Staying in Carmel area

Question

We are spending 2 days in Half Moon Bay and then 4 days in Carmel with our 2 older children in mid-March. We will definitely visit Monterey and Big Sur. I’d like to see the redwoods in Big Basin and visit Pebble Beach to see it. I’d also like to visit a winery. I’m looking for more specific recommendations. Which wineries are best? What should we do/see in Big Sur? I also saw a catamaran ride out of Monterey but will it be freezing? Any suggestions are welcome!!

Answer

Spending 4 days in Carmel with your older children gives you a great balance of scenic drives, nature, and activities. Here’s a detailed set of recommendations for your trip, including wineries, Big Sur highlights, and Monterey activities.

Wineries near Carmel: Carmel Valley is the best area for wineries close to Carmel. Many offer tastings in beautiful settings. A few standout options:

Bernardus Winery – Renowned for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; the tasting room and outdoor terrace are lovely.
Holman Ranch Vineyard – Offers a beautiful estate setting with wines and sometimes food pairings.
Talbott Vineyards – Known for their Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Pinot Noir; the views are stunning.
Joullian Vineyards – Smaller boutique winery with a cozy tasting room and unique wines.

Big Sur highlights: March weather can be cool and sometimes rainy, but the scenery is spectacular. Key spots:

Bixby Creek Bridge – Iconic and easily accessible for photos.
Pfeiffer Beach – Famous for purple sand and rock formations; parking can be limited.
McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Short trail to an incredible waterfall dropping onto the beach.
Partington Cove – Short hike with sea caves and a beautiful cove; not crowded.
Hiking options – Consider the Ewoldsen Trail or Partington Cove Trail for moderate hikes with amazing coastal views.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: About 45–60 minutes north of Santa Cruz. In March, the trails are damp, so good hiking shoes are essential. Recommended trails:

Sequoia Trail – Short, family-friendly walk among towering redwoods.
Berry Creek Falls Loop – Longer, about 10 miles, but offers waterfalls and giant redwoods. Check trail conditions before attempting.

Monterey activities: For a family-friendly day:

Monterey Bay Aquarium – World-class, especially fun for older kids interested in marine life.
Whale watching or catamaran cruises – March can be chilly out on the water; bring layers, windproof jackets, and hats. The waters can be cool, but the experience is amazing if you’re prepared for it.
Old Fisherman’s Wharf – Good for lunch or a casual stroll, see sea lions, and grab fresh seafood.

Pebble Beach: Even if you’re not golfing, the 17-Mile Drive is worth the scenic detour. Key viewpoints:

Lone Cypress – Iconic photo spot.
Bird Rock – Often has seals and birds visible from the cliffs.
Fanshell Overlook – Great coastal views without needing to walk far.

General tips:

March can be unpredictable: expect cool mornings and evenings, especially on the coast. Layered clothing is essential.
Arrive early at popular Big Sur spots to avoid crowds and secure parking.
If doing wineries with older kids, check if they allow visitors under 21; some may limit tastings to adults.

With 4 days in Carmel, you could structure your trip as one day exploring Big Sur, one day in Carmel Valley wineries, one day in Monterey, and a day for nearby redwoods or a relaxing day in Carmel town and beach.

Staying in Carmel area

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