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Honeymoons

5 California Honeymoon Destinations Inspired by Big Little Lies

By
Dan Koday
Updated on April 28, 2017
Use the HBO drama as your honeymoon guide!
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Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Do you miss Big Little Lies as much as we do? HBO's recently wrapped series, starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, and Alexander Sarsgård, has transcended hit TV show and entered the territory of cultural phenomenon. It's also put the gorgeous setting of the show—the sleepy but beautiful fishing village of Monterey, California, and its surrounding communities—back on the bucket list travel map in a big way.

If you weren't ready to hop on a plane after the first episode's opening credits alone, the intrigue about BLL's beautiful and mysterious setting—that of the rugged central California coast known for its breathtaking bluffs and views of the Pacific—certainly grew on you as the series, and drama, unfolded.

And sure, when it comes to the romantic lives of the main characters on Big Little Lies, there's a lot to be desired. But that doesn't mean you can't find newlywed bliss in their low-key locale, in a part of California that is known for its relaxed vibes as much as it is for its quaint shopping, delicious restaurants, and activities—from horseback riding and hot air balloon rides to surfing and sailing and private cooking classes—which are perfect for couples.

To get you started on your search for the ultimate central California coast honeymoon, you'll want to concentrate on a few key communities, like Half Moon Bay, Carmel, Pebble Beach, Big Sur, and of course, Monterey.

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Courtesy of Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey

While Madeline, Celeste, Jane, and the crew are generally stuck doing school pickup and dropoff, you can take in many of the activities that their breathtaking hometown has to offer, like a helicopter ride to a tasting at local winery Heller Estate, or a sailing excursion (where you can see whales, dolphins, or sea otters). Or if you're the more adventurous couple, you can surf and take a guided biking tour, all of which can be booked through National Parks Revealed, a local destination management company that creates luxury bespoke travel experiences throughout the country's national parks, as well as throughout California.

For sightseeing, make sure you stroll around Cannery Row, one-time center of the sardine-packing industry, that's now covered with gift shops, seafood restaurants, and bars in converted factories. There's also the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf, with more shops and restaurants that are identical to the places the ladies lunch at on the show, and Lovers Point Park and Beach—obviously a must-see spot perfect for honeymoon photos (look out for the beautiful purple ice plants and other wildflowers which grow on the rocky coastline).

As for where to stay, the most desirable choice for newlyweds is the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. The views, the crashing surf, and the most incredible palatial suites…ideal for spending a few days alone together. There's also Sanctuary Vacation Rentals if you want to go the cozy home rental route.

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Courtesy of Carmel Valley Ranch

Carmel

When you really want to embrace intimacy on your moon, the L'Auberge Carmel is where you want to be. Since this exclusive Relais & Chateaux property only has 20 rooms, you'll feel like you're the only couple staying there, where you can spend your nights dining at Aubergine under candlelight and your days golfing, swimming, or spa-ing at nearby Carmel Valley Ranch, which is another great place to stay slightly outside of town.

Although the ranch isn't technically right on the water or what you might expect in a coastal California town, it does offer a totally unique ranch vibe due to its location in the towering Santa Lucia range. They also have plenty of restaurants on site for lazy meals over glasses of wine, or you could carve out some time for the numerous art galleries in the area for when you do decide to leave your hotel for a change.

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Courtesy of Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay

Similar to BLL's Monterey, Half Moon Bay is a small coastal town, but it's closer to the action of San Francisco. That makes it a great destination if you want to check off both as part of a larger honeymoon. After a day spent horseback riding at Pescadero Beach or grabbing a casual bite at Half Moon Bay Brewing while watching the sailboats parked in the harbor, you can check in to the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay just before sunset to find its on-site bagpiper playing on one of the property's most romantic spots (though we're not sure this Ritz has an unromantic spot).

Called Bagpiper Post, it overlooks unspoiled views of the coastline and is the perfect way to end a day before some fireside s'mores—but like you've never seen s'mores done before—just outside your very own stunning suite, which comes complete with a private fire pit and cozy Adirondack lounge chairs.

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Courtesy of Post Ranch Inn

Big Sur

When you want to splurge (because hey, now would be the time to do it), the Post Ranch Inn is the place to stay in Big Sur. Not only will your honeymoon pics be epic, but numerous package deals are available—many with champagne and massages, of course, in addition to helicopter rides in and out of the property while the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge is down (But don't worry, there are still alternate routes in and out of town).

But if you're really looking to channel those gorgeous Big Little Lies houses and do something more private, there are so many amazing homes to choose from on Airbnb like this one or this ultra-luxurious gem on HomeAway (hello, pool and hot tub). Views of the redwoods, majestic mountains, and endless ocean tides are also reasons to choose Big Sur for your big trip. As for classic coastal Cali cuisine with a view, you'll want to make reservations at Nepenthe, Sierra Mar, The Restaurant at Ventana, and Pacific's Edge Restaurant.

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Courtesy of The Inn at Spanish Bay

Pebble Beach

Worthy of a day trip if you're staying in Monterey or Carmel—or for a more lengthy lovers' rendezvous, too—the exclusive enclave (seriously, it's just down the street!) known as Pebble Beach is definitely where you'll want to take a golf fiend. Besides scoring major wifey points (and an added bonus if you like to enjoy the sport as a couple, too), Pebble Beach is home to some of the best courses in the world, including Spy Glass, Cypress Point, Spanish Bay, Poppy Hills, Monterey Peninsula Country Club, and of course, the course at Pebble Beach. Besides being a golfer's heaven, this town is out of control when it comes to cutness and astonishing views. There's plenty of shopping, nature trails, and outdoor activities like kayaking on Stillwater Cove or cycling the notable "17-Mile Drive" in Monterey.

Stay at The Inn at Spanish Bay or The Lodge at Pebble Beach and if you can time your trip to the food festival there (usually in the early spring) then you'll definitely leave well rested, well connected, and well fed.

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TOPICS:

HoneymoonsCalifornia
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