How to Survive the End of Football Season (And Why It’s the Perfect Time to Think About Monterey Real Estate)

Every year, football fans face the same inevitable heartbreak. The Super Bowl ends, the final whistle blows, and just like that—the season is over. No more Sunday rituals, no more fantasy football debates, and no more built-in excuse to consume a staggering amount of chicken wings. Instead, there's a long, empty stretch of time before the NFL Draft provides even a glimmer of hope.

But just because football is over doesn’t mean the excitement has to end. With the right game plan, the post-season blues can be turned into an opportunity—whether that means picking up a new hobby, finding a fresh way to stay entertained, or even shifting focus to something with more long-term impact, like real estate in the stunning Monterey Peninsula.

Step 1: Denial – Reliving the Season Through Replays and Highlights

The first stage of coping is simple: refuse to accept that it’s over. This is the time for deep dives into classic Super Bowl replays, highlight reels, and maybe even rewatching this past season’s biggest moments—especially if they ended in heartbreak.

For those looking to immerse themselves in post-season nostalgia, sports bars around Monterey offer the perfect setting. Alvarado Street Brewery (426 Alvarado St, Monterey) and Peter B’s Brewpub (2 Portola Plaza, Monterey) keep the TVs on and the drinks flowing, making it easy to revisit the glory days of the season just gone by.

Step 2: The Rebound – Trying to Get Into Another Sport

For many fans, the end of football season signals an attempt to fill the void with another sport. Basketball, hockey, and even soccer all try to step up, but let’s be honest—nothing quite compares to the energy of football Sundays.

Luckily, Monterey has its own set of exciting sports to check out. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, held every February, blends world-class golf with celebrity appearances, offering a unique blend of competition and entertainment. Those looking for something with a little more intensity can catch a Monterey Bay F.C. soccer match at Cardinale Stadium in Seaside, where the energy of live sports keeps the competitive spirit alive.

Step 3: The Distraction – Finding a New Weekend Tradition

Sundays may feel empty without football, but Monterey offers plenty of ways to fill the time. Instead of sitting on the couch, why not take advantage of everything the area has to offer?

• Explore Big Sur – With the crowds thinned out after peak tourist season, this is the perfect time to take a scenic drive down Highway 1 or go for a hike at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
• Wine Tasting in Carmel Valley – Football season may be known for beer and tailgates, but now is a great time to elevate the weekend experience with tastings at Folktale Winery (8940 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel) or Bernardus Winery (5 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley).
• Whale Watching on the Bay – February and March are peak months for gray whale migration along the Monterey Bay. A tour with companies like Monterey Bay Whale Watch offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

Step 4: The Long-Term Play – Looking at the Bigger Picture

With extra free time on Sundays, it might be the perfect moment to focus on something with lasting impact. For those who have been considering a move, upgrade, or investment in real estate, now is a great time to explore the Monterey Peninsula’s housing market.

Without the distraction of football, weekends can be spent touring homes, exploring new neighborhoods, and envisioning a future in one of the most beautiful coastal regions in the country. The quieter winter and early spring months also make for a great time to get ahead of the competition before the peak buying season kicks in.

Step 5: Channel Your Inner Coach – Become the MVP of Home Projects

Football may be over, but there’s no offseason for getting things done. With Sundays suddenly wide open, why not tackle that home improvement project you’ve been putting off?

• Draft Your Dream Backyard: Whether it's adding a fire pit, outdoor seating, or a built-in barbecue, now is the perfect time to start planning before the warmer months hit.
• Upgrade Your Fan Cave: Just because the season is over doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for the next one. Install a new entertainment system, stock up on memorabilia, or create the ultimate watch party setup.
• Spring Cleaning with a Purpose: If moving has been on your mind, use this time to declutter, stage your home, and start strategizing for the best possible sale. A little prep now can pay off big when the market heats up.

Step 6: Host a “Football Withdrawal” Support Group (a.k.a. Game Night)

If Sunday nights feel eerily quiet without the usual game-day gatherings, replace them with something just as social. Organize a weekly poker night, trivia showdown, or classic board game competition. Bonus points for football-themed snacks and a referee outfit for the host.

• Where to Grab Game Night Snacks: Stop by The Cheese Shop in Carmel (Ocean Ave & Junipero, Carmel-by-the-Sea) for the perfect charcuterie spread or swing by Monterey Fish Company (Monterey Municipal Wharf #2) for fresh seafood to elevate the snack game.

For those who prefer to keep the competition going outside the house, Monterey has plenty of great arcades and game lounges, like Dave & Buster’s in Seaside or the vintage pinball machines at Silverball Ranch in Moss Landing.

Step 7: Plan the Ultimate “Football Is Back” Trip

The good news? Football will return. The better news? You have months to plan an epic road trip to a game in the fall.

• Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium – Catching a game in Vegas? Pair it with a luxury weekend at The Strip’s finest resorts.
• San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium – A short trip up the coast, with the chance to make a weekend out of it in the Bay Area.
• A College Football Experience – Whether it's a trip to USC, UCLA, or even an SEC showdown, now is the time to start looking at schedules and booking flights.

Step 8: Turn Your Home into the Ultimate Offseason Escape

If the post-football blues have you down, why not use the time to make your home a place you truly love?

• Upgrade Your Outdoor Space – Spring is around the corner, making this the perfect time to add a new patio setup, install string lights, or start planning a garden.
• Create a Cozy Entertainment Space – Transform your living room into the ultimate movie-watching or gaming lounge. Invest in that big-screen TV you’ve been eyeing, upgrade the sound system, and make Sundays a movie marathon day.
• Declutter & Refresh – If a move has been on your mind, now’s the time to prepare your home for the spring real estate market. A little decluttering, a fresh coat of paint, and some simple updates can make a huge difference when it comes time to sell.

Final Thought: The Offseason Is What You Make It

Football may be on pause, but that doesn’t mean life has to slow down. From exploring the Monterey Peninsula to making strategic real estate moves, this is the time to shift gears and embrace everything the region has to offer.

Before you know it, training camps will open, preseason games will return, and Sundays will be spoken for once again. Until then, Monterey has more than enough to keep you busy—and who knows? By the time football season rolls back around, you might just be watching from the comfort of a brand-new home.

Photo by Maria Ziegler on Unsplash