We love cars for their elegance, their sense of design, and their speed. This equation changes over time—you may be a Porsche partisan of a certain vintage or an Aston Martin aficionado who tolerates only British racing green. Over a long weekend at Monterey Car Week, you can go headlong into the most beautiful cars in the world owned by the most obsessive collectors—and the scenery isn’t half bad either. It’s a remarkable gathering of people who are united by their love of motorsport: Formula 1 drivers, legendary dealers, hardcore collectors, industry insiders, and those who simply like to see fast, beautiful things in action.
The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering
At this refined event, a few hundred cars compete against one another, automotive companies reveal their latest models—and there’s plenty of Champagne to go around too. You might come across a Ferrari F50 from the mid ’90s or get lucky and see Rolex Testimonee and endurance racing legend Scott Pruett talking with president of Motor Sport at The Quail, Gordon McCall.
Pebble Beach, Concourse d’Elegance
America’s foremost car competition takes place on the 18th hole of one of the most scenic settings in all of golf. Guests can’t help but admire the views—the ocean is right there—but the legendary cars are just as impressive, like this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster. It’s incredible to see everything come together in one place—and these cars don’t just sit there: They drive along the gorgeous coastal highways before arriving for the competition.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
At the Raceway at Laguna Seca, cars drive the way they were intended: fast. It’s quite something when a pack of 1930s Bugattis tears around the track. Pay attention to the famous corkscrew turn—a white-knuckling experience even for spectators—and don’t forget the watches. There’s plenty of performance in the Rolex timepieces that grace the show and serve as part of the purse for the week’s winners.
Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection
Set on the southern edge of Napa Valley, Stanly Ranch is a modern retreat where vineyards frame a design-forward take on wine-country living. A swimming pool, transformative wellbeing experiences, and seasonal cuisine set a decidedly California scene, while many of the 135 standalone cottages and suites, as well as the private residences, open to outdoor living spaces.
Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Collection
Perched above Rutherford, Auberge du Soleil pairs contemporary residential design with Michelin-starred dining and panoramic valley views. Its 15,000-bottle cellar spans local icons and global benchmarks. The 50 rooms and suites—many housed within French-inspired maisons—feature fireplaces, soaking tubs, and private outlooks onto vineyards and olive groves.
Solage, Auberge Collection
At the northern end of the valley in Calistoga, the 100-room Solage offers a contemporary take on the vineyard escape, centered on wellbeing and open-air living. Geothermal pools and a bathhouse at Spa Solage, Wellbeing by Auberge place the focus on grounded wellness, while Solbar presents globally influenced, seasonal cuisine.
