Memorial Day Weekend The Monterey Way

While the flowers are blooming and sunny weather is just around the corner, Memorial Day Weekend in Monterey County is a wonderful time to relax, explore, and celebrate. From live music and scenic beach strolls to food tours and cultural activities, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, or nearby coastal gems, here’s how to make the most of the long weekend.

Carmel

Carmel’s mesmerizing white sand beach offers the perfect setting to unwind and soak in the sun. You can walk along the Scenic Bluff Pathway above the beach, or get closer to the water to surf, play beach volleyball, or simply stroll along the shore. Don’t forget sunscreen and a camera to capture the colorful sky and natural surroundings.

Carmel also offers a fantastic culinary scene. For an elegant evening, try Anton & Michel, known for its refined ambiance and tableside service. Just steps away from the beach, Rockfish Harbor Grill in nearby Monterey offers fresh seafood with harbor views, while Whaling Station Steakhouse on Cannery Row serves up premium steaks in a classic setting. Each delivers a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of the Central Coast.

Need a place to stay? Browse our Carmel lodging options for hotel recommendations.

Monterey

No visit to Monterey is complete without exploring Old Fisherman’s Wharf. The historic waterfront offers fresh seafood, souvenir shops, and whale watching tours. From there, walk or bike along the scenic Coastal Recreation Trail to McAbee Beach or Cannery Row.

The world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must for families and marine life enthusiasts. With hands-on exhibits and unique sea creatures, it’s a memorable stop for all ages.

If you're drawn to art and culture, visit the Monterey Museum of Art, where you'll find rotating exhibitions, photography, and an impressive collection of Asian woodblock prints.

Whale watching tours are also in full swing this time of year. Blue whales, humpbacks, orcas, and dolphins are frequently spotted on Monterey Bay excursions.

Explore Monterey lodging options for stays close to the action.

Pacific Grove

For outdoor enthusiasts, Lovers Point Park and Beach offers a variety of options, from surfing and kayaking to biking and picnicking. Pacific Grove Adventures is located right on the beach and provides rentals for kayaks, bikes, wetsuits, and more.

Pacific Grove also offers one of the best coastal walking trails around. And if you’re visiting in spring, don’t miss the Asilomar Wildflower Walk, a free, family-friendly tour through the Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve led by expert guides.

Looking for a quiet coastal retreat? Check our Pacific Grove lodging recommendations.

EVENTS

Memorial Day Weekend brings a wide variety of events to the Monterey Peninsula, from family-friendly concerts to major music festivals. Here are some highlights to help plan your itinerary.

Monterey County Pops! Memorial Day Concert

On Monday, May 26, the lawn in front of Monterey City Hall and Colton Hall transforms into a vibrant outdoor venue for a free patriotic concert. The event begins at 12:45pm with Heartstrings, followed by the Soquel High School Jazz Singers at 1:15pm. At 2:00pm, the 40-piece Monterey County Pops! Orchestra, led by Dr. Carl Christensen, will perform a selection of popular and patriotic music. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic snacks.

California Roots Festival

Taking place May 23–25 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, this three-day festival features reggae, hip-hop, and alternative artists, including Rebelution, Dirty Heads, T-Pain, SOJA, and Atmosphere. With food vendors, art installations, and thousands of fans, “Cali Roots” is a major celebration of music and culture over Memorial Day Weekend. Buy Your Ticket Today!

Spring Wildflower Walk at Asilomar

Celebrate the natural beauty of the coast with a free, guided wildflower walk through Asilomar Dunes. This one-hour tour is educational and perfect for nature lovers of all ages.

Explore Your Choices and Enjoy

Whether you spend Memorial Day Weekend relaxing by the beach, attending live concerts, sampling local cuisine, or hiking along coastal cliffs, Monterey County offers something memorable for every type of traveler.

For lodging and accommodations, check out our recommended hotels and book direct. To discover even more activities, browse our Things to Do section or view our full Events Calendar for updated listings.