Things to Do in Monterey This Fall | The Sanctuary Beach Resort
Things to Do in Monterey This Fall: Your September & October Guide
Fall is one of the best kept secrets on California's Central Coast. The summer fog has cleared, the crowds have thinned, and warm afternoons stretch into cool, clear evenings perfect for a walk on the sand. Locals will tell you September and October are the sunniest, mildest months of the year here, a reward for travelers willing to book a getaway once the back to school rush has passed. From live jazz on the fairgrounds to wine harvest in the hills and butterflies returning to their winter home, September and October bring some of the richest experiences Monterey has to offer. The Sanctuary Beach Resort, set along a quiet stretch of dunes in Marina, is a great option for a fall getaway, offering easy access to everything in this guide with the beach right outside your door.
Monterey Jazz Festival Takes Over the Fairgrounds
Few events capture the spirit of Monterey quite like the Monterey Jazz Festival. Running September 25 through 27 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, this is the longest continuously running jazz festival in the world, and the 2026 lineup carries on nearly seven decades of legendary performances across multiple stages. Guests can catch a full day of music or drop in for an evening set, with food, wine, and a community atmosphere that spills out well beyond the arena. Single day tickets make it easy to build the weekend around one favorite set, and three day packages open up the whole grounds, including smaller stages tucked into the courtyard and garden areas where lesser known acts often steal the show. Book early, since hotel rooms and festival passes both move quickly during this weekend.
Harvest Season in the Santa Lucia Highlands
September and October mark harvest season in the Santa Lucia Highlands, the acclaimed wine region just a short drive inland from the coast. This time of year, many tasting rooms along the Monterey Wine Trail offer a rare look at the winemaking process itself, from grapes arriving at the crush pad to the first fermentation smells drifting through the cellar. Known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, several wineries host harvest events and cellar dinners through the season, pairing new releases with local produce. It is one of the few times of year visitors can see winemaking in motion rather than just tasting the finished product, and staff are often happy to talk through what makes each vintage different. Call ahead for reservations, since fall weekends fill up fast with both locals and visiting collectors.
Quiet Trails at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Summer brings crowds to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, but fall offers a far calmer experience along the same dramatic granite headlands and cypress groves. Trails that wind above coves thick with kelp and resident sea lions are easier to enjoy without a busy parking lot, and the whale migration is still active offshore into early fall, with sightings possible from several of the reserve's overlooks. The reserve's Cypress Grove Trail is a short, easy loop past some of the last natural stands of Monterey cypress on earth, twisted into shapes by decades of wind, while the longer South Shore Trail rewards hikers with hidden coves and tide pools well away from the main entrance.
Carmel International Film Festival Lights Up the Village
From October 1 through 4, the storybook streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea welcome filmmakers and film lovers for the Carmel International Film Festival. With roots that trace back to 1929, the festival has a long history in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The event fills the Founders Theatre with screenings, panels, and industry conversations, alongside parties and events scattered through the village. Even without a festival pass, fall is a fitting time to wander Carmel's galleries and boutiques, since the summer crowds have moved on and outdoor patios are comfortable for a long, leisurely lunch.
Butterflies Return to Pacific Grove
Toward the end of October, thousands of monarch butterflies begin arriving in Pacific Grove, earning the town its nickname, Butterfly Town, U.S.A. The Monarch Grove Sanctuary is the best place to see them cluster on the branches of pine, cypress, and eucalyptus trees, and the season kicks off in style with the Pacific Grove Butterfly Parade on the first Saturday of October, when local schoolchildren march through downtown dressed as monarchs. The full migration builds through November, so an October visit is an early look at one of the coast's most charming natural events.
Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Without the Crowds
Fall is an ideal time to explore Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium at a slower pace. Lines that stretch out the door in July are far shorter in September and October, giving visitors more time in front of the kelp forest tank and the sea otter exhibit. Afterward, a stroll down the same waterfront John Steinbeck once wrote about makes for a relaxed afternoon, especially with a stop for fresh seafood along the way. Shops and galleries that pack the sidewalks in summer relax once October arrives, with room to browse at a slower pace. The bay's cooler fall waters also keep marine life active, so keep an eye out for otters and seals in the harbor, and the softer afternoon light makes the whole waterfront especially photogenic.
Your Ideal Fall Base
With so much happening across Monterey this fall, having a comfortable, central home base makes all the difference. The Sanctuary Beach Resort sits on twenty five acres of protected dunes between Santa Cruz and Monterey, giving guests direct beach access along with easy drives to the Santa Lucia Highlands, Point Lobos, Carmel, and Pacific Grove. Spacious rooms, a heated pool, and evening bonfires on the sand make it easy to unwind after a full day of festivals and exploring. Book your stay at The Sanctuary Beach Resort and start planning your September or October getaway on California's Central Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fall a good time to visit Monterey?
September and October are often considered some of Monterey's best months, offering sunny days, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds than summer.
When is the Monterey Jazz Festival in 2026?
The Monterey Jazz Festival is scheduled for September 25–27, 2026, at the Monterey County Fairgrounds.
What is harvest season in the Santa Lucia Highlands?
Harvest season takes place during September and October, when wineries begin picking grapes and many offer special events, tastings, and harvest experiences.
Is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve worth visiting in the fall?
Yes. Fall brings lighter crowds, comfortable hiking weather, and opportunities to enjoy the reserve's scenic coastal trails and wildlife viewing.
When can I see monarch butterflies in Pacific Grove?
Monarch butterflies begin arriving in Pacific Grove in late October, with the migration continuing through the fall and winter months.
What are some family-friendly things to do in Monterey during September and October?
Families can visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, explore Point Lobos, watch for monarch butterflies in Pacific Grove, stroll Cannery Row, and enjoy Monterey's beaches and coastal parks.
Is the Monterey Bay Aquarium less crowded in the fall?
Yes. September and October typically see fewer visitors than the peak summer season, allowing for a more relaxed aquarium experience.
How far is The Sanctuary Beach Resort from Monterey's top fall attractions?
The Sanctuary Beach Resort is conveniently located in Marina, providing easy access to Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, Point Lobos, and the Santa Lucia Highlands.
Why stay at The Sanctuary Beach Resort during a fall trip to Monterey?
The Sanctuary Beach Resort offers direct beach access and a convenient location near Monterey's top fall events, attractions, and scenic destinations.