What Else to Do
Ogling over cars isn’t the only thing to do while in the area. The Monterey Peninsula is also the destination for some of the state’s best restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
For a unique wining and dining experience, visit the Chateau Julien Wine Estate (8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, 831.624.2600). Located at the foot of the Carmel Valley Mountains, it is one of the most lavish garden landscapes the region has to offer. The winery also features daily wine tastings open to the public, plus private wine tours. From August 10 to 14 at 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy “Dine In DiVine”, a prix-fixe Basque menu served outdoors, followed by a dessert lounge and vintage car display.
The most talked about restaurant in the area is the new Dametra Café (SE corner of Ocean & Lincoln, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 831.622.7766), a small place with big personality. The owners personally greet and seat guests as they arrive, while live music plays in the background. The menu is an eclectic blend of Mediterranean dishes from kebabs and falafel to homemade pizza.
With open views of the kitchen and lighted wine cellar, Cantinetta Luca (Dolores Street between Ocean and 7th, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 831.625.6500) is another genuinely entertaining fine-dining experience. The fare is simple, yet authentic, including wood-burned pizza and homemade pasta. The restaurant also boasts impressive wines-by-the-glass selection of more than 30 wines from almost every region in Italy.
The best shopping area is Carmel’s Ocean Avenue, which features dozens of unique jewelry boutiques and antique shops, and of course, designer fashion from Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta (Carmel Plaza, Ocean and Mission Street, 831.622.7400). Also worth visiting is Robert Talbott Carmel (Ocean Ave at Dolores, 831.624.6604). The distinguished men’s boutique is well-known for their handmade ties and shirts.
The Monterey Peninsula is also home to dozens of other vineyards with tasting rooms open daily, including like the beautiful Ventana Vineyards (2999 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Monterey, 831.372.7415), and the aforementioned tie designer’s Talbott Vineyards (53 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, 831.659.3500).
For those who enjoy and appreciate fine art, Monterey County is also scattered with art galleries, like the Thomas Kinkade National Archive (361 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, 831.655.5520), and the country’s second-oldest photo gallery, Weston Gallery (Sixth Ave between Dolores & Lincoln, Carmel, 831.624.4453).
And finally, what’s a trip to Pebble Beach without golf? Area favorites include Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill (2700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, 831.644.7956), Bayonet and Blackhorse (1 McClure Way, Seaside, 831.899.7271) and Poppy Hills (3200 Lopez Road, Pebble Beach, 831.622.8239).
