Bixby Bridge in Monterey California as seen in HBO series Big Little Lies © Culture Trip

21 Photos That Will Make Monterey Your Next Californian Vacation

Film Editor

Updated: 26 August 2017

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It might not be the first place you think of when travelling to California, but Monterey Bay and its surrounding areas offer so much than you’d expect. Here are 21 pictures that will make you want to drop everything and head out West.

The area has been thrust into the limelight thanks to the multi-Emmy nominated HBO show Big Little Lies. We’ll be taking a closer look at how the series was influenced by Monterey, but for now, let’s get our wanderlust on…

Monterey Bay Map | © See Monterey

You might also like: Why Monterey is the Perfect Setting for HBO’s Big Little Lies

The map above highlights the varied terrain that the area can lay claim to. By American standards, it’s a relatively small location and is easily commutable by road. The airport is well-placed and connected to all the major cities that have regular international flights to and from Europe, as well as beyond.

1. Flying into Monterey Airport

Flying into Monterey | © Culture Trip

2. InterContinental the Clement

InterContinental the Clement | © InterContinental the Clement Monterey

3. Hyatt Carmel Highlands

View from Hyatt Carmel Highlands | © Hyatt Highlands

4. Lovers Point in Pacific Grove

Lovers Point in Pacific Grove | © SeeMonterey.com / Michael Troutman/www.dmtimaging.com

5. View from Lovers Point

View from Lovers Point in Monterey, Pacific Grove | © Culture Trip

6. Kayaking in the Pacific

7. Dolphin-spotting

Dolphins in the Pacific in Monterey | © Culture Trip

8. Seals in Monterey Bay, Pacific Grove

Seals in Monterey whilst Kayaking | © Culture Trip

9. View of the Pacific

The Pacific Ocean | © Culture Trip

10. Big Sur Coastline

Big Sur Coastline and Bixby Bridge | © SeeMonterey.com

12. Bixby Bridge

Bixby Bridge in Monterey as seen in Big Little Lies | © SeeMonterey.com

13. Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium was the basis of the locations for Finding Dory | © Culture Trip

14. Sea Life in the Aquarium

Visitors at Monterey Bay Aquarium | © SeeMonterey.com

15. Carmel Mission

16. Fisherman’s Wharf

17. Vineyards

18. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

19. Garrapata State Park Beach

20. Cannery Row

Cannery Row at twilight, Monterey, California

21. Sea Otters!!!

Download the FREE iTourMobile App in the Apple app store and Google play store. Once the app is installed search for the Big Little Lies tour in Monterey, CA. Enjoy!

Big Little Lies is released on Blu-ray and DVD from 31 July, courtesy of HBO Home Entertainment