The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Monterey County, CA

The Park Lane spoils its residents with resort-style luxury amenities. We recommend this Pacifica Senior Living community to seniors who want to feel like they’re always on vacation. Its 13-acre campus has a tranquil setting in the Iris Canyon Greenbelt and is conveniently near Del Monte Shopping Center. Residents can enjoy year-round outdoor activities at the croquet lawn, winter garden lounge and multiple landscaped gardens with large patio areas. In addition to the five-star main dining hall, the Vista Lounge caters to special occasions and offers spectacular views of Monterey Bay.

With an attractive boutique setting and its vibrant Live With Purpose enrichment program, Sunrise of Monterey made it in our top 10 list. This two-level senior community is thoughtfully designed with shaded patios, a sunroom and fireside living, dining and library areas. The memory care unit has dedicated reminiscence areas and secured outdoor spaces. All residents benefit from monthly wellness visits by a licensed nurse. Engaging activities include SingFit, resident clubs, group trips and on-site worship services. Sunrise of Monterey is also just steps away from budget inns on Munras Avenue, offering convenience to visiting loved ones.

We added Sunrise Villa Salinas to our list for its pet-friendly environment, idyllic setting and resident-centered programs. Aside from its vast mountain and farmland views, it’s only over a mile from Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. The community’s beautifully landscaped grounds have covered patios and co-op gardens, and the modern interiors are tastefully designed with a warm ambiance. Each resident is honored and celebrated through the Life Story program, and the facility’s family engagement app keeps them connected to their loved ones. Live With Purpose activities include exercise classes, Wii golf, flower arranging, walking club and happy hours.

The beautiful, expansive grounds and accessible single-floor layout of Madonna Gardens encourage residents to stay physically and socially active. This 88-bed Carefield Living community has manicured lawn areas with walking paths, a gazebo, water features, seasonal floral gardens, vegetable gardens and tastefully designed outdoor lounges. Other amenities include a fully-equipped fitness room, library and computer room and salon/barbershop. The pet-friendly community’s holistic wellness program promotes the enjoyment of life through nutritious, freshly prepared meals, laughter and good conversations, and a full calendar of varied daily activities.

For discerning retirees seeking a full range of lifestyle amenities, Carmel Valley Manor is among our top recommendations. The Monterey Peninsula’s pioneer life care community for seniors 65+ is laid out on a 28-acre campus surrounded by rolling hills yet conveniently near local attractions. Limousine services are available for trips to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey. Resort-style grounds feature a putting green and croquet lawn, swimming pool, dog park and community gardens. Residents can pursue different hobbies with many activity areas for art and photography, weaving and sewing, music, reading and leisure games.

From being a historic hotel to a modern retirement community, Forest Hill retains its elegant charm while offering the comforts of premier senior living. The original main building houses the grand lobby, main library, sunroom, cafe and chapel, while the atrium is a fully-equipped fitness center. Assisted living residents are accommodated in 18 studio apartments on the second floor of the contemporary South Wing building, and on-campus skilled nursing services are offered on the first floor. Forest Hill is steps away from Pacific Grove Community Center and a few blocks from the coastal city’s Victorian-era downtown.

We’re impressed by The Cottages of Carmel for its luxury boutique features, accessible ground-level layout and perfect location. This 78-bed Watermark Retirement Community is conveniently next to Carmel Rancho Shopping Center and near Palo Corona Regional Park. The attractive grounds have extensive walking paths, a putting green, bocce ball court, resident gardens and patio dining areas. The main dining room and 24-hour bistro offer flexible dining options. Large-print materials and audiobooks are available at the fully stocked library, and there are Watermark University classes for on-site and off-site learning opportunities.

Merrill Gardens at Monterey offers an upscale hotel-like experience. That’s why this senior community is among our top picks. Its lush, pet-friendly campus is adjacent to Del Monte Shopping Center, which conveniently has a connecting walking trail. The three-level main building’s open contemporary design enables easy access to the restaurant-style dining room, wine bar, cafe, library, computer center and piano lounge, as well as the extensive terrace, which has fireside seating, barbecue station and al fresco dining areas. Other sophisticated amenities include a fitness center, indoor pool, movie theater and salon.

Carmelo Park's 40-bed capacity, residential cul-de-sac location and true home-like atmosphere make this family-owned facility a top choice for seniors who prefer a smaller setting. All private and shared rooms have their own his-and-her closets, half bathrooms and call bells. The facility also has an arts and crafts area, exercise room, library, salon and secured outdoor decks with tranquil tree views. Recurring activities include group exercises, weekly live music, Wii games, pet therapy and happy hours. The 24-hour staff can assist with ambulation, feeding, personal hygiene and healthcare management.

The 6-acre campus of Canterbury Woods consists of two-level apartment buildings, single-floor cottages and a 24-bed skilled nursing center. We added this senior community to our top 10 list for its friendly neighborhood environment that supports various lifestyle choices. Its residential buildings are connected by beautifully landscaped gardens with covered walkways. Residents are welcome to use the community library and activity rooms, join exercise classes at the fitness center and attend multidenominational services at the chapel. Enriched dining experiences include A Meal in the Life family recipes and Teaching Kitchen cooking lessons.