Monterey Bay holds a very special place in my heart. When I first visited Northern California as a little girl, all the little seaside towns, misty foggy beaches and sweeping cliffside views left a deep impression on me. To this day, Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of my favorite corners of the world and a place I have often dreamed about returning to one day. Some of my favorite childhood memories were set on this enchanting piece of California coastline. Returning this past weekend was emotional to say the least and everything I dreamed it would be. Driving up the coast from Southern California to Northern California on PCH was breathtaking. I’m so thrilled to share my recommendations with you for a place that is so special to me. The region is world-famous for its views, golf courses and romantic setting. Monterey Bay is one destination I think everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
The Highlights
Stay
- Carmel Bay View Inn $$
- Carmel Fireplace Inn $$
- Pine Inn $$
- Cypress Inn $$$
- Ventana Big Sur $$$
- The Inn at Spanish Bay $$$$
- The Lodge at Pebble Beach $$$$
- Casa Palermo $$$$
Eat
Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co. $ — Coffee
- Carmel Bakery $ — Coffee/Dessert
- Little Napoli $$ — Italian
- Pangaea Grill $$ —Asian Fusion
- Dametra Cafe $$ — Mediterranean
- La Bicyclette $$ — French
- Casanova $$$ —French/Italian
Monterey
- Old Fishermen’s Grotto $$ — Seafood
- Schooner’s Coastal Kitchen & Bar $$ — Seafood
- Monterey’s Fish House $$ — Seafood
- Rosine’s Restaurant $$ — American
Big Sur
- Big Sur Bakery $$ — New American
- Big Sur Roadhouse $$ — Brunch
- Big Sur Taphouse $$ — Pub
Explore
- 17-Mile Drive
- Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Carmel Beach
- The Masters Garden at Church of the Wayfarer
- Carmel Mission
- Bixby Bridge
- McWay Falls
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Cannery Row
Monterey Bay is divided into a few different areas, each with their own unique personalities:
- Carmel-by-the-Sea — charming seaside town with the best restaurants
- Pebble Beach — scenic resort and residential area with world-class golf
- Monterey — fishing town teeming with ocean life and touristy spots
- Big Sur — panoramic cliffside views and state parks for the nature lovers
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Have you ever visited a place that left you so speechless that you remember it just as vividly the first time you saw it as years later? Carmel-by-the-Sea is that place for me. Some of my fondest childhood memories were in this charming seaside village that feels like a place that isn’t quite real. The ethereal beauty of the coastline, seaside charm, gingerbread houses, grey and foggy beaches, inspired cafes. You feel like you’ve stepped back into time. I’ve never found anywhere that reminds me of Carmel-by-the-Sea because it truly is a one-of-a-kind gem. Bookmark this corner of the coast for your next couples getaway. Carmel is renowned as a very romantic honeymoon setting for couples. Pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants are very easy to find here too! Carmel-by-the-Sea prides itself on being one of the most pet-friendly destinations in the U.S.
This is the place on the peninsula for window shopping, upscale dining, and white sand beach walks. I highly recommend staying in downtown Carmel. One of the big draws to staying in downtown Carmel is the coastal charm and walkability to restaurants and the beach. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also centrally located, with easy access to Monterey and Pebble Beach to the north and Big Sur to the south. It’s worth noting that rooms are pricier in this area, but worth a little splurge. We stayed at the Carmel Bay View Inn during this trip, and I can’t recommend it enough. The inn was charming and renovated with gorgeous ocean views. Request a room on the top floor for the most breathtaking view of Carmel Beach and the coastline.
24 Hours in Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Morning beach walk with your pup at dog-friendly Carmel Beach
- Breakfast at Carmel Bakery
- Tour scenic 17-Mile Drive just outside of town in Pebble Beach
- Lunch at Pangaea Grill
- Window shopping in Downtown Carmel
- Tour Carmel Mission
- Clear your head in The Masters Garden at Church of the Wayfarer
- Dinner at Little Napoli
If you only have time for one restaurant in Carmel, I highly recommend Little Napoli. This hidden gem holds some special memories for me, and the pizza and pasta dishes are delicious. Order the goat cheese pizza or cannelloni —you can’t go wrong with either one! This is my favorite patio in Carmel with bougainvillea, string lights and dreamy vines draping the walls.
Pebble Beach
If scenic vistas, cypress trees and some of the most stunning golf courses in the world are more your speed, you will fall in love with Pebble Beach. 17-Mile Drive was the highlight of my entire trip—you can’t miss it if you make a trip up to Monterey! The road guides you through sea cliffs, sea lions, meadows, mansions and world-class views. 17 stops and 17 miles of beauty. Make sure you hit the highlights:
- Spanish Bay Beach
- Point Joe
- Monterey Peninsula Country Club
- Bird Rock
- The Lone Cypress
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
Admission is $10.75 per vehicle and is reimbursed if you spend $35+ at any of Pebble Beach’s restaurants. If you’re dreaming of a luxurious golf getaway, The Inn at Spanish Bay, The Lodge at Pebble Beach and Casa Palermo all welcome guests in Pebble Beach.
Tip: enter through the Highway 1 Gate and exit through the Carmel Gate for easy access to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur.
I was very impressed with the marine biology info posted along the stops. There’s in-depth signage about all of the wildlife, cypress trees and 10,000 foot deep-sea canyon on the edge of Pebble Beach. Just like having a tour guide with you!
Monterey
Monterey is a cute and touristy fishing town made famous by John Steinbeck novels. It’s a nice place to stop for some sightseeing and a bowl of clam chowder if you have a few hours to spare, but isn’t as relaxing or ritzy as neighboring Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Lodging is a lot more affordable here, but the food can be more expensive along Fisherman’s Wharf. If you do one thing in Monterey, visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium! Admission is $50/ticket and goes directly to supporting the aquarium’s marine conservation efforts. Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf are worth a visit as well! Super cute for photos and a quick bite to eat.
Big Sur
Big Sur is an oasis for nature lovers and couples. This scenic two-lane byway winds through over 90 miles of coastline and one of the most beautiful stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway. Whether you’re looking to unwind at an eco-chic resort, see your favorite spots from Big Little Lies or camp under the stars, Big Sur has so much to offer.
Big Sur Highlights
- Bixby Bridge — one of the best views in Big Sur as seen in Big Little Lies
- McWay Falls — waterfall and oceanside cove widely considered to be the best stop in Big Sur
- Pfeiffer Beach — purple sand beach; one of the only beaches you can access in Big Sur
- Ventana Big Sur — luxe glamping resort
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