Fall in Monterey, Pebble Beach, & Carmel

Autumn in Monterey, nestled along the rugged Pebble Beach–Carmel coastline, is a season that whispers of cozy wine tastings, fiery foliage, and seaside tranquility transitioning into a tranquil embrace. Here's a fun, keyword-rich blog post brimming with must-do fall fun in Monterey, Pebble Beach, and Carmel—complete with pumpkins, festivals, and unforgettable coastal magic.

Why It's So Special

• Second Summer Vibes: Fall often brings the warmest and sunniest stretch of the year—Monterey’s “second summer.” With fewer crowds, it's the perfect time to explore coastal trails, beaches, and charming villages.
• Golden Coastline Views: The iconic fog and vibrant fall light make the scenic drive through Pebble Beach along 17-Mile Drive even more enchanting, with the Lone Cypress and rugged shoreline bathed in seasonal glow.
• Nature’s Spectacles: Fall ushers in wildlife wonders—from migrating whales offshore to monarch butterflies clustering in Pacific Grove and sea otters frolicking near Cannery Row.

Top Fall Activities in Monterey & Surroundings

1. Whale Watching & Wildlife

Hop aboard a whale-watching tour from Monterey Bay—it's prime time for blue whales, humpbacks, and orcas. Companies like Fast Raft Ocean Safaris and Discovery Whale Watch offer eco-conscious, intimate trips that feel unforgettable.

Photo by montereybaywhalewatch.com

2. Scenic Drives & Coastal Hikes

Cruise through 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach for postcard-worthy stopping points like Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay.
Go for coastal hikes—Point Lobos offers breathtaking vistas, or explore Jacks Peak Park for autumnal forest walks with sweeping views of Monterey Bay.

3. Harvest Fun: Pumpkin Patches & Fall Farms

Get your hands dirty—or at least your camera ready—at Borchard Farms in Salinas, known for a corn maze and giant pumpkins, and Earthbound Farm Stand on Carmel Valley Road for organic autumn finds.
Nearby, The Farm in Salinas features hayrides, a bakery, and family-friendly fun.
In Carmel, experience the artistic side of fall at the Glass Pumpkin Patch of Carmel, where hand-blown beauties transform autumn into art.

Photo from ediblemontereybay.com

4. Seasonal Events & Festivals

• Monterey Jazz Festival (Sept 26–29): A legendary musical weekend of jazz, blues, and cultural flair.
• Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach (starting Sept 19): Witness elite golf set amid legendary coastal fairways.
• Taste of Carmel (Oct 2): A delicious blend of food, wine, and local ambiance in Carmel Mission Courtyard.
• Glass Pumpkin Patch of Carmel (Sept 13–14): See fall artistry come alive.
• Monarch butterfly migration: Watch thousands of monarchs arrive in Pacific Grove around October.
• Halloween on the Wharf on Monterey’s Old Fisherman's Wharf: Trick-or-treat fun, photo ops, and costume contests make this a local fall favorite.
• Carmel Pumpkin Roll (Oct 25): It’s playful, quirky, and a beloved tradition—rolling pumpkins down Ocean Avenue, supplied by the town itself!

5. Culture, Ghost Tours & History

Take a ghost tour through historic Monterey for some spine-tingling storytelling.
Wander Cannery Row, explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or soak in the Spanish colonial charm of the Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo—California’s oldest stone building.

6. Cozy Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley

As vines turn golden, Carmel Valley wineries like Folktale and Bernardus offer warm tasting rooms, picturesque fall vineyards, and local wine culture just minutes from Monterey.