Each August, Carmel-by-the-Sea becomes a favorite stop during Monterey Car Week, where locals and visitors come together to enjoy the lively atmosphere. The streets fill with rare classics, modern supercars, and iconic marques set against boutique storefronts and art galleries.
It’s more than a car show—it’s a vibrant gathering where you can enjoy the cars, the people-watching, and the unmistakable charm of Carmel.
Kick off your Carmel-by-the-Sea Car Week experience with us!
Stop by the Bambace Peterson Team’s office on Tuesday or Thursday next week to say hello and pick up a complimentary parasol - the perfect Car Week accessory.
San Carlos 3NE of Ocean Avenue
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its charming village atmosphere and breathtaking coastal scenery, transforms into a global automotive spectacle each August during its portion of Monterey Car Week. This period, known as Carmel-by-the-Sea Car Week, combines automotive history, cutting-edge design, and sheer horsepower, drawing enthusiasts worldwide. It’s an immersive experience for anyone with an appreciation for exceptional automobiles.
The unique character of Carmel-by-the-Sea provides a picturesque backdrop for these events. The village’s quaint streets, independent boutiques, and intimate restaurants contribute to a grand and personal atmosphere. Carmel-by-the-Sea Car Week offers a more relaxed and accessible entry point to the broader automotive festivities, allowing visitors to get up close to rare and beautiful vehicles in an informal setting.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its charming village atmosphere and breathtaking coastal scenery, transforms into a global automotive spectacle each August during its portion of Monterey Car Week. This period, known as Carmel-by-the-Sea Car Week, combines automotive history, cutting-edge design, and sheer horsepower, drawing enthusiasts worldwide. It’s an immersive experience for anyone with an appreciation for exceptional automobiles.
The unique character of Carmel-by-the-Sea provides a picturesque backdrop for these events. The village’s quaint streets, independent boutiques, and intimate restaurants contribute to a grand and personal atmosphere. Carmel-by-the-Sea Car Week offers a more relaxed and accessible entry point to the broader automotive festivities, allowing visitors to get up close to rare and beautiful vehicles in an informal setting.
Car Week Events in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Concours for a Cause
Tuesday, August 12 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Concours for a Cause is a premier event held directly on the charming streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea, transforming Ocean Avenue into an outdoor showroom. This event showcases a diverse array of classic and modern automobiles, including luxury vehicles, muscle cars, hot rods, and sports cars, all displayed in front of the village's quaint shops and art galleries.
The event features an impressive variety of American and foreign marques. Attendees can enjoy music, live interviews with car owners and experts, and award presentations throughout the day. Many local shops enter into the spirit of the week with automotive-themed window displays, and spectators often dress in car-themed attire, adding to the festive atmosphere. It's a free event, offering an accessible opportunity to witness automotive excellence in a picturesque setting.
Concours for a Cause is a premier event held directly on the charming streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea, transforming Ocean Avenue into an outdoor showroom. This event showcases a diverse array of classic and modern automobiles, including luxury vehicles, muscle cars, hot rods, and sports cars, all displayed in front of the village's quaint shops and art galleries.
The event features an impressive variety of American and foreign marques. Attendees can enjoy music, live interviews with car owners and experts, and award presentations throughout the day. Many local shops enter into the spirit of the week with automotive-themed window displays, and spectators often dress in car-themed attire, adding to the festive atmosphere. It's a free event, offering an accessible opportunity to witness automotive excellence in a picturesque setting.
Astons on the Avenue
Wednesday, August 13 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Astons on the Avenue is a dedicated showcase of Aston Martin vehicles, held on Ocean Avenue in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This event specifically celebrates the legacy of craftsmanship and performance associated with the iconic British marque, drawing a passionate following of Aston Martin aficionados.
The event features a stunning lineup of Aston Martins from various eras and models, epitomizing automotive excellence against Carmel's charming village architecture. It provides a unique opportunity to observe these luxury vehicles up close, from vintage classics to the latest models. Astons on the Avenue contributes to the specialized focus that defines much of Carmel-by-the-Sea Car Week.
Astons on the Avenue is a dedicated showcase of Aston Martin vehicles, held on Ocean Avenue in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. This event specifically celebrates the legacy of craftsmanship and performance associated with the iconic British marque, drawing a passionate following of Aston Martin aficionados.
The event features a stunning lineup of Aston Martins from various eras and models, epitomizing automotive excellence against Carmel's charming village architecture. It provides a unique opportunity to observe these luxury vehicles up close, from vintage classics to the latest models. Astons on the Avenue contributes to the specialized focus that defines much of Carmel-by-the-Sea Car Week.
Prancing Ponies on Ocean Avenue (Women's Car Show)
Thursday, August 14 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Prancing Ponies on Ocean Avenue is a distinctive women's car show celebrating women's passion for automobiles. This event, held on Ocean Avenue, brings together a remarkable display of cars, all owned or cherished by women, fostering an inclusive and empowering atmosphere within the traditionally male-dominated automotive world.
The show provides a platform to highlight the contributions and enthusiasm of women in the automotive community. It features diverse vehicles, from classic sports cars to modern supercars, all presented with pride. Beyond the cars, the event often includes various activities and opportunities for networking, making it a unique and inspiring part of the broader automotive celebration in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Prancing Ponies on Ocean Avenue is a distinctive women's car show celebrating women's passion for automobiles. This event, held on Ocean Avenue, brings together a remarkable display of cars, all owned or cherished by women, fostering an inclusive and empowering atmosphere within the traditionally male-dominated automotive world.
The show provides a platform to highlight the contributions and enthusiasm of women in the automotive community. It features diverse vehicles, from classic sports cars to modern supercars, all presented with pride. Beyond the cars, the event often includes various activities and opportunities for networking, making it a unique and inspiring part of the broader automotive celebration in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Ferrari Owners Club — Concours Carmel
Thursday, August 14 (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
The Ferrari Owners Club Concours Carmel dedicates an entire section of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea to the iconic Italian marque and motorcycles. This event creates a festive atmosphere filled with Ferraris' distinctive red hues and powerful engines, along with other Italian two-wheeled masterpieces.
Curated Ferraris and Italian motorcycles fill several blocks in downtown Carmel, creating an immersive experience for fans of Italian engineering and design. The event includes music, discussions with owners, and awards for originality, recognizing these vehicles' meticulous preservation and restoration. Concours entrants often enjoy exceptional hospitality, enhancing the exclusive feel of this dedicated showcase of Italian automotive excellence.
The Ferrari Owners Club Concours Carmel dedicates an entire section of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea to the iconic Italian marque and motorcycles. This event creates a festive atmosphere filled with Ferraris' distinctive red hues and powerful engines, along with other Italian two-wheeled masterpieces.
Curated Ferraris and Italian motorcycles fill several blocks in downtown Carmel, creating an immersive experience for fans of Italian engineering and design. The event includes music, discussions with owners, and awards for originality, recognizing these vehicles' meticulous preservation and restoration. Concours entrants often enjoy exceptional hospitality, enhancing the exclusive feel of this dedicated showcase of Italian automotive excellence.
Plan Your Visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea
Where to Stay
Securing accommodation in Carmel-by-the-Sea during Car Week requires planning, as the village's inns and hotels are in high demand. The charming nature of Carmel's lodging options, often intimate inns or boutique hotels, provides a distinctive experience that complements the automotive events.
Consider booking at properties such as the Pine Inn, an elegant 1889 hotel on Ocean Avenue, or L'Auberge Carmel, a refined French chateau-inspired inn. Many hotels offer period-style rooms with fireplaces; some provide complimentary breakfasts or evening wine receptions.
Vacation rentals, including charming cottages and homes, also present an option, often providing more space and privacy. Properties directly within the village allow for easy walking access to most events, while those slightly outside offer a quieter retreat. Exploring options like the Cypress Inn, known for its Mediterranean grace and pet-friendly approach, or La Playa Hotel, a historic, reimagined coastal icon near Carmel Beach, can enhance your Car Week experience.
Consider booking at properties such as the Pine Inn, an elegant 1889 hotel on Ocean Avenue, or L'Auberge Carmel, a refined French chateau-inspired inn. Many hotels offer period-style rooms with fireplaces; some provide complimentary breakfasts or evening wine receptions.
Vacation rentals, including charming cottages and homes, also present an option, often providing more space and privacy. Properties directly within the village allow for easy walking access to most events, while those slightly outside offer a quieter retreat. Exploring options like the Cypress Inn, known for its Mediterranean grace and pet-friendly approach, or La Playa Hotel, a historic, reimagined coastal icon near Carmel Beach, can enhance your Car Week experience.
Where to Eat
Carmel-by-the-Sea's renowned dining establishments are integral during Car Week, providing exceptional culinary experiences to accompany the automotive spectacle. The village's top-notch restaurants offer a diverse range of cuisines, catering to the international palate of visitors.
Along or very near Ocean Avenue, patrons can explore a variety of esteemed dining spots. Consider a meal at Grasings, known for its California cuisine focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Anton & Michel offers a classic fine dining experience with views of the Court of the Fountains. For Italian flavors, Carmel's Bistro Giovanni provides authentic dishes in a warm atmosphere. Porta Bella, situated prominently, offers a charming setting for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, perfect for observing the bustling street activity.
Along or very near Ocean Avenue, patrons can explore a variety of esteemed dining spots. Consider a meal at Grasings, known for its California cuisine focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Anton & Michel offers a classic fine dining experience with views of the Court of the Fountains. For Italian flavors, Carmel's Bistro Giovanni provides authentic dishes in a warm atmosphere. Porta Bella, situated prominently, offers a charming setting for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, perfect for observing the bustling street activity.
Photography Opportunities
Carmel-by-the-Sea Car Week presents unparalleled photography opportunities for enthusiasts and professionals alike. The combination of rare automobiles, the village's charming architecture, and the stunning natural coastal backdrop creates ideal conditions for capturing memorable images.
Photographers can find unique vantage points along Ocean Avenue, capturing cars as they are displayed against the quaint shops or as they parade through the streets. The soft, morning light often enhances the details of the vehicles, while the interplay of light and shadow on the cobblestone streets provides dynamic compositions. The informal access to many cars allows for close-up shots of intricate details, making it an enriching event for anyone with a camera.
See the full car week schedule here.
Photographers can find unique vantage points along Ocean Avenue, capturing cars as they are displayed against the quaint shops or as they parade through the streets. The soft, morning light often enhances the details of the vehicles, while the interplay of light and shadow on the cobblestone streets provides dynamic compositions. The informal access to many cars allows for close-up shots of intricate details, making it an enriching event for anyone with a camera.
See the full car week schedule here.
Want to be here to live and be part of Car Week every year? Start Fresh with Local Guidance That Understands the Real Estate Market
If you’re considering finding your next home in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Bambace Peterson Team can guide you through the process with insight built on experience. Their team understands the local market, the community connections, and what makes this area such a rewarding place to live.
Connect with the team today and view Carmel-by-the-Sea real estate here.
Connect with the team today and view Carmel-by-the-Sea real estate here.
