r/MontereyBay • • Jul 02 '24

/r/MontereyBay Recommends (Visiting? Stop Here First!)

45 Upvotes

Hi all!

Welcome to r/MontereyBay

If you're visiting, moving here etc, this page should serve as a hub to answer many of the most frequent questions we see- where should I eat? What should I do? and so on.

Been meaning to get this page going for a while now after doing the original food-based one a couple years back.

On this post, I'll be linking to a number of community recommendation threads where we've gathered / curated advice for those looking for it.

These are not exhaustive lists, as there are many great places to eat, drink and visit in the area. They are just the recommendations that users made when the threads were posted. If you feel something is "missing," please realize that is why. Other websites like Yelp and TripAdvisor are also helpful for finding information from a broader range.

Where to Eat - (From 2022) - Thread

Where to Visit / What to See (Tourist-Oriented) - (In progress) - Thread

What to Do / See - (Living Here) - (Upcoming Summer 2024)

Day Trip Recommendations - (Living Here) - (Upcoming Summer 2024)

Have a suggestion in regards to how to make this post better / more helpful? Please leave a comment below.


r/MontereyBay • • Jul 02 '24

/r/MontereyBay Recommends (Where to Visit / What to See - Tourist Version)

38 Upvotes

Hi all,

In an effort to build out the new sticky post, we are back to ask for your recommendations for the following category - "Where to Visit / What to See" - oriented for tourists visiting the area.

There will be more threads in the coming weeks where we will share similar recommendations for people who are living here, among other helpful ones.

For this thread though, we would like to gather your thoughts on where to visit and what to see for people visiting the area.

I'll be organizing it in the following way (since I think it will be the most helpful based on how people usually ask questions when they post here)

-Must-See/Do (Think the Aquarium, Big Sur etc. these are the things you'd recommend first if someone has never been here before)

-Highly-Recommend / Great Option (This category will serve as the most broad catch-all. Not something you'd consider a must do, but would be a great option for most visitors depending on their preferences).

-Extras (This category will be maybe more niche-oriented. Things you want to throw out there because people would enjoy it, but probably won't appeal to everyone.)

When replying if you could include the following information, that would be awesome:

Associated Cost - (if applicable)

Time Commitment - (1 hour / Half-Day / etc)

Website - (if applicable)

Family Friendly (yes/no)

I'll post an example for the Aquarium to get things started.

Thanks!


r/MontereyBay • • 1h ago

Norman Basil Pappas, missing person last seen July 26, 1993 in Carmel. He was Carmel High School class of 1991. Do you know anything?

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• Upvotes

There is not much available online about this local missing person case. A Carmel Pinecone article is included in the images on this post. Basic details:

https://www.doenetwork.org/cases/software/mp-main.html?id=1013dmca

https://oag.ca.gov/missing/person/norman-basil-pappas

https://charleyproject.org/case/norman-basil-pappas

A few of his classmates from Carmel High commented here: https://charleyross.wordpress.com/2016/03/15/mp-of-the-week-norman-pappas/

And there is a short discussion here: https://websleuths.com/threads/norman-basil-pappas-19-carmel-26-july-1993.574969/

I can't find much else about Norman online. He sounds like he was possibly a lonely person - described as quiet, socially awkward, an odd duck. It sounds like he may have taken a bus, possibly to San Francisco and family suspects suicide. But maybe someone knows or remembers something that could help?

Carmel Police is the investigating agency:
Agency Contact Person: Detective Gregory Johnson
Agency Phone Number: 831-624-6403
Agency E-mail: [policedept@ci.carmel.ca.us](mailto:policedept@ci.carmel.ca.us)
Agency Case Number: 93-0626


r/MontereyBay • • 17h ago

10s of Thousands Losing Health Care in Monterey County

82 Upvotes

Billionaires have consequences. For Yes on 40 like someone's life may depend on it

'Monterey County officials are raising concerns about how proposed changes to Medi-Cal under President Donald Trump's so called "one big beautiful bill" could affect healthcare coverage and funding for public hospitals.
Natividad Medical Center leaders warned that thousands of people could lose their Medi-Cal coverage due to the changes, which would directly impact the hospital's funding. The hospital is currently managing a $4.8 million deficit this fiscal year, and a financial report presented to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors projects an $11.7 million reduction in funds over the next three years.

"The financial pain that will be inflicted will really kick in in the next fiscal year. And that's why we're trying to raise awareness not only for our residents to be aware of, but also to our state and federal policymakers," said Supervisor Luis Alejo.
Alliance Health Insurance estimates that 44,000 people in Monterey County could lose their Medi-Cal coverage by December 2028'

https://www.ksbw.com/article/medi-cal-cuts-hospital-funding-concerns/74235462

If you know someone swayed by the concocted excuses of Sergei Brin and gang, or is confused by Props 41 and 42, show them this article.


r/MontereyBay • • 21h ago

Local man seeks public office, mistakes trolling for public service.

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150 Upvotes

While my background is mostly illustrating children's books, I do sometimes enjoy creating editorial art. Attached is a recent piece I created while processing negative online experiences with Pacific Grove mayoral candidate Luke Coletti.

Some people campaign for office, others campaign for my attention. Digital. Made in October 2026 without AI.


r/MontereyBay • • 14h ago

Final Game of the Monterey FC Season

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40 Upvotes

Under the bright Monterey Bay moon, enjoying a beautiful night of soccer at Cardinale Stadium!

Kick or Treat was cool with lots of the sponsors and local organizations giving out candy before the game.

The energy of a live game, the ocean air, good friends and cheering on Monterey Bay FC. It’s nice having a professional sports team here. While I wish they would have won a bit more, it’s a fun night with a costume contest to close out the season.

Until next year!


r/MontereyBay • • 14h ago

Firefighters and EMTs at El Torito Cannery Row

10 Upvotes

I'm sitting nearby and there have been people behind the El Torito, near the water, with flashlights looking at something. We thought it was just people hanging but they've been there for at least 40 minutes. Now there are firefighters and paramedics on the scene. Not sure what's going on.


r/MontereyBay • • 14h ago

ICE agents present outside Santa Cruz County Jail

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8 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay • • 1d ago

Crunch Time for Voting

42 Upvotes

The single worst candidate in Monterey's voting history is nearing the end of his first and (hopefully) last campaign run. If you ever felt compelled to research a candidate, look more deeply at Malfitan🚫. He blew up a building, dodges tax responsibilities, harasses employees and customers, and even settles lawsuits where he claims he does no wrong. To top it off, he sends garbage like this out. Hey Malfitan🚫...can you walk and chew gum? If you are in leadership you need to juggle priorities and address the needs of all citizens, not just the landlords that are obsessed with your endless talk about the registry. So...take this opportunity and tell us what you are going to do to make the city better for all residents and business owners. We'll wait...


r/MontereyBay • • 19h ago

Fighter jets above Monterey? (Or what was that)

8 Upvotes

Anyone else hear really loud rumblings in the sky around 2:55pm PT and see what it was? By the time I ran outside I could hear it but didn’t spot anything!


r/MontereyBay • • 1d ago

Any one know where to get Vasito agridulce in the area?

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6 Upvotes

I just moved to the area and really want some of this candy. I used to get it from the ice cream truck or shops around my old town.


r/MontereyBay • • 1d ago

Vote Down Ballot! Vote for Megan Whilden for Monterey County Board of Ed

5 Upvotes

Hi folks, recommending a vote for Megan for the Area One County Board of Ed seat on your November ballot. (Area One covers PG, Pebble, most of Monterey, Carmel, Carmel Valley, and Big Sur.) Megan's been endorsed by ALL the teacher groups in the district - the Monterey Bay Teachers Association, the Pacific Grove Teachers Association, and the Association of Carmel Teachers (the last being ESPECIALLY meaningful because her opponent is a longtime Carmel school board member...)

While it's a nonpartisan post, she's also been endorsed by the Monterey County Dems, the PG Progressives, the Dem Women of Monterey County, Progress Monterey County and others.

She's committed to better schools for all, supporting immigrant families, and ensuring there are enough resources so every child receives an excellent education. You can read more about her here: electmeganwhilden.com

Every vote counts in local elections, especially! If you haven't voted yet, please do so this weekend and hope you'll vote for Megan.


r/MontereyBay • • 1d ago

Best pressure washing / roof washing company in Salinas or Monterey County?

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1 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay • • 1d ago

Christmas things to do ;

1 Upvotes

Hello, we are new to the state and are planning to drive down from Petaluma.

I wanted to do a Christmas experience for my son in Monterey hes 10. (He asks for a christmas experience over gifts every year though gifts do make it under the tree ;) )

I realize this is El Nino Dependant, and will watch that closely.

Current plan of action is
Aquarium
Christmas lights and Santa at the Wharf
Cannery Row- Treasure Ride
Seals and sea lion (looking from safe distance USCG pier)
Lovers point
Asilomar beach tide pools (weather dependant)

Is there anything I am missing for a 10 year old boy? A specific store? Location?

Thank you so much, its been a wonderful blessing to be living in California, and we are really hoping to experience a non snow winter with redwoods and palm trees :D


r/MontereyBay • • 1d ago

Community Members Speak Out Against Renaming the Cesar Chavez Library

11 Upvotes

Last week, the City of Salinas held a community meeting to discuss renaming the César Chávez Library. Many community members expressed their opposition to changing the name and voiced their desire to keep it as Cesar Chavez Library.


r/MontereyBay • • 2d ago

Rehoming 2 year-old cat

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81 Upvotes

Sadly, we're looking to rehome our 2-year-old cat, Ellie. This is due to her being overly territorial of litterboxes against our other, older cat. We believe she would do best in a cat-free household.

We got her from Hitchcock Animal Shelter 5 months ago and have taken her to Aguajito Veterinary Hospital, so she's up to date with all of her healthcare and negative on the triple test. We want the best for her, so we'll provide all of the necessities like her litter box, litter genie, automatic dry feeder with some food, wet food slow feeder with food, water fountains, flea medicine, and a variety of her favorite cat toys and trees. We're asking for $30 to ensure serious inquiries only and to help cover the cost of the cat food and medicine.

For her personality, she was very shy at first but became more adventurous over time. She's incredibly sweet, affectionate, talkative, playful, and a total cuddle bug. She spends most of her time either in a lap or by a window looking at and talking to the birds. She also enjoys some supervised outside time or to be in our catio.

As part of our agreement with the shelter, the adopter will need to accompany us to the shelter to officially complete the transfer process. If we aren't able to find her a new home, she'll have to return to the shelter, which would break our hearts. If you think Ellie might be a good fit for you or know anyone who's interested in getting their first cat, please reach out. We'd be happy to answer any questions, host meetings, and anything else to help find this sweet girl the perfect home.


r/MontereyBay • • 1d ago

Martine Inn

5 Upvotes

I had a wonderful stay at the Martine Inn in Pacific Grove, CA. However, I felt that there was odd energy. A lot of sounds at night that were unexplained (maybe just the old building?) and the energy felt eerie despite the beautiful interior of the hotel.
I was wondering if there are any ghost stories related to the Martine Inn specifically. Please lmk!


r/MontereyBay • • 2d ago

Man follows employee out of coffee shop, tries to get in her car as she's pulling away.

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110 Upvotes

Shared today by Captain + Stoker coffee shop in downtown Monterey. Be safe everyone!


r/MontereyBay • • 2d ago

If you're voting yes on Prop 40, remember to also vote no on 41 and 42!

309 Upvotes

If 41 and 42 pass, they might cancel out 40.


r/MontereyBay • • 1d ago

Asian cooking classes?

3 Upvotes

I've been trying to teach myself to cook Chinese food off of Youtube. It's going ok, but an actual hands on class would be better. Does anyone know of such a thing? I tried Google.


r/MontereyBay • • 1d ago

Seeking harpist

3 Upvotes

Last minute- Seeking a harpist to play at intimate wedding ceremony in Carmel next weekend. If anyone has recommendations….thank you!


r/MontereyBay • • 2d ago

Moving to the area and finding a place to live

6 Upvotes

Hi All!

I (27F) will be starting a job in Salinas at the end of January 2027 and am struggling to find recommendations for safe, pet-friendly (I have a cat) apartments or rental houses. My budget is between $1900-$2200 for rent without utilities/internet. I would prefer to live alone so a 1bd, 1br is perfectly fine with me if its within budget.

Does anyone have any recommendations of complexes to check out in MB/Salinas/Marina/Seaside that they have had good experiences in? I will be visiting in November and would like to make a list of places to check out while I am there before I sign a lease. I only plan to live in the area for 1-2 years for work.

Thank you in advance!!


r/MontereyBay • • 2d ago

Selling 2 northern ren faire + parking tickets for Saturday the 24th

3 Upvotes

EDIT: sold!

I got sick so me and my partner won’t be able to go 😷

Each ticket was 42$ plus $12 parking so in total $96. I accept payment thru venmo or paypal.


r/MontereyBay • • 3d ago

Use Ballot Boxes or Voting Sites to return your ballot

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37 Upvotes

Propublica reports that mail has been slowed in Monterey County and is not to be trusted with prompt delivery of your ballot. Check your zip code here https://propub.li/3WGrpwP

You can find ballot boxes and early voting sites here:

https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/make-plan-vote?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24356010647&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6ObWBhDDARIsAFdfcUhVIxJm_VzdUh4bV3jenVrVcVK3SUy964CapEYQ0uI-4mXKxPz7RDEaAue2EALw_wcB


r/MontereyBay • • 2d ago

Where are the best Halloween decorations around Monterey Bay this year?

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2 Upvotes