New and Notable in Monterey County in 2025: Openings and Celebrations
From Hotel Developments to Culinary Delights and Cultural Milestones, Discover What's Ahead in this Coastal Enclave
MONTEREY, Calif., Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Monterey County is poised for an exciting year ahead with a series of new accommodations, dining experiences and significant anniversaries that highlight the region's rich heritage and vibrant culture. As the community welcomes fresh hospitality options like the upcoming Kimpton Hotel in Pacific Grove and the recently opened Monterey Beach Hotel, visitors can also indulge in an array of culinary offerings from local favorites. Additionally, 2025 marks a year of celebration, including landmark anniversaries for the Carmel Bach Festival and other cultural icons, ensuring that both locals and visitors can enjoy the best of what this beautiful region has to offer.
"Monterey County's spirit of exploration and authenticity shines through in every new opening and milestone," said Rob O'Keefe, President and CEO of See Monterey. "With expanded accommodations, unique culinary additions and landmark celebrations, this year promises countless opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich culture and beauty of our destination. Monterey County continues to inspire travelers to linger, discover and connect on a deeper level."
Accommodations & Hotel Experiences
Exciting new lodging options across Monterey County provide travelers with a diverse selection of stylish and distinctive accommodations. From luxurious hotels to charming boutique inns, each property reflects the region's unique character and natural beauty.
- Kimpton (Pacific Grove) | Opening Late 2025
The upcoming Kimpton Hotel in the heart of quaint Pacific Grove will bring a new level of hospitality to the area, featuring stylish accommodations and unique amenities that reflect the charm of Monterey County. - Fisherman's Cove Inn (Monterey) | Opened Fall 2024
Newly opened Fisherman's Cove Inn offers new amenities like K-Cup makers, hair dryers and luxury custom bath products, with a full room makeover set to debut in the winter of 2025. - Monterey Beach Hotel (Monterey) | Opened August 2024
Monterey Beach Hotel, Monterey's only beachfront property and now part of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio, has reopened after a major renovation and rebrand from Monterey Tides, featuring 192 guest rooms, oceanfront dining at The Lantern Room, private beach access, complimentary e-bikes and a heated outdoor pool. - Stilwell Hotel (Carmel-by-the-Sea) | Opened May 2024
Carmel-by-the-Sea's newest luxury retreat, Stilwell Hotel offers a relaxed, beach-inspired environment in the heart of the village, featuring 42 meticulously designed guest rooms and thoughtfully curated public spaces that enhance the boutique experience. - Monterey Hostel (Monterey) | Opened March 2024
Monterey Hostel, a nonprofit lodging provider, has undergone a complete interior renovation, offering eco-friendly accommodations with private family rooms, wheelchair-accessible guest rooms and a new outdoor deck, all while utilizing energy-efficient systems to reduce environmental impact. - Alila Ventana New Programming: Alila Moments & Experiences will imprint the soul with new, awe-inspiring programming that allows visitors to experience the destination in a whole new light, including Tea & Tarot Cards, Nature's Nectar Infusions and Trail Run Fun.
Dining & Experiences
New dining experiences offer visitors a wide range of culinary options that celebrate the bounty of seafood from Monterey Bay, the fresh produce of Salinas Valley's lush landscape and the exceptional wines of the region.
- Tira Nanza Wines (Carmel-by-the-Sea) | Opening Early 2025
This celebrated local winery known for its handcrafted wines from family-owned organic vineyards is set to open a charming tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea. - El Charrito (Marina) | Opening Late 2025
The beloved Salinas-born burrito spot known for its homemade flour tortillas, will open its third outpost in Marina Promenade Shopping Center. - Wildflower Experience (Bradley) | Returning May 2025
The Wildflower Experience makes its highly anticipated return after a six-year hiatus, offering a full weekend festival featuring live entertainment, wine tasting, beer garden, race clinics with top professionals, movie nights under the stars, campfire antics and more – all set against the backdrop of California's Central Coast. - Pop & Hiss (Pacific Grove) | Opened October 2024
A newly opened bar and record shop in Pacific Grove offers a unique blend of live music, craft cocktails and vinyl shopping, creating a vibrant, retro-inspired social hub for music lovers. - Nico's Ice Cream (Monterey) | Opened September 2024
Blending real fruit with creamy vanilla ice cream using an imported machine from New Zealand, this beloved Portland ice cream shop has expanded to Monterey's iconic Cannery Row. - Brewjee Coffee Co (Salinas) | Opened September 2024
Expanded from a mobile cart to a storefront in bustling downtown Salinas, Brewjee Coffee Co offers craft coffee and pastries in a welcoming brick-and-mortar space. - Maido Sushi Cafe (Marina) | Opened September 2024
The family-owned business offers fresh Japanese to-go meals, snacks and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. - Piccolo (Monterey) | Opened September 2024
Piccolo on Cannery Row offers an approachable menu featuring panini, fresh salads and hearty soups, making it a perfect spot for a satisfying meal on the coastline. - Hops & Fog Brewing Co. (Pacific Grove) | Opened August 2024
Marking the town's first brewery since it became wet in 1969, Hops & Fog features a unique selection of craft beers and artisan food in a vibrant, community-focused space that showcases local artistry. - Otto's Bread Company (Salinas) | Opened August 2024
Otto Kramm has opened his first shop in downtown Salinas offering an array of sourdough bread loaves, dinner rolls and pretzels, along with pastries and hot food. - Carmel Valley Creamery (Carmel Valley) | Opened July 2024
Located in the heart of rustic Carmel Valley, the micro-creamery, coffee shop and mini épicerie features artisan cheese made on-site. - Congo Go! Cafe (Seaside) | Opened June 2024
The new concept serves Southeast Asian-inspired boba drinks and a variety of small and big bites, including crab puffs and furikake fries. - Rising Phoenix Taproom (King City) | Opened July 2024
The locally owned craft beer destination on Broadway Street in King City offers a curated selection of local and regional beers on tap, along with a spacious outdoor area. - The Village (Big Sur) | Opened in July 2024
The Village is a dynamic concept featuring a restaurant, yoga studio, event space and a provisions market, offering a unique blend of wellness, dining and community experiences in the heart of Big Sur.- Solstice: Located in The Village and helmed by Chef Tim Eelman, Solstice offers expertly executed, wood-fired fare spotlighting local produce and seafood from Monterey Bay, with a vibrant weekend brunch and dinner tasting menu that celebrates the region's finest ingredients.
- Bodega: The coffee and juice bar offers a delightful selection of espresso, tea, cold-pressed juices, pastries and tartines.
Awards & Milestones
Monterey County celebrates prestigious culinary accolades and landmark anniversaries of cherished institutions, highlighting the vibrant spirit and rich cultural heritage the region is known for.
- Aubergine Receives Second Michelin Star
In 2024, Aubergine in Carmel-by-the-Sea was awarded its second Michelin star, making it the only two-starred restaurant between the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. The accolade is a testament to its skillful, ingredient-driven cuisine that artfully celebrates the bounty of the Monterey region. - 50th Anniversary of Alila Ventana Big Sur
In 2025, Alila Ventana Big Sur will celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking half a century as an iconic luxury retreat that embraces the natural beauty and serenity of the Big Sur coastline. - John Steinbeck's Novel Anniversaries
Monterey celebrates two literary milestones: the 80th anniversary of John Steinbeck's iconic novel "Cannery Row" and the 90th anniversary of "Tortilla Flat," both capturing the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the region. - Old Fisherman's Wharf's 180th Birthday
Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf will celebrate its 180th birthday, honoring its rich history as a vibrant fishing hub and a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike. - Carmel Bach Festival's 90th Anniversary
Carmel Bach Festival will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year, continuing its legacy as one of the oldest music festivals in the United States and honoring the works of Johann Sebastian Bach through world-class classical music performances. - Hawthorne Gallery's 30th Anniversary
Big Sur's Hawthorne Gallery will celebrate its 30th anniversary, honoring three decades of showcasing exceptional art and supporting local artists in the breathtaking coastal landscape of Big Sur.
See Monterey is leading the way in travel innovation with the launch of its new website and its integration of Mindtrip's cutting-edge AI technology. This integration enables visitors to create personalized trip plans and itineraries complete with photos, maps, reviews and booking options. The groundbreaking partnership with Mindtrip will transform the travel planning experience with its data-driven platform, allowing SeeMonterey.com to seamlessly connect with and support local businesses, hotels, restaurants and activities throughout the county to harness a true insider experience that is tailor-made.
For more information, visit SeeMonterey.com. To download high-resolution images, visit our media gallery.
ABOUT SEE MONTEREY
See Monterey is a 501c6 non-profit organization that drives tourism for Monterey County. Tourism is the largest industry on the Monterey Peninsula and the second largest in the County. See Monterey is a partnership of the hospitality community and local governments that aims to generate community prosperity and enrich economic vitality for Monterey County through the responsible growth of the tourism economy. Travel spending in Monterey County was nearly $3 billion in 2023, supporting 26,799 jobs and generating $307 million in state and local tax revenue that directly benefited the community. For more information, visit www.SeeMonterey.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
MEDIA CONTACT
Lou Hammond Group | seemonterey@louhammond.com
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