Monterey Bay Locales

: Big Sur

The Monterey Bay has several distinct areas.

Book a Hotel at Big Sur Here

Big Sur is 26 miles south of Monterey on California’s scenic Highway 1. Top stops include:

River Inn
Nepenthe
Ventana Inn
Post Ranch
Henry Miller Library
Pfeifer Beach
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Carmel-by-the-Sea began as a reclusive community for artists. To this day there are no postal addresses in Carmel proper; you must count down by number of houses and geographical location, like “I live on 2 SW of Ocean on Dolores” which is 2 houses down from the southwest on Dolores near Ocean Avenue.
Places to see:

Carmel Mission (pictured)
Ocean Avenue shops – go all the way down to the dog-friendly beach!
Art Galleries
Great restaurants
Stop at the Carmel Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center on San Carlos for great information
Surfing

Book in Carmel Valley

Visit sunny Carmel Valley; a combination of western culture, great wineries, bed and breakfasts, resorts, and much more.

Highlights include:

Golf at Quail Lodge
Chateau Julien Winery
Carmel Valley Ranch
Bernardus Spa and Lodge
Laureles Lodge
Carmel Valley Village

Monterey Reservations Online

Monterey is the largest town in the community. Activities abound:

World-famous Monterey Aquarium
Cannery Row
Shopping
Dining
Monterey Wharf
Hopkins Marine Station
Alvarado Street – main downtown area
Whale watching tours
Kayak rentals
Skate Park
Bike Rentals
Hotels: 2-star, 3-star, and 4-star
Car rentals
Movie Theaters

Book Rooms in Pacific Grove Here

Pacific Grove is on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula and began as a Methodist Colony. Filled with quaint Victorians, it is also known as “The Butterfly Capital” due to the Monarch Butterfly Groves in Asilomar. Activities: