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Sandy beach with wind-blown cypress trees in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Central Coast

Monterey & Carmel

Seaside Villages and Scenic Beauty in Monterey and Carmel

Along the Monterey Bay’s southern shore, storybook villages, windswept coastal trails, and sun-drenched vineyards capture the magic of California’s Central Coast. From the rugged shoreline of Pacific Grove to the white sands of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Monterey Peninsula offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, maritime history, art, and wine country.

Orange jellyfish at Monterey Bay Aquarium
Jellyfish at Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey

In Monterey, explore the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, where mesmerizing exhibits reveal the extraordinary marine life of Monterey Bay. Nearby, historic Cannery Row has traded its sardine-packing past for waterfront restaurants, shops, and galleries. Follow the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail along the waterfront, watching for sea otters, harbor seals, and migrating whales.

Rocky coastline and cypress trees in Pacific Grove
Rocky coastline in Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove

Next door, Pacific Grove charms with colorful Victorian cottages, boutique shops, and a relaxed small-town atmosphere. Known as Butterfly Town, USA, the community welcomes overwintering monarch butterflies to its protected sanctuary each fall. Along the rocky shoreline, discover tide pools at Lovers Point Park, visit historic Point Pinos Lighthouse, or stroll the coastal trails at Asilomar State Beach.

Coastline golf course, greens and bunkers at Pebble Beach
Golf Course at Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach

Just beyond Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach is home to legendary golf courses and the spectacular 17-Mile Drive. This scenic route winds past dramatic ocean overlooks, pristine beaches, and the iconic Lone Cypress.

Storybook cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Farther south, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fairy tale village, with whimsical English-style cottages, hidden courtyards, boutique shops, and dozens of art galleries. Wander its charming streets before heading to the white sands and turquoise waters of Carmel Beach. Nearby, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers some of California’s most spectacular coastal hikes, with rocky coves, windswept cypress trees, and abundant marine wildlife.

Vineyard in Carmel Valley
Vineyard in Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley

Inland, Carmel Valley trades coastal fog for warm sunshine, rolling hills, and vineyard-covered landscapes. Spend an afternoon sampling local wines in the village’s intimate tasting rooms, unwind at a luxurious spa, or explore the valley’s scenic backroads.

Where to stay in Monterey & Carmel

13 Hotels

Guest room at the Gosby House InnExterior of the Victorian inspired inn with numerous large windows spanning across the front facade, a small covered porch with decorative columns and a prominent round towerExterior balcony with two outdoor chairs, small side table with a game board on itLounge area with a double-sided tufted tan leather bench, a row of dark leather accent chairs sits along the left wall, round black bistro tables are surrounded by modern black leather barstools, a modern multi-arm brass chandelier, gallery styled picture adorn the walls and a wall of windowsLounge area with two black leather chairs facing a floor to ceiling black tiled fireplace and large chandelier

Gosby House Inn

Pacific Grove$$$

A thoughtfully renovated Victorian inn blends vintage details with modern comforts in the heart of walkable Pacific Grove.

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Lounge of the Green Gables InnThe exterior with Queen Anne Victorian architecture featuring prominent gables, decorative trim, and multi-paned windows. The inn has a white facade accented by deep forest green woodwork on the window frames and roof trim with brick chimneys extending up the side and rear of the sloping shingled roofline. A white wooden fence borders the manicured perimeter, nestled alongside Cypress trees overlooking the oceanA light and airy lobby lounge with modern sofas and chairs, modern artwork a floor to ceiling fireplace, stained glass windows and several other windows overlooking the oceanAn elegant guestroom with vaulted ceiling and a chandelier, with a built in sitting area with large windowsA guestroom with angled ceiling with wood paneling and trim, plush accent chairs and a light colored cabinet, sitting area with several windows overlooking the ocean

Green Gables Inn

Pacific Grove$$$

A grand Victorian pairs historic architecture, gracious amenities, and panoramic ocean views above Pacific Grove’s coastal recreation trail.

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Exterior of Carmel Country Inn with guest room balconies, colorful flower boxes and lush garden landscaping surrounding the entrance.Carmel Country InnA dog peering from the opened dutch door of a guest room at Carmel Country InnPet welcome board at Carmel Country InnPrivate balcony at Carmel Country Inn with two wicker chairs, a small table with drinks and flowers, and views of mature oak trees.

Carmel Country Inn

Carmel$$$

Spacious suites and studios offer fireplaces, soaking tubs, and exceptional pet-friendly hospitality three blocks from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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Exterior at DuskKing Guest Room, Carmel Valley LodgeCarmel Valley Lodge Double Queen Bed Guest RoomCalifornia King ADA Accessible Room

Carmel Valley Lodge

Carmel Valley$$

Sunny gardens, a saltwater pool, and spacious cottages create a relaxed Carmel Valley escape for families and four-legged companions.

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Guest room with a bed, chair and side table and fireplaceFront of the hotel with sign hanging from lightDining room with fireplaceGuest room with two beds, sitting area with two chairs, a fireplace and a dog in a pet bedGuest room with bed, two chairs facing fireplace

Coachman's Inn

Carmel$$$

Newly refreshed rooms and thoughtful amenities create a serene base for exploring Carmel’s galleries, restaurants, tasting rooms, and white-sand beach

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Exterior of Hofsas House in the daylightHofsas House HotelHeated pool at the Hofsas HouseGuest room at the Hofsas House with a hand-painted headboard and sliding door opening to a deck

Hofsas House

Carmel-by-the-Sea$$

A family-owned Carmel hotel pairs classic European hospitality with breezy Dutch doors, Pacific views, and an easy walk to the village and beach.

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