







The Monterey Peninsula started 2025 with a lot of momentum, positive change and optimism. The 2024 year was a great year on the Peninsula in many aspects of living here. Events like the AT&T Pro-Am, Concours d’Elegance, and Pebble Beach Food & Wine continue to evolve in exciting ways. There are new projects in the works for golf course renovations, new restaurants, new shops, and lots of upgrades and remodels to businesses getting poised to delight customers throughout 2025. Another good indicator of health in the community is a strong performing real estate market.
The number of homes sold across the Peninsula was up just slightly and the total sales dollar volume was up year over year because of higher average sales prices. We know there is pent-up demand as a result of an election-related slowdown in Q4 of 2024. This suggests 2025 should be a vibrant year across the Peninsula. For more insight on the housing market specifically, please review our 2024 Annual Market Report at www.MontereyCoastRealty.com
This issue of Monterey Coast Homes features a great story about First Tee -- Monterey County, and how they provide children an opportunity for a brighter future. Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, First Tee has impacted the lives of over 120,000 underserved children in Monterey County. As a strong local business ourselves we are thrilled to feature Carmel Surf Shop and their local family story. The magazine also tells a great story about our own Devon Meeker and how she and her lovely family, like so many others, made the move from the bay area to the Peninsula. Also in this edition of Monterey Coast Homes is a great feature on some of our favorite oceanfront dining experiences outside of some of the more traditional Pebble Beach and Carmel restaurants.
As always, we are proud to feature some of the most beautiful homes currently available for sale on the Monterey Peninsula and a few significant sales that took place in 2024. Please reach out to us if we can assist you or your friends and family with any real estate activities in 2025.
We hope you enjoy the magazine.
Dan Lynch Editor
Editor Dan Lynch
Design
Madelyne Willey
Contributing Writers
Morgan Eastwood
Brett Wilbur
Managing Group Editors
Jennifer Edgemon
Ryan Probst
Tarah Ramsey
Katie Stone
Angelica Vasilovich
Contributing Photographers
Wayne Capili
Sherman Chu
Ryan Rosene
Cover Photograph By
Sherman Chu
Cover Property Listed By
Ben Zoller
REALTOR® | DRE#01967810
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JHenry@CarmelRealtyCompany.com
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Nestled on Paseo Vista Drive in the highly coveted Monterra Ranch community, this custom one-story home is a true masterpiece. From handcrafted fireplaces and wood beams, to ironwork tailored specifically to the home, this residence defines luxury living. Visitors are greeted with high ceilings, a chef’s kitchen, and ample room for entertaining. While each of the four bedrooms offer ensuite bathrooms, the primary bedroom pampers owners with a spacious walk-in closet, elegant bathroom, inviting fireplace, and breathtaking ocean views. The property also boasts a versatile home office, large laundry room, and an efficient air conditioning system, making this home a true sanctuary in any season. Bask in the multiple outdoor patios offering three fireplaces, multiple fountains, and a built-in BBQ area. The back patio highlights the natural terrain focused on the stunning views of Monterey Bay to the Santa Cruz mountains. This one-of-a-kind home is ready to meet all your lifestyle needs and should not be missed.
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Carmel and Carmel Valley are picturesque coastal and valley communities in Monterey County, renowned for their breathtaking scenery, mild weather, and exceptional quality of life. Carmel-by-the-Sea, a quaint coastal village, boasts Mediterranean-like weather with cool summers and mild winters, making it a haven for artists, retirees, and nature enthusiasts. It is characterized by charming cottages, upscale estates, and architectural styles that blend harmoniously with the area's natural beauty.
Just inland, Carmel Valley offers a sunnier and warmer climate, appealing to those seeking a rural lifestyle with easy access to vineyards, golf courses, and hiking trails. Homes in Carmel Valley range from sprawling ranch-style residences and luxury estates on large lots to more modest single-family homes, often surrounded by rolling hills and scenic views. Both areas attract residents with their tranquil ambiance, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to world-class dining, shopping, and outdoor activities.
This is truly a one-of-a-kind townhome in Carmel Valley Ranch. Extensively remodeled in 2023 with the highest quality craftsmanship, both inside and out. Enjoy one of the most private residences in the community, featuring stunning views of the 16th Green and the Carmel River, complemented by expansive patios and decks. The spacious open-concept design seamlessly connects the indoor and outdoor living areas, perfect for soaking in the Carmel Valley sun. This exceptional residence stands out and must be seen in person.
Ben Zoller
831.595.0676
REALTOR® DRE#01967810
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Welcome to one of the finest townhomes in Carmel Valley Ranch, perfectly situated just minutes from the Golf Course and Resort, yet offering privacy and stunning views of the hills, golf course and Ranch vineyard. Extensively remodeled, this home features a modern kitchen with new cabinetry, granite countertops, Calacatta marble and new appliances. The open floor plan, high ceilings, and patio with fire pit provide the perfect setting, complete with privacy and fantastic southern exposure to enjoy the Carmel Valley sun.
Ben Zoller
831.595.0676
REALTOR® DRE#01967810
Written by Brett Wilbur
In downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, tucked into an area known as Serena Court, Ashley and Zach Downing recently celebrated two years of operating their business, Carmel Surf Shop. Located in a fairytale-like cottage on San Carlos Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, the shop is the go-to spot for surf gear, cozy clothing, sunglasses, hats, jewelry, gifts and more. We spoke with Ashley to get the details on the welcoming family-owned business.
Q: What is your family’s background with surfing?
A: Zach’s grandpa and dad grew up surfing in Newport Beach, CA. Zach was born in Carmel and has been surfing nonstop since he was about 6 years old.
My dad and stepdad grew up surfing in Carmel and around the Peninsula. My stepdad was a standout surfer in the ’90s at Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.
Both of us grew up at Carmel Beach and both have a connection to the Hawaiian Islands (Oahu and Kauai). Surfing has always been a part of our lives.
Our sons, Koa and Kai, were both baptized into surfing at 5 months old. (In warm Kauai waters, of course.) No one surfs quite as much as Zach does, but we do occasionally all get out in the water together and we love it when we do.
Q: What were you doing prior to opening Carmel Surf Shop?
A: Zach’s background is mostly in construction, which he continues to do today with Malachai Boyce Construction. I had a beach boutique back in 2015 in Carmel-by-the-Sea and then created a lifestyle brand called “Mountains to the Sea” that I continue today.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for opening the shop?
A: We had always wanted to open a surf shop and the timing was finally right. We felt Carmel definitely deserved a truly local surf shop. We opened our doors on Nov 17, 2022, and it’s been good times ever since.
Q: Please discuss the inviting building that the shop is located in.
A: We knew we were taking a bit of a risk with the spot being tucked into Serena Court, but we fell in love with the charming fairytale cottage building. It is classic Carmel. Having to wander through the secret alleyways and courtyards is part of Carmel’s charm. We’ve had people tell us that they think it’s cool that we are somewhat hard to find. It means you have to be ‘in the know.’
Q: How has the community response been to the business?
A: We are so grateful for all the community support. Not just the surf community but the community at large. We feel truly embraced by the locals as well as the many visitors to Carmel.
Q: Please explain what you are offering in the store.
A: Our best sellers are our locally designed and locally screen-printed Carmel Surf Shop branded apparel for men, women and children. We also have men’s and women’s clothing from brands such as Howler Brothers, Brixton, Roark, Free People, and much more.
You will find local artisan jewelry, art and beach lifestyle goods. A surf shop wouldn’t be complete without all the surf supplies as well— we have surfboards, bodyboards, skimboards, fins, leashes, wetsuits and more.
Q: What do you find most wonderful about living in Carmel?
A: We love Carmel. Not just because of our deep roots and family here but because of its small-town vibes. It is a beautiful community and a beautiful place to live. We feel very blessed to be raising our family here.
Far Left Picture: Ashley Downing (left) with her husband Zach Downing (middle) & their two sons all wearing Carmel Surf Shop merch. Middle Picture: Zach Downing surfing in Carmel.
For more information please visit CarmelSurfShop.com or call 831.224.4446 & follow @CarmelSurfShopByTheSea on Instagram.
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Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove are two beautiful coastal communities on the Monterey Peninsula, each offering distinct appeals. Pebble Beach, a gated community famous for its world-class golf courses including the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links, offers a luxurious lifestyle with oceanfront estates, contemporary mansions, and elegant homes nestled among the pines. The climate is similarly temperate, with a mix of coastal fog and sunshine, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both areas captivate residents and visitors with their stunning natural beauty, serene atmosphere, and unparallelled access to recreational and fine dining experiences.
Pacific Grove, known as the "Butterfly Town USA," features charming Victorian-era homes, stunning coastal vistas, and a quaint downtown. The weather is mild yearround, with cool summers and foggy mornings that give way to sunny afternoons, making it perfect for enjoying the area's scenic trails and beaches.
SP: $45,000,000 • 5 beds, 6+ baths • 10,500 sq. ft . • Pebble Beach
Monterey Coast Realty is proud to set a new record on the Monterey Peninsula with the $45,000,000 sale of an iconic golf front estate located on the 18th fairway of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. Ben Zoller represented the buyers in this historical sale. This is now the highest residential real estate sale on record in the entire Monterey County.
Written by Morgan Eastwood
The allure and discipline of golf, mixed with the enthusiasm and joy of youth is a combination embraced by First Tee –Monterey County. The lessons taught delve far deeper than learning to chip and putt. Our local chapter has become one of the largest of the 160 in the country over the last 20 years and is powered in part by a trio of Carmel Realty team members, including CEO, Dan Lynch, who’s also the chairman of the First Tee board. Along with agents Peter Butler and Ben Zoller, all three love being part of the organization as much as they enjoy real estate. Lynch, who’s been on the board for over a decade, says the sheer number of lives touched is overwhelming. “It started very small 20 years ago, with a couple hundred kids being served to a time today where we have over 10,000 children benefitting from our programming each year.” First Tee records show more than 120,000 kids have completed the curriculum over the 20-year history.
As their website states, First Tee – Monterey County is dedicated to providing youth of all backgrounds an opportunity for a brighter future, and this group has delivered on that promise. Children can enroll beginning at age seven, and stay until they graduate from high school. Along the way, their lives are reshaped by clubs, teachers, coaches, and mentors. “We’ve got great people involved who are passionate, smart and committed, from the board level to the National First Tee level to our local coaches,” Peter Butler says, after more than a decade on the board. “I don’t know of a more impactful organization. We’ve been able to grow the organization and impact more and more kids, and really change their lives helping put them on a better future track. Not just for a year or two, but through lower, middle school, high school, college and life.”
In order to complete the program, the kids must participate in several hours a year—24-and-a-half, to be exact—of lessons on and off the driving range. “That’s a lot of time for a cool golf coach to be helping a kid learn a little about the game, but more importantly understand that when they practiced, they got better. When they treated their friends with respect, the friendship flourished. And when they set goals for themselves, they were able to progress and achieve those goals,” Lynch explains. “Then, saying, ‘How do those same principles apply to your life? What if you do that same thing with your friends at school, and you do that same thing with your homework, and with your parents?’”
Continued
First Tee – Monterey County CEO Nick Nelson says the statistical results, tracked through schools’ data by a research company, are astounding. “We’ve got data that suggests that when children are involved in the First Tee program, they’re more likely to succeed in school and life, have better grades in math and English, and have less absenteeism than the kids who aren’t involved in it.” Ben Zoller adds that, “Graduation rates have gone up. Kids have gotten out of gangs…and they’re doing way better in life than they would if this didn’t exist for them.”
Realtor Ben Zoller, who’s been on the board for five years, and is also part of the mentor program, comes from a local golf dynasty. His father and uncles have all been notable names with some of our most well-known courses, and his grandfather, John Zoller, started this chapter of the First Tee in the early 2000s. “Grandpa and golf paved the way to come here and have this experience through golf,” Zoller says of his extended family’s mark on the
"We’ve been able to grow the organization and impact more and more kids, and really change their lives helping put them on a better future track."
Peninsula. He thanks the incidental lessons he’s learned from the sport he loves. “There’s really no better game than golf because it’s self-enforced, it teaches you honesty, integrity, perseverance. It teaches you life skills. I think one of the biggest misconceptions that the First Tee has is that it’s teaching kids to golf. I would say golf is secondary to the life skills that it’s teaching kids through golf.” Nelson agrees. “Golf is simply the conduit. It’s how we teach life skills…Courtesy, respect, honesty, integrity.” He says. “Golf is a little different to the other sports in regards that there’s no referee, there’s no linesman, you’re put in a position where you have to show integrity, or not. It’s all on your shoulders. If you screw up, you’re the person who hit [the ball] into the water and you can’t blame your teammate.” As Butler sums up, it’s also good
for a little forgiveness. “Golf is a funny thing. You try to forget your bad shots as quickly as you can and remember your good shots for as long as you can. If you can remember that on the golf course and life, it’s a really good parallel if you can learn that lesson.”
First Tee — Monterey County is fortunate in that the group runs its very own facility, Twin Creeks golf course in Salinas, where early on it was determined the need for this program was deepest. Over the last 20 years, the program has expanded to serve thousands of kids in south Monterey County. The Taylor Farms Center for Learning has been established. The Pay It Forward Scholarship & Mentoring Program guides first generation college students through Cal State Monterey Bay, with some mentors being early graduates of First Tee. Remarkably, Lynch, Butler and Zoller sit on the board with some of the very kids who first went through the program. Lynch says it’s fantastic to see participants come full circle. “We’ve had our first doctor graduate not long ago. Many of our coaches have been through the program. John Louie was a first tee participant, went to a local high school, moved on to Middlebury College, returned to work in agriculture for Tanimura & Antle and now is an executive at Green Valley Floral as well as a First Tee board member.”
With 20 years now under their golf belts, the happy stories are easy to recall, from John Louie’s success to an 11-year-old named Jocelyn who brightens everyone’s day with her love of all things First Tee. In September of 2024, we saw the Monterey Peninsula’s own Nicole Iniakov—who joined First Tee at six years old— win at the PURE Insurance Championship. But the First Tee team isn’t about to relax. “We hope to continue to build on it for the next 20 years. The organization has had great success, but that only creates more pressure for us to make sure we make the most of the hard work all those people put in before us. We are going to do the best we can to help as many children as possible have an opportunity for a brighter future,” Lynch says.
The work, the fundraising, the time commitments, can be a challenge at times, but as Zoller reminds us, the Carmel Realty team will never give up. “If we ever doubt why we do this, we go out and spend an afternoon with the kids and are reminded why we dedicate time and money to this great cause.”
LP: $2,500,000 • 4 beds, 2 baths • 2,060 sq. ft . • 3089 Hermitage Road, Pebble Beach
Spectacular ocean views in Pacific Grove's desirable sun belt, re-imagined for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living and entertaining. This property comes with custom plans with water for a luxurious 2-story, 4 bed and 3.5 bath modern home with an attached 1 bed, 1.5 bath ADU, offering 3,658 sq. ft. of living space. Expansive 24' glass doors will connect the great room to a 1,300 sq. ft. deck with stunning views of Monterey Bay. Less than a mile from downtown and Cannery Row.
This Pacific Grove home sits close to the beautiful Asilomar and Spanish Bay beaches and many scenic walking trails, and is convenient to schools, restaurants, and shopping. The upstairs primary suite offers a private retreat with peeks of the ocean and a large walk-in closet. With a one-car garage, large backyard, and plenty of potential, this home is inviting you to make it your own. Don't miss this opportunity to create your dream home in this exceptional location!
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Monterey and Seaside are neighboring coastal cities on the Monterey Peninsula, each offering a unique lifestyle and charm. Monterey is famous for its historic Cannery Row, vibrant marine life, and the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. The weather is typically mild year-round, with cool ocean breezes and foggy mornings giving way to sunny afternoons. Homes in Monterey range from historic Victorian houses and modern coastal estates to cozy cottages nestled in beautiful scenic neighborhoods.
Seaside, located just to the north, enjoys a similar climate. The pleasant weather and proximity to Monterey Bay make Seaside ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and beach outings which appeals to families, young professionals, and those seeking a more affordable coastal lifestyle compared to its neighbors. Seaside offers a mix of mid-century homes, contemporary developments, and some newer subdivisions, often with views of the bay or nearby dunes. Both cities provide easy access to stunning beaches, outdoor recreation, and a relaxed, ocean-centered way of life.
2.72
Located within the secluded gated community of Monterra Ranch, 7855 Monterra Oaks is an exceptional 2.72 acre private homesite boasting unobstructed panoramic ocean views of Monterey Bay, city lights and the Santa Cruz mountains. This nature-rich, unique one-of-a-kind location set amid a grove of coastal oaks and Monterey pines, presents the perfect opportunity to build a home that fully embraces its natural surroundings.
3.32 acre lot • $1,200,000
Opportunity! Nestled on top of a hillside, this private 3.3 acre lot offers a generous building envelope, previous Al Saroyan plans and the views! Very few lots remain in Monterra with these type of views. Enjoy views of Fishermans Wharf and the bay to the west along with hillside and mountain views to the east. Just minutes to Monterey and Carmel. Build your dream house or pick up where the sellers have left off.
Written by Brett Wilbur
Like many Silicon Valley residents, Devon Meeker and her husband Ryan often visited the Carmel area when not working long hours at their high-tech jobs. “I grew up taking trips to Carmel with my parents,” Devon says. “When Ryan and I were in college, we’d often visit Monterey and Carmel. It has such a special place in our hearts that we chose to get married here.”
"I still do what I love, but now it’s for the people I care about — my clients and friends."
Despite their decision to move, the Meekers weren’t sure how the transition from their fast-paced Bay Area life to living in Carmel would go, but they were more than pleasantly surprised. “There were various unknowns, but it all came together. We haven’t looked back since,” Devon says.
In 2018, after 10 plus years of the Silicon Valley grind, the couple decided to move to Carmel with their two young sons. “We decided to concentrate on what was best for our family,” Devon says. “We wanted a well-rounded upbringing for our kids that focused on nature and the outdoors. We spent eleven months looking for a place in Carmel. We were finally tipped off to an off-market opportunity and fell in love immediately. We could envision our sons climbing the oak trees in the yard, and when we walked inside, it was exactly what we wanted. We put our San Carlos (Bay Area) home on the market and sold it that weekend—a sign that it was meant to be.”
Q: How did you transition from your high-tech job in Silicon Valley to working as a Realtor?
A: After working as an auditor at Ernst & Young, I spent 8+ years working in Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions at Facebook, often traveling internationally at the drop of a dime. I loved the challenge, but also had two boys under the age of four. Ryan and I both grew up in the Bay Area and were ready for a change. It wasn’t an easy decision to move, especially with family close by, but we knew it was the right one for all of us.
I’ve always been interested in architecture and design— when I was 12, I even told my dad I was going to be a Realtor one day. Within six months of moving here, I
followed my dream and got my real estate license. I still do what I love—analyzing data, telling stories with it, and negotiating with purpose—but now, it’s for the people I care about: my clients and friends. My background in Finance and negotiation gives them a real edge, and I love being able to bring a level of strategy and insight to the table that truly makes a difference.
Q: How did you find your community here?
A: When we moved here, we didn’t know anybody, but we met people quickly and easily. I took my kids to the Harrison Library in Carmel for story time and was shocked by the number of families there! We also got to know our neighbors right away—it was such an easy transition compared to meeting people in the Bay Area. Now we go to the beach with our kids and their friends and family. We watch the sunset and eat pizza while they play football. We also love taking our white lab, Quincy, to Garland (Ranch Regional Park) for hikes, which is another great way to meet people.
Q: With so many solid options, how did you choose a school here?
A: We moved here specifically for the fantastic public schools, but when the pandemic closed them down, we looked at All Saints Day School in Carmel Valley. We were so impressed by our neighbors’ kids who had graduated from there. They had such wonderful manners and confidence in speaking to adults. At pick up on the first day, I didn’t even have to ask if my kids had a ‘good day’—they were both beaming! I absolutely love the community there. It is so welcoming and truly feels like a village. It’s like we are all raising our kids together in one happy family.
Q: As a Realtor, how do you help other new residents with the adjustment in moving here?
A: It’s great walking people through that journey, having had the experience of ‘taking a leap of faith’ myself. I love sharing what we do every weekend and explaining the various schools and neighborhoods. When we moved here, I realized I had been waiting in line or traffic my whole life, so I like to explain how much easier it is to get things done here. The sheer volume of people in the Bay Area, along with traffic, makes it more difficult to plan various activities. Here, our friends all live within minutes of us—it truly feels like the neighborhoods of yesteryear.
Q: How do you replicate all the rich experiences of the Bay Area in such a small town?
A: The great thing about living here are the different communities—they are geographically close but feel distinctly different. Carmel, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Monterey, etc., they all have their own ‘personality.’ You
can enjoy such a unique experience in each town. Everything is at your fingertips. Also, people seem to be happier here, generally, because most of us choose to live here. It’s not like the Bay Area where people are recruited to live there for a particular job. Here, there are a diverse set of ages, backgrounds, and interests, with many people living elsewhere for part of the year.
Q: What do you enjoy about working on a real estate team?
A: I work with Malone Hodges, who is at Monterey Coast Realty’s sister company, Carmel Realty. Malone is a founding broker of Carmel Realty and has been president of the Monterey County Association of Realtors twice. With over 20 years of experience, he has a vast knowledge of the traditional real estate market. With my background in tech, we seamlessly blend the traditions of real estate with the modern needs of today’s clients. We choose to keep our team small as to deliver a ‘hands on’ and collaborative experience—an approach that results in our clients becoming close friends.
Pacific modern interiors inspired by coastal calm Carmel living
Carmel-by-the-Sea business owners Robin Sevrina Olson and Heather Palmer have joined forces to curate a unique collection of furniture, decor, and housewares. Together, the design duo seek to fill a niche on the Monterey Bay Peninsula offering approachable interior design and entertaining options including customized furniture packages, and complete home stocking and concierge services
I N T E R I O R S design + furnishing + staging C O N C I E R G E events + home services R E T A I L
in-store + online + home stocking
Get to know the faces behind Host House + Sea Blush Studios
Follow along: @hosthousecarmel + @seablushstudios
Services offerings + shop online: www hosthousecarmel com Send us a note: hello@hosthousecarmel.com
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Marina, California is a growing coastal city located just north of the Monterey Peninsula, offering a blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and a relaxed lifestyle. The weather is mild year-round, with cool, foggy mornings and evenings, typical of a coastal Mediterranean climate. Marina is particularly appealing for its unspoiled beaches, dunes, and proximity to Fort Ord National Monument, which provides abundant hiking and biking opportunities.
Within Marina, the communities of East Garrison, Sea Haven, and The Dunes offer diverse housing options. East Garrison features new, thoughtfully designed homes with a small-town vibe and access to parks and trails. Sea Haven provides contemporary residences with coastal-inspired architecture and family-friendly amenities, while The Dunes boasts modern homes and townhomes near shopping, dining, and entertainment. Marina’s combination of natural surroundings, new developments, and convenient location make it an increasingly attractive place to live.
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This rare home seamlessly integrates nature and modern luxury on a one-of-a-kind private lot. With over $300K in custom upgrades, an openconcept living space with a soaring ceiling that creates a sense of airiness and freedom and the sleek design elements you will never want to leave this oasis. This home offers a lifestyle of elegance and tranquility in a desirable and accessible location on the Monterey Peninsula in the Sea Haven Community.
Welcome to this charming singlelevel home, ideally situated on a spacious lot in a quiet cul-de-sac in Marina. The thoughtfully designed layout seamlessly connects the living spaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The expansive yard is a true highlight, situated on a nearly flat grade and featuring an array of fruit trees, a convenient storage shed, and a relaxing hot tub for your enjoyment. This home is centrally located between and is close to an array of shopping, dining, hiking, and biking trails and minutes from the beach.
Written By Morgan Eastwood
North of Carmel, some of the most charming cities—Monterey, Paci c Grove, Marina— are waiting to show you their dining chops. Everything from iconic local institutions to new successful ventures have something for every palate. e food is as creative and tasty as what you’ll nd in the heart of Carmel and Pebble Beach, and often times, won’t cost you as much. And if you’re looking for ocean views, these locations will bring some of the best in the Monterey Peninsula. If you’ve always dreamed of watching a whale spout or a raft of sea lions frolic while you enjoy oysters on the half shell or a world-famous clam chowder, our seaside cities make it possible.
Starting north, in the city of Marina, Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette will satisfy your seafood cravings. It’s not just the culinary creations and oceanside location, but the contemporary and relaxed atmosphere that completes the visit. If you’re there from 3:30 to 5:30 in the evening to grab a bite o their “sunset sessions” menu, you'll be able to catch copious amounts of orange-pink light shining in through the windows. A clean tile bar is anchored by wood paneled oors and ceilings and sunlight. Salt Wood wants its visitors to have an experience, not just a meal, and a central live- re kitchen acts as the “heart and hearth of the restaurant.” Short ribs and duck make an appearance, but this menu is big on oysters, lobster, local fried sh, and don’t forget their delicious bread baked by Otto. If you’re traveling with any furry family members, bring your pups out for some al fresco “Pawtio” dining and order them a “ru seas” salmon let.
A short drive back south will land you in the epicenter of delicious oceanfront choices. Take e Lantern Room in Monterey. Having recently occupied the space where Tides Waterfront Kitchen once stood, you’ll nd a casual, yet elevated ambiance, and top-tier dishes that pay homage to local catch and lands. e menus, which are “intentionally crafted in ways that nod to the vibrant tapestry of
local farms and the bountiful sea,” include virginica oysters, mussels and brown butter gnocchi from the appetizer menu. Aside from the seafood options, there’s a variety of ways to enjoy the heartier options— from a classic ank steak, to their 28-day dry aged strip steak, and even steak tartare. ey’re creative with both their drinks and dessert menus, where other local fare like Revival ice cream and Captain + Stoker co ee come into play.
e Lantern Room is one of the newest additions, but you can’t miss with the old-school perfection of Old Fishermen’s Grotto on the wharf in Monterey. For more than 75 years, the always packed, old-school dining room has stunned people with freshness, avor, and keeping the classics relevant. eir “world famous” clam chowder is just that—enough to bring in visitors traveling from all over. In fact, e Grotto is said to have invented Monterey style clam chowder (similar to New England style) and it’s a claim not disputed. It’s won numerous awards, including rst place in a West Coast competition. You’ll see Dungeness crab and cioppino, salads and steaks, and even a secret menu for those who live locally. (If traveling with small children, please be sure to check their dining room policy.)
Take in an elevated view of sea life frolicking or the sun setting from the magni cent location of Schooners Monterey at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. Here, a mix of sustainable seafood choices meets all-American cuisine. Order one of their three choices of seafood tower and watch jaws drop as oysters, shrimp, crab
and locally sourced ceviche is presented to the table. Raw and cooked seafood choices are just the beginning—there are also Wagyu burgers on a pretzel bun, and a full “steak house” portion of the menu. Order a beverage from their shortbut-sweet cocktail menu, like the “Big Little Lies” Schooner cocktail.
One of the most scenic spots on the Monterey Peninsula continues to thrill after decades on the block. e Beach House Restaurant + Bar on Lover’s Point in Paci c Grove is worth the location alone. But the lively menu adds to the excitement with some unique takes on classics like scallops pot pie, sand dabs almondine and crab arancini. Five specialty pasta preparations are also featured and loved by regulars. A “Sunset Local’s Menu” o ers choices from the main menu, but at lower prices—yet another reason for you to make the move to the Monterey Peninsula if you don’t already live here!
To Make Reservations and to Find Menus: SaltwoodKitchenAndOysterette.com e LanternRoom.com
OldFishermansGrotto.com
SchoonersMonterey.com
BeachHousePG.com
Monterey Coast Realty is comprised of a handpicked team of Realtors known for their professionalism, ethics and business success. We work together to offer the highest quality of personalized service to our clients. Our unrivaled concierge-style client services team, first-class marketing and leading technology resources contribute to our premier position in the area. We are proud to be the sister brand of Carmel Realty Company, a 100-year old real estate firm with a rich history as a family-owned business and a reputation for service, integrity and excellence.
Monterey Coast Realty is supported by a staff that includes the leadership of multiple experienced real estate brokers as well as a full in-house marketing and design team, world class in-house photography, video, copywriting, digital marketing experts, and a fully licensed transaction support team. This gives your agent more time to concentrate on strategic sales activities that lead to selling or buying your home faster at maximum value to you.
Through our partnership with Carmel Realty Company, we offer home services, estate management, concierge services, and vacation management services. We are prepared to assist before, during, and after your home purchase. Whether you need help preparing for move-out/move-in, yard services to take care of your new residence, or setting your home up in our vacation portfolio, we have you covered. Visit us at www.MontereyCoastRealty.com to learn more.