Name: Moon Monterey & Carmel: With Santa Cruz & Big Sur
Brand: Moon Travel
SKU: 9798886471069
Price: 19.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9798886471069

By Stuart Thornton

By Moon Travel Guides

On Sale: Aug 26, 2025
Page Count: 320 pages
Publisher: Moon Travel
ISBN-13: 9798886471069

$19.99

$25.99 CAD

Format

Format:

Trade Paperback (Revised) $19.99 $25.99 CAD
ebook (Revised) $11.99 $15.99 CAD

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From quirky galleries and fresh seafood to dramatic hikes and drives, Monterey local Stuart Thornton reveals the best of these seaside towns in Moon Monterey & Carmel. Inside you’ll find:

Flexible, strategic itineraries including long weekends in Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz, plus a three-day road trip along Big Sur
Top sights and unique experiences: Visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium or take a whale-watching tour to catch a glimpse of sea otters, harbor seals, and migrating whales in the wild. Stroll along soft sand beaches or browse artisan galleries and boutiques in Carmel’s idyllic downtown. Cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur and pull over to soak up the breathtaking ocean view, or wander the halls of the opulent Hearst Castle. Catch happy hour at a historic brewery, or dine on delicious seafood as the sun sets over the bay
Outdoor adventures: Explore the stunning coastline on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, dive into a kelp forest, or rent a surfboard and catch a wave
Honest advice from Monterey local Stuart Thornton on when to go, how to get around, what to eat, and where to stay, from budget motels to historic inns
Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout
Handy tools including tips for seniors, visitors with disabilities, and traveling with kids
Background on the culture, history, weather, and wildlife
Full coverage of Monterey, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Cambria, San Simeon, Morro Bay, and Salinas

Experience the best of Monterey & Carmel with Moon’s practical tips and local insight.

Hitting the road? Check out Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. Looking for more outdoor adventures? Try Moon Northern California Hiking.

About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can’t wait to share their favorite places with you.

For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Genre:

Series:

Moon U.S. Travel Guide

Stuart Thornton fell in love with California while working the Big Sur Ranger Station after college. At work, he provided visitors with all sorts of information about the region, from the best places to camp to the best meal in the area. On his days off, he took his own advice and regularly sought out the top spots for hiking, backpacking, surfing, and snorkeling along that striking coastal region.

Stuart later moved to nearby Monterey to become a staff writer for the Monterey County Weekly, where he is still a contributor. He is the proud author of Moon Coastal California, Moon Santa Barbara & the Central Coast, Moon Spotlight Cambria & San Simeon, and Moon California Road Trip. In addition, Stuart has contributed to National Geographic Education, and Relix Magazine.

Stuart spends his time off searching for the next secluded beach, uncrowded wave, or mountaintop vista. Learn more about his adventures and projects by visiting stuartthornton.com.

"Moon handbooks are always a pleasure to read. The writing is crisp, the research impressive, and the recommendations practical and down to earth."
Chicago Tribune
“The books are more easily readable than other guides. The main attractions are also marked with a special icon and sidebars and boxes highlight special information, making the Moon handbooks one of the most user-friendly guides in terms of visual appeal and organization…the quality is uniformly excellent."
Transitions Abroad
"Far from narrow minded, each Moon travel guide gives itinerary options for a variety of travelers’ budgets—from frugal to lavish. They make books catering to those who love the outdoors, those who have limited time, those staying exclusively in cities and those who’ve fully committed to living abroad. In all, they have hundreds of titles, ranging Bermuda to Budapest, that’ll teach you to embrace a new culture."
Gear Patrol, "The Best Travel Guidebooks for Every Journey"
"Moon handbooks have become known as well-written and exceptionally informative guides."
The New York Times
"Moon guides are perfect for the relaxed road tripper or outdoor explorer."
No Small Plan
"Moon handbooks are known for cannily combining logistical information with cultural background of a country or state."
Los Angeles Times

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Stuart Thornton

About the Author

Stuart Thornton fell in love with California while working the Big Sur Ranger Station after college. At work, he provided visitors with all sorts of information about the region, from the best places to camp to the best meal in the area. On his days off, he took his own advice and regularly sought out the top spots for hiking, backpacking, surfing, and snorkeling along that striking coastal region.

Stuart later moved to nearby Monterey to become a staff writer for the Monterey County Weekly, where he is still a contributor. He is the proud author of Moon Coastal California, Moon Santa Barbara & the Central Coast, Moon Spotlight Cambria & San Simeon, and Moon California Road Trip. In addition, Stuart has contributed to National Geographic Education, and Relix Magazine.

Stuart spends his time off searching for the next secluded beach, uncrowded wave, or mountaintop vista. Learn more about his adventures and projects by visiting stuartthornton.com.

Learn more about this author

Moon Travel Guides

About the Author

Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can’t wait to share their favorite places with you.

For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Learn more about this author