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 County throughout the holiday. Checkout 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 at one of our recommended restaurants, you'll sure enjoy a yummy meal!

Thanksgiving Meals and Dinners & Who's Open

Various restaurants in Carmel, Monterey and Pacific Grove will offer delicious thanksgiving dinners and plenty of wine.

EDITOR'S TOP 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 11am. Regular Menu Available! Call 831-375-4604.

THANKSGIVING IN CARMEL

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.

Celebrate Thanksgiving in comfortable elegance, with an autumn inspired four-course tasting menu complimented with a distinguished wine list and intimate setting at Lucia Restaurant & Bar in Carmel Valley. Finish your evening fireside - the perfect setting for a holiday nightcap and toast.  $155 per person, plus tax & gratuity. Call 831.658.3400. Ask about their day budget option!

Grasing's Restaurant Prix Fixe Thanksgiving Dinner will take place from 2:30pm to 8:30pm. Starters include butternut squash soup, forest mushroom tart, autumn salad, and Monterey Bay red abalone. Entrees include herb roasted turkey, bronzed sea bass, braised veal osso bucco, butternut squash ravioli, and grilled prime filet mignon. Top it all off with your choice of dessert, including granny smith apple & golden raisin fruit cup, pear spice cake, Adults $85 | Children Under 12 $45, plus tax and gratuity. Call 831-624-6562 for reservations.

THANKSGIVING IN MONTEREY

Estéban Restaurant at the historic Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa is offering a delicious three-course Thanksgiving dinner at its patio. Expect delicious bites such as roasted turkey, brioche stuffing, apple tart and more. Dinner is served from 2pm to 8pm. Warm your heart with a winter squash bisque or warm spinach salad. Then dive into a diestel organic heirloom herb roasted turkey with cranberry relish and pan giblet gravy. Sides include whipped buttermilk yukon potatoes, roasted root vegetables, spanish chorizo, and artisanal dinner rolls. Dessert include classic pumpkin pie. Adults $68 plus tax. Call 831.375.0176.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Monterey Plaza Hotel from 1pm to 6pm and enjoy a thoughtfully prepared buffet of seasonal favorites and coastal specialties by Chef Michael Rotondo. The menu will feature classics including roasted turkey, prime rib and holiday sides, along with seasonal salads, a raw bar, cheese and charcuterie, and an abundance of festive desserts. Adults $135 | $49. Call 831.372.2628. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa also allows you to enjoy more time with your family and less time in the kitchen with the Plaza’s Thanksgiving To-Go Dinner! Receive one cooked Diestel Family Ranch organic turkey with an array of seasonal side dishes, soup, salad and dessert. Serves 6-8 guests.

Jacks Monterey is offering a traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner from 1pm to 9pm. 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. $54.95+ per person. 20% gratuity will be added for groups of 6+. For reservations, call 831.649.7870.

Portola Hotel & Spa in Grand Ballroom 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 1:30pm to 8:30pm.

Looking for something mellow? Head to Peter B's and enjoy their award-winning craft beer, football on 18 HDTV’s, and a traditional Thanksgiving plate for $34.95, including turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, traditional stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a slice of pumpkin pie. Peter B’s full menu will be available, including Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm. Seating is first come, first serve, and walk-in only. To-go orders are available, by calling 831.649.2699.

THANKSGIVING IN PACIFIC GROVE

For a French and Mediterranean flare, Fandango's Thanksgiving menu, 1pm to 7:30pm, 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.

THANKSGIVING IN MARINA

Gather with friends and family at Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette and enjoy a curated buffet inspired by its unique natural surroundings and local farms. Enjoy the very best of California’s Central Coast served up by our talented culinary team. $95 per person (excluding taxes and alcohol). 12 PM to 7 PM. Call 831.883.5535 for more information.

You may also want to check our other recommended restaurants for restaurants offering regular menu yummy options!

Outdoor Activities

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 if you 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 off yourself or 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 got you covered!

Start Planning Your Thanksgiving Vacation Today

Thanksgiving in Monterey is a great opportunity for fun, leisure, and relaxation. Whether you love marvelous natural settings, golfing, amazing live entertainment, or anything 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!

For lodging and accommodations, we highly recommend Hofsas House in Carmel. Other options are included in our recommended hotels section.

Have a wonderful holiday!