TRAVEL GUIDE: CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST

Both Monterey and Carmel have distinct personalities that separate them from the big-city vibe of nearby San Francisco. Destinations in their own right, Carmel-by-the-Sea (its official name), has cultivated a charming artsy feel, while Monterey offers one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world.

RESTAURANTS

Monterey/Carmel Restaurants Search
Monterey/Carmel Top 10 Restaurants
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Top 10 Wine Lists
Valentine's Day Dining

Also find top restaurants for outdoor, kid-friendly, heart-healthy dining, etc.:
Best Monterey/Carmel Restaurants

CULINARY EVENTS

FOUR DAYS OF EXTREME FOOD
& WINE DECADENCE
Masters of Food & Wine
Since 1986, the Hyatt Carmel Highlands has been the stage for one of the most prestigious gastronomical events on the Northern American continent, the Masters of Food & Wine. Chefs, wineries and food aficionados come from all over the world to attend the cooking demonstrations overlooking the Pacific, the gala luncheons, dinners and the vertical wine tastings.

HOTEL REVIEWS

From Big Sur to Pebble Beach, we offer professional hotel reviews and ratings, so you can enjoy the perfect stay:

Monterey/Carmel Hotels
Search by name, area, rating, category (luxury, practical...) or feature (business center, massage, etc.).

TOP 10 HOTEL LISTS

• Top 10 Hotels • Top 10 Boutique Hotels • Top 10 Business Hotels • Top 10 Romantic Hotels • Top 10 Value Hotels

HOTEL PROFILES

• Carmel Valley Ranch (Carmel)
• Hotel Los Gatos (Los Gatos)
• Hyatt Carmel Highlands (Carmel)
• La Playa Hotel (Carmel)
• Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (Monterey)
• Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur)
• Stonepine Estate (Carmel Valley)
• Ventana Inn & Spa (Big Sur)

HOTEL SPECIALS

Hyatt Carmel Highlands
From its 11-acre perch on the cliffs overlooking the crashing waves of Big Sur, this pine-shrouded boutique resort commands one of the most awe-inspiring views on the central California coastline.
Hyatt Regency Monterey
Located on one of the oldest golf courses west of the Mississippi, Del Monte, this Hyatt property offers a laid-back locale that's perfectly situated to all the sightseeing attractions on the Monterey Peninsula.

NEARBY AREAS

BIG SUR

A RUSTIC BIG SUR ROMANCE
Post Ranch Inn
The Post Ranch Inn is a masterful example of architecture in harmony with the environment. Not only does it provide the opportunity to commune with nature, it inspires couples to commune with one another. Here the architect has maintained the integrity of the natural landscape without sacrificing style and good taste.

A TOP 10 YOGA RETREAT
Esalen Institute
This exquisite institute with its annual 400 plus workshops, designed to maximize what Aldous Huxley called the "human potential," is a top-secret address for serious retreaters. The quality of its teachers, unique approach and spectacular coastal setting put Esalen in a league of its own.

PEBBLE BEACH

A LEISURELY HOT SPOT
Pebble Beach Resort
Exercise then relax, all at the same facility. The Lodge at Pebble Beach is one of the top ten golf resorts in the nation and its The Spa at Pebble Beach is sure to soothe. Whatever your preference, from swinging clubs to reaping the benefits of hot stones, you'll find something to your liking.

TRAVEL

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
72 Hours on the Monterey Peninsula
An artistic retreat for over 100 years, it's easy to see why the Monterery area’s craggy cliffs, scenic shores, and sandy white beaches have proved inspirational. With an interior that also boasts great golf and world-renowned wineries, there’s plenty for everyone on this peninsula.

Visit the official websites of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur.
Top four images courtesy of Monterey County CVB, www.SeeMonterey.com.

California Travel Guide
Guides for other parts of the world

* Banner images courtesy of the California Travel & Tourism Commission. From left to right: Highway 101 and Central Coast; Old Monterey; Monterey Bay Aquarium.

(Updated: 04/04/11 HC)

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