Take Advantage of Being a Monterey Bay Local at These 8 Places
Monterey Bay Knows how to Give Back to Its Locals
People who live in the Monterey Bay are all too aware of one thing: Everyone else is super jealous that we get to live here.
Locals may appreciate and accept that, but those just passing through get an earful of our counter-argument: It is expensive to make a life out here.
Those of us who do get to frequent Monterey’s streets on a day-to-day basis, however, get an advantage not given to the transient population: Local’s Discounts.
If your paychecks support your lifestyle out here on the Central Coast, the following locations honor your hard work with discounts tailor-made for those of us who call this place home.
C Restaurant + Bar
When you’re visiting Monterey, some of the first food-stops most people look for include sweeping ocean views. Although us locals get to enjoy these views frequently, we agree that they never get old! Locals who want to enjoy 15% off their food (outside of happy hour) should check out the C Restaurant + Bar in the InterContinental Hotel. Diners can also take advantage of their 3-hour, complimentary valet parking when they come to eat, and they’ve got a killer brunch.
Epsilon Fine Greek Restaurant
We can never get enough of Epsilon Fine Greek Restaurant. This restaurant is a favorite from guests on our Old Monterey Food Tour, and we even had the fortune of interviewing the owner, Christos Hix, about the creation of the restaurant. Outside of our food tour, locals can cash in on a 10% discount between 5-6. We highly recommend taking advantage of the saganaki. Those of you joining us for our Haunted Monterey Food Tour will get to see what that’s all about!
Puma Road at Portola Plaza
Puma Road is the newest tasting room in downtown Monterey, and we’ve had a great time with them since adding them onto our Old Monterey Food Tour. We’re also excited to include them on our upcoming Haunted Monterey Food Tour, too! Those of you living in the area can enjoy Locals Night on Tuesdays, when those with a 939— zip code can enjoy 15% off bottles. While you’re at it, stop back in on Thursdays for 50% off wines by the glass all day — and you don’t even have to be a local for that one!
Alvarado Street Brewery - Carmel Brewery & Bistro
Do you ever need an actual reason to go and enjoy a good brew? Alvarado Street Brewery in Carmel offers up an eclectic array of mixed fermentation, West and East Coast IPAs, crisp and clean lagers, and powerfully-flavored stout beers spread over 26 taps. If you’re a lucky local, you should roll through on a Monday night, which is when Yeast of Eden celebrates you with $1 oysters from 3-close, $4 Yeast of Eden and Alvarado Street Brewery beers, $7 draft wine, $8 draft cocktails and Happy Hour food prices all night long.
Monterey Touring Vehicles
We love renting cars from Monterey Touring Vehicles and cruising the streets in style! Although our customers can choose one of their classic cars to drive or ride in on one of our private and custom tours, those of you who pay your monthly bills to the Monterey area can enjoy 10% off your next ride! See you along the coastline cruise!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
A big reason people come to visit us, from our understanding, is to get a glimpse of the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Every year, the aquarium chooses to give back to the community and hosts a week of Community Open House, when locals enjoy free admission with proof of residence and identification. This year, the dates of entry are Dec. 7–15 (Sat.–Sun.) from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Additionally, those who purchase annual memberships during the Community Open House also receive an extra two months free.
Wharf Parking
Who doesn’t love free parking? In a sea of meters and pay-by-the-hour spots, sometimes locals are discouraged from spending time in the more popular areas because they’d rather not pay to park. Well, if you’re finding yourself jonesing for a visit to the wharf Monday-Thursday, the City of Monterey allots you two hours of free parking with a Monterey County or Student ID.
Cannery Row Parking Garage
Last but not least, locals can also park for free in the Cannery Row Parking Garage on 601 Foam Street. This award-winning garage, also voted the best parking on Cannery Row, honors locals with valid 939— identification and allows free parking after 4 pm daily.
