Monterey County enters 2026 with the quiet confidence of a destination that knows its worth—and is thoughtfully elevating every facet of the experience. From the long-awaited full reopening of Highway 1 through Big Sur to a wave of design-forward hotels, chef-driven dining, and expanded air access, the year ahead signals a polished new chapter for California’s storied Central Coast.
Anchoring the moment are two new initiatives from See Monterey that add cultural depth to the destination’s natural beauty. Monterey 1000 unfolds as a yearlong commemoration of a millennium of local history, while Off the Canvas invites travelers to engage with the county’s public art scene and the artists shaping it. Together, they reflect a broader shift toward more meaningful, place-driven travel.
Elevated Stays Along the Coast and Valley
Monterey County’s hospitality landscape is evolving with a blend of high-design newcomers, refreshed icons, and wellness-forward experiences.
Kimpton Mirador Pacific Grove (Pacific Grove) | Opening Winter 2026
Kimpton’s first Central Coast property arrives in Pacific Grove with 99 rooms defined by Spanish Revival elegance and a strong sense of place. Amenities include a signature restaurant, The Caledonian, a fireside courtyard, and complimentary wellness programming—from yoga to sound baths. Reservations are now available for early February arrivals.
Courtyard by Marriott Sand City Monterey & Residence Inn Sand City Monterey (Sand City) | Opening January 2026
Sand City’s inaugural hotel development blends creative culture with accessibility. The dual-branded property features a Lido-inspired event space spotlighting local artists and offers a strategically central base near Pebble Beach, Carmel, and Monterey.
Carmel Valley Ranch (Carmel Valley) | Spa Relaunch Spring 2026
Wellness takes center stage with the debut of Spa Aiyana, following a comprehensive spa refresh designed to deepen the resort’s connection to the land and its restorative ethos.
Isabella (Monterey) | Opening May 2026
From the family behind Fish Hopper comes a 20-room boutique motel—intimate, design-conscious, and tailored for travelers who value character over scale.
The Lodge at Pebble Beach (Pebble Beach) | Reopened October 2025
This legendary property reemerges with a reimagined arrival experience and an expanded Terrace Lounge overlooking Stillwater Cove and the 18th hole. The Tap Room steakhouse and Stillwater restaurant have both reopened, reaffirming the Lodge’s place at the intersection of golf, gastronomy, and timeless luxury.
Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach | New Wellness Programming
Casa Palmero’s new Wellness Mini Bar delivers spa-level recovery directly to guest rooms, with infrared sauna blankets, PEMF therapy mats, percussion massagers, and curated comforts such as CBD soaks and Kashwére textiles.
Monterey Beach Hotel (Monterey)
The newly launched Reset Lab introduces an open-air wellness concept featuring Scandinavian-style barrel saunas, cold plunges, and recovery experiences—welcoming both hotel guests and the local community.
A Culinary Scene Rooted in Place
Monterey County’s food and wine offerings continue to mature, guided by local bounty and serious culinary talent.
In Salinas, Sweet Reba’s Bakery & Kitchen brings its celebrated pastries and savory fare to Main Street, expanding the footprint of Food Network–recognized baker Reba Wilson. Carmel-by-the-Sea welcomes Atelier Domaine Messier, where visitors can sample limited-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in an art-gallery setting, as well as VIN By the Sea, a boutique wine bar pairing small-production labels with chef-driven cuisine.
Downtown Monterey gains Benny Walkers, an American-fusion concept from the team behind The Butter House, while Marina welcomes new outposts of El Charrito, famed for its handmade flour tortillas, and Lalla Grill, known for locally inspired dishes.
Michelin-starred chef Justin Cogley brings a more relaxed expression of his culinary philosophy to Carmel-by-the-Sea with Corner Market, opening in spring 2026 with seasonal crudos, grilled oysters, and market-style lunches.
In Carmel Valley, Lepe Cellars debuts a new tasting room in the Village, showcasing exclusive wines from Miguel Lepe, the first Mexican-American winery owner on the Monterey Peninsula.
Access, Experiences, and Milestones
Ease of access defines the year ahead. In March 2026, Big Sur’s iconic stretch of Highway 1 is expected to fully reopen, restoring uninterrupted passage along one of the world’s most celebrated coastal drives. Air connectivity also improves with United Airlines’ new seasonal nonstop flight between Monterey and Chicago, launching May 23, 2026.
Experiential travel takes a thrilling turn with the opening of the Porsche Track Experience at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, offering drivers the chance to master one of motorsport’s most storied circuits.
Cultural and environmental milestones round out the calendar. The Castroville Artichoke Festival returns home in September 2026, while the 250th anniversary of the De Anza Trail invites exploration of a historic route that passes directly through Monterey County. In Moss Landing, Monterey Bay Eco Tours prepares to launch California’s first hybrid-electric whale watching vessel, underscoring the region’s leadership in sustainable tourism.
Finally, the certification of Regenerate 68! Farm as organic by California Certified Organic Farmers marks a significant step for regenerative agriculture, reinforcing Monterey County’s role at the forefront of climate-conscious innovation.
Polished yet grounded, historic yet forward-looking, Monterey County in 2026 offers a rare balance—where luxury is defined not by excess, but by access, authenticity, and a profound sense of place.
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