Monterey Bay Stars Awards
Celebrating Excellence Across Our Community

What Are the Monterey Bay Stars Awards?

The Monterey Bay Stars Awards, presented by WhatsUpMonterey, celebrate the restaurants, hotels, experiences, events, and local talents that elevate Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Big Sur, and the surrounding coast. These awards highlight exceptional quality, consistency, hospitality, and community impact across our region.

Editorially Selected — Not a Voting Contest

The Monterey Bay Stars Awards are not a public voting program. There are no ballots, surveys, or daily votes. Instead, winners are selected through a careful editorial evaluation process based on:

• 25+ years of local expertise
• First-hand experiences and anonymous visits
• Authentic guest feedback and reputation
• Consistency in quality and service
• Meaningful contribution to the community

This approach ensures that every award reflects genuine excellence — free from popularity contests, vote manipulation, or pay-to-play influence.

How Winners Are Chosen

Each fall, our editorial team reviews businesses, professionals, and standout local experiences across a variety of categories. After careful research and evaluation, winners are selected and announced in early December.

Awards Timeline

• Fall: Editorial review and evaluation
• Late November: Final selection of winners
• Early December: Winners announced
• December–January: Select in-person visits, photography, and features

Can Businesses Apply or Register?

No applications, submissions, or registrations are required or accepted. The awards are fully independent and curated by WhatsUpMonterey’s editorial team.

Can a Business Purchase an Award?

No. Awards cannot be purchased, influenced, or sponsored. Advertising has no effect on results.

Why This Matters

Our mission is to highlight the authentic best of Monterey Bay — elevating those who consistently deliver outstanding experiences and strengthening the community through recognition that is trusted, respected, and earned.

For questions, please contact us at [email protected].

The Monterey Bay Stars Awards are proudly curated and published by WhatsUpMonterey.