Many of the iconic scenes from Big Little Lies takes place on the Monterey Peninsula, chosen by producers for its “hypnotic beauty”. Del Monte Beach is a long, sandy beach that stretches along the bottom coast of Monterey Bay – fans will recognise it as Jane’s favoured jogging spot. In reality, the beach is a spot favoured by Californians for a picnic and a long walk.

Known for palatial mansions belonging to millionaires and celebrities, glass-fronted beach houses – including the one used as Celeste’s home – the Carmel Highlands sprawl across the shoreline. Wander around for some celeb-spotting or head to the beach, where white sands framed by cypress trees provide the perfect locale for sunbathing or reading in the shade.

Celeste, Jane and Madeline often meet for a coffee and a gossip
on Monterey’s picturesque harbour. Their café of choice, called
Blue Blues in the show, can be found on the Old Fisherman’s Wharf
in downtown Monterey, where, offscreen, it is a popular restaurant
called Paluca Trattoria, a family-owned Italian
restaurant. The wharf is also home to plenty of cute cafés,
lifestyle stores and seafood markets set inside pastel coloured
buildings, and views across the bay.

Located on Ocean View Boulevard, Lovers Point Park provides the
backdrop for Jane and Celeste’s heated showdown over the school
bully. Not far from Monterey, this nature-rich space has plenty to
offer, from a four-acre park and swimming pool, to sandy beaches
and rocky cliffs.

Another popular jogging spot among the mums of Monterey, Point
Lobos State Reserve is the crown jewel of California’s parks. Go
for long walks across the reserve’s vast expanse or head to the
limestone cliffs and hidden bays to spot seals, orcas, sea lions
and perhaps a spouting whale or two.

Easily recognisable from the series’ trailer, this is one of the
world’s best aquariums, and an important set in season two. Found
on storied Cannery Row, it’s filled with marine animals including
penguins and sharks. Come for a mesmerising day learning about life
under the waves and for taking part in immersive exhibitions.

Just half an hour’s drive south from Carmel-By-The-Sea along
Highway One, you’ll reach the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge. Built in
1932, the bridge is one of the most photographed spots in
California, and has featured in many different films and television
shows. Make like Madeline and drive along the bridge, stopping off
at any of the viewing points on the way for 360° degree views
across surrounding landscapes. Alternatively, pack a picnic and
pull over at Hurricane Point, just south of the bridge, to watch
the sunset over the Pacific.

The rugged coastline of Garrapata State Park features several
times in Big Little Lies, whether for dramatic waves crashing on
the rocks, pensive stares over the horizon or somber shots of misty
shores. An idyllic stop on a drive along California’s Big Sur, it’s
the ideal place to hike through groves and picnic on the rocks.