Plan a ‘Big Little Lies’ Getaway to Monterey

We’ve all been “clinging” to one of Monterey County’s craggy cliffs over the Pacific since the first season of HBO’s Emmy Award-winning mini-series “Big Little Lies” ended. However, this June, we will be able to step back from the edge and watch Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon and other celebs play out more drama around the spectacularly gorgeous scenery of California’s Central Coast. (Feature photo: promotional image, courtesy HBO)

Even better, you can now plan your own “Big Little Lies” trip and visit the very filming sites where all the action takes place with this itinerary. We can’t promise you’ll solve any “murders,” but you’ll definitely come home with lots of dramatic selfies!

Streep, Kidman, Dern, Witherspoon? No, the show’s biggest star is the breathtaking scenery of Monterey County. Join the other celebs and spend your days playing on the dramatic coastlines of Big Sur, Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove or head inland to dine in award-winning restaurants or wine taste.

Below is a list of shot locations and must stops for your “Big Little Lies” road trip, just in time before Season 2.

Big Little Lies Filming Sites

By Jessica Keener, SeeMonterey.com

MONTEREY

Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey is a great place to take in the sights, sounds and smells of Monterey. Located on the wharf, Paluca Trattoria is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant and was also the inspiration for the set design of Blue Blues, the fictional café where the show’s moms gathered for coffee and gossip.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Discover life in Monterey’s bay without leaving dry land at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which also made an appearance on the show. Dedicated to marine research and conservation, the former sardine cannery is a top attraction on historic Cannery Row with more than 35,000 creatures representing over 550 species. Special exhibits include the Kelp Forest and Open Sea.

Del Monte Beach

Named after the historic Del Monte Resort, the Del Monte Beach is located in the midst of Monterey State Beach. This popular surfing and beachcombing spot, known mostly to locals, was the backdrop for some of the beach run scenes in “Big Little Lies.”

Colton Hall

Built to serve as a public school and town meeting hall, Colton Hall now offers visitors a re-creation of the meeting room where California’s first Constitution was drafted in October 1849 and exhibits on early Monterey. Colton Hall is a landmark in the City of Monterey, and it was here that the stars meet about the controversial production of Avenue Q.

Monterey Regional Airport

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) also appears in “Big Little Lies” when one of the leading ladies rushes with her children to the airport. Monterey Regional Airport is all about convenience, and visitors can enjoy the ease of flying to and from MRY on more than 40 flights in and out daily, with nonstop flights to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego and San Francisco.

PACIFIC GROVE

Lovers Point Park

For more than 100 years, Lovers Point Park has been Pacific Grove’s most popular spot for shoreline recreation and was a popular coastal backdrop for some important scenes in “Big Little Lies.” Kayakers find this gem to be a perfect launching spot from which to get out on Monterey Bay and view native wildlife. Scuba divers also frequent the kelp forests as landlubbers compete on the beach volleyball court.

BIG SUR

Bixby Bridge and Highway 1

Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most iconic spots on the best-known scenic drive in Monterey County – Highway 1. Right from the opening credits, Bixby Bridge takes the spotlight. Visitors can park in the pullout area and snap photos of the world-famous bridge and towering cliffs and breathtaking landscape.

Garrapata State Park and Beach

From spring through early summer, the picturesque coastline of Garrapata State Park comes alive with colorful blooms of wildflowers. “Big Little Lies” scenes of the steep cliffs, crashing waves and misty shores were filmed at Garrapata, where the production designers also installed a new set of stairs. For an Instagram-worthy photo, the MCCVB suggests exploring the beach and western coastal trail that begins at gate 19 off of Highway 1.

For more information on your trip to Monterey County, visit here.