Esalen Institute

Expansive all-inclusive, adults-only property with modern American dining, a spa & 2 outdoor pools. Featuring views of the Pacific Ocean, this luxe adults-only, all-inclusive resort on 164 acres off the Pacific Coast Highway is 0.5 miles from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and 30 miles from Monterey. Elegant suites have flat-screens and Wi-Fi; some offer hot tubs or fireplaces. There's a modern American restaurant and bar, as well as 2 outdoor pools, a spa and a serene Japanese onsen. Other amenities include a gym and a comprehensive activity calendar.

Modern, ranch-style lodging offering rustic-chic rooms, suites & treehouses, plus pools & a spa. Set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this upscale, ranch-style boutique hotel is 1.6 miles from the Henry Miller Memorial Library. The rustic-chic, TV-free rooms, suites and tree-houses have private decks with mountain or ocean views, and wood-burning fireplaces. They also have free minibars and Wi-Fi, plus iPod docks. Some have indoor and outdoor spa pools. Free perks include full breakfast and loaner cars, as well as yoga, meditation and star-gazing classes. Other amenities include a spa with 2 cliff-top infinity pools, a swimming pool and a fitness center. There's also a polished restaurant offering ocean-view dining.

Creative American comfort food, wood-fired pizzas & fresh pastries & desserts in a rustic setting.

Warm & woodsy spot for upscale, locally-sourced American cuisine with ocean views from the terrace.

At the edge of a cliff in Big Sur, Sierra Mar offers diners stunning ocean views through expansive windows and a fine Californian prix fixe menu that changes seasonally.

Nestled along the coast near Big Sur, this light-filled spot serves up delightful seafood, delectable cocktails, and stunning ocean views perfect for a scenic getaway.

Set in a chic 1800s space, this Big Sur spot offers a laid-back vibe with satisfying barbecue and a tempting selection of drinks.

Pezzini Farms is a family owned heirloom artichoke farm and local artisan market that specializes in offering the freshest and highest quality goods that California has to offer!

This charming organic produce market features a café serving delicious bites, a garden for picnics, and family-friendly fun all around.

Posh suites with private decks & fireplaces, plus a sleek restaurant, outdoor pools & a spa. Set on 500 acres in Carmel Valley, this upscale resort is 3 miles from hiking and biking in Garland Ranch Regional Park and 9 miles from the ocean at Carmel Bay. Sophisticated suites feature fireplaces and private decks, plus flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, iPod docks and Keurig coffeemakers. Some suites add kitchenettes or separate dining areas. There's a spa, a golf course and 9 tennis courts, plus 2 outdoor saltwater pools, a gym and a business center. Dining options include a sleek organic restaurant, a grill eatery and a cafe.