Hello, Summer! The Best Things to Do on the Monterey Peninsula This Season

Summer has officially arrived on the Monterey Peninsula, bringing longer days, vibrant events, coastal adventures, and countless reasons to spend more time outdoors. Whether you're a local looking to make the most of the season or a visitor discovering the area for the first time, summer is one of the most magical times of year to experience Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach, and Pacific Grove. From hidden hiking trails and dog-friendly adventures to outdoor concerts and world-class golf, here's your guide to making the most of summer on California's most beautiful coastline.

Start Your Morning on the Trails

Before the crowds arrive, there's no better way to begin a summer day than with a hike. While Point Lobos often gets the spotlight, locals know there are plenty of lesser-known trails worth exploring. Jack's Peak County Park offers incredible panoramic views of Monterey Bay and Carmel Valley through forests of Monterey pine and oak. For a more challenging adventure, Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley features miles of trails and rewarding vistas.

If you're bringing your dog along, head to the Carmel River State Beach trails or the scenic pathways throughout Carmel Valley and Del Monte Forest where four-legged companions can enjoy the outdoors right alongside you.

Take Advantage of Dog-Friendly Carmel

One of the things people love most about Carmel is how welcoming it is to dogs. Many local restaurants offer dog-friendly patios, shops keep water bowls outside for visiting pups and Carmel Beach remains one of the most beloved dog-friendly, off leash beaches in California. Watching dozens of dogs sprint across the white sand at sunset has become a quintessential Carmel experience. Even if you don't own a dog, it's hard not to smile at the carefree frolicking and canine interactions that take place there every day.

Enjoy Outdoor Dining Season

Summer means patio season. Grab lunch overlooking the ocean in Pacific Grove, enjoy wine tasting in Carmel Valley, or settle into one of Carmel-by-the-Sea's charming courtyards for dinner under the stars. Some local favorites become even better in summer when outdoor seating is in full swing and coastal evenings provide the perfect backdrop for lingering a little longer.

Explore Monterey Bay by Water

Most visitors see Monterey Bay from shore, but summer is the perfect opportunity to get out on the water. Try kayaking among sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions, sailing on Monterey Bay, stand-up paddleboarding in calmer coves, tide pooling at Asilomar, or sign up for a whale watching excursion which often feature migrating humpback whales, dolphins and orca pods during the summer months. The marine life this time of year can be extraordinary and create lifelong memories.

Summer Festivals & Events

The Monterey Peninsula's event calendar comes alive during summer. A few favorites include the Carmel Bach Festival, Monterey County Fair, concerts at Folktale Winery, Sunset Center or the Golden State theater, the world-renowned Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, art festivals and outdoor markets throughout Carmel and Pacific Grove, and weekly farmers markets featuring local produce, flowers, and artisan goods. One of the best parts of summer here is stumbling upon an event you didn't plan for and discovering a new local tradition.

Pack a Picnic

The Peninsula offers no shortage of spectacular picnic locations. Some favorites include Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove, Carmel Beach at sunset, Asilomar State Beach, Devendorf Park in downtown Carmel or the lawn overlooking Stillwater Cove in Pebble Beach. Bring a blanket, pick up lunch from a local deli, and enjoy one of the most scenic outdoor dining experiences anywhere.

Golf, Tennis & Coastal Living

Of course, summer and the Monterey Peninsula are practically synonymous with outdoor recreation. Whether you're playing a round in Pebble Beach, enjoying a casual afternoon at MPCC, taking a tennis lesson, or simply watching golfers finish their rounds from a clubhouse patio, summer is when the area's legendary lifestyle truly shines.

Don't Miss the Sunset

Perhaps the simplest summer activity of all is watching the sun dip into the Pacific. Take a drive along 17-Mile Drive, walk Carmel Beach, sit at Lover’s Point, or find a quiet overlook in Pebble Beach. Every evening offers a slightly different show, and it's one of the reasons people fall in love with this area year after year.

The Best Part of Summer

Summer on the Monterey Peninsula isn't about checking items off a list. It's about slowing down and enjoying the lifestyle that makes this place so special. A morning hike, an afternoon on the water, dinner with friends, a walk on the beach with your dog, and a sunset over the Pacific - sometimes that's all you need for a perfect summer day. So here's to longer days, coastal adventures, and another unforgettable season on the Monterey Peninsula.