There are many natural, cultural and family attractions to encounter in Monterey County when the sun is up: rugged Point Lobos, Salinas’ National Steinbeck Center and the sprawling Monterey Bay Aquarium among them. Luckily, after the sun falls into the sea each evening, a plethora of nightlife awaits.

Touring acts descend upon downtown Monterey’s sumptuously restored Golden State Theatre including, of late, Joan Baez, comedian Lewis Black and the Golden State Film Festival, featuring Peter Bogdanovich and Alexander Payne. Carmel’s Sunset Cultural Center lines up reliably entertaining and urbane programs, including Guarneri String Quartet’s swan song, Broadway revues, and the 2009-10 season’s Keb’ Mo and John Cleese. Tucked into the Big Sur redwoods, Henry Miller Library has offered up lush lawn to singular affairs like John Doe, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott and hot indie band Animal Collective. Salinas nightlife is anchored around its renovated Fox Theater, which recently welcomed Pat Benatar, Styx, Carlos Mencia and Billy Currington. Plaza Linda, meanwhile, has awoken sleepy Carmel Valley with Kiki Wow’s music series, drawing local faves like Severin Browne and Ric Taylor.

Best of all, complementing said events (pick up a Weekly for this week’s best) are these reliably festive venues throughout the county, from Big Sur to Salinas, from cozy dives to lively urban dancehalls. The night is young.

Famed as a last-stop nightcap spot, this downtown watering hole, in one of the oldest surviving buildings in Monterey, dishes out fancy-free drinks with old-school service to a faithful blue-collar crowd while classic rock blares from a jukebox. A cozy dive. 266 Pearl St., Monterey. 375-0655.

Patrons can fuel up on Weekly readers’ Best Margarita, fill up on Cal-Mex food, listen to live music three days a week, lounge on the 120-capacity deck or chill inside with $1 million of automobile memorabilia. 7166 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. 625-2252.

In addition to 24-hour gaming, including four poker games the restaurant-by-day/swank-lounge-at-night space – 5,500 square feet of black leather couches, full stage, live shows, late-night kitchen and cool, water-effect lighting – has got people talking. How about a Sunday brunch while being serenaded by a mariachi band? 111 Monterey St., Salinas. 422-6666.

The newest kid on the Cannery Row block fills its expansive seaside space with fresh billiards tables, live music on the weekends, and a laid-back lounge area to drink it all in. 685 Cannery Row, Monterey. 717-4280.

This downtown spot (just follow the laughter and karaoke singing) serves up a traditional Brit pub/Yank bar menu, domestic and imported beers, liquor, and four flat screens and a giant projector for all manner of sports. Award-winning karaoke night is a hoot – pub trivia to boot – and live acts enliven the weekend. 444 Alvarado St., Monterey. 656-9543.

There’s a lot more to recommend this place than just the authentic Philly cheesesteak: an expansive “upscale tavern” menu, cool service crew, a lively atmosphere and four flat-screen TVs for your sports fix. Fourth and San Carlos, Carmel. 624-2476.

Folks flock to this English pub in New Monterey for the energetic crowds, 16 beers on tap, big-screen TVs, and late-night pub grub, including burgers, salads, fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie. 611 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. 658-0686.

This bar and grill on Cannery Row has a big outdoor patio with two fire pits and heat lamps. On weekends, bands and acoustic musicians generate heat, too. 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. 373-1353.

This neighborhood institution boasts live entertainment and a terraced outdoor patio with an inviting fire pit. Diversions from the full bar include a small-but-spirited dance floor, indoor/outdoor darts, pool, two fireplaces, foosball, video games, Wii and Wi-Fi. 214 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. 643-9169.

This popular downtown sports bars in the Marriott Hotel boasts four plasma TVs, six 19-inch TVs, a big screen, six foreign and domestic beers on tap, Wi-Fi, and an extensive menu including the huge Knock-Off Nachoes. 350 Calle Principal, Monterey. 647-4023.

Cibo’s is a fave for the upscale downtown crowd. After dinner, it evolves into a lively nightclub filled with chic peeps dancing to live jazz, funk and soul. 301 Alvarado St., Monterey. 649-8151. www.cibo.com.

This lushly appointed, nautical-themed pub pours a rotating roster of 20 British and Scottish ales on draught and single malt Scotches, alongside hearty British fare like cottage pie and fish-n-chips. A conversation-buzzed outside patio adds energy. 150 West Franklin St., Monterey. 649-6496. www.crownandanchor.net.

With college night and drink specials, Doc’s is pulsing on a typical weekend night with a full line-up of live bands, karaoke crooners, comedians and groups of roving, dancing singles. 180 East Franklin St., Monterey. 649-4241.

Though it’s famed for its coffees and loose-leaf teas, this hipster hangout pours a delicious line-up of international and organic beers. The warm, progressive design and outdoor courtyard invite lingering, but live music, poetry, and beer tastings punctuate the calm with energy. 498 Washington St., Monterey. 373-5601. www.eastvillagecoffeelounge.com

This local billiards institution has hosted amateur drop-in, handicapped, 9-ball tournaments every Thursday night since opening Jan. 1, 1999. Hungry pool sharks can snack on taquitos and cheesesticks, washed down with Dragonslayer or 1066 beer from Marina’s English Ales Brewery, to the tune of a 1950s reproduction jukebox. 511 Tyler St., Monterey. 333-0825. www.easystreetbilliards.com

Nestled in the heart of Carmel Valley at Quail Lodge, Edgar’s walk-up patio bar overlooks the famed golf course in a relaxed, “19th-hole” atmosphere warmed by two fire pits. A quality casual menu augments a fine selection of top shelf spirits from the bar. 8000 Valley Greens, Carmel Valley. 620-8910. www.quaillodge.com

In a comfortable neighborhood setting sits this micro-brewery – voted the best brewery since 2004 by Weekly readers – that gives this region its pre-eminent local beer. Barkeeps pour a solid line-up of small batch, cask-conditioned, hand-pulled ales, including the widely acclaimed E.A. Pale Ale. 233-A Reindollar Ave., Marina. 883-3000.

In the heart of Big Sur sits the eclectic bar of the Fernwood Resort, which draws a crowd of mountain people, enviros, campers, travelers and artists. Occasional live music acts add verve to the friendly party atmosphere, the woodsy outdoor patio is built around redwoods, and the rustic bar is lined with historic photographs. 47200 Highway 1, 27 miles south of Carmel, Big Sur. 667-2422. www.fernwoodbigsur.com

The Hyatt features regional jazz artists weekend evenings in the lounge, where patrons can enjoy wine or a cocktail indoors or al fresco. Visitors can sit under a skyview atrium, gaze out a wall of windows over Del Monte golf course, and warm themselves by a large fireplace in the center of the room. 1 Old Golf Course Way, Monterey. 647-2098, 372-1234.

This locals and regulars watering hole also draws the hospitality, college and gambling crowd (next door is a card room) for late nights punctuated by open mics, jazz, blues and dance music, and dimly lit escapades of darts and pool. 204 Carmel Ave., Marina. 384-7632.

The county’s sole gay bar showcases lively and inclusive Spanish drag shows on Saturdays that add a spicy dollop of progressive, urban sophistication to the otherwise sleepy ag town, primarily known for artichokes. The venue is also a supporter of AIDS organizations. 10639 Merritt St., Castroville. 633-2090.

The newly renovated lounge spot, with its stock of fine scotches and tasty martinis, (very) happy hour, live music acts on the weekends, and nouveau retro décor, lures a hip, young clientele, as well as curious hotel guests. 3665 Rio Road, Carmel. 624-1841.

With 2,800 square feet of space, 12-by-14-foot stage and 1,200-watt P.A. system, this Salinas spot is dedicated to music. But then there’s the six draft beers, one-per-month comedy/music/wine tasting shows – and its tasteful Tuscan décor, a “go with the flow” Italian kitchen, late nights and diverse crowds. G’s doesn’t skimp in other areas. 348 San Juan Grade Road, Salinas. 444-6714. www.giovanes.net

This spacious upstairs nightclub offers high-powered, high-tech, DJ-spun house, ’80s, techno and hip-hop for your dancing pleasure. But it also pulls in heavy duty live music acts such as DJ Quick, Too $hort and E-40, and events like mixed martial arts fights and ladies nights. They host many event after-parties – just show your ticket – and the club’s 321 Lounge allows for conversation. 321 D Alvarado St., Monterey. 646-9244. www.hippclub.com

A friendly atmosphere, two nice rooms and a handful of courtyard tables make for a fine atmosphere for a N’Awlins-accented menu. A good place for people watching or, with its seven TVs, sports watching. Su Vecino Court, Dolores between Fifth and Sixth, Carmel. 624-2336. www.jacklondons.com

This new power spot in the American Tin Cannery is hitting the ground running with a full bar, revamped kitchen, outdoor patio and wide-open spaces, which only add character. Live music thumps up to four nights a week. 125 Ocean View Blvd. #126, Monterey. 649-6800.

After gorging on a Mexican meal upstairs, head downstairs to one of the coolest basement parties on Cannery Row. A steady stream of underground bands lay down the soundtrack on the weekends, and the small bar tucked in the corner gets support from an occasional satellite bar outside, covered by a lighted awning. 638 Wave St., Monterey. 655-4419. www.myspace.com/theloungeunderground

About a dozen flatscreen TVs plastered with sports makes this lively place a fan favorite. Respectable bar menu, free popcorn and peanuts, and a 25-ounce mug o’ beer absolutely squashes hunger and thirst. For diversion, a pool table and video games. Hyatt Regency, 1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey. 372-1234.

Located in the Marina Sanctuary Resort near the beach, this steakhouse houses a 50-foot bar, occasional live music, festive Hawaiian décor, TVs for sports, wrap-around booths and splashy specialty drinks. The outside patio, with three fire pits, affords a sunset view to the strains of crashing waves. 3295 Dunes Road, Marina. 883-9479. www.kula-ranch.com

This flagship restaurant/bar sits at the heart of downtown Monterey as an upscale and active nightlife venue. It’s famed for their creative martini menu and fashionable design, and a couple of flat-screen TVs over the full bar keep sports and news fans up to date. Satellite locations include Lalla Lounge in Salinas and Lalla Grill at Del Monte Shopping Center. 474 Alvarado St., Monterey. 645-9036.

London Bridge Pub boasts 14 beers on tap, an extensive menu including fish and chips and burgers, and views of Monterey Harbor. Outside, sit at the heated patio and take in the sea air. 256 Figueroa St., Municipal Wharf #2, Monterey. 372-0581.

Overflowing with personality, this Big Sur pub and sports bar (likely to show fútbol as well as football) sits near the Big Sur River and features 95 craft and European beers and a full bar menu. Village Center Shops, Highway 1, Big Sur. 667-2355.

Clint Eastwood’s historic Mission Ranch is a popular draw, owing to its four fireplaces, classy drink selection, green post-beam ceilings, jazzy tinkling of the piano bar, and outdoor patio with sweeping views of the Santa Lucia Range. 26270 Dolores St., Carmel. 625-9040. www.missionranchcarmel.com

Eclectic. That best describes this nautical-themed Moss Landing bar that keeps loyal locals and curious travelers flowing in for hearty food, live music on the weekends, karaoke on Tuesdays, draught beers and the occasional amateur pole dance. 7902 Highway 1, Moss Landing. 633-9853. www.wenchilada.com

One of downtown Monterey’s favorite neighborhood bars (especially for mingling singles) stocks 21 beers on draft, 70 whiskey labels, and an abundant menu of British pub fare. The garden patio, with open-pit fireplace, gets packed with revelers for live DJ sets, and the Wednesday happy hour is unbeatable. 479 Alvarado St., Monterey. 655-3031.

Opened in April 2009, this compact Spanish tapas restaurant tucked in the Carmel Square shopping center houses a rustic dining room in the style of a cantina, a stylish lounge, worldly wines with an emphasis on Spain and Portugal, occasional live music and DJs, beer and fresh sangria. San Carlos and Seventh, Carmel. 624-7400. www.mundakacarmel.com

This warm, comfortable Spanish-style restaurant/bar serves as a Salinas power lunch spot in the daytime, stocked with burgers and Cobb salads, and a power bar at night, equipped with dance floor, heated patio and DJs spinning hip-hop, Top 40 and salsa. 66 West Alisal St., Salinas. 758-6600. www.oldtownbarandgril.com

Beer is king here. The in-house brewery features 12 exclusive Peter B’s Brewpub beers, including a pilsner, seven-malt stout and hefeweizen. Watch the brewmaster at work from the comfort of red leather booths. Enjoy sourdough pizza, buffalo wings or a veggie burger while drinking in the county’s best happy hour, according to Weekly readers. Portola Hotel and Spa, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey. 649-2699. www.portolahotel.com

This is the place for comedy, pulling major comics in on weekends like Paul Ogata and Steve White to attack the funny bone. But the nightclub/Italian restaurant stays busy all week with live music from the likes of Zapp, hip-hop acts, DJs, an Italian band, salsa nights and mini festivals like the Erotic Art show and the Polynesian Music Festival. 2110 North Fremont St., Monterey. 373-1449. www.planetgemini.com

Remodeled and revamped a few years ago, this elegant room, with its couches, cozy corners and piano bar, dishes terrific small plates from the legendary restaurant, surpassed by one of the strongest wine cellars in the country. 701 Wave St., Monterey. 373-3775.

Sly’s is a crucial player on the Central Coast music scene. Local blues and soul musicians jam here during the week, and national talent comes through on weekends, stirring up one of the most dancing-est, laughing-est places on Cannery Row. The full bar, breezy ocean air and great views only reinforce the good vibes. 700 Cannery Row, Monterey. 649-8050.

The stunning views of Point Lobos from this hilltop lounge is rivaled by its 62-page, Wine Spectator-award winning wine menu. Bask in the view with live jazz on the weekends, a cigar from the fine selection, and a couple of chairs on the fireplace patio. 120 Highlands Drive, 4 miles south of Rio Road, Highway 1, Carmel Highlands. 622-5445, www.pacificsedge.com

The Tap Room is a casual and classy spot that can swing romance from private booths in back, fun with a generous beer selection and five hi-def flat-screens with all the sports packages, reflective with views of the putting greens and ocean, or upscale with its 10,000-bottle wine cellar. The Lodge at Pebble Beach, 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, 625-8535. www.pebblebeach.com

Wickets Bistro lounge hosts weekend live jazz, mixes great martinis and commands views of the beautiful Santa Lucia Mountains from the terrace. With its bocce ball and croquet, stellar vineyards, stone fireplace, extensive and international wine list, and classic bistro fare, it can feel like a vacation in Tuscany. 415 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. 658-3550. www.bernardus.com