Just as the ladies of “Big Little Lies,” raved about their hometown in the show, people all over the world have fallen head-over-heels for the show’s big star – the gorgeous scenery of Monterey County! The epic backdrops and awe-inspiring picture-perfect coastline will have you daydreaming about a California getaway. If you watched the hit show when it first came out, you're just catching it now, or you're re-watching it yet again, now is the perfect time to plan your “Big Little Lies” road trip and follow in the footsteps of these A-listers.
If you didn't know, the show is based on the New York Times best-selling novel of the same name by author Liane Moriarty. The series follows the lives of three mothers - played by Kidman, Witherspoon and Woodley - whose seemingly perfect lives begin to unravel amidst betrayal, deception and ultimately murder. The first season episodes featured locations in Monterey, Pacific Grove and Big Sur.
Below is a list of shot locations and must-stops for your “Big Little Lies” road trip.
Monterey
Old Fisherman's Wharf
Old Fisherman's Wharf in downtown Monterey is a great place to take in the sights, sounds and smells of Monterey. Located on the wharf, Paluca Trattoria is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant and was also the inspiration for the set design of the Blue Blues, the fictional café where the show’s moms gathered for coffee and gossip.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Discover life in Monterey's bay without leaving dry land at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which made an appearance on the show. Dedicated to marine research and conservation, the former sardine cannery is a top attraction on historic Cannery Row with more than 35,000 creatures representing over 550 species. Special exhibits include the Kelp Forest and Open Sea.
Del Monte Beach
Named after the historic Del Monte Resort, the Del Monte Beach is located in the midst of Monterey State Beach. This popular surfing and beachcombing spot, known mostly to locals, was the backdrop for some of the beach run scenes in “Big Little Lies.”
Colton Hall
Built to serve as a public school and town meeting hall, Colton Hall now offers visitors a re-creation of the meeting room where California's first Constitution was drafted in October 1849 and exhibits on early Monterey. Colton Hall is a landmark in the City of Monterey, and it was here that the stars meet about the controversial production of Avenue Q.
Monterey Regional Airport
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) also appears in “Big Little Lies” when one of the leading ladies rushes with her children to the airport. Monterey Regional Airport is all about convenience, and visitors can enjoy the ease of flying to and from MRY on more than 40 flights in and out daily, with nonstop flights to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego and San Francisco.
Pacific Grove
Lovers Point Park
For more than 100 years, Lovers Point Park has been Pacific Grove's most popular spot for shoreline recreation and was a popular coastal backdrop for some important scenes in “Big Little Lies.” Kayakers find this gem to be a perfect launching spot from which to get out on Monterey Bay and view native wildlife. Scuba divers also frequent the kelp forests as land lovers compete on the beach volleyball court.
Big Sur
Highway 1 & Garrapata State Park and Beach
Highway 1 is one of the most iconic and best-known scenic drives in Monterey County. Right from the opening credits, Bixby Bridge, towering cliffs and breathtaking landscapes take the spotlight.
From spring through early summer, the picturesque coastline of Garrapata State Park comes alive with colorful blooms of wildflowers. “Big Little Lies” scenes of the steep cliffs, crashing waves and misty shores were filmed at Garrapata, where the production designers also installed a new set of stairs. For an Instagram-worthy photo, explore the beach and western coastal trail that begins at gate 19 off of Highway 1.
