Things to Do in Monterey on Thanksgiving Weekend

WhatsUpMonterey Thanksgiving Weekend Roundup has us feeling grateful as it's full of ways to get the most out of life in Monterey Bay throughout the holiday. Check out our picks for the top events each day of this weekend. Whether you want to pick up your Thanksgiving meal and enjoy it at your home, hotel, or one of our recommended restaurants, you'll sure enjoy a yummy meal!

Thanksgiving in Monterey: A Feast for the Senses

Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove are ready to set your Thanksgiving table with many delicious feasts. Be it a traditional turkey dinner or a modern gastronomic twist, our local restaurants cater to every palate.

EDITOR'S PICK

Old Fisherman's Grotto, our editor's choice, will serve its traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. Menu includes herb and butter roasted fresh tom turkey, whipped yukon gold potatoes, seasoned giblet gravy, candied yams with marshmallows, fresh organic vegetables, stuffing made with dry fruits, nuts, herbs and sourdough bread, and homemade cranberry sauce. Dessert choices include pumpkin pecan pie with caramel sauce, fresh berries and whipped cream or rustic French apple tart with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. Adults $39.50 | Children $21.50 | Open at 11 am. Regular Menu Available! Call 831-375-4604.

THANKSGIVING IN CARMEL

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Grasing's Restaurant from 5 pm to 9:15 pm. Enjoy a luxurious three-course prix fixe menu for adults at $98, and children (12 and under) at $48. Plus, we offer convenient Thanksgiving To-Go options: Dinner for Eight at $400, Filet Mignon Family Dinner for Four at $260, with delivery options available. Don't miss out on this special Thanksgiving experience. To reserve or place your To-Go order, call (831) 624-6562.

Join Carmel Valley Ranch for a delectable Thanksgiving feast, from noon to 4 pm. Indulge in a traditional buffet dinner, complete with roasted turkey, prime rib, ham, thyme-sage stuffing, seafood, and a delectable pumpkin pie to finish. Pricing: $95++ for adults, $40++ for children aged 6-12, and complimentary dining for ages 5 and under. For those looking for more options, there's a prix fixe dinner featuring classic turkey breast and stuffing, as well as choices like wagyu filet mignon. Make your reservation now and savor the holiday flavors at Carmel Valley Ranch.

Graced with stunning views of the coastline, Pacific's Edge Restaurant at Hyatt Carmel Highlands, is offering a special four-course Thanksgiving feast from 5:30pm to -9pm. Menu includes butternut squash soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, Roasted beets and berries salad with cashew cheese, hand-carved turkey and smoked ham, mashed potatoes, haricot verts, brioche stuffing, cranberry coulis, gravy, and pumpkin or pecan pie without coffee or tea. $95, plus tax and 20 percent gratuity. Reservations are available via Open Table.

THANKSGIVING IN MONTEREY

Savor Thanksgiving at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa with a sumptuous buffet from Chef Michael Rotondo. Indulge in classics like roasted turkey and prime rib, along with a raw bar, charcuterie display, artisanal cheeses, and an array of delectable sides. The menu also features a variety of salads and a tempting dessert spread. Pricing: Adults $135, Children (6-13) $49, Children under 6 dine free. Don't miss this coastal Thanksgiving feast with breathtaking views.

Portola Hotel & Spa in Club Room is offering a traditional Thanksgiving feast the entire family will enjoy. Indulge in a spectacular display of California cheeses and cured meats, peel-and-eat shrimp, carved-to-order turkey, prime rib and maple glazed country ham, whipped potatoes, candied garnet yams and more including a decadent dessert display with classic pecan and pumpkin pie. While enjoying a feast to remember among family and friends, Dave Conely will be live on piano from 1 pm to 8 pm. Adults $89.95; Seniors (65 or older) $79.95; Children (6-12) $39.95

Looking for something mellow? Head to Peter B's Brewpub from noon to 8 pm. Dive into the festive spirit with our award-winning craft beer and catch the football game on one of our 18 HDTV screens. And the best part? You can savor a traditional Thanksgiving plate without the hassle of cooking! For just $37.95, indulge in a delicious meal that includes Turkey and Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans with Balsamic Glaze and Toasted Almonds, Traditional Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, and a slice of Pumpkin Pie. But that's not all – our full dinner menu is available, and we're offering Happy Hour from 4 pm to 6 pm. Seating is first-come, first-served, so walk right in and join the fun. If you'd rather enjoy your feast at home, call (831) 649-2699 for convenient takeout orders. Come on down to Peter B's Brewpub for a Thanksgiving to remember!

Estéban Restaurant at the historic Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa is offering a delicious 3-course menu. Chef Ben Hillan offers locally inspired choices for each course, featuring dishes like Squash and Roasted Pepper Bisque, Diestel Organic Heirloom Herb Roasted Turkey, and tempting sides. Finish with Classic Pumpkin Pie or Apple Pie. To-go options are also available for a hassle-free holiday meal. Join us for a delicious Thanksgiving gathering filled with food and stories. $78 for adults, and $38 for children (12 and under, kids under 5 dine free. Call 831.375.0176.

Experience a lavish Thanksgiving buffet at the Monterey Marriott's Ferrante's Bay View Room, offering sweeping coastal views from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. Delight in a diverse menu featuring Roasted Poblano and Corn Soup, a Seafood Display with Shrimp and Snow Crab Claws, Certified Angus Prime Rib, and more. Prices: Adults (13+): $89, Seniors (65+): $79, Children (5-12): $40, Children (4 and under): Free. Don't miss this delectable feast with a breathtaking backdrop.

Jacks Monterey is offering a traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner from 2 pm to 8 pm. Gather with your family and friends under the tree-lined atrium, pair your meal with award-winning wines, and let our team make your Thanksgiving an evening to remember! Course includes coke farm red & golden beet salad, turkey and gravy with mashed potatoes, traditional stuffing, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce. Choose a slice of pecan or pumpkin pie for dessert. $57.95++ per person. 20% gratuity will be added for groups of 6+. For reservations, call 831.649.7870.

THANKSGIVING IN PACIFIC GROVE

For a French and Mediterranean flare, Fandango's Thanksgiving menu, 1 pm to 7:30 pm, is your best choice, with spinach mimosa salad and kalamata olives as a starter, and entrees choices of roasted tom turkey with all the fixings or a filet of roasted beef with demi-glace madeira sauce, a grilled fresh salmon or tortellini maison with a basil cream sauce. End your meal with traditional Thanksgiving Day Desserts! $85 plus tip & tax for adults (no split orders) | $45 for children 12 & under. For reservations, call 831.372.3456 or use OpenTable.

Reserve your spot for Thanksgiving Dinner at Asilomar Conference Grounds from 2 pm to 6 pm by calling 831.642.4248. After dinner, enjoy live music by the bonfire from 6 pm to 9 pm. Don't forget to grab S'mores kits available for purchase at Phoebe's Cafe. It's a day of celebration you won't want to miss!

EXPLORE FURTHER CULINARY DELIGHTS

Beyond these highlighted experiences, our recommended restaurants section is brimming with options to satisfy every craving and culinary desire this Thanksgiving.

Outdoor Activities

Kickstart your Thanksgiving with a Turkey Trot at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, from 7 am to 11 am, by running, jogging, or walking along the iconic 2.238-mile race circuit where legendary drivers and riders have competed. Moreover, your contributions will make a meaningful impact on the Food Bank for Monterey County. To participate, bring $10 in cash, check, or card as a donation to support the Monterey County Food Bank. Your generosity goes a long way, as for every $1 received, the Food Bank can purchase $5 worth of food for families in need. Additionally, we welcome canned and non-perishable food items as donations. Feel free to bring your furry friends along, but please ensure they are always on a leash.

Pending weather conditions, there are plentiful and varied outdoor activities options from cycling, hiking, mountain climbing, and whale watching. It doesn't matter if you have an adventurous streak or prefer activities that are a bit more low-key and relaxed. Monterey's choices in recreation are abundant.

Biking the scenic 17-Mile Drive is highly recommended for amateurs and pros, kids and adults alike. You can start with a guided tour from Pacific Grove's Lovers Point Beach and up to Pebble Beach. Pacific Grove Adventures offers various bike types and models to fit all riders' needs. From beach cruisers to fun electric bikes, they've got you covered!

Lighting Up the Holiday Spirit

As the glow of Thanksgiving gives way to the twinkling lights of the festive season, don’t miss the enchanting Christmas tree lighting events happening throughout Monterey this weekend. It’s a delightful opportunity to bask in the holiday spirit with the community as dazzling lights bring a new sense of wonder to the bay area. Revel in the start of the holiday season and for more details on these can't-miss events, check out our guide to Christmas tree lighting ceremonies.

Plan Your Thanksgiving Getaway Today

Thanksgiving in Monterey is an excellent fun, leisure, and relaxation opportunity. Whether you love marvelous natural settings, golfing, amazing live entertainment, or something in between, you will enjoy your stay in Monterey Bay. If you want your Thanksgiving holiday to be rewarding, you should begin planning your Monterey getaway right away!

Begin planning your stay with accommodations like Hofsas House in Carmel, and explore more options in our recommended hotels section.

Wishing you a holiday filled with joy and delicious memories!