Monterey, California – October 19, 2026 -- Travelers can book a third free hotel night in Monterey County for stays between November 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, as two screen adaptations spotlight the region: Netflix's East of Eden series and the film Whalefall.
The East of Eden limited series, based on John Steinbeck's 1952 novel, premiered October 1 and stars Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist and Ciarán Hinds. Whalefall, based on Daniel Kraus's 2023 thriller and starring Austin Abrams, Josh Brolin and Elisabeth Shue, reached theaters October 16.
East of Eden sends fans to Steinbeck's Salinas
The Netflix series was filmed outside Monterey County, but the places behind the novel are open to visitors. Steinbeck was born and raised in Salinas, and the area's farm communities and family history shaped the book.
- Salinas' historic Main Street and Chinatown district are central to the novel's setting. History Phone, a free self-guided audio tour, covers Oldtown Salinas.
- The Steinbeck House, the author's childhood home, serves lunch in the restored Victorian. Steinbeck is buried in the Hamilton family plot at Garden of Memories Cemetery.
- The National Steinbeck Center is one of the nation's largest museums dedicated to a single author, with manuscripts and personal artifacts.
- The Farm offers organic produce, farm tours and u-pick days at its flower farm. The Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum in King City covers more than a century of farming history.
- The Monterey Wine Trail leads to Pinnacles National Park.
- In Monterey, visitors can walk Cannery Row or join The Steinbeck Experience guided tours. The Steinbeck Cottage in Pacific Grove, where he lived with his first wife Carol, is available for long-term rental.
See Monterey has also built a three-day Steinbeck itinerary linking these sites.
Whalefall's Monterey Bay setting is a real dive destination
Whalefall filmed along the Monterey Peninsula. Its story is fictional, but the marine setting is real.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row showcases the bay's kelp forest habitat.
- Monterey Bay Kayaks runs paddle trips where visitors can see sea otters and harbor seals.
- Monterey Bay Scuba, an actual Whalefall filming location, is described as the only full-service dive shop and dive charter in Northern California. It offers courses and classes for exploring the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
- Princess Monterey Whale Watching and Monterey Bay Whale Watch run year-round tours led by marine biologists and naturalists. Humpback, blue and gray whales and orcas can be seen.
- Film scenes unfold along Pacific Grove's rocky shoreline. Marina's dunes and the trails of Point Lobos Natural State Reserve offer wildlife viewing.
Stay One More Night adds a free third night
Monterey County has 12 distinct communities and more than 220 lodging properties. More than a dozen participating hotels offer the third free night under the Stay One More Night promotion. Bookings are open through February 28, 2027.