Downtown Old Monterey has a wealth of locally-owned artisan bakeries, and they're ready to bring you the very best desserts, breads, and rolls for your Thanksgiving table.

Handmade with love from tried and true recipes with unique twists, these will be the perfect flourish for any gathering. Menu highlights and pre-order deadlines are below.

Menu Highlights & Order Deadlines

Ad Astra Bread Co.
479 Alvarado Street
Offering mouthwatering sourdough breads, rolls, pies, and cheesecake. Order online soon before we sell out and indicate pick up for Nov. 25 or 26.

Alta Bakery
502 Munras Avenue
Baking delicious apple galettes, pecan pies, and pumpkin pies. Pre-order by Nov. 21 online. Pick-up on Nov. 25 or 26 (specify when ordering).

Freedom Bakery Boutique
305 Webster Street
Preparing beautifully decorated cakes plus an assortment of cream pies (pumpkin, banana, coconut, and more). Order on our website for pick up at our Monterey boutique on Nov. 23 or 25, 10am-1pm, or for pick-up at our Watsonville bakery on Nov. 26, 10am-2pm.

Paris Bakery
271 Bonifacio Place
Selling delectable bread rolls, croissants, quiche, pies, and cakes. Place your order by Nov. 21 for pick-up on Nov. 26 (6:30am-2pm). Order in person or call 831-646-1620.

Parker-Lusseau Pastries and Cafe
539 Hartnell Street
Creating delicious pumpkin apple cinnamon cakes, baked pear and quince tarts, plus caramel pear spice cakes in individual or 10-serving sizes. Orders must be placed and prepaid by Nov. 22 either in person or by phone at 831-641-9188. Pick-up on Nov. 26.

Did you know Cooper-Molera Adobe's house museum and courtyard garden are available for event rentals? From Monterey Peninsula Pride to Art Abilities to Rosemary & Thyme’s elegant high tea garden parties, we’ve loved hosting such incredible organizations and intimate celebrations in our historic space.

Imagine your event here at 506 Munras Avenue in Downtown Old Monterey! Interested? Submit an Event Inquiry Form. You’ll hear back from us soon.

About Cooper-Molera Adobe

For almost two centuries, the Cooper-Molera Adobe has stood at the center of civic, commercial and social interactions in Downtown Old Monterey, witnessing Monterey's transition from a Mexican capitol to an American city.

After the property was willed to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1968, the site was restored and operated by California State Parks as part of Monterey State Historic Park for 30 years. Today the National Trust has assumed management of the property to create an innovative shared use operating model.

The complex now houses a museum, bakery, restaurant, and event venue, all surrounding an extensive garden. Interpretation, education, and commerce coexist in historic buildings throughout the grounds. Revenue generated by the businesses on site helps to preserve the property and support the programs and exhibits.

Photo by Nick Zafiratos of Monterey Peninsula Pride

MY Museum is accepting gently used Halloween costumes in good condition for creative expression in our theater! Costumes can be dropped off at the museum during regular business hours, Wednesday - Sunday, 10am-5pm. We're located at 425 Washington Street in Downtown Old Monterey. Our little performers thank you!

Photos from the 2025 Annual Trick-or-Treat on Lighthouse can now be viewed on our website! Thanks to everyone who came down to celebrate Halloween with us on Saturday, October 25, 2pm-5pm.

We got a little rain, but it didn't dampen anyone's enthusiasm - it was a joy to see the smiles on so many faces.

Outtakes and high resolution copies of photos are available. Please email media@lighthousedistrict.net to inquire.

We have sad news for the Monterey diving community: Bamboo Reef Dive Shop has closed after 64 years in business. They got their start in 1961 in San Francisco and later opened their Monterey location on Lighthouse Ave. in 1970.

For nearly 55 years, they sold, rented, and serviced diving gear, taught people how to dive, and organized diving trips. They've been stalwarts of the New Monterey retail community for nearly 55 years and they'll be missed.

We've assembled some photos we've taken of the shop over the past 15 years as a tribute. We hope that the diving community that they've helped create in Monterey will be their enduring legacy.

- Lighthouse District Staff

A message from the owners of Bamboo Reef Dive Shop

November 3, 2025

After over 64 years of serving the Bay Area and Monterey diving communities, Bamboo Reef is closing its doors.

It has been our profound honor and joy to be a part of your adventures and guiding you through the water. Since 1961, we've equipped divers, certified countless students, and shared in the wonder of the underwater world. The memories we've helped create are our legacy and what we are most proud of.

To everyone who has shared in our journey we extend our deepest gratitude for being a part of our story. Thank you for the memories. It has been a wonderful dive.

Important Information for Current Customers

If you have pending gear service, classes, or other inquiries, please contact us directly via email. In the subject line include your: name - gear service, class, or orders. This will help to expedite your reply and we will respond as quickly as we can to all inquires.

Join us this fall in learning a new language!

Adult Beginners 1A - Friday's 5:30pm-7:00pm in person

This course is perfect for adults ready to take their first step in starting to learn this beautiful language.

Starting Friday October 24th

Adult Beginner 1B Tuesday's 5:30pm-7:00pm in person

This course is great for those who have some experience with the language, know the basics and feel comfortable using the present tense.

Starting Tuesday October 21st

Please contact us for more information and to register!

Alta Bakery and Cafe is happy to announce our October drink of the month, an obligatory pumpkin spice latte. Come and try it - we're located at 502 Munras Avenue in Downtown Old Monterey.

The Old Monterey Business Association congratulates the 29 Old Monterey businesses and organizations that won Monterey County Weekly’s Best of Monterey County 2025. Click the links to read what the Weekly’s writers and editors had to say about each business.

Ad Astra
Best Bakery

Alfredo's Cantina
Best Dive Bar

Alta Bakery and Cafe
Best Coffee Shop

Alvarado Street Brewery
Best Local Beer/Brewery
Best Place to Eavesdrop
Best Bar for Gen X
Best Server - Chelsea Dalhamer

Ambrosia India Bistro
Best Indian

Bagel Bakery
Best Bagel

Compact Disco
Best Place to Go Dancing

Crown and Anchor
Best Pub

East Village Cafe
Best Place for Real Men (and Anybody) to Eat Quiche

Easy Street Billiards
Best Place to Shoot Pool

El Charrito
...Read More