Carmel and Monterey

Courtesy of Post Ranch Inn

Thanks to a host of activities, stunning landscapes and gorgeous resorts, the area surrounding the Pacific Coast’s Carmel is a wonderful destination that offers activities for all age groups. The oceanfront stretch of road along the dramatic Big Sur coastline is also the setting of one of the great American road trips.

  • Perfect for
    Adventurers | Families | Romantics
  • When to go
    Year-Round
  • Ideal length of stay
    3-5 Nights

Designing Your Journey

Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.

  • EssentialCarmelandMonterey-LP

    Essential California Coast

    The picturesque Carmel Valley and the varied Monterey region are the highlights of any coastal California road trip. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.

    • Day 1: Monterey Marine Life

      Spend a family-friendly morning at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where Indagare can arrange special offerings including a behind-the-scenes tour and the opportunity to observe a private feeding and training of the sea otters. In the afternoon, rent bikes and cycle down the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail for sea lion sightings. At low tide, make a stop at Asilomar State Beach to view one of the richest tide pool habitats in the world.

    • Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea

      Stroll through the fairytale cottages and charming boutiques of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Later, visit the nearby Folktake Winery or stop by any of the 14 wine tasting rooms along Ocean Avenue in Carmel before setting out on the scenic 17-Mile Drive through famous golf courses and impressive residences.

    • Day 3: Day Trip

      Active travelers should head out to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve—known as “the crown jewel of the state park system”—for incredible hiking along forested trails with breathtaking views of the Pacific. Indagare can arrange a private hiking guide. The spectacular Hearst Castle in San Simeon is also an ideal day trip: the former pleasure palace of William Randolph Hearst offers a range of tours throughout the estate and gardens.

Where To Stay

We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities, including upgrades, early check-in, breakfast, spa credits and more. Look for the Indagare Plus logo in the reviews.

  • Member Stories

    “The Post Ranch Inn was everything I expected and more. Our first two nights were in an ocean view room, which is absolutely worth it: the views are insane and evoke an immediate feeling of vacation. We had dinner at Big Sur Bakery—it was the best in the area.”
    Charlotte Hansen, member since 2016
Indagare founder and CEO Melissa Biggs Bradley
“I took my kids to Carmel, where we stayed at the Carmel Valley Ranch and explored the Monterey Bay Aquarium, drove down along Big Sur and visited the Hearst Castle at San Simeon. For the combination of great natural beauty and fun educational activities, Carmel and the region is tough to top for a wonderful family weekend.”
Ready to go and in need of expert trip planning? Contact us today.

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