The best things to do in Monterey

“Monterey Lanes keeps that classic-bowling charm alive with a vintage vibe, a legit Sports Bar & Grill, arcade games, and leagues for kids and grownups. Great for low-stress hangouts, birthday parties, or a spur-of-the-moment frame when the fog finally rolls in.”

From the Monterey newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Old Fisherman's Wharf is clutch this week when you want chowder, sea lion watching, and an easy excuse to be near the water. Grab seafood, wander unique shops, then jump on a whale watch, fishing trip, or bay cruise, and call it self care that smells like the ocean.”

From the Monterey newsletter, August 8, 2026

“San Jose Municipal Golf Course is a classic William P. Bell 18 that blends rolling fairways with sneaky-fast greens, plus a driving range for tune-ups. Play a round, take a lesson if your slice needs therapy, then refuel on the patio at Muni Bar & Grill...”

From the San Jose newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. , Laguna Seca Golf Ranch pairs a legit practice facility with a course you’ll want to replay, then Fairview Laguna Seca brings a casual lunch menu and 12 beers on tap. Call it your low-stress Monterey reset this week.”

From the Monterey newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Happy Hollow Park & Zoo mixes pint-sized rides, a charming puppet theater and real-deal animal moments, including Twix the red panda, plus hands-on education programs that turn curiosity into giggles. Low-stress, high-smile San Jose staple when you need an easy kid win this week.”

From the San Jose newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Membership-only venue featuring a Nicklaus-designed golf course, restaurant, and race track.”

“Golfland San Jose is the low-lift pick-me-up for any weeknight, serving award-winning mini golf backed by over 70 years of family-fun know-how. Round up the crew, trade playful trash talk, and chase that deeply satisfying plunk when your last putt disappears.”

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Country club offering membership, and a golf course, as well as scenic views.”

“Whether you're grooving pre-round or escaping the fog, Sandbaggers Golf Spot pairs Foresight Sports simulators with a roomy putting green and league vibes that actually feel friendly.”

From the San Jose newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Movie theater in Pacific Grove offering active military discounts and auditorium rentals.”

“California Theatre blends 1927 movie-palace opulence with modern production tech, so shows actually look and sound sharp. It regularly hosts Opera San Jose, Symphony San Jose and more, and you can even rent it for weddings or special events when you want your big night to feel cinematic.”

From the Santa Clara newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Indoor trampoline center featuring an open jump arena, a foam cube pit, dodgeball & basketball.”

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“High Scores Arcade is pure retro bliss, packed with classic cabinets in a nostalgic vibe where you can chase ghosts, use the force, and maybe rescue a princess. They now pour beer and seltzer yet keep it family friendly, so round up the crew and claim a spot on the scoreboard this week.”

From the Monterey newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.”

“Whether your short game needs love or you just want to linger over a meal with a view, Boulder Ridge Golf Club delivers. Pristine 18-hole course, San Jose’s sun-soaked hills, an outdoor dining patio, and a spacious pavilion for reconnecting with the crew make it an easy local escape.”

From the San Jose newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Dial in your swing at Santa Teresa Golf Club on the driving range, then sneak in the 9-hole Short Course or book a lesson if the slice is winning. Solid instruction, a friendly vibe, and an on-site bar and grill mean you can make a proper afternoon of it.”

From the Gilroy newsletter, August 11, 2026

“West Wind Capitol Drive-In keeps the retro magic alive with first-run movies on a giant outdoor screen, with audio coming through your car’s FM radio. Load up the crew, snag popcorn from the concession stand, crack the windows, and call it the easiest weeknight plan you’ll actually look forward to.”

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 29, 2026

“When you want a five-minute reset between errands, The Monterey Mural by Granizo delivers 48 feet of local history in color, wit and tiny details you’ll keep spotting. Created by Guillermo "Bill" Wagner Granizo, it’s outdoors by the Monterey Conference Center and was lovingly restored in 2018.”

From the Monterey newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Whether you're sneaking in nine between errands or chasing a tidy score, Monterey Pines Golf Club is a par-70 track that rewards accuracy with undulating greens and lakes. Hit the range and short-game area, then debrief at the Grill & Bar or the Foresight-powered simulator lounge.”

From the Monterey newsletter, September 11, 2026

“When you need an easy win with the kids, Oscar's Playground blends classic arcade hits, themed escape rooms like Mystical Manor, and flexible party packages in Cannery Row. It’s fun-first, chaos-limiting, and surprisingly good for grownups too... bring friends, split up, then brag about high scores.”

From the Seaside newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Dial in your swing at the golf academy, play nine or the full 27, then park it on the patio for post-round bites. Cinnabar Hills Golf Club nails the local trifecta of practice, play, and hangout, with a handy pro shop, making it an easy nearby go-to when the golf itch hits.”

From the Morgan Hill newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Whether you're chasing a quick weekday nine or a full 18 with ocean air, Pacific Grove Golf Links is the municipal course locals actually brag about, recognized for environmental excellence and value by national golf outlets, with lessons from Brad Cursio, PGA, plus active member clubs and low-key tournaments.”

From the Monterey newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course is a friendly, playable track with quick online check-in, lessons that actually help, and even Foot Golf when you want to mix it up. Solid for juniors and league players too, plus tournaments and camps keep the calendar interesting for your crew.”

From the Ceres newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Rock climbing center offering bouldering and top roping, plus yoga and tai chi classes.”

“Skip the tourist shuffle and use Cannery Row like a local, from tucked-away tasting rooms and boutiques to bay-view strolls between restaurants. Keep tabs on the Events Calendar, then nerd out with the Cannery Row Walking Map App for a self-guided history tour with 27 displays.”

From the Monterey newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Round1 Bowling & Arcade is the all-ages spot for chasing high scores, rolling strikes, belting off-key bangers, and grabbing a drink while friends battle it out at billiards. Easy choice for parties or those nights when you need a quick plan that actually gets everyone off the couch.”

From the Los Banos newsletter, September 3, 2026

“CineLux Almaden Café & Lounge is Willow Glen’s easy choice when you want luxury seating, a full café pouring beer, wine, and cocktails, plus actually good burgers and sliders. They mix big releases with indies, so it’s a legit date night or low-key Tuesday unwind without leaving the neighborhood.”

From the San Jose newsletter, September 8, 2026

“This week, trade your usual loop for Poppy Hills Golf Course, an NCGA-owned gem tucked into Pebble Beach’s Monterey pines, with championship-ready turf, flawless bentgrass greens, and surprise peeks of the bay; book a round, groove on the range, then debrief at Porter’s Grill and Pub.”

From the Monterey newsletter, August 28, 2026

“If you're scheming a Monterey gathering, put Monterey Beach Station on your list this week. It nails toes-in-the-sand vows, a sea-facing deck for cocktails, then a historic indoor space with Pacific and city-light views, all run by a pro team that keeps planning blissfully low stress.”

From the Monterey newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Shake up a weeknight with Monterey Mirror Maze and Laser Challenge, a trippy, underwater-themed labyrinth designed by master maze maker Adrian Fisher, complete with pulsing lights, kaleidoscope vibes, and a legit Laser Challenge where you sneak through beams like a heist hero.”

From the Salinas newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Los Lagos Golf Course serves up an 18-hole layout, a legit driving range for dialing in, lessons when the slice shows up, a well-stocked pro shop, and a restaurant to debrief. Bonus, it is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, so your birdies come with actual birds.”

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Known as America’s Best Rose Garden, Municipal Rose Garden packs thousands of roses across five and a half acres, with nearly 200 varieties around a central fountain and rolling lawns. Perfect for a quick reset, slow walks, and photo ops when you need easy beauty close to home.”

From the Santa Clara newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Lower Presidio Historic Park is that hidden-in-plain-sight hillside where Monterey’s story stacks up, from Indigenous roots and Vizcaíno’s landing to the Bouchard raid and Buffalo Soldiers. Stroll the interpretive trails to the Serra and Sloat monuments, soak up bay views, and feel smug about living here.”

From the Monterey newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Urban Putt San Jose turns date night into sci-fi fun with an 18-hole, San Jose-inspired course starring a crashed UFO and other delightfully weird obstacles. Stick around for shareable bites, pizzas by San Jose chef Chad Ferry, and inventive cocktails you can take onto the course for maximum putt joy.”

From the San Jose newsletter, August 18, 2026

“If you're ready to level up your weekly rounds, Almaden Golf & Country Club is a private, member-owned spot in Almaden Valley with an 18-hole championship course framed by the Santa Cruz Mountains. Clubhouse energy, tennis, a swimming pavilion, a fitness center, and a pro shop keep the good rounds rolling.”

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Designed by Alister Mackenzie in 1928, Cypress Point Club snakes through coastal dunes and the Del Monte Forest before unleashing the legendary 15-16-17 finish, including a 231-yard carry over the Pacific on 16. Members-only, so if that unicorn text drops, clear your week.”

From the Monterey newsletter, August 18, 2026