The Quail by The Peninsula, A Motorsports Gathering. Review of this annual event held at The Quail…read moreLodge & Golf Club.
5.0+
A cornucopia of automobiles, refined elegance, gourmet cuisine, caviar, and endlessly flowing champagne; that perfectly sums up The Quail by The Peninsula, A Motorsports Gathering. In 2026, this prestigious event celebrates its 23rd year at Quail Lodge & Golf Club.
Most importantly, you need an invitation. Start by signing up for their newsletter and mailing list. When registration emails are sent out in early January, don't hesitate to purchase your tickets to secure your credentials. It isn't inexpensive, as tickets for the 2026 event are $1,600 per person. Miss that window, and you may find yourself on a waitlist.
If you're fortunate enough to obtain tickets, you'll have the option of receiving e-tickets. I passed on that and opted to have my credentials mailed instead. They arrive in a beautifully presented Quail box complete with an entry wristlet and parking pass, making for a wonderful keepsake from the event.
Next, choose an outfit that's both classy and comfortable, slip on sensible shoes, grab your favorite luxury handbag, and you're off to The Quail! The last couple of years we've attended, the weather had been absolutely perfect. That said, mornings can be cool, so pack a light sweater and perhaps a hat. Think of it as an elegant garden party. You'll spend most of the day walking across grass and paved pathways, so stiletto heels aren't the best choice, unless you're determined to be uncomfortable while aerating the golf course.
Pro Tip: Arrive early. This is, after all, Monterey Car Week. Tens of thousands of enthusiasts and extraordinary automobiles from around the world descend upon the Monterey Peninsula during the week, creating traffic that local roads were never designed to handle. Giving yourself extra time will minimize stress and maximize your enjoyment once you're inside.
Since we weren't displaying a car, our credentials included general parking. However, driving a Ferrari apparently comes with a few unofficial perks. As we entered the lot, the parking attendant waved us over and directed us to park alongside a collection of other supercars surrounding a grassy knoll.
Once inside, procure your glass of champagne and don't forget to snap a photo in front of the iconic Quail monument sign featuring the event organizers, The Peninsula Signature Events.
As we wandered through the beautifully manicured grounds, admiring the marque displays, we naturally made our first stop at the oyster stand. What better way to begin the day than with champagne and freshly shucked oysters?
Scattered throughout the venue are numerous gourmet food pavilions serving an incredible variety of cuisines, accompanied by equally impressive wines, spirits, and cocktails. My advice? Don't stop at the very first pavilion you encounter. With so many outstanding options available, you'll want to pace yourself. Study the event map beforehand, note the vendors that interest you most, and plan your culinary adventure accordingly.
The Quail is also one of our favorite places to reconnect with friends, both fellow racers and automotive enthusiasts. It's not uncommon to find yourself mingling with motorsport executives and industry leaders while discovering the latest innovations in the automotive world. Two years ago, we had the pleasure of meeting Christian von Koenigsegg, founder of Koenigsegg Automotive AB. This past year, we met David Lee, whose legendary Ferrari collection includes the famous "ketchup, mustard, and relish" trio. If you know, you know.
Monterey Car Week also features several world-class collector car auctions. At The Quail, Broad Arrow Auctions showcases approximately 175 of the world's most desirable collector cars. Even if you're not in the market to buy, browsing the consignments is an attraction all on its own.
I hope everyone has the opportunity to experience The Quail at least once. It certainly helps if you love exceptional food, fine champagne, remarkable automobiles, and unforgettable experiences--which, fortunately for us, we absolutely do.