Memorial Day Weekend The Monterey Way

While the flowers are blooming and sunny weather around the corner, Memorial Day weekend in Monterey is a great way to create lovely moments. Music lovers will appreciate this this long weekend through various concerts and performances. Other activities and things to do are also available for a more relaxing weekend.

 

Carmel

Carmel's mesmerizing white sand beach is a great option to relax and soak some sun. Walk along the Scenic Bluff Pathway above the beach or opt to get close to the water, play a game of volleyball, surf, swim or walk in the sand. Whatever you choose to do on your beach day, make sure to bring along sunscreen and a camera to capture the colorful sky, clear blue water and natural surroundings.

Check out some of the best foodie hotspots in Carmel with Carmel Food Tour. Make seven stops in three hours and try foods such as olive oil, vinegar on ice cream, wine and chocolates. Vegetarians and non-drinkers can be accommodated on these tours. Enough food will be served so that you should not need to eat an additional meal beforehand. The TreeHouse Cafe is a great retreat with an outdoor cozy patio. Mention WhatsUpMonterey and receive 1 free complimentary wine glass.

Monterey

No visit to Monterey is complete without a visit to Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf. This historic landmark offers shops, fresh seafood restaurants, whale watching tours and entertainment. This is a great place to also pick up some souvenirs. Since the wharf intersects with the coastal recreational trail, you can take a nice oceanview walk to McBee beach or even Cannery Row!

Monterey County Pops, a 40-piece professional orchestra, will be presenting a free Memorial Day Concert on the City Hall Lawn featuring favorite American popular and patriotic tunes.

Spend a day watching and learning about marine life and conservation efforts at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. See animals such as penguins, sea otters and octopi. Witness a seabird feeding and stick your hand in the touch tank.

If wildlife fascinates you, you can take a whale watching excursion to view blue whales, orcas, dolphins and humpback whales!

Get your culture fix in at the Monterey Museum of Art. Paintings, photographs and contemporary art are all on display. Spend time meandering through galleries and studying works. A large collection of Asian art, including woodblock prints, is a highlight.

For terrace lounge lovers, head to Jacks Terrace located in Portola Hotel & Spa on Friday evening. From live music, cocktails to small plates, you will love this pet-friendly terrace.

Pacific Grove

People who love to spend time doing anything outdoors will have fun at Lovers Point Park and Beach. You can surf, swim "yes it's cold but refreshing", kayak or even scuba dive in the aqua water. After spending time being active, you can set up a picnic lunch while you watch the waves. Pacific Grove Adventures is located on the beach and offers kayak rentals, wet suits, bike and ebike rentals and much more!

While in Pacific Grove, get your bloom on with a Spring Wildflower Walk through the Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve. This free tour lasts an hour and family-friendly.

EVENTS

From yoga and music to sightseeing and beach-going, there is no shortage of things to do during Memorial Day Weekend in Monterey. Check out our recommended events:

California Roots Festival on May 24-26

This three-day Reggae festival features performances by hard-hitting lineup includes bay area based reggae band Stick Figure, hip-hop legends Atmosphere and Cypress Hill (who recently was the first Latinx hip hop group to land a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame), rising star Tash Sultana, reggae roots staples Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution and Pepper, soulful band G Love and Special Sauce, and many more. Buy Your Ticket Today!

 

Yoga in the Vines on May 26

Enjoy a relaxing yoga session at the Folktale Winery. After over an hour of guided yoga, enjoy a glass of wine.

 

Explore Your Choices and Enjoy!

If you spend Memorial Day Weekend in Monterey, and the surrounding area, you will have an action-packed three days. Whether you sample dishes on a food tour, or dance to live music, memories will be made that will not be soon forgotten. Remember to check the weather before planning your activities.

For lodging and accommodations, check our recommended hotels and book direct. For more fun activities and ideas, check our things to see and do in Monterey section or browse the calendar of events.