1. Monterey: The Massive & The Eclectic
Monterey is home to the area’s largest antique mall, making it a perfect one-stop-shop for browsing.
Where to Go:
- Cannery Row Antique Mall (471 Wave Street): This is the flagship destination. Housed in a historic 1927 cannery building, this massive, 21,000-square-foot mall features over 100 different dealers. You can easily spend hours here.
- Old Monterey: The streets around Alvarado St. have smaller, independent shops, including used bookstores and consignment shops.
- Lighthouse District: This area features a few shops known for more niche collectibles.
What to Find:
- Variety is key. With so many dealers under one roof, you will find nearly every category.
- Maritime & Nautical Antiques: Given the location, look for ship models, brass fixtures, maps, and other seafaring artifacts.
- Collectibles: A strong focus on toys, sports memorabilia, vintage vinyl, glassware, and ephemera (postcards, advertising).
- General Items: You’ll also find plenty of vintage clothing, jewelry, mid-century modern furniture, fine china, and collectible art.
2. Carmel-by-the-Sea: The High-End & Curated
Carmel is known for its exquisite, European-style boutiques. The antique shops here reflect that, focusing on rare, high-end, and investment-quality pieces. This is where you go for serious collecting.
Where to Go:
- Wittpenn’s Antiques (San Carlos St.): Specializes in fine 18th- and 19th-century European and American period furniture, fine art, and decorative objects.
- Robertson’s Antiques (Dolores St.): Known for its collection of estate furnishings, antique chandeliers, fine art, and silverware.
- Consignment By The Sea (The Crossroads Carmel): A high-end consignment shop where you can find fine furniture, rugs, and art from local estates.
What to Find:
- Investment-Grade Furniture: Authentic 18th and 19th-century European (French, English) and American pieces.
- Fine Art: Oil paintings, watercolors, and sculptures, often from established artists.
- Decorative Arts: Look for antique silverware, crystal, porcelain (like Sèvres or Meissen), and rare rugs.
- Wittpenn’s Antiques (San Carlos St.): Specializes in fine 18th- and 19th-century European and American period furniture, fine art, and decorative objects.
- Robertson’s Antiques (Dolores St.): Known for its collection of estate furnishings, antique chandeliers, fine art, and silverware.
- Consignment By The Sea (The Crossroads Carmel): A high-end consignment shop where you can find fine furniture, rugs, and art from local estates.
What to Find:
- Investment-Grade Furniture: Authentic 18th and 19th-century European (French, English) and American pieces.
- Fine Art: Oil paintings, watercolors, and sculptures, often from established artists.
- Decorative Arts: Look for antique silverware, crystal, porcelain (like Sèvres or Meissen), and rare rugs.
3. Pacific Grove: The Charming & Nostalgic
Pacific Grove offers a quieter, more charming antiquing experience with shops that specialize in home décor and nostalgic items.
Where to Go:
- Pickings Antiques (Forest Ave): A welcoming shop known for its well-staged vignettes of vintage home décor.
- The Grove Emporium & Vintage Finds (Lighthouse Ave): Multi-dealer shops offering a mix of antiques and collectibles.
- American Cancer Society Discovery Shop: A local favorite for finding high-quality donated items, including furniture, clothing, and housewares.
What to Find:
- Vintage Home Décor: This is Pacific Grove’s specialty. Look for farmhouse, rustic, and classic Victorian pieces.
- Nostalgic Collectibles: Items from the 1940s-1970s, including kitchenware, classic toys, and advertising.
- Classic Furniture: You’ll find a good selection of restored and vintage-condition classic furniture perfect for home decoration.
4. Moss Landing: The Collector's Secret
Just a 20-minute drive north of Monterey, the tiny fishing village of Moss Landing is a hidden gem and a major hub for serious antique collectors. The entire “downtown” strip is packed with antique shops.
Where to Go:
- Early California Antiques: A must-visit shop specializing in the “Early California” aesthetic.
- Moss Landing Antique Street: The main street is lined with numerous shops and multi-dealer malls, each with a different feel.
What to Find:
- California & Spanish Revival: This is the best place to find authentic Spanish Revival and Monterey-style furniture, California pottery (like Bauer or Gladding, McBean), and tile.
- Native American Artifacts: Many shops carry a selection of jewelry, baskets, and rugs.
- Eclectic Treasures: You’ll find everything from architectural salvage and garden art to toys, quilts, glass, and kitchen items.
Major Annual Event: Moss Landing Antique Fair
If you are planning your trip, don’t miss the Moss Landing Antique & Collectors Fair.
- When: Held annually on the last Sunday of July.
- What: This is one of the largest and most anticipated outdoor antique fairs in California. Over 200 vendors fill the streets, offering a massive selection of antiques and collectibles.
There’s so much to see and do in the beautiful Monterey Bay Area. Why not book your stay now at TheOlympiaLodge.com and start planning your next visit?