Big Sur, Carmel & Monterey
Big Sur, Carmel & Monterey: the back story
The back story
About Big Sur, Carmel & Monterey: the back story
The Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur form one of the most beautiful stretches of coast anywhere: Monterey’s aquarium, Carmel’s village and beach, and then Big Sur’s cliffs on Highway 1.
Monterey and Carmel
Monterey Bay Aquarium is on Cannery Row; Carmel-by-the-Sea has its beach, the Mission and Aubergine, with two MICHELIN stars.
Big Sur
Point Lobos, Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls and the cliff-top hotels of Post Ranch Inn and Alila Ventana.
Highway 1 reopened in full through Big Sur on 14 January 2026.
Before you go
Check Caltrans for road closures and the state park pages for trail closures after the 2026 Timber Fire.
Our advice: drive Big Sur in daylight and stay at least one night.
Why it's on our list
- Monterey and Carmel
- Big Sur
- Before you go
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Big Sur, Carmel & Monterey: the back story before you go.