Short of taking a trip to France, the best way to see the high-speed, high-tech Le Mans Prototypes and GT cars of the American Le Mans Series, patterned after the famed 24 hours of Le Mans, is in this four-hour endurance challenge at Laguna Seca Raceway, October 17- 19.

The Saturday afternoon race into the darkness race concludes the Laguna Seca season with Le Mans Prototypes from Audi, Porsche, Mazda, Acura, Dodge and Ford battling on the same track with production-based GT cars from Corvette, Porsche, Ferrari and Panoz.

Laguna Seca is a quick (within the speed limits!) drive from Monterey.

One of the California coast’s best loved walking and biking trails is our own oceanfront Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, which locals call ‘The Rec Trail.’ While the entire trail stretches 18 miles, the flat, 3.5-mile paved path that borders Monterey and hugs the bay is its own special world.

Our beloved Jazz Fest - now in its 51st year - is nearly sold out…so hop to it and make your reservations now.  With the ghosts of the world’s jazz legends surrounding them, this year’s line up includes Cassandra Wilson, Herbie Hancock, Nancy Wilson, the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra and much more.

The central coast of California is extreme in its rugged beauty. There’s no better way to explore the region than with scenic road trip through the Monterey Peninsula. Highway 1 offers spectacular scenery and attractions along the way.

Monterey Peninsula Airport is the closest airport to Monterey, CA. The airport offers air service to San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Denver.

Whet your appetite for slow-smoked BBQ at Willy’s Smokehouse and All American Grill on Cannery Row. Open for lunch and dinner, Willy’s offers everything from baby back ribs and pulled pork to fried chicken and pot roast.

The Sardine Factory restaurant is a landmark Monterey restaurant known for its masterful steak and seafood specialties, and extensive wine list. The Sardine Factory also offers custom menus for private events and banquets.

Experience the ruggedly scenic California coast on a drive from Monterey to beautiful Big Sur. Marvel at the breathtaking ocean views coupled with the dramatic landscape of ancient redwood forests. Big Sur offers a variety of shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation from hiking to beachcombing.

Point Lobos State Reserve offers visitors to Monterey County a special opportunity to experience nature’s diversity on the California coast. Dramatic land and seascapes provide exceptional photo opportunities, while a well-maintained trail system guides visitors past interesting plant and wildlife habitats, archeological sites, and beautiful picnic areas.

Carmel Mission is one of the finest examples of historic California Missions founded in the 1700s by Father Junipero Serra. The mission grounds feature beautiful adobe buildings, native gardens, and museums that depict mission life. Carmel Mission is a favorite location for artists and photographers.