Drive scenic coastal roads, visiting iconic locations, stop to collect playing cards to accumulate your winning Poker Hand. Though the final lunch stop is optional, that’s where prizes are awarded for the best poker hands. Vickie and Mick will delight us for the day, so be sure to join us.
Your Host(s) for the Event
Vickie and Mick (and Dirk, too)
Route
Part 1 Meetup to Midway Stop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HTwcCPDhQmcMa55S9
Part 2 Midway Stop to Final Stop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uBNWQxLHtCEwg8p99
Route Length: About 2 hours (No restrooms except at Meetup and Final Stop!)
Route Type: Scenic cruise on city streets, backcountry roads, and a short piece of Hwy. 1
Register via MotorSport Registry
Due to the poker run resources and the small venues being visited, this run is limited to NorCal MINIs members registered for 2026 on MotorSport Registry. No day fee participants may join this run.
https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/monterey-county-scenic-poker-run-norcal-minis-139915
You must pre-register on MSR to participate in this run!
Meet-up Time / Departure Time
9 am (Driver’s Briefing/Poker Run Rules @ 9:30am)
9:45 am
Meet-up Location
Starbucks Northridge Shopping Center
1363 North Davis Road, Salinas, CA 93907
Run Details
We all love the sights and attractions of the Monterey County area, including its history, art, culture, and motorsport events. This run is your chance for a leisurely tour led by longtime local residents, briefly stopping at fun spots, both famous and hidden gems, so you can return later on your own to explore them in detail.
At each stop, you will collect a playing card while learning about the site we are briefly visiting. Be sure to get a card at each stop along the way for a total of 7 cards. All cards must be turned in to Vickie at our final stop, Running Iron, even if you don’t plan to stay for lunch and the poker run game results. No knowledge of poker is required. Vickie will score each participating MINI’s hand of cards. Vickie and Mick are graciously awarding prizes to the best hands and some special categories.
There will be no spirited group driving on this scenic cruise through Monterey County. There will be lots of beautiful sights to see and photograph, as well as interesting tidbits of information.
Be sure to gas up your MINI and use the restroom before the drivers’ briefing at 9:30am. There are no rest stops or restrooms available along the way.
Poker Run Stops:
Starbucks Meetup Location
Steinbeck House (100 Church Street, Salinas)
Seniors Building parking lot (100 Harvest Street, Salinas)
Laguna Seca WeatherTech Raceway pullout (pin off of Hwy 68)
Sunset Community/Cultural Center parking lot (pin on San Carlos Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea)
Carmel Mission Basilica parking lot (3080 Rio Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea)
Folktale Winery & Vineyards parking lot (8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley)
Final Stop for Poker Run Results/Lunch:
Running Iron
24 E Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Park anywhere you can in the surrounding parking lots or street parking spaces. Running Iron is a bar and grill with lots of Old West character and ambience. We will have the poker run results and awards inside. Lunch is optional.
Additional Run Details
Bring your charged radios tuned to the club channel, CTCSS 7-21, as well as sunscreen/hats, a camera, and your water bottles. Download the TWO Google Run Route Maps to your phone before the meet-up. The tight road conditions will not allow for regrouping until we reach each our next poker run stop!
If you have any other questions about runs in general, check out our FAQ.