The Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur area is one of the best summer destinations in the U.S. This trifecta is also one of my favorite stops along the Pacific Coast Highway.

The Ultimate California Travel Guide

Many people visit this region as a day trip from San Francisco or only stop for a few hours on their way up or down the California coast. But this area is worthy of its own trip.

Here’s the ultimate guide for visiting Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur!

Must-Do Activities

Monterey: 17-Mile Drive (my favorite photo stop was China Rock Vista Point), Monterey Bay Aquarium, River Road Wine Trail, walk the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (pictured above left), which includes Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Carmel: Carmel Beach and Ocean Avenue, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel Mission, The Fairy-Tale Cottages.

Big Sur: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Waterfall Overlook Trail to McWay Falls (pictured above right), Bird Island Trail, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, Buzzard Roost Trail, Soberanes Canyon Loop Trail.

When To Go

Monterey is often called the “perpetually chilly city.” So if you want the warmest weather, June – October is your best bet, but temperatures will only get into the high 70s (around 22°C) in September and October. And prices and tourist numbers will be at their peak during these months.

November – March brings lower crowd numbers, prices, and temperatures can be in the 50s (around 12°C). In February, you can attend the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

April – May has a lower chance of rain, and the temperature will climb into the mid-60s (around 18°C). These months will have lower prices and tourist numbers than in the summer months. But not by a significant amount because of the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival in April and the California Roots Music and Arts Festival and the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival in May.

Where To Eat

Monterey: Whaling Station Steakhouse (American $$$$), Chart House (Seafood $$$$), Sandbar & Grill (American/Seafood $$-$$$), Bistro Moulin (French $$-$$$), The Poke Lab (Japanese/Seafood/Hawaiian $), Compagno’s Market & Deli (American $).

Carmel: Flying Fish Grill (Seafood/Asian $$$$), Anton & Michel (American/International $$$$), From Scratch Restaurant (American $$-$$$), Sea Harvest (Seafood $$-$$$), Island Taco (Southwestern $), Carmel Craft Brewing Company (Pub $).

Big Sur: Sierra Mar (American $$$$), Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn Restaurant (American $$-$$$), Nepenthe (American $$-$$$), Big Sur Roadhouse (American $$-$$$), Big Sur Taphouse (Pub $).

Where To Stay

Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur have incredible accommodations for every budget and preference. I’ve rounded up the best hotels in the area, which range from cliffside retreats to luxury ranches to chateaux.

The Best Vacation Homes in Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur

For glamping, you should stay at Ventana Big Sur. If you’re bringing an RV, then I recommend Riverside Campground & Cabins or Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground.

If-You-Have-Time Activities

Monterey: Monterey Museum of Art, kayak or paddleboard in the bay, whale watch (if its whale-watching season), Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey State Historic Park, Play a Round of Golf.

Carmel: Garland Ranch Regional Park, Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant, and Tor House and Hawk Tower.

Big Sur: Ragged Point, Limekiln State Park, Garrapata State Park, Point Sur State Historic Park, The Esalen Hot Springs.

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This post is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this article about the best things to do in Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea, and Big Sur are entirely my own. Some of these links are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.