Close your eyes, imagine California’s coastline and chances are that images of Carmel and Monterey will pop into mind, what with its rugged landscape, iconic drives and seemingly never-ending sea. Once you visit, it’s easy to see why people are drawn to the region for inspiration, whatever their line of work. But it’s not all work in Carmel and Monterey; read on for even more inspiration for your next trip to this part of the Golden State. 

Why Carmel and Monterey 

• The average daily temperature is 60°F. 

• Year-round attractions for your group to enjoy, from whale watching to golf and more than 60 wineries. 

• More than 500 direct flights arrive at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), not to mention those that arrive at San Jose International Airport (SJC), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK), each is which is just an hour or two away. 

What’s New in Carmel and Monterey 

• An iconic stretch of Highway 1 that runs through Big Sur reopened earlier this year after a substantial closer due to land and rockslides. 

• Tourism reached an all-time high in 2025, with travel spending accounting for $3.3 billion. 

• Monterey’s “Inspiration Pays Off” promotion offsets transportation or F&B costs of an off-site event for groups. 

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in Carmel and Monterey, as well as places to grab a bite to eat, or host a power lunch or dinner. Here are a few spots around the country to pique your interest and help ensure your clients enjoy their time on the California coast. 

SEE

Art For All 

Photo: @D.M.Troutman

Carmel and Monterey have long inspired artists, writers and performs to create works of art, which we can all enjoy. From museums and galleries to public art installations and mural-lined streets, there’s art for everyone here. Two spots to check out for your own inspiration are Antieau Gallery featuring the textile work of Chris Roberts-Antieau, and Carmel Modern, a gallery space highlighting the works of California artists. Carmel Modern is available for private events for up to 60 guests. 

Scenic Bluff Trail 

The stunning landscape in this part of California begs to be seen, and one of the best places to do just that is Scenic Bluff Trail. Take your time and meander along the trail that skirts the bluff overlooking Carmel Beach, winding through Monterey Cypress trees that figure prominently in nearly every photo taken here  

Peek Into the Undersea World

Not only does the Monterey Bay Aquarium house more than 35,000 sea creatures of more than 550 species in innovative exhibits in a space that was once a sardine cannery, but it is dedicated to cutting edge marine research and ocean conservation leadership. Be mesmerized by the three-story Kelp Forest, watch sea life comingle in The Open Sea exhibit, or step outside and spot ocean life like humpback whales and harbor seals. Four aquarium spaces are available for private events, including The Open Sea. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Chansay Events, a Hosts Global Member. 

DO 

Bake Bread 

Sourdough bread is to California as Highway 1, the Pacific Ocean and surfin’ USA. But its history goes back much further, all the way back to the Gold Rush days in the mid-1800s when prospectors brought their sourdough starters with them to fill their bellies and fuel their work. You and your clients can pay homage to the bread’s Golden State history with a sourdough making class at Ad Astra Bread Co. during which you’ll learn everything you need to know to make the perfect loaf at home. 

Sail with Sea Otters

After you’ve seen sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, get out on the water and see them in their natural habitat. Book a small charter for up to six guests on an electric boat and watch the playful marine mammals frolic in their watery home. 

Go For a Hole-In-One 

Two dozen public and private golf course are found throughout Carmel and Monterey, from the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links, the No. 1 public golf course in the U.S., to Del Monte Golf Course, the oldest course in continuous operation west of the Mississippi, it’s fair to say there are plenty of places for you and your clients to tee off. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Chansay Events, a Hosts Global Member. 

EAT

Char Steakhouse 

Specializing in Certified Angus Beef Prime cuts served in an intimate setting, Char Steakhouse is committed to an exceptional dining experience for all its guests. Begin your lunch or dinner by sharing a Curated Charcuterie & Cheese Board, Slow-Smoked Spareribs, or an Artisanal Sausage Board before digging into the main event: filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye or a 32-ounce tomahawk. Aside from steaks, homemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, sandwiches and fresh seafood also fill the menu. 

Nora’s 

Inspired by their grandmother, the warmth of home-cooked comfort food takes center stage at Nora’s. Think Truffle Mafaldine, San Francisco Cioppino or Lobster Ravioli for lunch, and Chef’s Meatloaf, Slow Roast & Biscuits, and House Chicken Pot Pie for dinner. You’ll want to save room for dessert with sweet bites like the Cinnamon Cereal Cake, Honey Peach Cheesecake and Banana Cream Pie. Private dining is available.   

The Sardine Factory 

For nearly 60 years, The Sardine Factory has been serving fresh, sustainable seafood and USDA Prime and dry-aged beef to their guests who vary from tourists and locals to world leaders, sports stars and the biggest names in entertainment. It’s no wonder the restaurant on historic Cannery Row is recommended by MICHELIN. Private events for groups of six to 250 are available. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Chansay Events, a Hosts Global Member. 

STAY/MEET

Just as Carmel and Monterey have something for every meeting planner and attendee, so does ALHI and its handful of Members.  

Bernardus Lodge & Spa

Refined service and exceptional luxury await at Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley, about 12 miles from Monterey Regional Airport. Tucked into wine country, the ambience at Bernardus is European elegance meets California comfort with each of its 73 guestrooms, suites and villas featuring a wine bar, two-person soaking tub, fireplace, and private patio or balcony. Indulge in a spa treatment, enjoy a meal at the Forbes 4-Star rated Lucia Restaurant & Bar, or take a wellness walk around the estate, passing the rose garden, vineyard and chef’s garden along the way. If work beckons, the estate’s indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces can accommodate all your needs. 

Casa Palmero Pebble Beach 

The Mediterranean-style Casa Palmero Pebble Beach, with two dozen private rooms and suites, is ideal for the gathering of intimate groups. Its meeting spaces reflect the same, with a conference room that can accommodate up to 16 guests, and a slightly larger boardroom for up to 85. Guests enjoy the services of a personal concierge who is at the ready to help them make the most of their stay. 

Portola Hotel & Spa

The Central Coast’s first LEED certified hotel, Portola Hotel & Spa is not only leading the charge in its environmental efforts, but a destination that caters to meetings, events, families, friends, golfers and more. Host your event in the more than 120,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space, and afterwards your guests can adjourn to their coastal-inspired guestroom – there’s 379 at the AAA Four Diamond hotel – to ready for exploration of the nearby shops, galleries, museums and restaurants, all within walking distance. 

The Inn at Spanish Bay 

Five-star service and contemporary elegance await your guests at The Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach. Once they’ve settled into one of the inn’s 269 guest rooms and suites, all of which boast a minimum of 470 square feet with a gas-burning fireplace and 300-thread-count Egyptian sheets, invite them to dine at the new Stave Wine Cellar. When work calls, create the perfect venue in the inn’s 14,000 square feet of meeting space with panoramic Pacific Ocean views. 

The Lodge at Pebble Beach 

For more than a century, The Lodge at Pebble Beach has welcomed guests to its prime location at the 18th hole of the Pebble Beach Golf Links, much to the delight of golfers and non-golfers alike. Each of the lodge’s 199 guest rooms and suites, which range from 475 square feet to 1,125, has garden, fairway, or bay views, making it hard to pull yourself away. When you must, though, more than 10,000 square feet of event space await, from the cozy Library to the state-of-the-art Conference Center. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Chansay Events, a Hosts Global Member.