Start at Carmel Beach (at the bottom of Ocean Avenue) and walk south along the beach or Scenic Road toward Carmel River State Beach, where the Carmel River empties into the Pacific. Amazing houses. Surfers. Sandy beaches. Rocky outcroppings. Gorgeous!

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best in the world. Built on the site of two old sardine canneries, in the heart of “Cannery Row” made famous by John Steinbeck, it features the marine life of the incredible Monterey Bay: otters; jellyfish; tuna; and amazing deep-sea creatures. A must see.

And when you’re done, stroll along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail to Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove, to soak-in even more of the bay.

Take a drive along 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach to explore what a coastal golf mecca looks like. Pebble Beach, Cypress Point, Spanish Bay, Monterey Peninsula Country Club, Spyglass, and more! And of course, no shortage of gorgeous mansions to check-out.

And, if you’re the energetic type, you can do it all by e-bike with Big Sur Adventures.

Located just 15-miles east on Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley is home to over 20 tasting rooms, featuring delicious Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the region. You can either drive, or if you’re planning on indulging big time, take a guided tour. Some of our favorites include: Scratch, Big Sur Vineyards, Bernardus and Parsonage. Or, just plunk yourself down at The Wine House, where you can enjoy a number of neighboring tasting rooms.

Take the drive down Highway 1 to explore Big Sur. (Note: there is a traffic light where there was a previous slide, so you may need a little extra time to and from Big Sur.) Amazing views along the way, with some great lunch possibilities at Nepenthe (iconic Big Sur locale on the cliff overlooking the coast) or Big Sur River Inn (sit in an Adirondack chair in the river, or lounge on the grass behind the bar).

Or, drive to the only beach accessible in Big Sur, Pfeiffer Beach, for an amazing coastal experience.

Point Lobos is known as the “crown jewel” of the California State Park system, “the greatest meeting of land and water in the world.” Get there early to explore the many trails (the coastal landscape is an enjoyable walk, not a rigorous hike) that take you along the cliffs, spying on otters and seals, nesting sea birds, and beautiful tide pools. And if you get there late, don’t worry. Park on Highway 1 and walk in. It’s not too far.