Independence Day in Monterey
We’re less than a month away from Independence Day weekend! And if you’re visiting Monterey this July, now’s the time to get your plans in place. Between festivals, parades, fireworks and happy hours, there’s plenty happening in the coastal city. Check below for details on all that’s going on in Monterey this 4th of July.
WHAT TO DO
Trust us, you won’t be hard-pressed to find something to do in Monterey on the 4th of July. On July 4, head to Monterey’s Fire Station #1 from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. for their annual Pancake Breakfast. Tickets are $10 and include a full breakfast, along with arts and crafts for the kids. Afterwards, walk over to Alvarado Street for the Monterey 4th of July Parade, starting at 10 a.m. Expect plenty of patriotic displays, entertaining costumes and bands. The Monterey Big Little Backyard Bar-B-Que starts at 11 a.m. at the grounds of Colton Hall on Pacific Street. This celebration is free to attend and includes carnival games, face painting, balloons, live music and food for purchase. The nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea 4th of July Celebration is another great event, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Devendorf Park. It’s also free to attend with a variety of summer food favorites like hot dogs and ice cream available to visitors. In the evening, stop by the Golden State Theatre for a free patriotic concert, starting at 7 p.m.
WHERE TO SEE FIREWORKS
In case you didn’t know, California is home to some pretty strict firework usage laws. Why? Dry summer weather mixed with explosives makes for ideal wildfire conditions. So, to prevent massive fire breakouts, firework shows are few and far between in California; and personal firework usage is pretty much prohibited. But luckily, if you’re in Monterey you’ll be able to catch a fireworks show in the nearby city of Seaside! On July 4, 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., head to City Hall Lawn for an entire festival. Expect live music, arts and crafts, pony rides, bounce houses, food and more. Then, watch the only fireworks display in Monterey County starting at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.
WHERE TO FIND HAPPY HOUR DRINKS
Since the 4th of July lands on a Thursday this year, you’ll be in luck with all sorts of local happy hours. Head to Hula’s Island Grill for Hawaiian Californian fusion food and their popular tiki drinks. Happy hour on Thursday is 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. with a long list of drinks and appetizers priced at $6. Or, head to Lalla Oceanside Grill between 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. for small bites and coastal views. Peter B’s Brewpub is another great option. Visit their happy hour 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. for garlic fries, calamari and $5 beers.
STAY AT DEANZA INN
After all the Independence Day excitement, make sure you have a great place to stay– like the Monterey boutique hotel, DeAnza Inn. This property is an ideal couple’s retreat, conveniently located near many of the Monterey 4th of July festivities.
Make this Independence Day the best yet, with an exciting weekend in Monterey. Soak up the Californian sun, attend a picnic or two, then stay at the beautiful DeAnza Inn.
WHERE TO STAY
DeAnza Inn
An ideal couples retreat, with spacious bedrooms and a convenient location near all Monterey Peninsula’s major attractions. 2141 North Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 993940. 800.858.8775
http://deanzainn.com/