Holidays to Carmel, Big Sur & Monterey deliver a quintessential laid-back Californian atmosphere. Across California’s central coast, you’ll find hundreds of kilometres of beautiful beaches, quaint towns, 5-star hotels and luxury resorts.
Carmel is the epitome of California’s cool, coastal vibe, and is home to many downtown art galleries and chic boutiques. Outside of Carmel-by-the-Sea, you can witness the natural beauty of Point Lobos Nature Reserve, or escape to Carmel Valley, a peaceful vineyard region known for excellent farm-to-fork dining.
Monterey Bay is famous for its year-round whale-watching opportunities. Days can be filled with leisurely walks along Cannery Row, Lover’s Point and Fisherman’s Wharf, stopping for lunch or dinner at an ocean-view restaurant or spending time out on the water kayaking, sailing, or fishing.
A short trip down the world-famous Big Sur Highway, this rugged stretch of spectacular coastline is a must-see destination. With enchanting beaches, wildflower coated hills and often misty seaside cliffs, Big Sur and its numerous state parks are ideal for hiking, camping, and beachcombing.
For a truly unforgettable holiday, why not combine all three destinations into a once-in-a-lifetime coastal drive? Our Travel Specialists can tailor make every aspect of your trip, so call them today to start planning your ultimate California adventure.
Louise
Travel Specialist
Where to go in USA
Essential Information for Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur
Best Time to Visit
The incredible climate of California’s central coastline makes it a year-round destination. Average temperatures between April and November rarely drop below 20 degrees, and the rest of the year goes no lower than 15°C.
Flight Information
For a holiday in Carmel, Monterey or Big Sur, fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). From London Heathrow (LHR), the flight takes around 15 hours total, with a layover en-route.
Do I need a visa?
It's currently easier than ever to get into this incredible part of the world and many British citizens can travel visa-free with just a Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). That means if you're traveling on a valid, individual machine readable or e-passport, with a return or onward ticket, and are staying for less than 90 days, you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.
Sightseeing ideas
There is a staggering amount to see and do in Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur. To make choosing the perfect activity a little easier, here are some of our favorite sightseeing opportunities in the area:
- In Carmel, the scenic Bluff Path runs along one of the most enchanting stretches of coast and ends at a fantastic scuba diving entry point.
- Then, Monterey has the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, home to thousands of marine animals, including its famed jellyfish, and interactive exhibits.
- If that wasn’t enough, Big Sur has a variety of landmarks including Point Sur State Historic Park, with its original lighthouse.
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For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware