Coastal Communities & Day Trips

Carmel by the Sea Big Sur Santa Cruz Insider Guide

Pacific Grove. Bordering Monterey Bay, Pacific Ocean and Del Monte Forest, the Pacific Grove community offers breathtaking views, beautiful beaches, endless recreational activities, a world-famous 18-hole golf course, a monarch butterfly sanctuary, 17 Mile Drive, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and Point Pinos Lighthouse. Historic downtown is decked out with Victorian-era houses, wonderful shops and Lighthouse Avenue’s boutiques and stores. Visit Asilomar State Beach on Sunset Drive and Lover’s Point for tide-pooling, diving, kayaking, kite flying, watching the sunsets, beach volleyball and picnics.

Carmel by the Sea. A charming, enchanting seaside village, Carmel is world renowned for its European charm, white sand beach, performing arts, quaint shops, wonderful restaurants and bohemian art galleries - housed in Tudor buildings tucked down courtyards. Rated a top 10 destination in the US by Conde Nast Traveler, Carmel by the Sea is a jewel of the California Coast with a mix of exhilarating natural beauty and urban culture. Play on pristine beaches and golf courses, savor panoramic views, wander the shore, discover fine art and enjoy concerts at the Sunset Center. Carmel Plaza offers 50 shops and restaurants in an elegant courtyard setting, and Carmel Valley Village has interesting shops, wine tasting rooms, eateries and cafés.  [Top]

Big Sur. From gorgeous ocean beaches to mountains to stately redwoods, Big Sur is one of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth, and one of Geographic Traveler’s 50 Places of a Lifetime. Hike along rocky streams in oak-lined valleys, lush redwood forests, ocean views, and coastal brush. Climb the high ridges for a sublime view of the coastline and gaze into three million acres of wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest. Explore breathtaking state parks and beaches which offer scenic hiking and horseback riding. Discover the beautiful beaches and coastal trails at Andrew Molera State Park - the largest state park on the Big Sur Coast - Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and Garrapata State Beach, or brave the "Best Marathon in North America.”  [Top]

Santa Cruz. Home of the world-famous Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is a beautiful coastal city with amazing beaches, majestic redwood forests, and a vibrant cityscape with hundreds of shops, restaurants and galleries. Santa Cruz’s 29 miles of sun-splashed shore and beautiful beaches are ideal for building sand castles, swimming, surfing, volleyball, hiking coastal bluffs, picnics, and watching sunsets over the Pacific. Enjoy delightful local cuisine and wines, and experience the city’s celebrates arts and events.  [Top]

Monterey Insider Guide

• Must See: Monterey Bay Aquarium - A short walk from our hotel
• Must Do: 17-Mile Drive - Along the Monterey-Carmel Coastline
• What's New: Wild About Otters Exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Don't Go Home Without: Shopping in Downtown Carmel!
• Tips: Pack a jacket or sweatshirt to enjoy our cool coastal climate  [Top]