The Complete Guide to Big Little Lies Filming Locations in Monterey

Introduction

If you’re planning a trip to see the Big Little Lies filming locations Monterey has to offer, this guide cuts straight to what you actually need to know. No cinematic fluff, no travelogue prose. Just the practical how-to for fans who want to walk the same coastal trails, spot the cliffside homes, and grab a coffee where the characters did. I’ve scouted every site mentioned here, dealt with the parking headaches, and stood in the infamous Monterey wind. This covers the specific spots, the logistics of getting between them, common mistakes that waste your time, and realistic expectations for what you’ll actually see. Travelers who want to stay organized and keep their phone charged for photos might like a compact travel power bank for the long walking day. If you want to squeeze the most out of a day or two without getting frustrated, start here.

Why Monterey? A Quick Overview of the Filming Backdrop

Monterey wasn’t picked at random. The show needed a place that felt both idyllic and claustrophobic—wealthy, coastal, and full of secrets. Monterey delivers exactly that. You get the dramatic cliffs, the endless blue of the bay, and the quiet wealth of communities like Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. It’s a small city with big contrasts: tourist-heavy Cannery Row sits minutes from secluded residential streets where the show’s tension plays out. For a location scout, it’s a goldmine. For a visitor, it means you can walk from a crowded aquarium to a nearly empty cliff path in under ten minutes. That mix of accessibility and atmosphere is why the show looks the way it does, and why it’s so visitable for fans.

Monterey Bay Coastal Trail: The Scenic Backdrop of Madeline’s Walk

The Coastal Recreation Trail is your starting point. This paved path runs along the edge of the bay for miles, and it’s where Madeline walks and talks in several key scenes. The most recognizable section is directly behind the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, just off Cannery Row. You’re looking at the same bench-lined pathway with the bay on one side and the hotel on the other.

Parking is the first hurdle. The lot under the Monterey Plaza Hotel is paid and fills up fast on weekends. I’ve had better luck parking at the Cannery Row public lot and walking five minutes south. The relevant walking section is only about a mile round trip if you go from the hotel to the aquarium and back. Allow 30 minutes for a casual walk, longer if you stop for photos. The railings, the cypress trees, and the occasional sea lion on the rocks below are all part of the real-world backdrop. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s the single best spot to start your self-guided tour. For those who prefer to navigate without hunting for signal, a handheld GPS device is worth considering for the coastal areas where cell service drops.

The Cliffs of Monterey: Where Celeste and Jane Walked

You’ll find the cliffside paths near the Monterey Bay Aquarium, specifically the trail that runs along the ocean side of Cannery Row. Celeste and Jane’s intense conversations were filmed on the rocky edges just south of the aquarium. In person, it’s more rugged than the show suggests. The wind is constant, sometimes strong enough to knock a hat off. The salt spray coats everything. But that’s part of the appeal—it feels raw in a way the polished episodes don’t fully capture.

For photos, go in the late afternoon when the light hits the rocks. Bring a jacket even in summer. The trail is public and well-maintained, but the rocks close to the water can be slippery. I’ve seen people step too close for a selfie and end up with wet shoes. Keep a safe distance. If you want the shot without the crowds, arrive before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. during peak season. A lightweight windbreaker jacket is a practical choice to stay comfortable in the constant breeze.

The Monterey Bay Inn: A Central Landmark (But Not the Hotel from the Show)

This one trips up a lot of visitors. The Monterey Bay Inn, located right on Cannery Row, was used for exterior shots of the hotel where characters stay during the trivia night and other scenes. But the interiors were filmed elsewhere. So the building is real and recognizable, but you can’t book the “trivia night room.” What you can do is use its location as a navigation anchor. It’s directly across from the Coastal Trail, a two-minute walk from the aquarium, and surrounded by restaurants. If you stay here, request a bay-view room. The parking lot side faces the main road and gets noise from delivery trucks in the morning.

The Iconic Cliffside Homes: Can You Visit Them?

This is the most common question I get, and the answer is straightforward: no, you cannot tour the homes. Celeste and Perry’s cliffside mansion, Madeline’s house, Renata’s home—all private residences. They are on residential streets with no public access, no tours, and no welcome signs. Driving by is possible, but you’re looking at gates and fences from behind a car window.

The home used for Celeste’s exterior is on Ocean View Boulevard near the Pacific Grove border. You can see it from the road, but parking is tight and residents are not thrilled about fans lingering. Madeline’s house is on a quieter street in the same vicinity. Respect the privacy rule here. Too many people treat these like movie sets. They’re not. If you want a good view of the coastline without intruding, the nearby Asilomar State Beach offers a similar cliff-and-ocean backdrop with public access and zero friction.

Monterey Bay Aquarium: A Family-Friendly Stop from Season 2

Season 2 brought several scenes inside the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and it’s fully accessible to the public. If you’re visiting with kids or just want a break from the wind, this is worth the ticket price. The aquarium is large—allow at least two hours. Buy your tickets online ahead of time. The walk-up line on weekends can stretch 30 to 45 minutes. Weekday mornings are the least crowded. The otter exhibit and the open-sea tank are the standout attractions, and both appear in the show. If you’re on a budget, know that the aquarium is expensive—around $50 per adult. The CityPASS for Monterey can bundle it with other attractions and save you about 20%.

Lovers Point Park in Pacific Grove: Where the Kids Played

The beach scenes from the show were filmed at Lovers Point Park, a small but popular spot in Pacific Grove. In the show, it looks calm and almost private. In reality, it’s a public park with parking that fills up fast, especially on weekends. The beach itself is more rocky than sandy, and the water is cold year-round. Bring a picnic. There are tables, grass areas, and a small snack stand during summer. Check tide times before you go—at high tide, the beach area nearly disappears. Low tide gives you the open sand you saw on screen. Parking is free along Ocean View Boulevard, but the lot at the park is paid and small. I usually park a block away and walk down.

The Seventeen-Mile Drive: A Scenic Route Through the Filming Locations

Technically it’s 17-Mile Drive, not seven, but I’ve heard enough people misname it that I’m including the correction here. This scenic toll road runs through Pebble Beach and connects several establishing shots used in the show. The Lone Cypress tree is the most famous landmark, and it appears in background shots. The drive costs about $12 per car, and it’s worth it for the views alone. From a fandom perspective, it’s less about specific scenes and more about understanding the geography of the wealthy enclave the show portrays. Plan to spend about an hour driving the full loop, including photo stops. Avoid weekends during summer when traffic backs up at the entrance gates. Enter from the Pacific Grove gate for a less busy start.

Where to Stay: Hotels Near the Filming Locations

Your hotel choice determines how much walking versus driving you do. The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is the most convenient for fans—it sits directly on the Coastal Trail and within walking distance of Cannery Row and the aquarium. It’s also expensive, usually $350 a night or more during peak season. For mid-range, the Portola Hotel & Spa is a solid option a few blocks inland. You trade the bay view for lower rates (around $200) and still have a short walk to the trail. On the budget end, the Motel 6 on Munras Avenue is clean, basic, and about a 15-minute walk from Cannery Row. Room quality is fine for sleeping, but don’t expect charm.

Best Time of Year to Visit for Fewer Crowds and Better Photos

Summer in Monterey means the clearest weather but also the thickest crowds. July and August pack the Coastal Trail, fill hotel rooms, and make parking a headache. If you’re fine with that, the sun is reliable. Winter has storms, gray skies, and occasional rain, but you’ll have entire stretches of trail to yourself. The sweet spot is shoulder season: May through early June, or September through October. You get moderate crowds, decent weather, and lower hotel rates. October is particularly good for photography because the late afternoon light is warm and the fog burns off earlier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Filming Locations

Here are the mistakes I see every time I visit Monterey with fans.

• Expecting guided tours of private homes. They don’t exist. Do not show up at a gated residence asking for access.
• Assuming all locations are walkable. The Coastal Trail and Cannery Row are walkable, but the cliffside homes and Lovers Point require a car. Distances add up quickly.
• Underestimating the wind. The cliffs are exposed. Bring a windbreaker even on a sunny day.
• Ignoring parking restrictions. Many residential streets have 2-hour limits. Read the signs. Towing is enforced.
• Over-relying on GPS. Cell service is spotty near the coast, especially on 17-Mile Drive. Download offline maps before you go.

Photography and Gear: What to Bring for the Best Shots

You don’t need professional gear, but a few items make a difference. A wide-angle lens (or the equivalent on a phone) helps capture the scale of the cliffs and the bay. A polarizing filter cuts glare from the water and makes the sky pop. If you’re shooting at sunrise or sunset, a small tripod gives you steady long exposures. For phone users, a stabilizer or gimbal helps with video along the trail. I recommend the camera clip holster for hands-free carrying if you’re using a real camera. None of this is essential, but if you’re serious about getting clean shots, it helps.

Putting It All Together: Suggested One-Day or Two-Day Itinerary

Here’s the plan I’d use for a tight but thorough trip.

Day 1: Start at the Monterey Plaza Hotel parking lot. Walk the Coastal Trail south to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Spend 2 hours inside if you have the ticket. Grab lunch at a Cannery Row spot. In the afternoon, drive 10 minutes to Lovers Point Park for the beach and a relaxed walk. End with a drive along Ocean View Boulevard to see the exterior of the cliffside homes. Total driving time: about 20 minutes.

Day 2: Drive 17-Mile Drive in the morning (entry gate opens at sunrise). Stop at the Lone Cypress and Point Joe overlooks. Late morning, head to the Monterey Friends Church (Madeline’s church, 9:30 a.m. Sunday service only for interior visits). Afternoon is free for Bixby Bridge or exploring Pacific Grove. If you only have one day, skip 17-Mile Drive and focus on the Coastal Trail and Lovers Point. You’ll cover the most recognizable spots.

Book your hotel before you go. Summer rooms sell out weeks in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Big Little Lies Filming Locations

Can you visit the actual houses from the show? No. All main character homes are private residences. Do not trespass. Drive by for exterior views only.

Is the school from the show real? Yes, the exterior is a private school in Monterey. You can see it from the street, but tours are not offered.

Can you visit Madeline’s church? Yes, the Monterey Friends Church is real and visitable during service hours.

How long does it take to see all the filming locations? One full day covers the main spots comfortably. Two days allow for a relaxed pace and 17-Mile Drive.

Are there guided tours of Big Little Lies locations? A few local tour companies offer van tours, but they mostly pass by the homes without stopping. Self-driving is cheaper and gives you more control.