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.

Nicola

Travel Specialist

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect Carmel Monterey holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.
+
Total results: 9
Sort by:
Post Ranch Inn image 1
Post Ranch Inn image 2
Post Ranch Inn image 3

Post Ranch Inn
California

With a rugged coastal location and endless views out to the Pacific Ocean or mountains, this unique, luxurious Californi...

spa
bucket list
unique
adult only
small & personal
honeymoon

Please contact one of our travel specialists

Bernardus Lodge & Spa image 1
Bernardus Lodge & Spa image 2
Bernardus Lodge & Spa image 3

Bernardus Lodge & Spa
California

Set in the Carmel Valley, the elegant Bernardus Lodge is well suited to couples with a romantic location, a Spa, nearby ...

spa
gourmet getaways

Please contact one of our travel specialists

Carmel Valley Ranch image 1
Carmel Valley Ranch image 2
Carmel Valley Ranch image 3

Carmel Valley Ranch
California

A luxurious all-suite resort with a wide range of facilities, restaurants, a Spa and golf course. A great choice for a C...

family
spa
golf

Please contact one of our travel specialists

Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa image 1
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa image 2
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa image 3

Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
California

Often voted as Monterey's top hotel by travel review sites, Monterey Plaza sits in a privileged oceanfront location on C...

spa

Please contact one of our travel specialists

Ventana Big Sur image 1
Ventana Big Sur image 2
Ventana Big Sur image 3

Ventana Big Sur
California

An experiential-focused, adults-only hotel in California – snuggled between the mountains, forest and ocean – Ventana Bi...

spa
adult only
honeymoon

Please contact one of our travel specialists

Grand Tour of America’s West image 1
Grand Tour of America’s West image 2
Grand Tour of America’s West image 3

Grand Tour of America’s West

This epic road-trip takes you through diverse landscapes of deserts, forests and dramatic coastlines. Stop at the desert...

North-America
USA
Arizona
Grand-Canyon-National-Park
Scottsdale,-Phoenix & Mesa
California

20 nights from £5,999 per person

Family California Adventure image 1
Family California Adventure image 2
Family California Adventure image 3

Family California Adventure

Discover California's coastline from Los Angeles to San Francisco on this family adventure packed with exciting activiti...

North-America
USA
California
Carmel & Monterey
Los-Angeles
San-Francisco

14 nights from £6,199 per person

Drive California's Coast, San Francisco to San Diego image 1
Drive California's Coast, San Francisco to San Diego image 2
Drive California's Coast, San Francisco to San Diego image 3

Drive California's Coast, San Francisco to San Diego

The California Coast offers a variety of experiences between San Francisco and San Diego and is the perfect choice for a...

North-America
USA
California
Carmel & Monterey
San-Diego
San-Francisco

11 nights from £4,555 per person

Ultimate Luxury California image 1
Ultimate Luxury California image 2
Ultimate Luxury California image 3

Ultimate Luxury California

California is synonymous with sunshine, glamour and adventure — drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles on this luxury, ...

North-America
USA
California
Carmel & Monterey
Los-Angeles
Napa-Valley

10 nights from £18,589 per person

Where to go in USA

Essential Information for Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur

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.

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.

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.

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.

Looking for inspiration?

You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on Other Shores

Would you like to speak to a Carmel Monterey expert?

Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.

Call our Carmel Monterey team on

 

Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm

Saturday: 9am - 5pm

Sunday: 10am - 4pm

 

Why Inspiring Travel?

Premium & Exclusive

  • Only the best private travel experiences
  • Hand-picked collection of world-class luxury resorts
  • Diverse portfolio of bespoke & tailored itineraries

Personal & tailored

  • Every holiday created to be entirely bespoke
  • Exclusive experiences arranged on your behalf
  • Personal contact to tailor every aspect of your holiday

Exceptional service

  • 24/7 support while you're travelling
  • Every detail handled by our concierge team
  • Lounge passes, airport meet & greet and private transfers included

First-hand expertise

  • The experts in tailor-made travel for 50 years
  • Team of well-travelled specialists offering first-hand knowledge
  • Network of trusted luxury travel partners

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware

Stay in Touch

Subscribe to our inspiring newsletter to hear about exciting offers, trending destinations and unparalleled experiences

Hi, how can I help?

Talk to an expert