California gas prices rise, but Memorial Day visitors still head to Monterey
Despite record-high gas prices in California, visitors are traveling to Monterey for Memorial Day weekend, though many are adjusting their travel plans to shorter, local trips.
Updated: 4:53 PM PDT May 23, 2026
California gas prices have reached a state average of $6.13 per gallon, according to AAA, making this Memorial Day weekend the most expensive for fuel since 2022. However, the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce said the high prices are not stopping visitors from coming to the area, though they are changing how people travel. “I’m hearing that a lot of our hotels are at capacity, that our restaurants are ready for people to come down,” said Monica Lal of Monterey Peninsula Chambers of Commerce. While there has been no significant decline in tourism, many travelers are opting for shorter trips and driving instead of flying internationally. “People are considering shorter trips, drive trips, rather than maybe getting on a plane and traveling internationally,” Lal said. As of Friday, the national average for gas prices sits at $4.55 per gallon, up 43% from last year, according to data. Despite the steady flow of visitors, some popular spots like the Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey appeared quieter than usual. “I’ve been here about, I will say, 10 to 15 times in the last ten years, and this is the least I’ve seen populated other than COVID,” said Ramz Singh, a frequent visitor to the area. Singh also noted the impact of rising gas prices on consumer spending.”For somebody who’s been in the gas station industry back in the day, you know, $40 gas fill-up. And then people had extra money to spend around, whether it’s traveling or feeding the family. Now that $40 is $80,” Singh said. The chamber said small businesses in the area are feeling the effects of increased costs. “I was speaking with a member today who said, within five months, he’s seen the delivery of product from Reno jump from $1,200 to $3,000. So our small businesses are feeling it,” Lal said. Mary Ann Carbone, mayor of Sand City, highlighted why visitors continue to come to Monterey despite the costs. “People come to escape the heat, especially on Memorial Day. At least you could come to a beautiful place. And even if it’s that they bring the family on a picnic lunch, maybe that’s how they invest,” Carbone said. The Monterey Regional Airport has not reported a decline in air travel, and a new non-stop flight between Monterey and Chicago will be discussed tomorrow, which could open up more tourism opportunities in the future.
MONTEREY, Calif. —
California gas prices have reached a state average of $6.13 per gallon, according to AAA, making this Memorial Day weekend the most expensive for fuel since 2022. However, the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce said the high prices are not stopping visitors from coming to the area, though they are changing how people travel.
“I’m hearing that a lot of our hotels are at capacity, that our restaurants are ready for people to come down,” said Monica Lal of Monterey Peninsula Chambers of Commerce.
While there has been no significant decline in tourism, many travelers are opting for shorter trips and driving instead of flying internationally.
“People are considering shorter trips, drive trips, rather than maybe getting on a plane and traveling internationally,” Lal said.
As of Friday, the national average for gas prices sits at $4.55 per gallon, up 43% from last year, according to data. Despite the steady flow of visitors, some popular spots like the Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey appeared quieter than usual.
“I’ve been here about, I will say, 10 to 15 times in the last ten years, and this is the least I’ve seen populated other than COVID,” said Ramz Singh, a frequent visitor to the area.
Singh also noted the impact of rising gas prices on consumer spending.
“For somebody who’s been in the gas station industry back in the day, you know, $40 gas fill-up. And then people had extra money to spend around, whether it’s traveling or feeding the family. Now that $40 is $80,” Singh said.
The chamber said small businesses in the area are feeling the effects of increased costs.
“I was speaking with a member today who said, within five months, he’s seen the delivery of product from Reno jump from $1,200 to $3,000. So our small businesses are feeling it,” Lal said.
Mary Ann Carbone, mayor of Sand City, highlighted why visitors continue to come to Monterey despite the costs.
“People come to escape the heat, especially on Memorial Day. At least you could come to a beautiful place. And even if it’s that they bring the family on a picnic lunch, maybe that’s how they invest,” Carbone said.
The Monterey Regional Airport has not reported a decline in air travel, and a new non-stop flight between Monterey and Chicago will be discussed tomorrow, which could open up more tourism opportunities in the future.