather and what to pack

In August, Monterey and Pebble Beach averages highs of about 19°C and lows of 13°C, with roughly 1 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 13 h 45 min of daylight.
- Rain is unlikely: this is one of the driest months.
- Comfortable walking shoes and a small day bag.

## Airport to venue

Monterey (MRY) has a few flights; San José (SJC) is 1 hour 15 minutes.

Shuttles from Monterey; book months ahead.

## Where to stay

- **budget:** Seaside and Marina. Cheaper motels.
- **mid:** Monterey and Pacific Grove. Near Cannery Row.
- **luxury:** Carmel and Pebble Beach. The Lodge at Pebble Beach.
- Hotels we would book: Seaside Inn Monterey (budget), Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa (mid), The Lodge at Pebble Beach (luxury)

## Day plans for the free hours

### Between screenings or shows

A two- to four-hour gap: something close by.
- Half-day: Kayak with sea otters. Calm harbour paddles.
- Eat: Old Fisherman's Grotto, Clam chowder

### A free day

For companions without a pass, or attendees taking a day off.
- Full day: Big Sur coast drive. Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls.

### Evenings

After the last show of the day.
- After dark: Cannery Row.
- Eat: Carmel-by-the-Sea cafés, Fairytale village

### Rainy day

Indoor backups.
- Rain or heat backup: Monterey Bay Aquarium. One of the world's best.
- Free: 17-Mile Drive (fee for cars, free for bikes).

## Tours worth booking

- [Monterey Bay Aquarium](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Monterey%20Bay%20Aquarium%20tickets&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-monterey-car-week): One of the world's best.
- [Big Sur coast drive](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Big%20Sur%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-monterey-car-week): Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls.
- [Whale watching](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Monterey%20whale%20watching&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-monterey-car-week): Year-round.
- [Kayak with sea otters](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Monterey%20kayak&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-monterey-car-week): Calm harbour paddles.
- [Carmel Valley wine tasting](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Carmel%20Valley%20wine&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-monterey-car-week): Tasting rooms.

## Where to eat

- Old Fisherman's Grotto: Clam chowder
- Carmel-by-the-Sea cafés: Fairytale village

## With kids

- Monterey Bay Aquarium.

## Rainy-day backups

- Aquarium.
- Cannery Row museums.

## Getting around

- You need a car or shuttle; tournament shuttles run from park-and-ride lots.

## Questions people ask

### When is Monterey Car Week 2027?

The next edition is 9 to 15 August 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

### What is the weather like during Monterey Car Week?

In August, Monterey and Pebble Beach averages highs of about 19°C and lows of 13°C, with roughly 1 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 13 h 45 min of daylight.

### How do I get from the airport to Pebble Beach and venues around the peninsula?

Monterey (MRY) has a few flights; San José (SJC) is 1 hour 15 minutes. Shuttles from Monterey; book months ahead.

### Where should I stay for Monterey Car Week?

For most visitors the best base is Monterey and Pacific Grove: Near Cannery Row.

### What can we do between sessions at Monterey Car Week?

Good short outings in Monterey and Pebble Beach include Monterey Bay Aquarium, Whale watching, Kayak with sea otters. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

### What is there for kids and families near Monterey Car Week?

Family-friendly picks: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Whale watching, Kayak with sea otters. Monterey Bay Aquarium.

### How far is Pebble Beach and venues around the peninsula from Monterey and Pebble Beach centre?

About 6 km in a straight line. Shuttles from Monterey; book months ahead.

More in Monterey and Pebble Beach: https://eventweekends.com/city/monterey/