Every August, Monterey Car Week transforms California's stunning Monterey Peninsula into one of the world's most prestigious automotive destinations. Collectors, luxury travelers, and car enthusiasts from around the globe gather to experience rare collector cars, vintage racing, exclusive events, and breathtaking coastal scenery.
From multi-million-dollar classics at Pebble Beach to exotic supercars cruising along 17-Mile Drive, Monterey Car Week offers a one-of-a-kind automotive experience.
Whether you're a lifelong car enthusiast or planning your first Monterey Car Week getaway, here's everything you need to know before you go.
What Is Monterey Car Week?
Monterey Car Week is an annual automotive celebration held each August throughout the Monterey Peninsula. It features prestigious car shows, luxury automotive events, vintage racing, collector car auctions, and free community celebrations across Monterey, Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, and Carmel Valley.
The entire region becomes part of the experience, giving visitors the chance to see some of the world's rarest automobiles while enjoying Monterey's coastal beauty, world-class dining, and unforgettable hospitality.
Major Monterey Car Week Events
Some of the most popular and anticipated Monterey Car Week events include:
- Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
- The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
- Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
- Exotics on Broadway
- Concorso Italiano
- Motorlux
- Pebble Beach RetroAuto
- Concours d'Lemons
- The Little Car Show
- Porsche Club of America Werks Reunion
- Concours Village
- Collector Car Auctions
Each event offers a completely different experience, from vintage race cars and luxury hypercars to rare collector vehicles and exclusive automotive debuts.
You Don't Need Tickets to Enjoy Monterey Car Week
Many first-time guests are surprised to learn that some of Monterey Car Week's best experiences are completely free.
You can enjoy:
- Exotic car spotting throughout Monterey
- Free community car shows
- Public automotive displays
- Scenic drives throughout the Monterey Peninsula
- Luxury and collector cars parked throughout Monterey and Pebble Beach
- Walking through downtown Monterey and Cannery Row during Car Week festivities
Simply being in Monterey during Car Week can provide an unforgettable experience.
Free Monterey Car Week Events You Won't Want to Miss
Several Monterey Car Week events are free for spectators and perfect for first-time visitors.
Popular Monterey Car Week free events often include:
- Exotics on Broadway
- Porsche Club of America Werks Reunion
- Pacific Grove Rotary Concours Auto Rally
- Concours Village
- Concours d'Lemons
- The Little Car Show
- Astons on the Avenue
- Monterey Car Week Kickoff in downtown Monterey
- Monterey British
- Porsche Monterey Classic Event
These events offer incredible opportunities to see rare automobiles without purchasing expensive event tickets.
The Entire Monterey Peninsula Becomes a Car Show
One of the most unique aspects of Monterey Car Week is that the experience extends far beyond ticketed venues.
Exotic, vintage, and collector vehicles can be found throughout:
- Downtown Monterey
- Pebble Beach
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Pacific Grove
- Cannery Row
- Carmel Valley
- 17-Mile Drive
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Old Fisherman's Wharf
- Highway 1
You'll often see Ferraris, McLarens, Lamborghinis, Bugattis, Porsche race cars, and vintage collector vehicles while dining, shopping, or simply exploring Monterey.
During Monterey Car Week, scenic drives like 17-Mile Drive offer spectacular coastal views and opportunities to spot exotic and collector vehicles throughout the peninsula.
Some of the World's Rarest Cars Attend
Some of the world's rarest and most valuable automobiles have been featured during Monterey Car Week, including:
- Ferrari F40
- Ferrari F50
- McLaren F1
- Porsche Carrera GT
- Bugatti Chiron
- Koenigsegg hypercars
- Pagani models
- Aston Martin Valkyrie
- Gordon Murray T.50
- Lamborghini Miura
- Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
Many of these rare vehicles are worth millions of dollars and are rarely displayed outside of prestigious automotive events.
Monterey Car Week First-Timer Tips
Planning ahead can make all the difference when visiting Monterey Car Week.
Before you go:
- Book accommodations several months in advance.
- Purchase tickets early for major events.
- Expect heavy traffic throughout Monterey County.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring layers for Monterey's cool coastal mornings and evenings.
- Leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous car spotting.
- Allow extra travel time between events.
- Arrive early for popular attractions and car shows.
Monterey Car Week attracts visitors from around the world, and hotels throughout the Monterey Peninsula often sell out months in advance. Booking early is highly recommended.
Explore Beyond the Ticketed Events
Some of the most memorable Monterey Car Week experiences happen unexpectedly.
You may discover:
- Pop-up automotive gatherings
- Collector car rallies
- Luxury vehicle showcases
- Automotive manufacturer displays
- Scenic drives featuring exotic cars
- Celebrity appearances from the automotive world
Many visitors spend their afternoons exploring Monterey's coastal communities, dining at local restaurants, and taking in the excitement of Car Week.
What to Wear
Monterey's weather can vary throughout the day, even in August.
Be sure to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light jacket or sweater
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Layers for cooler mornings and evenings
Many Monterey Car Week events take place outdoors and involve a considerable amount of walking.
Discover Monterey Beyond Car Week
While Monterey Car Week is undoubtedly the main attraction, the Monterey Peninsula offers plenty to explore during your stay.
Don't miss:
- Cannery Row
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- 17-Mile Drive
- Big Sur
- Old Fisherman's Wharf
- Scenic coastal overlooks and beaches
Monterey's combination of luxury accommodations, coastal beauty, and world-class attractions makes it an exceptional destination both during and beyond Car Week.
Is Monterey Car Week Worth It?
Absolutely.
Whether you're attending prestigious automotive events or simply enjoying the atmosphere, Monterey Car Week offers one of the world's most unique luxury travel experiences. From rare collector cars and vintage racing to scenic coastal drives and free community events, there's something for every type of visitor.
Even without purchasing a single event ticket, you can spend your days exploring Monterey's coastal communities, admiring extraordinary automobiles, and experiencing the excitement that takes over the entire peninsula each August.
Stay in the Heart of Monterey During Car Week
Staying in downtown Monterey offers convenient access to many of Monterey Car Week's most popular attractions and events. Visitors are just minutes from Cannery Row, Old Fisherman's Wharf, Pebble Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, making it easy to experience everything Monterey Car Week has to offer. Explore Hotel Pacific's spacious all-suite accommodations, discover top attractions and things to do near the hotel, or learn more about group accommodations for car clubs, automotive enthusiasts, and Monterey Car Week travelers planning a memorable coastal getaway.
Whether you're planning your first Monterey Car Week adventure or returning for another unforgettable year, Monterey provides the perfect backdrop for one of the world's most celebrated automotive events.