How to Hike, Sail and Off-Road Your Way Through California’s Central Coast

Set along a breathtaking strip of California’s Central Coast, Monterey County is paradise for outdoor lovers. There are off-road adventures, epic hikes in Big Sur and opportunities to get out on the water in Monterey. Not to mention, world-class golf along Pebble Beach, award-winning wineries scattered across the rolling hills of Carmel Valley and exceptional dining in Carmel-by-the-Sea, which looks like it was plucked from a book of fairy tales.

This itinerary takes you throughout Monterey County, from muddy inclines to the open ocean and vineyard views, with plenty of opportunities to get outside and get active along the way.

Where to Stay

California’s Central Coast has several luxury hotels and resorts, but Carmel Valley Ranch and Alila Ventana Big Sur are two of our favorites.

Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers who book a hotel stay through The Edit by Chase Travel will earn 3 points per dollar and receive special benefits, including daily breakfast for two, a property credit worth $100, plus early check-in, late checkout and a room upgrade, when available.

Carmel Valley Ranch
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Serene valley views from one of the four saltwater pools at Carmel Valley Ranch.

Located in sunny Carmel Valley, a short drive from the area’s main wineries and tasting rooms, Carmel Valley Ranch is a family-friendly resort offering four saltwater pools and 18 holes of golf. On-site activities range from guided hikes and picnics with Pablo and Paco (the resident miniature donkeys) to roller coaster–like ATV excursions and complimentary wine tastings, where you can try the resort’s exclusive wines and learn about the house-made goat cheese. Book a room with an outdoor tub for vineyard views and alfresco bubble baths, and explore the resort’s stunning grounds in our review.

Alila Ventana Big Sur
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With soaking tubs and plush beds, rooms at Alila Ventana Big Sur are big on rest and rejuvenation.

Basically a luxury, all-inclusive summer camp for adults only, this resort’s activities include guided hikes, axe throwing, beekeeping, floating meditation or just enjoying the on-site Japanese hot baths. The marine layer summons dramatic morning fog, but on clear days, you can catch some of the Pacific’s most spectacular sunsets. After the sun sets, join other guests for s’mores or cuddle up by your room’s wood-burning fireplace.

The Main Attractions

The Land Rover Experience in action on the custom-built course in Carmel Valley.

When you plan a trip to California’s Central Coast, be prepared to lace up your hiking boots, fill up your gas tank and embark on a series of adventures focused on enjoying the scenery, whether you’re behind the wheel or out on the open water.

Land Rover Experience

Set on a custom-built course in Carmel Valley, the Land Rover Experience gives you and two guests an opportunity to ride in—or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, actually drive—a Land Rover through the rugged terrain that these SUVs were designed to tackle, but you’re unlikely to encounter on your own. You’ll navigate steep inclines and descents, high-bank turns and (during the winter) plenty of water and mud. Experience it all in the latest Defender or Range Rover. Adventures range from one to nearly four hours. Land Rover also offers a Young Off-Roader Experience for drivers 14 years of age or older with a brave parent or guardian in the same car. Eligible Chase cardmembers, book your experience with a Reserve Travel Designer.

Sailboat Whale Tours

Monterey is home to one of the country’s top-rated aquariums, but to see the Pacific’s largest marine mammals in the wild, head out on the open ocean. Sail Monterey offers private sailboat tours five days a week from Old Fisherman’s Wharf. While whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, you’ll almost certainly see seals or dolphins throughout the year, plus humpback whales in the summer and gray whales in the winter. You might even experience a rare sighting of a blue  whale, sperm whale or orcas. Eligible Chase cardmembers can book a tour through Chase Travel or via Reserve Travel Designers to earn or redeem points for this trip.

Carmel Valley Wine Tasting

California’s Central Coast may not have the wine region recognition of its northern neighbors, but Carmel Valley is home to fantastic small-batch pinot noirs, along with crisp whites and rosés. Holman Ranch is one of the most picturesque, and you can book the tour and wine cave tasting for the full experience, including an ATV drive through the hilltop vineyards. If everyone is planning to partake, ask your hotel to arrange transfers, or to explore other wineries nearby, eligible Chase cardmembers can book a Carmel Valley wine tour with Reserve Travel Designers or Chase Travel.

Where to Eat

Coastal California meets Parisian Café at the award-winning Chez Noir.

California’s Central Coast is known for its farm-to-table produce and fantastic seafood. Our friends at The Infatuation selected a few of their favorite places to eat in Carmel. Reservations are subject to availability; pay with your Sapphire Reserve card to earn 3x points on travel and dining.

Aubergine

Aubergine is a Carmel classic for a reason, and there’s no better place in town if you’re looking for cozy decadence. The 10-course tasting menu changes constantly, but you can expect seafood-focused dishes like oysters with a yuzu emulsion and lobster in dashi broth. A meal here doesn’t come cheap: It’s $285 per person, plus more if you add a wine pairing.

La Bicyclette

Bring a date you want to impress—without looking like you’re trying too hard—to this chic French-Italian bistro. Chalkboard menus and hanging copper pots give the place a rustic countryside feel. Start with a couple hors d’oeuvres, like the spinach gnocchi and the Provençal mushrooms with Pernod and hazelnut-garlic butter, and then split one of the fantastic wood-fired pizzas before heading to the beach or strolling through town.

Chez Noir

This buzzy restaurant has racked up some big-deal awards since opening in 2022, and it’s worth the hype. The husband and wife who run the place quite literally invite you into their home (they live above the restaurant), creating a stay-as-long-as-you-please atmosphere in the intimate dining room that looks part coastal California, part Parisian café. The four-course tasting menu changes daily, showcasing seafood-centric dishes like tender abalone skewers lightly seared in liver butter.

Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse

Forget the wood-paneled walls, stiff leather booths and stuffy dress codes from the steak houses of yore. Seventh & Dolores is none of those things: It’s equal parts steak house and Scandinavian design store, and somehow it all works. While you could certainly go the whole nine yards here, at least grab a seat at the bar for pre-dinner cocktails (try the barrel-aged Manhattan) and people watching.

Personalized Trip Planning

Tailor-made travel planning is included with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Build an ideal travel itinerary for Monterey County and get expert support at every step with a Reserve Travel Designer.