Moon Monterey & Carmel: With Santa Cruz & Big Sur: Coastal Getaways, Scenic Drives, Hiking & Kayaking

Moon Monterey & Carmel: With Santa Cruz & Big Sur: Coastal Getaways, Scenic Drives, Hiking & Kayaking - Paperback

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Moon Monterey & Carmel: With Santa Cruz & Big Sur: Coastal Getaways, Scenic Drives, Hiking & Kayaking
  • Moon Monterey & Carmel: With Santa Cruz & Big Sur: Coastal Getaways, Scenic Drives, Hiking & Kayaking
Moon Monterey & Carmel: With Santa Cruz & Big Sur: Coastal Getaways, Scenic Drives, Hiking & Kayaking - Paperback

Moon Monterey & Carmel: With Santa Cruz & Big Sur: Coastal Getaways, Scenic Drives, Hiking & Kayaking - Paperback

by Stuart Thornton , Moon Travel Guides
$19.99
$19.99

Book Overview

by Stuart Thornton (Author), Moon Travel Guides (Author)

From quirky galleries and fresh seafood to dramatic hikes and drives, Monterey local Stuart Thornton reveals the best of these seaside towns in Moon Monterey & Carmel. Inside you'll find:

  • Flexible, strategic itineraries including long weekends in Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz, plus a three-day road trip along Big Sur
  • Top sights and unique experiences: Visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium or take a whale-watching tour to catch a glimpse of sea otters, harbor seals, and migrating whales in the wild. Stroll along soft sand beaches or browse artisan galleries and boutiques in Carmel's idyllic downtown. Cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur and pull over to soak up the breathtaking ocean view, or wander the halls of the opulent Hearst Castle. Catch happy hour at a historic brewery, or dine on delicious seafood as the sun sets over the bay
  • Outdoor adventures: Explore the stunning coastline on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, dive into a kelp forest, or rent a surfboard and catch a wave
  • Honest advice from Monterey local Stuart Thornton on when to go, how to get around, what to eat, and where to stay, from budget motels to historic inns
  • Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout
  • Handy tools including tips for seniors, visitors with disabilities, and traveling with kids
  • Background on the culture, history, weather, and wildlife
  • Full coverage of Monterey, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Cambria, San Simeon, Morro Bay, and Salinas
Experience the best of Monterey & Carmel with Moon's practical tips and local insight. Hitting the road? Check out Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. Looking for more outdoor adventures? Try Moon Northern California Hiking.

About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell--and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.

For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Author Biography

Stuart Thornton fell in love with California while working the Big Sur Ranger Station after college. At work, he provided visitors with all sorts of information about the region, from the best places to camp to the best meal in the area. On his days off, he took his own advice and regularly sought out the top spots for hiking, backpacking, surfing, and snorkeling along that striking coastal region.

Stuart later moved to nearby Monterey to become a staff writer for the Monterey County Weekly, where he is still a contributor. He is the proud author of Moon Coastal California, Moon Santa Barbara & the Central Coast, Moon Spotlight Cambria & San Simeon, and Moon California Road Trip. In addition, Stuart has contributed to National Geographic Education, and Relix Magazine.

Stuart spends his time off searching for the next secluded beach, uncrowded wave, or mountaintop vista. Learn more about his adventures and projects by visiting stuartthornton.com.
Number of Pages: 320
Dimensions: 0.7 x 7.5 x 5.5 IN
Publication Date: August 26, 2025
ISBN9798886471069
Author Stuart Thornton , Moon Travel Guides
PublisherMoon Travel
GenreTravel
FormatPaperback
PublishedAugust 2025
Edition8
LanguageENG- English
Pages320
Weight1.0 lb
Target AudienceAdults
Print SizeStandard Print

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Margaret Littman is both a relative newcomer to the Volunteer State and an old-timer. An alumnae of Vanderbilt University, she left for points north over the course her writing career. But after 17 years she could no longer resist the siren song of the Parthenon, bluegrass music, or fried pickles, and returned to Nashville where she writes about Music City, Southeast travel, food, pets and more. An avid stand-up paddler, she loves being a day's trip away from the Tennessee River to the south, Reelfoot Lake to the west, and Norris Dam to the east. There's nothing she loves more than telling a native something he or she didn't know about his or her home state. She has lots of ideas for little-known places to listen to music, eat barbecue, paddle a lake, hike to a waterfall and buy works by local artists. Her work has appeared in national and regional magazines, including The Tennessean, The Nashville Scene, Rolling Stone Country and Entrepreneur, as well as many others. Since moving to Nashville, Margaret has acquired a Ford pickup truck and an impressive selection of cowboy boots, but still not the ability to carry a tune. She is also the author of Moon Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip and Moon Nashville.

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