With warmer springtime weather, comes many great activities and events in Monterey County! Read about the world class events happening this season, and why you should visit Monterey this spring.
Jazz Bash by the Bay
If you're a jazz music fan, Monterey is a great destination for you to listen to world-class jazz musicians. Though the iconic Monterey Jazz Festival is in September, Monterey holds other jazz events like the Jazz Bash by the Bay in March. This event will include all kinds of American Classic jazz including Traditional, Ragtime, Swing, Gypsy, and Blues. Put on your dancing shoes, and come out on March 4-6 for a fun event located at the Monterey Conference Center and right here at the Portola Hotel & Spa.
Listen to the Best in Jazz in Monterey
Springtime Blooms
After a good rain season, Monterey County is full of gorgeous blooms. Go hiking on one of the scenic trails here to witness beautiful wildflowers, fields full of lupine, and California's State Flower, the California Poppy. Visit one of the top places to see wildflowers including, Garrapata State Park, Pacific Grove Coastline, Garland Ranch Regional Park, Fort Ord National Park Monument, Pinnacles National Park.
St. Patrick's Day at Peter B's Brewpub
If your visit to Monterey lands on March 17, be sure to head over to Peter B's Brewpub for some fun St. Patrick's Day traditions. From 4pm to 10pm Peter B's will serve Reuben on Rye, Green Beer, shots of Paddy's Irish Whiskey, and Irish Car Bombs. Don't miss Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm, food & drink specials all day, and Late-Night Happy Hour kicking off at 9pm!
St. Patrick's Day at Peter B's Brewpub
Whale Watching and Whalefest
If you've always wanted to go whale watching, spring is the perfect season for it. During springtime, dolphins, orcas, gray whales, and humpbacks are in the Monterey Bay. This creates good chance of seeing these amazing creates and other marine life. There are many great whale-watching tours on Fisherman's Wharf, located within walking distance of the Portola Hotel & Spa.
Also, check out Whalefest, an annual "edutaining" family friendly event held at Fisherman's Wharf. This fun event includes activities for all ages, musicians, boat displays, and many marine-related interactive exhibits held by local organizations. Join in on the fun March 19-20, 2022 from 11am-5pm.
A Humpback Whale in the Monterey Bay
Picnicking on the Peninsula
As the weather gets warmer, getting outdoors is a great way to spend your time in Monterey. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Lovers Point Park are two great places to enjoy the outdoors with a picnic. Order a delicious to-go meal at Jacks Monterey or Peter B's Brewpub, then head out and enjoy nice springtime weather.
Sea Otter Classic
The Sea Otter Classic is a festival for anyone who loves biking and the outdoors. This fun event is for both pros and beginners, and is a great chance to get a look at new gear, test out the latest bikes, and watch nearly every type of competitive bike racing. This event is on April 7-10 at Weathertech Laguna Seca Raceway. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website.
Sea Otter Classic
Photo: Julie Braunstein
California Roots Festival
Come listen to the best in the genre of reggae rock & conscious hip-hop at the California Roots Music & Art Festival, May 26-29, 2022. This 4-day music festival is known for their great line-ups and big energy they bring to the Central Coast. For tickets and more information on this festival, visit their website.
Join in on the Activities and Events
Monterey is ready to welcome you with the warmer weather, and all the sights and sounds of spring. The Portola Hotel & Spa is conveniently located to Monterey's most popular attractions, including all of the activities listed here. To book your room this spring, visit us online or call us at (888)-222-5851.
To learn more about special events throughout the year, check out our online calendar.