12 Healing Film Locations That Will Restore Your Soul

Lau Racciatti

November 27, 2025

5. Monterey & Big Sur, California — "Big Little Lies" (set in Monterey)

Photo Credit: Getty Images @Yarnit

The dramatic Pacific coastline from Monterey to Big Sur has a cinematic gravity that quiets the mind. Cliffs, crashing surf, and windswept beaches create sensory focus that feels cleansing. The TV series set in Monterey amplified interest in the region, but the area’s restorative qualities come from ocean time and long coastal walks. Driving Highway 1 at a relaxed pace is itself a restorative practice, since the route encourages stopping at vista points and listening to the surf. For North American travelers, Monterey is within easy driving distance from San Jose or San Francisco, while Big Sur’s limited lodging and seasonal road conditions reward advance planning.

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12 Healing Film Locations That Will Restore Your Soul

5. Monterey & Big Sur, California — "Big Little Lies" (set in Monterey)

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