Monterey Bay Family Favorites

Thousands of votes have been tabulated
and Monterey Bay parents have chosen their favorites for 2023!

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Congratulations to the winners and finalists in all of the categories.


CAMPS, LESSONS, & ACTIVITIES


AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

WINNER

The Wahine Project

Offering a full range of programs with no gender restrictions in any of the sessions. The programs are all things ocean for all levels and experience in the ocean. thewahineproject.org

FINALISTS

Carmel Youth Center

Central Coast YMCA

ART CLASSES

WINNER: Mini Makers

Monterey Mini Makers is a bright and cheerful art and sensory studio that gives children ages 2-9 years old opportunities to explore and create art in a safe small group setting. montereyminimakers.com

FINALISTS:

Ooze Studio

Monterey Recreation

DANCE STUDIO

WINNER: The Dance Center

The Dance Center is the premiere training institute on the Peninsula. Training by quality dance educators offering innovative dance programs in a 7,500 square foot green standard facility.

dancecarmel.com

FINALISTS:

Jeanne Robinson Dance

Monterey Peninsula Ballet & Dance

GYMNASTICS CENTER

WINNER: Rising Star Gymnastics

In addition to competitive gymnastics teams, Rising Star also offers a wide variety of classes, camps, afterschool programs, drop-in activities, and kids' night-out events. risingstarmonterey.com

FINALISTS:

Tumble by the Sea

Monterey Bay Gymnastics

MUSIC TEACHER/STUDIO

WINNER: Andrew Marine

Mr. Andrew Marine is a musician and music educator. Currently, he is the Music Director at All Saints Day School. He holds both an MA in Music Composition, and an MA in Education. Andrew teaches theory, composition, a range of instruments and is the music director for the school’s concerts and productions.

FINALISTS:

Emma Bartlett Music Studio

Guitars Not Guns

SPORTS LEAGUE

WINNER

Monterey Recreation

Monterey Recreation offers an array of recreational opportunities for youth and adults. Whether you are looking for league activities, sports camps or specialty sport clinics there is something for every interest and age. monterey.org

FINALISTS:

Surf Soccer

Carmel Baseball

STORYTIME

WINNER

Earthbound Farm Stand

Offering an organic café and market, tours of the farm and gardens (including a Children’s Garden). earthboundfarm.com

FINALISTS:

City of Monterey Library

The Farm

SUMMER CAMP: GENERAL

WINNER

Monterey Recreation

Offering fun and diverse camps for children, pre-teens and teens. These programs offer sports, outdoor adventure, arts and crafts, camp skills, work experience, and more. monterey.org

FINALISTS:

All Saints Preschool Camp

MEARTH

SUMMER CAMP: SPECIALTY

WINNER

Rising Star Gymnastics

Campers aged 5-12 participate in a variety of activities including gymnastics, tumbling, ninja skills and obstacle course, outdoor games and much more. risingstarmonterey.com

FINALISTS:

Wahine Project

ARIEL Theatrical

THEATRE CLASSES

WINNER

ARIEL THEATRICAL

ARIEL Theatrical is a non-profit theatre that offers year-round programs for young people ages 5+ with a focus on applying the principles of Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence, and Leadership, on stage and off. arieltheatrical.org

FINALISTS

Pac Rep

The Dance Center


COMMUNITY


BANK/CREDIT UNION

WINNER

Central Coast Federal Credit Union

Central Coast Federal Credit union has been serving the financial needs of the people of this community since 1949. Central Coast Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution. centcoastfcu.com

FINALISTS:

Bank of America

Chase Bank

CHURCH/TEMPLE/HOUSE OF WORSHIP

WINNER

Shoreline Community Church

Shoreline consists of people from all walks of life and backgrounds joined together through faith in Christ.  There are programs for families and children in addition to traditional services. shoreline.church

FINALISTS:

Temple Beth El

Church of Latter Day Saints

NONPROFIT SERVING FAMILIES

WINNER

The Monterey Zoo

The Monterey Zoo is now home to 100+ exotic animals ranging from spiders to African elephants. The zoo continues to run full-time educational programs that touch thousands of children and adults annually. montereyzoo.org

FINALISTS:

MY Museum

CASA of Monterey County

PARENTING SUPPORT

WINNER

Parent’s Place

Parents’ Place offers a variety of classes held in person with several options to join via live stream. Weekly age-related, parent engagement classes for parents/caregivers of children birth-3 years offer parenting topics and discussions suitable for their child’s developmental age. pgadulted.pgusd.org

FINALIST:

Parenting Connection


EDUCATION


CHARTER SCHOOL

WINNER

Monterey Bay Charter

Monterey Bay Charter School is a Kindergarten through 8th grade, tuition-free, public charter school, inspired by the core principles for public Waldorf education. mbayschool.org

FINALISTS:

International School

Bayview Charter School

DAYCARE

WINNER

Miss Barbara’s Child Development Center

Offering daycare, preschool, and pre-kindergarten. Miss Barbara’s has been on the Monterey Peninsula for over 40 years providing warmth and security for children. missbarbaras.com

FINALISTS:

Jessica’s Littles

Laura’s Barn

PRESCHOOL

WINNER

All Saints Preschool

The All Saints Day School Preschool (PS) program plants the seed of a lifetime of learning rooted in joy. Each child’s developmental, emotional, and social growth is nurtured while also developing emergent interests and fostering independence using play as the educational foundation. asds.org

FINALISTS:

Serendipity Preschool

Good Shepherd Preschool

PRIVATE SCHOOL: LOWER GRADES

Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School exists to develop in each student a striving for excellence, a maturing awareness of moral and spiritual values, a sense of responsible purpose, and a determination to serve the world with courage, grace, and compassion. santacatalina.org/lower-school

FINALISTS:

Stevenson School

All Saints Day School

PRIVATE SCHOOL: UPPER GRADES

WINNER

York School

Since 1959, York School has created an award-winning college-prep experience for youth: inspiring them to develop intellectual curiosity; challenging them to create and try new things; and preparing them to be passionate contributors in college and in life. york.org

FINALISTS:

Stevenson School

Santa Catalina

PUBLIC SCHOOL: LOWER GRADES

WINNER

Robert Down Elementary School

At Robert Down School in Pacific Grove, the staff, students, parents, and community are committed to providing an excellent learning program for all students. robertdown.pgusd.org

FINALISTS:

Toro Park Elementary School

Tularcitos Elementary School

TUTOR

WINNER

Mathnasium

Mathnasium specializes in math-only instruction with a focused, caring, and fun learning approach that delivers results.
mathnasium.com/monterey

FINALISTS:

Kumon

Sylvan


FAMILY FUN


BIRTHDAY VENUE

WINNER

MY Museum

MY Museum provides an environment where curiosity and creativity flourish. The museum offers the perfect location for a birthday party. mymuseum.org

FINALISTS:

Hacienda Hay & Feed

Rising Star Gymnastics

BIRTHDAY ENTERTAINMENT

WINNER

Poptopia

Offering custom designs of balloon bouquets, jumbo balloons with customization, balloon garlands, and more. poptopiaballoons.com

FINALISTS:

MY Museum

Cruz Bounce Houses

SWIM LESSONS

FINALISTS:

ISR Monterey Bay/Kerri Williams

Infant Swimming Resource is an extremely effective drowning prevention program. isrmontereybay.com

FINALISTS:

Monterey Sports Center

Monterey Therapeutic

TOP MONTEREY ATTRACTION

WINNER

Monterey Bay Aquarium

From sea otters to seaweeds, the unique location and timeless galleries bring the wonders of the ocean to life for visitors. The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire the conservation of the ocean. montereybayaquarium.org

FINALISTS:

Monterey Zoo

MY Museum

TOP SAN FRANCISCO ATTRACTION

WINNER

California Academy of Sciences

An aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
calacademy.org

FINALISTS:

Exploratorium

Golden Gate Park

TOP SAN JOSE ATTRACTION

WINNER

CA Great America

California’s Great America is a 112-acre amusement park located in Santa Clara. If you are looking for things to do near San Jose, Great America has you covered with more than 60 rides, thrilling roller coasters, kid-sized fun in Planet Snoopy, and South Bay Shores waterpark. cagreatamerica.com

FINALISTS:

Happy Hollow

Tech Museum

TOP SANTA CRUZ ATTRACTION

WINNER

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The Beach Boardwalk offers a variety of games and rides on a mile-long stretch of sandy beach. beachboardwalk.com

FINALISTS:

Henry Cowell State Park

Forest at Nisene Marks


FOOD


BAKERY

WINNER

Otto’s Bread

One-man bakehouse in the foothills of the Salinas Valley. Offering 100% naturally leavened products. instagram.com/ottosbread

FINALISTS:

Paris Bakery

Pavel’s Backerie

BREAKFAST

WINNER

The Butter House

A family-owned destination in Seaside that offers hearty breakfast dishes and comfort food. thebutterhouse.com

FINALISTS:

Red House Cafe

First Awakenings

COFFEE HOUSE

WINNER

Alta Bakery & Cafe

Alta Bakery is located in downtown Monterey at the Historic Cooper Molera Adobe. Offering baked goods, breakfast and lunch menu, and a full coffee and tea menu. altamonterey.com

FINALISTS:

Acme Coffee

Captain Stoker

DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

WINNER

Fisherman’s Grotto

Located on Old Fishman’s Wharf, the restaurant has operated for 50 years serving a full menu for lunch and dinner.
oldfishermansgrotto.com

FINALISTS:

Villa Azteca

7th & Dolores

FAMILY DINING

WINNER

Monarch Pub

A locals spot offering American / British food to the Pacific Grove community and visitors.
facebook.com/TheMonarchPubPacificGrove

FINALISTS:

Alvarado Street Brewery

Hulu’s Island Grill

ICE CREAM

WINNER

Revival Ice Cream

Revival Ice Cream offers handcrafted small-batch ice cream, using locally harvested and sustainable ingredients and dairy. revivalicecream.com

FINALISTS:

Moon Scoops

Baskin Robbins

SPECIAL OCCASION DINING

WINNER

Chart House

Overlooking the Monterey Bay on Cannery Row, Chart House serves seafood and steaks and is known for Happy House specials. chart-house.com

FINALISTS:

Roy’s at Pebble Beach

Sardine Factory


MEDICAL / DENTAL CARE


CHIROPRACTOR

WINNER

Brian P. Rector, DC

Dr. Rector has been in practice for over 20 years, founding his original practice in 1994. He practices at Monterey Chiropractic Group. montereychiropracticgroup.com

FINALISTS:

Aaron Gaily, DC

Randal Johnson, DC

DOULA/BIRTH SUPPORT

WINNER

Shauna Worthington

Shauna is a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and postpartum chef supporting local families.
instagram.com/doulashauna

FINALISTS:

Mum’s the Word: Michelle Nizza

Vitality & Waves: Kaleena Hurlbut

FAMILY DENTAL

WINNER

Eric Brown, DDS

Dr. Eric Brown & Dr. Nathan Ward enjoy practicing high-quality dental care for the entire family. Their gentle approach and attention to detail are complimented by their team of dental professionals who always seek to make your experience comfortable. ericbrowndds.com

FINALISTS:

Vista Robles

Ross Family Dental

HOSPITAL

WINNER

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula

From birth to the end of life, Community Hospital provides top-quality care — including accredited or nationally recognized services in areas such as heart, cancer, stroke, maternity, and diabetes care. montagehealth.org

FINALISTS

Natividad Hospital

Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital

OBSTETRICIAN

WINNER

Monterey Birth Center

The Peninsula’s first and only freestanding birth center providing evidenced-based midwifery care throughout the reproductive years in a beautiful, spa-like environment. Accepts insurance. montereybirthcenter.com

FINALISTS:

Dr. James E. Ramseur, MD

Dr. Michelle Zeidberg, OB/GYN

ORTHODONTIST

WINNER

Christopher N Modjeski, DDS

Dr. Modjeski has over 20 years of experience in dentistry and orthodontics. Providing affordable, quality orthodontic care for the children, adolescents, and adults of the Monterey Bay area. modjeskiorthodontics.com

FINALISTS:

Cassady Orthodontics

Monterey Bay Orthodontics

PEDIATRIC DENTIST

WINNER

J. Mark Bayless D.M.D.

John E. Bayless M.S., D.D.S

Our practice is passionate about providing a fun, educational, and trusting experience for both parents and patients while providing exceptional pediatric dental care. drbayless.com

FINALISTS:

Central Coast Pediatric Dental

Dr. Sunderpal S. Dail, D.D.S.

PEDIATRIC MEDICAL PRACTICE

WINNER

Monterey Peninsula Pediatric Medical Group

MPPMG is a locally owned pediatric practice committed to serving the health needs of children from birth to college.
mppmg.com

FINALISTS

Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Pediatrics – Monterey

Salinas Valley Pediatrics

PEDIATRICIAN

WINNER

Valerie Josephson, MD

Dr. Valerie Josephson, MD is a Pediatrics Specialist in Monterey, and has over 26 years of experience. She practices with Monterey Peninsula Pediatric Medical Group. mppmg.com

FINALISTS:

Jill J. Airola, MD

James Bennett, MD

SPEECH THERAPY

WINNER

Monterey Bay Social Language Center /Brittany Kalinowski, MS, CCC-SLP, Owner

The Monterey Bay Social Language Center provides individualized speech and language consultation, evaluation and treatment services with a special focus on Social Language Groups in support of self-regulation, peer interaction, and executive functioning. mbsociallanguagecenter.com

FINALISTS:

Central Coast Language

Stars Therapy/Erin Saldivar

URGENT CARE

WINNER

MoGo Urgent Care

MoGo Urgent Care is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year. Offering Same-day, walk-in visits, online visits, and visit-related lab work, X-ray, and medications onsite. montagehealth.org/care-treatment/urgent/

FINALISTS:

Doctors on Duty

MSJ Today

VISION CARE

WINNER

Sand City Optical/Dr. Kevin Tom

Dr. Kevin Tom was born and raised in Salinas, Ca. After attending Salinas High School, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. sandcityvision.com

FINALISTS:

Vantage Eye Center

Blink Optometry Carmel


RETAIL


BOOKSTORE

WINNER

Bookworks

Located in downtown Pacific Grove, The Bookworks has been a local institution since 1980. It is owned and operated by a long-time local family.  bookworkspg.com

FINALISTS:

Friends Community Bookstore

River Books

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

WINNER

Chatterbaux Children’s Shoppe

Chatterbaux, is one of the area’s only kids’ stores. Items are on consignment store, so inventory is constantly rotating.
chatterbauxshoppe.com

FINALISTS:

Oh, Baby

Little Trends

TOYS

WINNER

Thinker Toys

Specializing in creative, educational, and classic toys for kids of all ages. Locations in Carmel and Morgan Hill. thinkertoys.com

FINALISTS:

Chatterbaux Children’s Shoppe

Target


SERVICES


ATTORNEY

WINNER

Worthington Law Centre/Brian Worthington

The Worthington Law Centre is a family-owned and operated criminal defense firm. In 2009, Brian M. Worthington, after graduating from USF School of Law, joined his father, Thomas, at The Worthington Law Centre. worthingtonlaw.com

FINALISTS:

Noland Hamerly Etienne & Hoss/Robert D. Simpson

R.S.C. Law Group, Inc.

EXERCISE/GYM

WINNER

Monterey Sports Center

Featuring 50+ group exercise classes every week, free to members and by drop-in to non-members, extensive cardio fitness and weight training centers, stretching and core-training areas, 3-court gym, 2-pool natatorium, saunas, expert and friendly staff, sports leagues, camps and programs and personal training.
monterey.org/city_facilities/monterey_sports_center

FINALISTS:

Carmel Barre

Mindful Movement

INSURANCE/FINANCIAL SERVICES

WINNER

Farmers Insurance/Cecilia Kennedy

As your local Farmers agent in Salinas, Cecilia Kennedy has been handling insurance in California for 39 years and have nationwide programs as well. agents.farmers.com/ca/salinas/cecilia-kennedy

FINALISTS:

Edward Jones/Milda I Esquivel

State Farm/ Mike De Lay

PHOTOGRAPHY

WINNER

Rachel Zee Photography

Rachel Zee is a family portrait photographer based out of Monterey and Carmel. She specializes in relaxed and fun family portraits. rachelzeephotography.com

FINALISTS:

Marlena Marika Photography

Michelle Findlay Photography

REALTOR

WINNER

Brian Brash/Compass

Having spent years as a classical musician, Bryan understands working towards a goal. Bryan entered the world of real estate with that same dedication, drive, and commitment to his clients. oldhamgroupluxury.com/agent/bryan-brash

FINALISTS:

Amy Simpson/EXP Realty

Tie: Alecia Hull/Sotheby’s Int’l Realty
Samantha Storell/Intero Real Estate

SPA

WINNER

The Refuge

By heating up in the sauna and steam bath, cooling down in the cold pools and relaxing in indoor rooms or outdoor areas with fireplaces - you will be relaxed after a visit to The Refuge. refuge.com

FINALISTS:

Spa at Pebble Beach

Inner Rhythms

VETERINARIAN

WINNER

Romie Lane Veterinarian

Romie Lane Pet Hospital is an AAHA Accredited, full-service veterinary hospital, located in Salinas.
romielanepethospital.com

FINALISTS:

Steinbeck Animal Hospital

Animal Hospital of Salinas

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