There may be many “Guides to Monterey,” but the SCM one is the best. It’s our 21st year of producing it, and in its 106 pages your find event descriptions, hot tips and even recommendations on where to eat.
Download it here.
Monterey has changed post-pandemic. The past few years have seen a new generation of car enthusiasts joining the crowd. Hypercars and influencers are now the norm, not the exception. More than ever, it’s possible to experience Monterey Car Week through social media and streaming.
SCM believes there is a “best way” to experience Monterey. First of all, just look around at what’s parked on the street or driving by. Without going to a single event, you will see one of the year’s greatest car shows.
When preparing your plans, look at the calendar of events carefully. Pick out the two events you would like to do each day. Sign up in advance. Be aware that traffic is mostly terrible and what might be a 15-minute drive in some circumstances (from the Quail to Carmel, for instance) can take two hours. Overloading your calendar will just lead to frustration and disappointment.
Also decide what your budget will allow. For every event that has a $3,000 price tag, there are two or three in the under-$500 range. There are also several events that have a charitable component that are worth a second look. Even better, there are still some free- or low-admission-cost events that won’t break the bank. On page 36 of the guide, you’ll find a whole article devoted to inexpensively experiencing Monterey Car Week.
However, I do recommend you splurge on one event, and that is the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This is its 75th anniversary, and organizers have pulled out all the stops to make it a one-in-a-lifetime experience. Tip: If you don’t go early, trying arriving at the grounds around noon. Parking will actually be easier as the long early-morning lines of cars will have disappeared into the parking lots, the crowds will have spread out, and you’ll still have time to look at all the cars.
Enjoy the SCM Guide to Monterey. It was created by enthusiasts for enthusiasts like you.
Read my previous blog posts here.
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