Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur

Monterey sits on the southern end of Monterey Bay on California’s Central Coast, two-hours’ drive from San Francisco.

The picturesque and historic Monterey waterfront and Cannery was once a major centre for the sardine-packing industry. You might have read about it if you read John Steinbeck's Cannery Row.

Today the converted factories and warehouses house a variety of gift shops, restaurants, bars and luxurious waterfront hotels. Monterey Bay is famous for its year-round whale-watching opportunities with Humpback and Blue Whales April to December and Gray Whales in December to March.

Days can be filled with leisurely walks along Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf, stopping for lunch or dinner at an ocean-view restaurant or spending time out on the water kayaking, sailing or fishing or on land, hiking, horseback riding or visiting nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the wine-growing region of Carmel Valley are located two-and-a-half hours’ drive south of San Francisco and 15-minutes from Monterey on California’s Central Coast.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a quaint one-square-mile village with chocolate box cottages and is bursting with boutiques, galleries, pavement cafes, charming eateries and gourmet restaurants. There is plenty to do here to fill a few days such as visiting the historic Carmel Mission Basilica, hiking along the scenic coastline and Carmel Beach or visit some of the winery tasting rooms in Carmel Valley.