Hyatt Carmel Highlands
120 Highlands Drive, Carmel Highlands (831) 622-5445, hyatt.com
The views in Big Sur are perhaps the most beautiful on the entire Pacific coast, and nowhere are they are more easily accessible than at the elegantly appointed Sunset Lounge at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. The wine and beer selections are top-notch, and the cocktail list is both creative and classic. Oh, don’t space out and miss the weekday happy hour from 4-6pm; the prices are like a blast from the past.