Monterey County Inspired Gifts

The holidays are quickly approaching, but there is still time to get your shopping done, and Monterey is the perfect place for unique gifts. Wine from a local winery, artwork of a famous Monterey location, jewelry from a local boutique, and so much more be found right here in Monterey! Let’s check out some great locations for gift ideas in Monterey!

Wine from Local Wineries

Monterey County wine has flavor, character, and balance, and with approximately 40,000 acres of vineyards with over 53 varietals, this area is a wine lover’s paradise. Visit wineries such as Puma Road at Portola Plaza, Comanche Cellars, Sovino Wine Bar, and Odanata to grab a bottle of wine for the perfect gift.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Tickets

Only 1.5 miles away from the Portola Hotel & Spa is the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. With 550 different kinds of species, this incredible aquarium boasts over 35,000 animals including jellyfish, penguins, sea otters, sting rays and more! This extraordinary aquarium is a favorite with locals and tourists alike making it the perfect Monterey inspired gift! Tickets for adults cost $65, Youth and Seniors are $50 and children under the age of 4 can visit for free! Learn more about the aquarium and purchase tickets on their website.

Local Art

For any art enthusiast or anyone who loves Monterey’s scenery, a piece of local artwork is the perfect gift as it allows you to bring home a bit of Monterey with you. With Monterey County’s stunning views and majestic scenery, this area is the artistic inspiration of many artists throughout this area. Some galleries include, Venture Gallery (with access through Portola Hotel & Spa’s lobby), Carmel Art Association, along with there being countless galleries throughout Downtown Carmel, all of which provide a different style of artwork or sculpture. So, no matter what you’re looking for, there is a gallery for you! You can find artwork of all famous Monterey County locations such as Spanish Bay, Bixby Bridge, Pebble Beach, 17-Mile Drive and more!

Whale Watching Tour

Give the gift of a whale watching tour! Monterey is famous for our incredible wildlife including whales, dolphins, otters, seals and more! This is the perfect gift for animal lovers of any age who want to experience the opportunity to see these magnificent animals up close! Some whale watching tours include, Princess Monterey Whale Watching, Discovery Whale Watch, and Monterey Whale Watching.

Shop Local

Monterey is home to some great shopping with boutiques and gift shops that offer unique products. Some great local boutiques in the area include, Bliss, Somewhere, Whimsy, and The Feral Market. You can also stop by the Old Monterey Farmers Market, which happens every Tuesday on Alvarado Street (right outside Portola Hotel & Spa!) where you can also find local vendors selling arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, furniture, clothing, international food, organic produce, flowers, and pastries.

Give the Gift of Portola Hotel & Spa Stay

One of the best gifts you can give is the experience of staying at Portola Hotel & Spa! With Portola Hotel & Spa being centrally located in Downtown Monterey, it’s the perfect place to stay no matter what memories and activities you want to experience! You can buy a gift card on our website or call (888) 222-5851.