The back story
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The back story
Big Sur, Carmel & Monterey: the back story
Cannery Row, Carmel’s village, Point Lobos and the cliffs of Big Sur on Highway 1.
Region guide · California
Big Sur, Carmel & Monterey: Our Favourites
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos, Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls and the cliff-top hotels of Big Sur.
What's onThis week in California
What to see and do
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On Cannery Row
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The aquarium on Cannery Row, looking straight out onto Monterey Bay.
886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940Explore View on map
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Coves and cypress
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Coves, cypress groves and sea lions just south of Carmel.
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Mission San Carlos Borromeo
Carmel Mission
The mission basilica at Carmel, with its museum and gardens.
3080 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA 93923Explore View on map
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A waterfall onto the beach
McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
The waterfall that drops onto a cove beach, seen from a short trail off Highway 1.
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At the south end of Big Sur
Hearst Castle
William Randolph Hearst’s hilltop estate above San Simeon, seen on guided tours.
750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452Explore View on map
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The Big Sur postcard
Bixby Creek Bridge
The arched concrete bridge on Highway 1, the classic view of the Big Sur coast.
Eat and drink
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Carmel Valley wine
Bernardus Winery tasting room
Bernardus’ tasting room in Carmel Valley village.
5 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924Explore View on map
Where to stay
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On the cliffs above the Pacific
Post Ranch Inn
Cliff-top rooms high above the Pacific on Highway 1.
47900 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920Explore View on map
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Redwoods and ocean views
Alila Ventana Big Sur
A Big Sur retreat among redwoods and meadows above the coast, formerly Ventana Big Sur.
48123 Highway One, Big Sur, CA 93920Explore View on map
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In sunny Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley Ranch
A resort in the hills of Carmel Valley, inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea.
One Old Ranch Road, Carmel Valley, CAExplore View on map
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Close to Carmel Beach
La Playa Hotel
A classic Carmel hotel a short walk from the beach and the village.
Getting there
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For Carmel and Big Sur
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
The closest airport to Monterey, Carmel and the Big Sur coast.
Share your Big Sur, Carmel & Monterey tips
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.
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