Monterey County gears up as car week roars back into town
MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) - Car Week is back and revving into high gear in Monterey County, expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors from around the globe.
With packed roads, sold-out hotels, and an economic boost, the region is preparing for one of its busiest weeks of the year. But with the crowds come concerns.
Agencies across Monterey County are on high alert to ensure the event runs smoothly. Enrique Saavedra, Chief of Public Works for the County of Monterey, emphasized the strain on local infrastructure.
"It will be a lot of visitors, more than our roads can typically handle," said Saavedra.
According to See Monterey, the county’s tourism bureau, Car Week brings in over 100,000 attendees and generates approximately $50 million in hotel revenue alone.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office says they’re entering a mandatory enforcement period, meaning no leniency for those breaking the law. MCSO Commander Andy Rosas urged locals and visitors alike to practice patience.
"You have a regular everyday lifestyle that you go by, and this does bring extra traffic and extra people to our communities. We just need to exercise some patience with everything going on around us," said Rosas.
Local hotels are already feeling the surge. Menka Panchal, manager of the Seaside Inn, says Car Week is consistently their busiest time of year.
"We do get sold out every year. This year is the same. We get a couple of cancellations, then the reservations come right back in," said Panchal.
The influx of visitors has driven hotel prices significantly higher. Panchal noted their average nightly rate during Car Week is around $350, about $100 more than their summer average.
Just down the street, Inn by the Bay Monterey is charging between $500 and $600 per night. The Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce confirmed that all local hotels are fully booked.
"Last year alone, hotel demand rose year over year, which shows us that there are more overnight guests and they’re staying longer to explore beyond just the Car Week events," said Lindsay Stephens, Vice President of See Monterey. "The ten days of Car Week account for 5% of all hotel room nights in the county annually."
While tourism dollars pour in, traffic gridlock becomes inevitable. In anticipation, the County’s Housing and Community Development Department has launched a special Car Week traffic map to help both locals and tourists navigate congested areas.
Public safety is also a concern. When asked about common legal violations during Car Week, MCSO officials pointed to public intoxication as the most frequent offense. They are encouraging visitors to familiarize themselves with local laws to avoid trouble.
For those attending or living near the coast, the county has set up a text alert system. By texting CARWEEK to 65513, users can receive important updates on road closures, traffic, and wildfire safety.
