Otter Bay School? That’s Pacific Grove High School in real life. The exterior shots are all there, and the architecture is peak "old California money." You half expect a librarian to shush you for breathing too loud. The auditorium where the "Trivia Night" happens? That’s the Golden State Theatre in downtown Monterey. It’s a gorgeous, vintage movie palace.
Now, for the restaurants. Did you notice all the amazing food scenes? The ladies eat at Flaherty’s Seafood Grill in Carmel. The outdoor patio is where champagne glasses clink and secrets spill. Then there’s Bouchée, a tiny French bistro in Carmel where the wine list is longer than the menu. Perfect for plotting a cover-up, honestly.
The "I-Can’t-Believe-It’s-Real" Locations
Remember the lighthouse in the opening credits? That’s the Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove. It’s the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. The show used it as a symbol of, I don’t know, guidance through chaos? Or maybe they just thought it looked cool. Both are valid.
Where was Big Little Lies shot? Revisiting key filming locations of the
And the cliffside scenes where characters have tense conversations? Those are along the Carmel Highlands Coast, specifically at the Rocky Point Restaurant area. The wind is always whipping, which means the actors had to yell their lines while holding their hair. Dedication, people. Pure dedication.
One of the most dramatic spots is the Bixby Creek Bridge. It’s the massive concrete arch bridge you see in driving shots. It’s literally a famous landmark on Highway 1. If you ever drive it, don’t be a hero and take a selfie while steering. Pull over. Breathe. Imagine you’re Renata owning the room.
