What Makes Car Week Special

Every August, the Monterey Peninsula transforms into the center of the automotive universe. For one extraordinary week, the winding roads between Pacific Grove and Carmel become an impromptu concours, with everything from pre-war Bugattis to modern hypercars cruising between events. The air smells of ocean salt and high-octane fuel. It is, without exaggeration, the most important week on the global automotive calendar.

What makes Monterey Car Week unique is its range. In a single day, you can watch vintage Can-Am cars battle wheel-to-wheel at Laguna Seca, examine a coach-built 1937 Delahaye on the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach, and bid on a multimillion-dollar Ferrari at an evening auction. No other event combines racing, concours, auctions, and culture at this level.

The Marquee Events

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

The crown jewel, held on the final Sunday. Around 200 of the world's most significant automobiles are displayed on the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, judged on elegance, technical merit, and historical significance. The cars here aren't just rare — they're the finest surviving examples of their kind. Winners have spent years and sometimes decades in meticulous restoration.

Tickets sell out, but it's worth the investment. Arrive early — by 7 AM — when the fog is still burning off and the lawn is quiet enough to properly study each car.

Rolex Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca

This is where Car Week gets loud. Over 500 historically significant race cars take to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for a weekend of competitive vintage racing. These aren't parade laps — drivers push hard through the Corkscrew, the famous downhill left-right combination with a 5.5-story elevation drop that makes it one of the most iconic corners in motorsport.

The paddock is open and accessible. You'll walk among Group C Porsches, 1960s GT40s, and pre-war grand prix cars with their bodywork off and their engines exposed.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

An intimate, curated event limited to around 5,000 guests. Held at Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel Valley, it features rare and exotic cars, gourmet food stations, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels more like a garden party than a car show. Tickets are allocated by lottery and are the hardest to secure during the entire week.

Auctions

RM Sotheby's, Gooding & Company, and Bonhams hold their most prestigious sales during Car Week. In recent years, cars have crossed the block for over $70 million in a single evening. Even if you're not buying, attending an auction is a spectacle — the energy when a rare Ferrari crosses $20 million is electric.

Where to Stay

All of these sit within a short drive of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca — see the full list on our hotels near Laguna Seca page.

Accommodations fill up 6–12 months in advance, and prices reflect the demand. Here are our recommendations near Laguna Seca and the key events:

The Inn at Spanish Bay — Coastal luxury at its finest. The famous sunset bagpiper, the Links golf course, and rooms overlooking the Pacific make this the prestige choice. Walking distance to many Car Week events along 17-Mile Drive. $$$

Bernardus Lodge & Spa — Tucked in Carmel Valley among vineyards and rolling hills. A Relais & Châteaux property with exceptional dining at Lucia Restaurant and one of the best spas on the Central Coast. A serene retreat after the sensory overload of the events. $$$

Portola Hotel & Spa — On Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf, combining waterfront charm with easy access to Cannery Row and downtown. 15 minutes to Laguna Seca. $$

Monterey Beach Hotel — A beachfront option on Del Monte Beach with a more relaxed, California-casual vibe. Excellent value for Car Week, 16 minutes to the track. $$

Dining

The Monterey Peninsula is one of California's finest dining regions, and restaurants operate at peak level during Car Week.

  • Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel — Michelin-starred tasting menus that showcase the Central Coast's extraordinary produce. Reserve weeks in advance.
  • Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn — Dramatic cliff-edge dining at Big Sur's most iconic property. The prix fixe menu and the wine list are both world-class.
  • Cultura Comida y Bebida — Oaxacan-inspired cooking in a lively Carmel setting. Their mole and mezcal program are standouts.
  • Sticks at The Inn at Spanish Bay — Relaxed fine dining with views of the Links. Perfect for a post-event sunset dinner.
  • The Sardine Factory — A Monterey institution since 1968. Old-school Californian hospitality with a deep wine cellar.

Planning Tips

  • Book accommodations early — 6 months minimum. Many regulars book the following year's stay before they leave.
  • Rent a car worth driving — The roads between events are part of the experience. The 17-Mile Drive and Highway 1 deserve something special.
  • Layer your clothing — Monterey fog is relentless in August mornings but usually burns off by noon. Temperatures can swing 20°F in a single day.
  • Pace yourself — There are easily 50+ events across the week. Pick your priorities and leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
  • Drive the backroads — Carmel Valley Road and Laureles Grade are where you'll spot the most interesting cars heading between events.

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