Primary Filming Towns in Monterey County
Big Little Lies was filmed primarily across Monterey County, California, with Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Pacific Grove serving as the main on‑location bases. These coastal towns deliver the architecture, light, and shoreline that define the show’s setting. Production leveraged local streets, cafes, and beaches to create the lively yet intimate backdrop for the series’ drama.
Monterey
Monterey provides many of the street scenes, boardwalk moments, and harbor visuals. Production used the Cannery Row area, Ocean View Boulevard, and Asilomar State Beach nearby for key outdoor sequences. The town’s historic brick storefronts and broad sidewalks allow for extended takes with minimal disruption to residents.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea contributed many upscale residential looks, boutique interiors, and coastal drives. Filming occurred on Camino Real, Lincoln Street, and adjacent lanes, where production wrapped sidewalks and parked camera trucks in residential zones under permit. The village’s scale and mature trees help frame tense dialogue and domestic scenes.
Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove offered tree‑lined streets, Victorian homes, and shoreline access points such as Point Pinos and the Asilomar Conference Grounds. These spots supplied quieter residential footage and atmospheric shoreline scenes, balancing the louder street action in Monterey.
Specific Street and Landmark Locations
Several named streets and landmarks appear consistently across episodes. Some were altered for continuity or safety, while recognizable local features anchor the series in the real Monterey Peninsula.
| Location | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Madrona Street, Carmel | Residential façades used for exterior home shots | On‑set photography and production notes |
| Cannery Row, Monterey | Prominent waterfront backdrop and interior studio lot nearby | Studio press kits and local permits |
| Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove | Key shoreline and boardwalk scenes | Location permits and show stills |
| Point Pinos Lighthouse area | Exterior neighborhood and ocean views | Publicly reported production details |
| Lincoln Street, Carmel | Boutique windows and café interiors | Business owner interviews and permits |
Residential Filming and Permits
Many interior home scenes were shot on soundstages or in controlled sets, but exterior residential shots relied on real streets. Filming residential blocks required coordination with neighborhood associations and the city of Monterey to manage parking, noise, and access. Production schedules were coordinated around local events to minimize impact on the community.
Highway and Coastal Drive Sequences
Driving scenes were captured on Highway 68 and the 17‑Mile Drive where permitted, using controlled slow‑moving shots and escort vehicles. Drone footage along the coastline required special clearances, integrating sweeping aerial views of cliffs and shoreline that reinforce the show’s sense of place.
Soundstages and Studio Support
While exterior location shooting defined the show’s look, interiors were largely built on soundstages near Monterey. Local studios housed living rooms, bedrooms, and school corridors, allowing consistent lighting and weather protection. This hybrid approach—location exteriors plus controlled interiors—shapes the series’ visual rhythm.
Community Impact and Ongoing Recognition
The series brought production revenue and global visibility to Monterey County, supporting local businesses during filming and in subsequent tourism campaigns. Annual cast and crew visits, along with show‑themed events, keep the connection alive for residents who see their streets represented worldwide.
Quick Reference: Notable Locations at a Glance
- Madrona Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea — residential façades
- Cannery Row, Monterey — waterfront and promenade
- Asilomar State Beach, Pacific Grove — shoreline and boardwalk
- Point Pinos Lighthouse area — neighborhood and ocean vistas
- Lincoln Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea — cafés and boutique interiors
- Highway 68 and 17‑Mile Drive — select driving sequences
Wrap-Up
Big Little Lies leverages the Monterey Peninsula’s mix of coastal scenery, historic streets, and village charm to ground its drama in a recognizable yet stylized locale. By balancing location shooting with controlled interiors, the show maintains visual continuity while honoring the area’s character. The series remains closely tied to these communities, which continue to benefit from ongoing recognition and tourism interest.