District Blog

Ladies and gentlemen, come in and play some pool at Bulldog Sports Pub! We offer free use of our new pool table for our customers during Happy Hour plus $6 drafts and $5 well drinks.

Happy Hours

Happy Hour is Monday - Friday, 4pm-6:30pm. On Tuesdays, free pool is only available 4pm-5:30pm, because we have to cover and move the pool table to make room for our Tuesday Night Jam.

Why Get Happy at Bulldog?

Bring in your skilled friends. hang out with our awesome bartender, Aaron, watch sports on our many TVs, and enjoy a wide selection of beverages and tasty food. We've got what you need for a good time here at 611 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

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La Bahia has launched our new catering packages! In addition to our delicious tacos, fajitas, and burritos, one of our packages now includes hamburgers and hot dogs. For a quote, call us at 831-884-5269 or DM us on Instagram.

Enjoy mouthwatering food and stunning presentation at your event. We cherish being a part of your memorable moments and you can trust we'll have every detail covered for you.

La Bahia is located at 675 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

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San Carlos Beach Reopened June 27, 2025

Posted on June 28th, 2025 by lighthouseave

A message from the City of Monterey about our local sea lions:

Good news, New Monterey residents and visitors! San Carlos Beach, located at Cannery Row and Reeside Avenue in Monterey, reopened for public use on Friday, June 27, 2025. The City of Monterey's Parks Division closed the beach in early June as a safety measure after a colony of sea lions took residence on the beach.

The City of Monterey continues to work closely with staff at NOAA's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary staff to determine the best solution to managing the area should the sea lions return in large numbers.

- June 28, 2025

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No Fireworks in Monterey

Posted on June 21st, 2025 by lighthouseave

The City of Monterey asks that you do your civic duty to reduce the risk of wildfire by not using fireworks when celebrating the 4th of July. In the City you may be subject to a $1000 fine if you are caught using any type of fireworks (including those marked as "safe and sane"). Thank you for enjoying the holiday responsibly and safely.

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Come check out On The Beach's familiar bear logo, now reimagined in local high school colors!

On The Beach Surf Shop loves our backyard and the schools that make it what it is. Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove - we’ve watched the kids come through, grow up, and keep showing up. This new batch of sweatshirts and t-shirts in the shop is a quiet nod to all of it.

Come by and grab one to rep your school. On The Beach is located at 693 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

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The Lighthouse District welcomes our newest restaurant, Lighthouse Bistro Global Cuisine! This cozy, casual dining spot at 570 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey (next to Fashion Trade) serves brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Open 7 days a week: Mon-Fri, 11am-9pm and Sat-Sun, 8am-9pm. View the menu online. Stop by Wednesdays and Thursdays for some great discounts!

Wednesday Wine Discounts

Every Wednesday, go unwind at the Bistro and enjoy 50% off a bottle of wine.

Thursday Locals' Discounts

Every Thursday, local residents receive 20% off lunch and dinner entrees.

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Lighthouse District in the News, 06/15/25

Posted on June 15th, 2025 by lighthouseave

Welcome to Lighthouse District in the News, an occasional post featuring recent news articles on Monterey's Lighthouse District. Please click the link below to read the articles.

Found Treasure: 13 ‘Best’ New Restaurants in 13 Words Each [Oystertown]
by Mark C. Anderson
Edible Monterey Bay, 06/13/25

World Turns [Lighthouse Bistro Global Cuisine]
by Jacqueline Weixel
Monterey County NOW, 05/29/25

Investigators continue to search for the reason why Carl’s Jr. went up in flames
by Erik Chalhoub
Monterey County NOW, 06/05/25

Free Emergency Skills Training: Monterey CERT, Fall 2025

Posted on June 15th, 2025 by lighthouseave

The next free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program begins in Downtown Monterey on October 11, 2025.

Teens through older adults are encouraged to attend (those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). Classes continue for 3 consecutive Saturdays, 8am-5pm. Anyone may enroll by sending an e-mail - you'll receive a confirmation with class details.

Topics Covered

You'll learn about emergency medicine, fire extinguishers, disaster preparedness, shutting off your utilities, rescue, communications when phones fail, and assessing a home or workplace after an earthquake or storm.

About CERT

The CERT program uses a FEMA curriculum to educate people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist their families and others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

CERT also participates in searches for missing persons, serves as coastal spotters for persons swept out to sea, storm response, and other emergencies. Learn more about CERT.

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Do you have unused guitars, amps, or pedals? Turn them into cash! Carmel Valley Guitars needs your consignment gear.

High demand means quick sales. Easy process, no upfront costs. Let's clear out your closet and get you paid. Stop by the shop at 623B Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey (across the street from Hula's). We're open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am-6pm.

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Monterey Hostel, located at 7789 Hawthorne Street just steps from Lighthouse Avenue, is rolling out our 2025 Summer Specials to help travelers save on their next trip to the coast. Book directly on our website to enjoy these offers.

2025 Summer Specials

Coastal Explorer
10% off when you book 4+ nights

Weekly Wanderer
15% off when you book 7+ nights

Student Stays
$5 off per night with valid student ID & promo code STUDENT5

Last Minute Offer
Book within 24 hours of arrival & save 5% with promo code LASTMINUTE

Monterey Neighbors Discount
Locals from Monterey or PG can save up to 15% when booking 2+ nights for visiting friends & family. Just stop by or email us before booking with proof of residency.

Restrictions

Special offers must be booked directly at montereyhostel.com prior to arrival. Discounts can’t be added after booking, and offers may not be combined. Subject to change without notice.

About Monterey Hostel

We are operated by HostelingOn, a 501(c)3 nonprofit on a mission to preserve and promote the hostel movement. Hostels help connect people of all ages and cultures so they can experience and learn about local communities through travel, shared adventures, and sustainable tourism.

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Select Sealy mattresses are on clearance now at Mattress Nation! Sealy just upgraded all their standard models, so last year's Sealy mattresses are on sale at clearance prices of up to 50% off.

This sale only runs while supplies last, so come in today to Mattress Nation at 296 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey and visit Salesperson Laura and her friendly pup, Hannah. The store is locally owned and the customer service is top-notch.

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The Old Monterey Business Association and Old Monterey Foundation are seeking volunteers for our 4th of July Parade in Downtown Old Monterey!

Parade Details

This old fashioned community parade, with marching bands, dancers, giant balloons, and community groups is a wonderful Monterey tradition that draws thousands of locals and visitors of all ages for a morning of family-friendly fun.

Volunteer Details

Volunteers will serve 8am-12pm on Friday, July 4. As a volunteer, you may end up marching in the parade or placed along the route for crowd and parade control. Because of this, it is very important that you be able to walk a mile and stand for a few hours.

Interested? Fill out this short form and you'll be contacted by the Parade Volunteer Coordinator. If you have questions, please phone the OMBA office at 831-655-8070.

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Sea Lions on San Carlos Beach - June 2025

Posted on June 6th, 2025 by lighthouseave

A message from the City of Monterey about our local sea lions:

City of Monterey's Parks Division this week has temporarily closed San Carlos Beach, located at Cannery Row and Reeside Avenue. A colony of sea lions have arrived en masse to use the beach as a resting spot.

The City of Monterey is working closely with staff at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We will keep the public informed as to the beach's status.

We want residents and visitors to be safe while visiting the coastline, and remind you to enjoy and watch the sea lions from a distance of at least 150 feet. Sea lions are large and can be unpredictable and territorial.

Please remember, we humans are sharing this space with other species. Marine mammals, including sea lions, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. People who harass, feed, capture, or kill any marine mammal could face a hefty fine or even jail time.

- June 6, 2025

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Learn more about Valentina, the co-owner of Bon Ton L'Roy's Lighthouse Smokehouse, in a lovely, casual interview on the local podcast, Alligator in Alignment!

In this podcast episode, Alligator and Valentina talk about the beginnings of the restaurant, her take on the wonderful cuisine, leaning into the New Orleans Creole tradition, and her connection to Martha Stewart...

Monterey's favorite Cajun musician, Alligator, performs on the second Saturday of every month at Bon Ton L'Roy's Lighthouse Smokehouse, located at 794 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

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Happy Hour at Oystertown

Posted on May 20th, 2025 by Oystertown

Come on, get happy at Oystertown! Join us for Happy Hour on Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays, 4:30pm-5:30pm. Enjoy $3 cans of beer, $5 glasses of wine, and a half dozen oysters for $15. We're at 281 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

About Oystertown

Oystertown is an intimate oyster counter offering fun dining and direct service. Our menu changes with the tides. We're open for dinner 4:30pm-9pm on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Open for brunch 11:30am-4:30pm on Sundays.

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Are you ready to feel amazing this summer? Grab a great deal with the Monterey Core Fitness 2025 Summer Sale! Our independent gym is where strong women shine. Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up, we’ve got you at 191 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

Summer Sale

3-month gym membership: $150 (includes sign-up)

5-pack group training for $100

5-pack personal training:
50 min for $300
30 min for $200

Sign Up

Give your body the gift of strength, energy, and confidence. Contact Monterey Core Fitness.

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