What if you could not only shop local but, in so doing, also celebrate some of Monterey County’s bucket list attractions?
Certainly the Monterey Bay Aquarium gift shop is an option. And there are many places selling Big Sur items. But assuming some people on your gift list are sports fans, you will need to look elsewhere.
Fortunately, the store at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the shops at Pebble Beach offer selections that will please any race fan or golfer.
“T-shirts are big, coffee mugs are big – people want souvenirs,” observes Gayle Davies, who oversees the gift shop at Laguna Seca, located in the paddock area. “We have a lot of good merchandise.”
The space is stocked with shirts, caps, jackets and sweatshirts for all ages, including a line for toddlers. Yet there are also items from signature events at the track, such as the annual IndyCar race – wearable gear, posters, programs and such.
After all, what race fan wouldn’t want a decorative jar containing asphalt scraped from the famous Corkscrew during the resurfacing project in June of 2023? Remind your friend or family member that Mario Andretti drove over that pavement.
“It’s unusual and kind of fun,” Davies says. “There’s something for every car enthusiast.”
While the shops at Pebble Beach – there are 18 of them, not counting the club shops and market – heavily favor the avid golfer, there are souvenirs from Concours d’Elegance as well.
At the shops, located by The Lodge and The Inn at Spanish Bay, one can load up on golf gear. There’s also tennis fashion, resort wear and fine wine. Stand-apart venues include the Jim Nantz by Vineyard Vines collection, Marchesa Jewelry and Golf Links to the Past, a shop for the true collector (think antique balls and clubs, historic photographs and original artwork).
There are holiday discounts available at both Laguna Seca and Pebble Beach, with the store at Laguna Seca slashing prices 40 percent until the staff break for the season on Dec. 21.
“We try to keep fresh stuff coming in,” Davies says. “Everybody needs more Laguna Seca.”
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