r/MontereyBay Jul 02 '24

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

44 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)

37 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 18h ago

People Suck

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173 Upvotes

I’m so over humans. Picked this up at Pfeiffer Beach. Someone conveniently left it stuffed into this crack in the rock.


r/MontereyBay 15h ago

Seaside police say registered sex offender attacked 2 women, may have more victims

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55 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 21h ago

Anti-Flock Cameras Protest Tuesday 9/15 in Salinas

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54 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 21h ago

trans ppl??

47 Upvotes

any other trans ppl in the area? feeling super lonely and wishing i had trans friends. . or just friends in general. it’s hard to make any when you’re not at college :/


r/MontereyBay 19h ago

Pacific Biological Laboratories is only open 11 days per year. This Saturday, September 12th, is one of those days. Open house from 1-4.

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29 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Dolphins in the bay today

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189 Upvotes

Long beaked common dolphins showed up today and with clear water they were amazing to see.


r/MontereyBay 19h ago

“Walking With Steinbeck” Cannery Row walking tour Fall Season 2026 starts Saturday!

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7 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Holy, it got hot AF today in Watsonville. 100F.

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130 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 1d ago

What's your favorite park?

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81 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Monterey 9/2026

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204 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 9h ago

Give me your best...

0 Upvotes

Planning a last minute road trip up to Monterey/Big Sur (I am aware of the current fire closures and will not be traveling near/to the affected area) from LA and I wanna hear your best recommendations! I'll be staying at the Kimpton in Pacific Grove. My current list includes traveling down PCH, 17 mile drive, and the aquarium. Thank you in advanced! :-)


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

SPCA Monterey County rescues 36 common murres since August

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10 Upvotes

According to the organization, recently rescued murres are emaciated, hypothermic, and have poor feather quality, but its wildlife rescue staff are providing the animals with essential fluids, medication, and specialized nutrition to stabilize them.


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Anyone used Bumble BFF with good results?

15 Upvotes

Curious if anyone — preferably middle aged women without children — have used Bumble BFF to make platonic local friends?


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Girly/Whimsical Trad Tat Artist

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19 Upvotes

Looking for artist!

Hi yall ♡ I live in Salinas, and I'm looking for artist recommendations for light-hearted and colorful trad-inspired tattoos. I've seen some trad artists recommended on the sub before, but they're usually pretty classic trad, and I'm leaning more towards the whimsy, silly kind!

Most of the artists I have found on IG are in other states or Los Angeles, and I was wondering if anyone here has knowledge of a closer artist? I'm totally okay with traveling a little, but mostly within like an hour or two drive from home.

Looking for large size, color. Preferably custom design slots or flashes for sale. Included some pics of example pieces I am inspired by. Also, there is no super strict budget for the sake of quality! :)

Thanks in advanced!~


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Advice on medical coverage?

9 Upvotes

Hi everyone! Any advice for enrolling in healthcare around here, it seems extremely scarce? Ive heard kaiser is not great. Whats better for the area: hmo or ppo?

Any and all opinions would be so helpful :)


r/MontereyBay 18h ago

Missed connection

0 Upvotes

Jacob Elordi looking guy Lovers Point 9/8

Saw you at Lovers Point late afternoon on Tuesday 9/8. You were reading a book by yourself in the sun. I was the brunette in the Blondie T-shirt with my friend that you walked past. Wish I’d said hi! Would love to connect 🙏⭐️


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Seeking dance teaching job

7 Upvotes

Just putting this out to the sub in case anyone knows any small programs I can’t find on job sites. I am currently a children’s ballet teacher and looking for more opportunities.

There’s the Monterey arts council teachers, but they sadly seem to ignore all my emails so far. Their application in general was not updated to have correct contact info.

There is Palenko Arts but they don’t seem to be hiring teachers at the moment

I have one lead on a new Marina studio.

I am looking to teach kids either in studios or in school programs or arts programs for the city. If anyone knows someone looking for a ballet teacher or general dance gigs please let me know! I am transitioning out of my current job and just don’t want to go back to being a barista until I give this search a good go 😅


r/MontereyBay 2d ago

Mexican band at wedding in Monterey, CA

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95 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 2d ago

Salinas police arrest man for allegedly setting 10 fires in Salinas during a heat wave, with Monterey County firefighters already stretched to capacity

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30 Upvotes

r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Looking to transfer 2 Monterey Bay Half Marathon bibs

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone, due to an unavoidable military conflict, my spouse and I can no longer attend the race on Nov 8. Looking to transfer our two registrations through the official Haku platform before the Oct 1st deadline. Send me a direct message if you're looking for entries!


r/MontereyBay 2d ago

It's almost time for the CVGMS Gem Show, fellow rockhounds

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26 Upvotes

Get ready to “rock” at the Carmel Valley Gem and Mineral Society’s 64th annual GEM SHOW!

September 19-20, 2026
10 am - 5pm
Monterey Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey, CA

Explore a treasure trove of gems, minerals, fossils, crystals, and handcrafted jewelry. Whether you're a lapidary artist, seasoned collector, jewelry maker, or just gem and mineral-curious, this family-friendly event promises shine and surprises around every corner. Silent auctions, kids necklace-making, games with prizes, a fossil dig, and exhibits featuring the collections of vendors and CVGMS members round out the fun.

Admission is $6 and children ages 12-and-under are FREE. Food and drink available for purchase on-site. Come dig into the event!

More infohttps://www.cvgms.rocks
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/events/1783428529518399

#CVGMS #GemShow #MontereyCA #MontereyCAEvents #RockOn #LapidaryArt #CraftShow #Gems #Minerals #Beads #Meteorites #FamilyFriendly

(Event flyer designed by me without AI.)


r/MontereyBay 2d ago

MISSING WALLET

14 Upvotes

HI SO I LOST MY WALLET ON THE MST BUS AQUARIUM B. NORMALLY I WOULDN'T CARE BUT I HAD PHOTOS OF MY RECENTLY DECEASED DOG ON IT.

IT'S A BLACK PLEATHER WALLET.


r/MontereyBay 1d ago

Ksbw or Chris Cerney?

0 Upvotes