| suites add whirlpool tubs and/or living rooms. decorated in soothing tones, the elegant, breezy rooms feature high-end bedding, flat-screen tvs with dvd libraries, and balconies with ocean views; some have fireplaces. room service is available. free amenities include continental breakfast and nightly wine socials near the fireplace in the terrace lounge or on the cliffside deck. check-in time: 3:00 pmcheck-out time: 12:00 pm. a secluded 2-bedroom cottage offers exposed-beam ceilings, a kitchenette and a patio. a minute from state route 1 and set in the carmel highlands off the pacific coast, this polished hotel is 20 miles from big sur. there's also a hot tub and a gazebo
Norman
Bixby Creek Bridge (16 min)
Iconic concrete canyon crossing on Highway 1 & standing 280 feet above Big Sur, open since 1932. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (6 min)
Scenic coastal area features a variety of sea animals & wildlife, hiking, diving & a whaling museum. Dennis The Menace Playground (18 min)
Spacious kids' playground & park featuring activities such as a maze & a rock climbing wall. Asilomar State Beach (22 min)
Tranquil place featuring a 1-mi. stretch of sandy beach & rocky coves, along with a walking trail. Carmel Beach (15 min)
Curving white sandy beach backed by cypress trees known for surfing, dog walking & sunsets. Carmel Beach (14 min)
White sandy beach backed by a trail & cypress trees popular for dog walking, volleyball & surfing. Carmel Mission Basilica Museum (10 min)
Venerable, circa-1771 church featuring 5 on-site museums, a serene courtyard, tours & more. Monterey Bay Aquarium (23 min)
Well-known aquarium on a rocky coastline with exhibits ranging from otter habitats to touch pools. Lovers Point Park (24 min)
Petite beach park with swimming, surfing & other water recreation, plus kayak & bike rentals & more. Carmel River State Beach (14 min)
This mile-long beach offers bird watching opportunities & a popular scuba diving entry point. Lone Cypress (25 min)
Fenced viewpoint for a landmark single cypress tree overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Garrapata State Park (7 min)
Park with 2 miles of beachfront & coastal hiking, including a 50-foot climb to a Pacific Ocean view. Point Lobos (8 min)
Rocky, shoreline nature preserve featuring trails to hidden coves, sea lions & dramatic ocean views. Pebble Beach Golf Links (20 min)
Famed & highly touted 18-hole coastline public golf course with dramatic sea views & a clubhouse. Old Fisherman's Wharf (20 min)
Iconic waterside complex & event site featuring seafood eateries, shops & water-sports activities. | 
