Carmel, Big Sur & Monterey Holiday Ideas

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.