Monterey Car Week: A Field Guide
Ten days, five auctions, three concours, and more seven-figure metal than you'll see in a lifetime anywhere else. Car Week is a marathon disguised as a party. Pace yourself.
The Concours
Pebble Beach Sunday is the crown jewel — arrive at dawn for the Dawn Patrol tour, when cars are wheeled onto the 18th fairway in the mist. The Quail on Friday is smaller, tighter, and (for me) more enjoyable. Concorso Italiano on Saturday is the loosest of the three and worth the ticket for the Ferrari corral alone.
Where to Stay
Book eleven months out. Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley is the sweet spot — twenty minutes from the action, spa on-site, and the restaurant (Lucia) is one of the best on the peninsula. Post Ranch Inn if you want to hide. L'Auberge Carmel if you want to walk to dinner.
What to Skip
Most auctions are open to the public but tiring after the first day. Pick one — Gooding at Pebble for the big-money spectacle — and skip the rest unless you're actually bidding.
