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Monterey holidays
Monterey holidays

Monterey, Carmel & Santa Cruz holidays

California’s coastline, three iconic stops, one seriously good holiday

Monterey from £890pp

Welcome to Monterey County

Monterey does quiet luxury as it invented it. Think cypress silhouettes and sea mist, the kind that softens everything, including your shoulders. You can spend the morning watching waves fold into the rocks along 17-Mile Drive, then drift into Cannery Row for a glass of something cold and a plate of something local, with the harbour doing its usual, effortlessly photogenic thing.

And when the light starts to turn honeyed, Monterey slows even further, all galleries, coastal strolls, and that unmistakable Pacific hush that makes you feel like you’ve arrived, not just landed. 

   

Explore beyond Monterey

    

Carmel

Carmel

Carmel-by-the-Sea is small, storybook-pretty, and entirely comfortable with that fact. Expect fairytale cottages tucked behind cypress trees, galleries you can drift in and out of, and boutique shops that turn “just a quick look” into a very pleasant hour. The village streets are made for slow wandering, with wine tasting rooms and coffee spots that invite you to linger rather than rush on.

 

When you fancy a change of scene, Carmel Beach is all pale sand and open sky, ideal for a breezy stroll as the sun starts to dip. It’s polished without being precious, and charming in a way that feels effortless.

Capitola beach and restaurants

Santa Cruz

Is where the coast loosens its tie. Expect classic California beach energy, surf breaks and salt-air strolls, with redwood trails close enough to feel like a second itinerary. Spend the day on the sand, dip into the Boardwalk for old-school seaside fun, then wander down to Capitola, all candy-coloured cottages, a sweet little harbour and cafés made for slow afternoons.

 

Round it off with sunset views over the Pacific, and you’ve got a place that’s relaxed, outdoorsy and quietly addictive, the kind that makes you wonder why you ever booked a return flight.

Pebble Beach

Highway One

We believe this itinerary is the perfect way to experience California's coast, from San Francisco down to Los Angeles. Mixing city, beach and just about everything in between on one epic road trip.

  • Spend 3 nights in San Francisco, we suggest a stay in the Fisherman's Wharf area.
  • Drive to Monterey and spend 3 nights here, indulging in the freshest seafood and sampling the region's finest wines.
  • Drive to San Luis Obispo, passing through Big Sur on your way. Be sure to stop here to witness the iconic scenery.
  • Spend 2 nights in Pismo Beach, relax on the soft white sands or rent a board and try to catch some waves.
  • Stay in Santa Barbara for 2 nights and see why some of the world's biggest stars choose to reside here.
  • Arrive in Los Angeles for your final stop and explore the endless sights and acitvities available to you. 

Sound like fun? Contact one of our sales team to start planning your Highway One adventure.

Speak to our team
View all 6 places to stay

Essential information for Monterey, Carmel and Santa Cruz

  1. Time Zone

    UK - 8hrs

  2. Language

    American English

  3. Currency

    US Dollar $

  4. Flight information

    11h direct

  1. Flight schedule

    Virgin Atlantic fly direct to San Francisco daily. You can also fly from Manchester, Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Belfast with one of our partner airlines. Monterey is approximately 155 miles south of San Francisco International Airport.

  2. Do I need a visa?

    To travel to the USA, you will need an ESTA visa. Please make sure that you have this approved at least 3 days before you head off on holiday.

    Find out more about Travel Visas here

  3. Sightseeing ideas

    For those of you who prefer more water based activities, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is home to many species of sealife including the Giant Pacific Octopus.

Holidays you can trust

 

Why choose us?
 

Holidays are important. But with everything costing more right now, affording a holiday might feel like a world away.

We want you to know that when you’re ready to turn your dreams into reality, we’ll make sure that every penny and cent you put in is well spent. Since 1985, we’ve been helping our customers create magical moments they can keep forever. And you can be confident your dream holiday will be in safe hands too.

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We've got you covered

Book your dream holiday with confidence. We provide financial protection for our holidays with ATOL and ABTA protection, giving you peace of mind that if anything doesn’t go to plan, we’ll make sure you’re looked after.

 

As part of Virgin Atlantic, you can expect a seamless journey to your destination, with our fabulously faultless service at every step.

Virgin Holidays employee

We're experts

We've been arranging holidays since 1985 and are the largest, most successful transatlantic tour operator, and market leader for travel to the USA and the Caribbean.

 

Our sales experts are dedicated to finding your perfect holiday, with all the insider tips and tricks you need to take your trip to the next level. Book your in-store appointment now.

Hammock on beach

We make it easy for you

From choosing your seats to pre-booking meals, our Manage my Booking portal is your one-stop-shop for all the tweaks, changes and add-ons that make your trip so special.

 

Once you've made it to your destination, our Resort Experts and Support Teams are on hand for any questions or concerns. Your holiday is our priority.

Need more travel tips or holiday help?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the sweet spots for sunshine, fewer crowds and brilliant coastal views. Summer is lively and warm, while winter is quieter with dramatic waves and cosy vibes.

3 to 5 days is ideal.

  • 3 days: Monterey + Carmel highlights, quick Santa Cruz day trip

  • 5 days: slower pace, more beaches, Big Sur add-on, wine tasting and longer coastal drives

Monterey: Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, whale watching
Carmel-by-the-Sea: Carmel Beach, galleries, scenic strolls
Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, West Cliff Drive, surf culture
Bonus: 17-Mile Drive for the full California coast “pinch-me” moment.

Yep, it’s a dream. Distances are short, and the scenery does most of the work. Monterey to Carmel is a quick hop, and Monterey to Santa Cruz is a straightforward coastal drive. If you can, time your drives for daylight to soak up the views.

Carmel is all about storybook charm: cute cottages, boutique shopping, art galleries, wine tasting rooms and a seriously beautiful beach. It’s the perfect “slow down and wander” stop on your California coast holiday.

Santa Cruz brings the fun: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk rides and arcade games, easy beach time, and plenty of casual spots to refuel. It’s great for families, but still delivers big coastal energy for everyone.

Santa Cruz brings the fun: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk rides and arcade games, easy beach time, and plenty of casual spots to refuel. It’s great for families, but still delivers big coastal energy for everyone.

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