Remote Surveillance Trailer in Monterey, CA

In mid-September jazz musicians and fans from around the world will converge on Monterey County for the Monterey Jazz Festival. But that's not the only time to hear great jazz in Monterey County.

Many jazz musicians, including several regular performers at the Monterey Jazz Festival, live in the area year "˜round and keep their musical edge honed by playing at local venues. Here's our list of five of the best spots to hear great jazz throughout the year.

Cibo Ristorante Italiano has been named "Best Club for Jazz" in local polls for years. Visit on Sunday night through Saturday night and you'll see why. The sounds range from cocktail jazz to soulful jazz/funk. 301 Alvarado St. (corner of Alvarado St. and Del Monte Avenue), Monterey.

It's no surprise that Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant in Carmel would be a top spot for jazz; after all, the establishment is owned by actor/director Clint Eastwood, who has made several jazz-themed films. Hear piano jazz in the Piano Bar seven days a week from 8-11:30 pm (don't be surprised if you spot Clint) and make sure to visit the legendary jazz brunch on Sundays. 26270 Dolores St., Carmel.

There's one spot that's especially famous for post-Jazz Festival jam sessions by legendary musicians: the Fireplace Lounge at the Hyatt Regency Monterey. The venue keeps the jazz spirit going throughout the year with Friday and Saturday night jazz music. The current resident and music director is jazz drummer Dr. David Morwood, who is also one of Monterey County's top surgeons. Morwood often has frequent MJF players like Lee Durley and Gary Meek drop in to jam with him. 1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey.

When you're done listening to the bagpiper play in the sunset at Spanish Bay, head inside to enjoy some classic jazz trio sounds. The Lobby Lounge at The Inn at Spanish Bay has a jazz trio on Thursday nights from 7-10 pm and Friday and Saturday nights until 11 pm. (In the afternoons, catch bonus piano jazz at the Terrace Lounge at The Lodge at Pebble Beach.) 2700 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach.

Spectacular views, top-notch cocktails and great jazz - what could be a better mix? The Sunset Lounge at Hyatt Carmel Highlands in Carmel Highlands pulls Monterey Jazz Festival regulars like Steve Ezzo and Lee Durley every Friday and Saturday evening. Watching the sunset over the rocky California coast as you listen to top-notch jazz and sip a top-shelf scotch is a truly Monterey County way to celebrate the weekend. 120 Highlands Drive, Carmel, CA.

September is filled with things to do in Monterey County. Fill your glass all month long along River Road Wine Trail for California Wine Month, catch some waves at Marina State Beach for California Surfing Day on September 20 and start planning your weekend trips to the Central Coast for not-to-miss September events. Here is a round-up of ways to enjoy the end of summer in Monterey County.

September 4–6

With its epic outdoor adventures and unmatched scenic beauty, Monterey County has always been a favorite destination for Labor Day weekend. Discover an abundance of outdoor recreational activities, like biking, hiking and horseback riding or take to the open seas of the Monterey Bay for a whale watching excursion. Discovery Whale Watching is currently running 5pm sunset whale watching tours until the end of September and Princess Monterey Whale Watching is offering $5 off your general admission ticket with the coupon code "Whale5". Book now!

If you love funnel cakes and carnival games, you're in luck this Labor Day weekend as the Monterey County Fair rolls into town September 3–6. Celebrate Monterey County's unique history and heritage with non-stop family fun, rousing carnival rides, delightful games and prizes and tasty fair food.

If live music is more your scene, the Monterey Symphony will be offering $10 tickets for all students, active military and frontline workers. Get your tickets early for the Symphony's "Love Letter to Carmel" outdoor pop-up concerts.

Score a sweet hotel deal for your Labor Day weekend in Monterey County. The Gosby House Inn in Pacific Grove is offering 20% off your stay with their fall package to reignite your spirits with their Escape & Explore package. If you're ready for a seaside vacation and craving ocean breezes and outdoor adventure, Casa Munras in Monterey is the place for you. Visitors will receive 15% off rooms when you stay three nights and 25% off when you stay four nights. Check out the special promotions and start planning your weekend.

Find more fun and safe events happening in September in Monterey County below. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test may be required for attendees. Please respect individual event requirements and safety protocols and inquire directly for information.

September 17–19

The road to the IndyCar Series Championship makes an important stop at the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey to attack the iconic track at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Racing fans and drivers alike can delight in anticipation of The Corkscrew, last-minute passing and daring overtakes.

September 20-26

One of the most exciting stops on the PGA TOUR, featuring 54-hole and 78 PGA TOUR Champions players at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course.

September 23-26

Salinas is ready to rodeo! The California Rodeo Salinas is a 111-year-old tradition that attracts more than 600 top-ranked professional cowboys and cowgirls. This family-friendly and affordable event also includes shopping, food (don’t miss the churros!), entertainment like DUDE the mascot, western performers, a kids' corral, freestyle bullfights, plus a finale of fireworks.

September 24-26

Whether you prefer jazz, blues, folk or American songs, discerning jazz music fans are sure to find both old favorites and visionary new artists to love at the Monterey Jazz Festival. The 64th Monterey Jazz Festival features a multiple Grammy-Award winning lineup including standouts like Herbie Hancock, George Benson and Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science.

Monterey County is open and welcoming travelers to explore its awe-inspiring Central Coast destination safely and responsibly. Please respect Monterey County by following all travel advisories, masking up when needed and leaving no trace behind during your travels.

The fact that Monterey County has some amazing spaces is no secret. However, there are several hidden gems and secret gardens scattered about that are just as beautiful but not as well-known. Lucky for you we have compiled a list of the top 10 secret shrubbery spots around Monterey County. You can thank us later...

The Loma Vista Gardens in Big Sur are a welcome site for many travelers driving down Highway 1. This unique garden space has huge eye-catching succulents and features the Big Sur Garden Gallery and The Altar, two small shops that have unique gifts and art crafted by locals. The garden is a popular event space and you can often find weddings and concerts taking place at this beautiful venue.

The Cooper Molera Adobe is part of the California State Parks and features almost two acres for visitors to explore. The garden, located in the back of the adobe house, is less than 20 years old but is a beautiful testament to Old Monterey farming and gardening methods. The gardens are a lovely place for relaxation and have picnic tables for guests to sit and enjoy the gorgeous scenery outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Monterey.

Carmel is no stranger to secret garden spaces and many visitors stumble upon small alleyways and courtyards that are scattered throughout the quaint town. One of these is the tranquil Secret Garden passageway. Located on Dolores between 5th and 6th, this discreet alleyway leads to a small garden that is home to a variety of plants and succulents artfully arranged around garden sculptures and beautiful fountains. The small space is also home to the Pilgrim's Way bookstore which offers up an eclectic collection of knickknacks, music, books and candles.

Earthbound Farms is set against the beautiful backdrop of Carmel Valley and is committed to organic farming techniques. On their property just off Carmel Valley Road, one can pick up freshly blended juice at the farm stand and go relax in the gardens next door. The gardens feature seasonal pop-ups, such as their pumpkin patch in the fall and have a green lawn skirted with lush trees and beautiful wildflowers. They also feature special events such as their kid-friendly "Bug Walks" where guests can go and release ladybugs into the fields.

5. MEarth: Carmel

MEarth is an environmental nonprofit that aims to educate the public about green living practices and inspire awareness of the environment. The Hilton Bialek Habitat, a part of the MEarth property, features an array of native plants, flowers, a pond, fruit orchards and a green building that has solar energy panels, a rainwater collection and a living roof covered in plants. MEarth has several events throughout the year that encourage community engagement such as their sustainable chef dinner series and the annual native plant sales. This garden is also unique because it serves as an educational resource to about 1,500 Carmel Unified School District students who visit each year.

The Farm is an agricultural and education center that is located just outside of Salinas. The Farm does more than organic produce, they also feature a wildflower garden on the property. Several times a year they hold "U-Pick" events which allow guests to come and pick their own bouquet of wildflowers for only $6.00 a bouquet. After flower picking, you can visit their produce stand and pick up some fresh fruit and veggies or a pie.

Pacific Grove's Natural History Museum houses a lovely native plant garden in the back of the property. The garden features different spaces to represent 3 of the major ecosystems in the area - coastal shrub, chaparral and oak woodland. Along with the Native Plants, visitors can also enjoy a butterfly garden and an ethnobotanical area that has plants used by local California Indians for food and other purposes. What makes this garden unique? Visitors can climb into the garden's human-sized nest and children are invited to excavate in the "fossil pit" to find a piece of history to take home.

The Memory Garden is located next to the historic Pacific House and is one of the many secret gardens spread throughout downtown Monterey. The garden is surrounded by historic adobe walls and features a large fountain which makes the location both serene and private. Visitors are invited to enjoy the shade provided by one of many magnolia trees and view the beautiful gardens walking through the winding walkways and arbor. Because of the secluded location and picturesque scenery, the Memory Garden is a popular event and wedding venue.

The Chinatown Community Garden is located in Salinas and was set up on an abandoned lot by the Service Learning Institute of Cal State Monterey Bay. This space is a free public garden area that helps give back to the community by allowing people to adopt garden beds to grow their own organic produce and flowers. Volunteers assist community members (including the youth, low-income and homeless individuals) in learning sustainable gardening practices and provide the materials to help them successfully care for their garden bed.

The Carmel Mission is iconic to Monterey County and many visitors drive by to get a quick picture of the historic landmark. However, what many people don't know is that behind the adobe walls, there are gorgeous garden spaces for guests to wander through. The garden is extremely well kept and year round you can find lush greens and a colorful array of flowers growing around fountains and religious statues. There is also a unique and solemn historical aspect to the garden as it is a resting place for Father Junipero Sera and local Native Americans who were essential to the construction of the mission.

A rare pod of orcas, known as CA-51, has returned to Monterey Bay after a three-year hiatus, delighting whale watchers and marine experts.

MONTEREY, Calif. —

A rare pod of orcas, known as CA-51, has returned to Monterey Bay after a three-year absence, sparking excitement and curiosity among marine experts and whale watchers.

"This pod is very special. They're a favorite of whale watchers in the whole state of California, especially Monterey Bay, because they're known as the Friendly Pod," said Evan Brodsky, boat captain at Monterey Bay Whale Watch.

The orcas took a three-year break from the Central Coast but are now back, joined by another pod. Monterey Bay Whale Watch immediately recognized the special group by their eye patches and saddle patches.

"We're taking pictures of their eye patches and their saddle patch. And so, white mark on their back. So that's what's unique to each individual, and that's how we can identify who is who," said Sarah Munro-Kennedy, marine biologist for Monterey Bay Whale Watch.

On Tuesday, six orcas were spotted in the bay, interacting with whale watching boats and enjoying the bay's offerings.

"We saw them do some hunting today. It's always good to see them eat," said Brodsky.

Experts assure beachgoers and swimmers that humans are not what these orcas are after.

"They are killers, but they're killers of marine mammals. So sea lions, dolphins and other whale species," said Munro-Kennedy.

As for why they're back, marine experts aren't exactly sure.

"But, they are back now. And so we're very happy about that," said Munro-Kennedy.

"It's wildlife. So they aren't contained a tank, they're not contained offenses. They could go wherever they want," the marine biologist added.

Professionals advise never to approach these animals on your own, recommending a professional whale-watching tour as the best way to see them.

If you’re looking to escape the glow of city lights and gaze upon the wonder of the night sky, Monterey County offers a stellar lineup of stargazing spots. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a casual admirer of the cosmos, there’s something magical about staring into a sky full of stars. Here’s a guide to the best places to stargaze, complete with fun facts to make your adventure even more memorable.

Asilomar’s coastal location provides an excellent vantage point for stargazing, with minimal light pollution. The rhythmic crashing of waves adds to the tranquil ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a serene night under the stars.

Fun Fact: The ocean's salty air enhances your stargazing experience, as it tends to clear atmospheric particles, making stars appear sharper.

Few places rival the rugged beauty of Big Sur, and its dark skies are a stargazer’s dream. Popular spots like Pfeiffer Beach at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Andrew Molera State Park offer breathtaking views of constellations framed by majestic cliffs.

Fun Fact: The Milky Way can be seen at Pfeiffer Beach

Pinnacles National Park is a premier destination for stargazers. Best locations are any area free of obstructions like trees. Some areas on the east side include the Day Use Area behind the Campground and Park Store, the Bacon Ranch, and Peaks View Parking Area. From the west side, the Chaparral Parking Area. For more info, visit the U.S. National Park Service.

Fun Fact: Pinnacles' volcanic rock formations create a dramatic foreground for stargazing and astrophotography.

Perched above the city of Monterey, Jacks Peak offers an elevated view of the night sky. The park’s trails and open spaces make it a great choice for both casual stargazing and night photography.

Fun Fact: The park’s elevation (1,068 feet) makes it one of the best spots to catch a clear view of celestial events like meteor showers.

Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley offers a peaceful and scenic setting for stargazing. Its location in the Santa Lucia Mountains enhances the clarity of the night sky, making it a hidden gem anyone can enjoy.

Fun Fact: This park is home to a variety of landscapes that occur at elevations from 200 to 2,000 feet. These elevated vantage points are sure to enhance your stargazing experience.

Known for its world-class motorsport's events, WeatherTech Raceway also doubles as a unique stargazing spot during off-peak times. Its elevated location ensures minimal light interference.

Fun Fact: The raceway’s Corkscrew corner isn’t just legendary for motorsports—it's a fun backdrop for astrophotography!

Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy (MIRA)

MIRA is located adjacent to California State University Monterey and is a hub for astronomy enthusiasts. It is a non-profit astronomical observatory founded in 1972 and dedicated to research and education in astronomy.

Fun Fact: MIRA’s research contributes to our understanding of distant stars and galaxies, right from Monterey County!

The Oliver Observing Station is located in Carmel Valley and is operated by MIRA. This site has excellent conditions for optical astronomy.

Fun Fact: The observatory's state-of-the-art 36-inch telescope allows you to see objects millions of light-years away!

For those who prefer an indoor stargazing experience, the Hartnell College Planetarium in Salinas offers captivating shows that bring the universe to life, rain or shine.

Fun Fact: The planetarium can replicate celestial events, allowing you to experience rare occurrences like solar eclipses or the aurora borealis.

Find your way to Monterey County for a stargazing trip very soon!