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Things To Do & Eat!

This area is one of our absolute favorites to visit, as it has so much beauty to offer! Driving or renting a car will allow you to take advantage of all the sights to see. Note that many of our suggestions below require or recommend making reservations in advance. Enjoy!
17-Mile Drive

17-Mile Drive

17 Mile Drive, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
, (800) 654-9300

This is such a beautiful drive, with plenty of areas to pull over and explore the beaches along the way. You will need to enter the drive via one of the the several gated entrances. Admission is $11.25 per vehicle. Check out the site for more details!

Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach

1700 17 Mile Drive, Del Monte Forest, CA 93953
, (831) 574-5609

Known for its world-famous golf and scenery, plan to stop by Pebble Beach! Grab a drink with a view at the beautiful resort. Note: If you plan to do the 17 Mile Drive, you will pass through Pebble Beach and have the opportunity to park and explore.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
, (831) 648-4800

The Aquarium has so much to offer in each visit. If you go, make sure to make time to see the jellyfish and sea otters! Note: At this time, tickets can only be purchased online. $49.95 for adults (18-64), and $39.95 for seniors (65+).

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

62 California 1, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
, (831) 624-4909

This natural reserve has countless trails to explore. Check out the site for more details!

Bixby Creek Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge

California 1, Monterey, CA 93940

This is a scenic stop while exploring the Big Sur area! Go earlier to avoid crowds, and live your Big Little Lies dreams at this iconic bridge.

Old Fisherman's Wharf

Old Fisherman's Wharf

1 Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940
, (831) 238-0777

Located in Monterey, stop by the Old Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy a snack, window shopping, and lots of seals! For lovers of the Big Little Lies series, you may recognize the Italian restaurant, Paluca Trattoria, that is located at the end of the wharf. This served as the inspiration for the coffee shop in season 1!

Twisted Roots Winery

Twisted Roots Winery

12 Del Fino Pl., Carmel Valley, California 93924

4.9 stars on Google. ~3min drive from the venue. Let Paige know if you are making a tasting reservation here so we can inform the owners, Josh & Julie!

Boekenoogen Winery Tasting

Boekenoogen Winery Tasting

24 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
, (831) 659-4215

4.5 stars on Google. A ~2 min drive from the venue, enjoy Tasting Flights of 5-7 wines for $20-$25. Reservations are requested for parties of 5 or larger. Walk-ins are welcome all day everyday!

Folktale Winery & Vineyards

Folktale Winery & Vineyards

8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
, (831) 293-7500

4.6 stars on Google. A ~10 minute drive from the venue, enjoy a full meal paired with award winning wines in the outdoor Wine Garden. Must book online in advance (no walks-in at this time).

Cowgirl Winery

Cowgirl Winery

4 Pilot Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
, (831) 298-7030

4.3 stars on Google. A ~2 minute drive from the venue, come to enjoy a casual glass of wine. Reservations are required for groups of 8+. Smaller groups are welcome to walk-in.

Parsonage Winery Tasting Room

Parsonage Winery Tasting Room

19 East Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
, (831) 659-7322

4.9 stars on Google. A ~3 minute drive from the venue, enjoy a wine tasting of 3-5 wines ranging from $22-$28/ person. Book online in advance!

Holman Ranch Tasting Room

Holman Ranch Tasting Room

18 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
, (831) 601-8761

4.6 stars on Google. A ~2 minute drive from the venue, enjoy a tasting room experience for ~$35/person. Book online in advance!

Holman Ranch

Holman Ranch

60 Holman Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
, (831) 659-2640

4.6 stars on Google. Enjoy a private, extensive tour of scenic upper vineyards and a tasting of Reserve and Library Wines. This tour takes you on an ATV ride through our property exploring our upper vineyard, wine caves and the history of Carmel Valley. The tour will last approximately 1.5 hours and will include a tasting of five wines. $100/person.

Massa Estate Organic Vineyards

Massa Estate Organic Vineyards

69 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
, (831) 659-6220

4.6 stars on Google. A ~2 minute drive from the venue, enjoy this tasting room ranging from $12-$15/person. Book online in advance!

Big Sur Vineyards

Big Sur Vineyards

1 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
, (831) 877-0848

4.9 stars on Google. A ~2 minute drive from the venue, enjoy a wine tasting of 6 wines from $18-$36/person. Book online in advance!

Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk

Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk

Carmel-by-the-Sea area (various wineries),

The Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk is a free, mobile guide that will take you on a walkable wine tasting journey to discover exclusive experiences at wine tasting rooms throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea. No matter your taste, you will find amazing opportunities to explore and learn about wine. Follow the site, download the app, receive access to sweet deals!

Wagon Wheel Restaurant

Wagon Wheel Restaurant

7156 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
, (831) 624-8878

4.6 stars on Google. A ~12 minute drive from the venue. The Wagon Wheel is one of the long time landmarks for the Valley. Enjoy a yummy breakfast at this restaurant that opens early! Also, don’t be surprised to see some recognizable faces like Bill Murray who likes pouring coffee for customers!

Kathy's Little Kitchen

Kathy's Little Kitchen

13 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
, (831) 659-4601

4.7 stars on Google. A ~2 min drive from the venue, enjoy this casual Mexican restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—opens early!

Corkscrew Cafe

Corkscrew Cafe

55 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
, (831) 659-8888

4.5 stars on Google. A ~2 minute drive from the venue, perfect for a late in the day coffee, snack, or meal.

ROUX

ROUX

6 Pilot Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
, (831) 659-5020

4.4 stars on Google. A ~2 minute drive from the venue, enjoy Roux's seasonal menu. Book online in advance!

Baja Cantina & Grill

Baja Cantina & Grill

7166 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923

4.4 stars on Google. ~12min drive from the venue, headed towards the Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey areas. Enjoy an amazing outdoor patio while eating yummy Mexican food and sipping margs!

Stationæry

Stationæry

San Carlos Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
, (831) 250-7183

4.5 stars on Google. Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and known for their popular brunch featuring items like the potato pancake with salmon and lobster roll. Book online in advance!

Cultura Comida y Bebida

Cultura Comida y Bebida

Dolores St between 5th & 6th Ave., Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
, (831) 250-7005

4.4 stars on Google. Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and known for elevated Oaxacan cuisine. Enjoy cocktails, street tacos, and mole. Book online in advance!

La Bicyclette Restaurant

La Bicyclette Restaurant

7th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
, (831) 622-9899

4.6 stars on Google. Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, enjoy pizzas and escargot at this European restaurant. Walk-ins or to-go meals only, no reservations.

Il Tegamino

Il Tegamino

South Side of Ocean Ave. between Lincoln & Monte Verde, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
, (831) 677-6750

4.5 stars on Google. Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, enjoy Italian comfort food at a local favorite. The menu is inspired by the owner and Chef Giuseppe Panzuto’s hometown of Napoli, Italy. Book online in advance!

Toro Sushi

Toro Sushi

Dolores Street between 5th and 6th Carmel, CA, 93921, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
, (831) 574-3255

4.4 stars on Google. Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, enjoy a sushi lunch or dinner here. Book online in advance!

From Scratch Restaurant

From Scratch Restaurant

3626 The Barnyard, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
, (831) 625-2448

4.6 stars on Google. Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, enjoy all day breakfast at this restaurant.

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe

3659 The Barnyard, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
, (831) 915-6286

4.5 stars on Google. Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and perfect for coffee and pastry needs in the area.

Passionfish

Passionfish

701 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
, (831) 655-3311

4.6 stars on Google. Located in Monterey/ Pacific Grove, and serving sustainable seafood. Book online in advance, and request an outdoor table or on the balcony!

Cafe Guarani

Cafe Guarani

111 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
, (831) 747-1551

4.7 stars on Google. Located in Monterey/ Pacific Grove, enjoy a wide selection of empanadas, pastries, and sandwiches!

The Butter House

The Butter House

1760 Fremont Boulevard, Seaside, CA 93955
, (831) 394-2887

4.6 stars on Google. Located in Seaside, and serving traditional breakfast. This could be a good stop on your way out of Carmel Valley!

Big Sur Bakery

Big Sur Bakery

47540 California 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
, (831) 667-0520

Located in Big Sur, this quaint spot has a large assortment of delicious (and overpriced) pastries, coffee, and food.

Big Sur Taphouse

Big Sur Taphouse

47520 California 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
, (831) 667-2197

4.6 stars on Google. Located in Big Sur, enjoy a burger and beer at the taphouse.

Alta Bakery and Cafe

Alta Bakery and Cafe

502 Munras Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940
, (831) 920-1018

4.6 stars on Google. Located in Monterey, enjoy this bakery for quick eats and coffee.

Pearl Hour

Pearl Hour

214 Lighthouse Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940
, (831) 657-9447

4.7 stars on Google. Located in Monterey, this spot serves as a cocktail bar at night and Euro-inspired coffeehouse in the day.