How to Enjoy Monterey Car Week Without the Chaos

Let’s be honest: Monterey Car Week is extraordinary—but it can also be exhausting.

With multiple events each day, traffic-packed roads, sold-out restaurants, and tight event schedules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, even for seasoned collectors and professionals. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

If you plan ahead, stay grounded, and choose the right base, you can experience everything Car Week has to offer—without burning out by Thursday.

Here's how:

1. Choose a Strategic Home Base (Not Just a Hotel Room)

Staying in the heart of Pebble Beach sounds glamorous—until you're circling for parking or stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic trying to reach Laguna Seca. The smartest collectors choose locations that are central, but not congested.

At Fiori + Mare, we're tucked just outside the chaos, giving guests quick access to all major events without the stress of gridlock or crowds.

2. Take Control of Your Storage and Staging Space

Hotel valets, public garages, and shared storage lots leave your cars—and your schedule—at the mercy of others. When you have dedicated space, you control when vehicles are prepped, when they move, and who sees them.

Private garages, gated estates, and flexible paved space give you the freedom to work at your own pace.

3. Don’t Overlook Crew Comfort

Long hours mean your support team needs a quiet place to reset. Instead of overbooked hotels, consider accommodations on the same property as your cars. Less time commuting = more time for rest, touch-ups, and problem-solving.

4. Leave Breathing Room in Your Schedule

It’s tempting to RSVP to every event—but you’ll enjoy Car Week more if you pick your highlights and leave time for the unexpected. Some of the most memorable moments happen in between the major shows.

5. Make Time for Monterey Itself

Take a break from the buzz. Drive 17-Mile. Watch the fog roll over the cypress trees. Grab coffee in Carmel. You’re in one of the most beautiful places in the world—don’t miss the scenery because you were stuck under a detailing light the whole time.

Let the Week Work for You

Monterey Car Week is meant to be memorable, not chaotic. When you give yourself space—physically, mentally, and logistically—you create room to actually enjoy the experience.