Its more of a state of mind rather than a specific point on a map, encompassing about 90 sunny Californian miles down the Pacific Coast Highway. Hang out on Fishermans Wharf a little longer after dinner and grab a dessert at the Monterey Bay Creamery (right next door to Abalonettis). Big Sur is the farthest distance of the San Francisco day trips on our list (2.5 hours away from the city). From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! I always love getting cheese plates! Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. I stopped at this state park on the way back to Carmel and I really loved it! Theres a retro school bus selling ice cream right off the parking lot, which is perfect on a hot day. Limekiln State Park may be juuust what youre looking for. Purple sand (yup!). Now you can sit and relax in the car a bit as you head south to Big Sur. Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary If you've been thinking about a weekend get-a-way to one of California's best destinations, then look no further than this 3-day itinerary celebrating the best that Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur have to offer. Psst: If youre visiting in early spring, dont miss Calla Lily Valley right near Garrapata Beach (different location than the Bluff Trail). It was the prime location for marine life spotting! FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. One of my favorite parts of the park was all of the beautiful walking paths with wildflowers everywhere. Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. Afternoon After a full morning of activity and then a satisfying afternoon meal, we were ready for a restful and low-key afternoon. Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. Big Sur looks truly incredible. There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). I wanna go for sunset next time! I really enjoyed Spanish Bay Beach, Fanshell Beach overlook, Cypress Point Lookout and the Lone Cypress. Will need to make a trip out to Big Sur . This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. It was so delicious and the outdoor dining setting right over the ocean was such a dream. Use caution while driving as the road is rather windy and narrow! Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim. Thanks for stopping by! Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! Renting a Car:Note that youll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. There are a ton of walks and trails to choose from, with all difficulty levels. You could spend 1-2 hours here and then continue on to Big Sur. Luckily, I have a few more trips planned this fall so the The trail will take you less than an hour as its about 0.8 miles long and will bring you to the beautiful shorelines where you might even spot a sea otter! I would love to go there one day, Hi Jade! Named as one of the top 10 travel bloggers on Instagram by Kayak and short listed as the best travel influencer by FlightCentre. One of the best features of the hotel was the Happy Hour that happened every day from 4-6. Since the road to Big Sur is finally open again (after months of closure due to horrific mudslides), nows the time to visit! Then head to California Highway 1 to begin your Big Sur road trip! Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. We also really liked the friendly service and beautiful atrium. And thankfully, neither are too strenuous or long (perfect if you dont have all day). It is located towards the end of the wharf, so beware that you may be tempted to stop at one of the restaurants before it. This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. : Sand dollar beach does indeed have sand dollars! Hearst Castle Located about two hours south of San Francisco and about five hours north of Los Angeles, this rugged coastline is famous for many things. To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4','ezslot_26',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4-0');A beautiful state park, Garrapata State Park has views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Soberanes Canyon. Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria. I absolutely fell in love. House dating to 1867 of one of the first American families to homestead the Big Sur coast, with a New England-style saltbox wing built in 1877. The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. Description: This April, Big Sur Land Trust is hitting the trails once again for our annual fundraiser to save open space and care for the lands you love in Monterey County! This whole road trip looks so picturesque! And if you venture a bit further south from the city before you hit Carmel, you can enjoy the splendours of the 17-mile-drive a coastal route that is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the entirety of the US. Thats so cool youre a teacher! Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, what to do in Big Sur, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. With that being said, Im planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. Here, youll find tips to help plan the perfect road trip for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. 8. 2023 Cultural & Theme Tours in Monterey & Carmel: Check out reviews and photos of the 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical Highlights. Specialties: World-famous Breakfast served Daily 8:00am-noon; Dinner Friday-Tuesday starting at 5:30pm. In Old Downtown Monterey, youll find over 400 shops and restaurants lining the main streets as well. Patience is the only requirement, but binoculars are nice to have as well. They were so colorful and unique! Majority of the famous viewpoints are on the coastal side, so it would be best if you drove north to south, that way you make right turns in/out of the viewpoints. You are able to do wine tastings inside or if you dont drink, there is also a full service restaurant as well. Ventana Inn & Spa: Youll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. You managed to pack in so many must-see sights and unique experiences, all while keeping a great balance of relaxation and adventure. The e-bikes are incredibly easy to ride and comfortable. First things first, if youve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. While youre hiking, youll want to have closed-toe shoes with a good grip to keep yourself safe, literally speaking from experience. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. Day Two To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. . The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. If youre not in a rush on your Big Sur road trip, why not make the extra stop? Hi Desiree! There are warm fires all over the place and lights hanging in the trees. Hi Sydney! To eat here though, you definitely pay for the cliffside views. (10/12/18), "Thank you Kelsey for your words of advise. Youll most likely be coming from the airport if youre visiting, so aim to pick up your car rental from SFO. Evening Be sure to checkout some of my blog posts which include information about travel, fashion, lifestyle and photography. It is about 15 minutes from Monterey, spend at least 3 hours. Morning This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. There is plenty to see and do in Monterey County outside of meeting room walls. Now part of the Ventana Inn resort. 4.. Can You Start from San Francisco to Big Sur on the Road Trip Itinerary? Some staple orders for us here are the steak and shrimp scampi, gnocchi with two sauces, and the grilled salmon filet. Highway 1 is a one lane highway that winds along the coast. In every way, shape, and form. All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! We ate a quick breakfast at the hotel (one of the other perks of staying there) and then headed to the 5th Avenue Deli. Big Falls Trail near the south end of the range is a . The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? Day 1 6pm After a thrilling drive along historic Highway One, you've arrived at the Big Sur Campground and Cabins for an authentically rustic Big Sur stay. Tina Yen. 3. Click here to skip back to the top. The Perfect Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary, Wizarding World of Harry Potter | Perfect Itinerary, Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party | Top 10, Utah in the Winter | 11 Magical Things to Do, Best Things to do in Jacksonville Florida, 20 Top Things to do in Iceland- The Ultimate Bucket List, Things to do in Kauai | Perfect Itinerary, Things to do in Seoul, South Korea | Top 20, Baja Cantina & Grill- quirky inside and outside, Mission Ranch Restaurant- popular spot for Brunch. Aubrie is a Utah based blogger/content creator. Winding turns. Monterey is definitely one of my favorite places in CA! There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. (7/19/18), "We were here in Spring of 2017 and, sadly, Big Sur was closed, but we still LOVED this area and can't wait to return one day. " . This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. Then we'd be driving from Mc Way Falls back up to Monterey and then down to Arroyo Grande where we're staying Wednesday night. This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. There is so much nature and the small city feels to explore in Monterey and Big Sur! for current highway conditions before your drive. When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. In this quaint town, you will find a gas station, a few small hotels, convenience stores, bathrooms, and restaurants. Hi MacKenzie! The banana bread is great too, but now that weve had the almond croissant, I dont think well ever be getting anything else. Required fields are marked *. Ten interesting facts we learned on OurEDventure: Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. 3. When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. 7. And plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus? This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. Look out for them clustered in trees in the early morning, and flying around during the day. You can drive all of these Big Sur road trip stops from either north to south (starting in Carmel) or south to north (starting in San Simeon) of course, but I prefer driving from NORTH to SOUTH. Thank you! Our other option is to do Monterey/Carmel on Tuesday (aquarium, 17-mile drive, etc), and then Big Sur first thing Wednesday morning (July 4th). This sample itinerary aims to show how you can cover the two towns of Monterey or Carmel in as little as 2 days. Unfortunately, we had just missed the last shuttle and the next one wasnt leaving for quite awhile. all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. There was a river right behind the Inn with lots of cute chairs to sit on and relax and people were even tubing on the river! Can you swim in Big Sur? As you arrive, drive straight to the Sea Lion Point parking lot and you can start on the trail there, Cypress Grove Trail. There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . Go hiking, walking, bird watching (pelicans frequent the area), scuba diving (yes, really! Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. I feel the need to say this since youll be getting back in the car to continue on the 1: if youre the driver, please be responsible and limit yourself to one drink at most. Seaside cliffs. Top tip: pull off at a turnout from the bridges south end at sunset. The road is narrow, so be extra careful when pulling over for the views (my advice only pull off in designated spots, theres plenty of them). And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. A 75-room Big Sur boutique hotel just yards from the beach in a restored mansion built in 1905, La Playa Carmel was first constructed by artist Christian Jorgensen as a gift for his wife and had the first swimming pool in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Yes! 2. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with your itinerary. Bixby Bridge is the epitome of Big Sur and its everything youd expect and more (but really, its the surrounding scenery that really steals the show). I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. We're currently planning a full trip to the Carmel/ Monterey/ Big Sur area but was wondering if our itinerary is to full? Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary Carmel-by-the-Sea Start your Big Sur Road Trip in the charming small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. It was moved to get away from the military garrison. I recommend booking your whale-watching tickets in advance. The United States flag was first raised in Monterey in 1846 claiming California for the United States. The eatery has indoor and outdoor seating, but if you would like to sit on the beach and enjoy the waves while you eat, bring a blanket or some lawn chairs with you as you get beach access from the restaurant. After leaving the park, there was quite a bit of traffic to get back to Carmel. (7/16/18), "It just opened yesterday! Want the scenic route? Next up on the Big Sur Itinerary: Stopping at Big Sur River Inn for a much needed icecream break! Whats your favorite local spot? The only downside to visiting in the summertime is that July and August are the foggiest months. This is definitely a place I would like to spend more time at if I head back to this area. I too hope that tourists can make the kind of choices that will benefit everyone." at stops along the way. While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). The ocean is a short walk away. Then head over to the Carmel Mission. Looks like you had a wonderful time too. Oh, and the bakery has public restrooms available, which is always good to know on a road trip without much service! One of our first stops was atLovers Point Beach. We so enjoyed our time on our Monterey and Big Sur road trip. There was a trail for bikes all along the beach and it was a really beautiful place to end for sunset. I mean, its absolutely GORGEOUS. Recommended accommodation options in Monterey and Carmel that wont break the bank: With that being said, the hotels in Big Sur really are quite special, and if you can splurge for one night on your California Coast road trip, these are the best places to do it: Post Ranch Inn: Offering 3 pools, one being an infinity hot tub, you can spend the bulk of your time here overlooking the stunning California coastline. A girls gotta eat, am I right? Dont miss it its even surrounded by giant redwoods! Thanks for all the recommendations. Loading. You'll likely hit Carmel-By-The-Sea first, which is where you should bed down; the famed L'Auberge Carmel offers old-world luxury. Even more than that, Point Lobos doesnt classify itself as a state park, but rather as a natural reserve with the highest protection for nature and wildlife found here. Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! Yes, its a gorgeous area! Many people dont actually realize this, but Big Sur is not an actual city/town for that matter. Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi I am Aubrie, thanks for stopping by! Phone: (831) 515-6403. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! Located just a smidge south of Pfieffer beach is Big Sur Bakery, which is actually a 1930s ranch-style home. They start getting crowded around 9 am, so plan to arrive before then. Key: Purple Big Sur Itinerary | Blue Monterey Itinerary | Orange Other excursions | Yellow Places to stay. We were going to get lunch, but decided to wait until Carmel since we ate so many samples! Pick up snacks beforehand to have in the car during the drive so you dont need to shell out an astronomical amount of cash at the Big Sur convenience stores every time you feel like noshing. Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. In the morning, after breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes), which became an artist's colony after the 1906 Great San Francisco Earthquake destroyed that city.Take a stroll along Ocean Ave. and admire the charming shops and galleries. Their island-inspired menu has plenty to choose from including burgers, tacos, fish and chicken platters. The perfect amount of time to see Monterey and Big Sur is 2-3 days. Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. On your first morning, wake up early and by 8 AM start your Big Sur itinerary by heading south on Highway 1. I was looking for an itinerary for this area for a roadtrip and landed on your blog. Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! Each room also boasts a private deck with those magicnicant coastline views, a wood-burning fireplace to get cozy during the chilly nights, and an indoor spa tub. like a Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls One Day Tour from San Jose.. Alternatively, you can take the Monterey-Salinas Transit Line 22 from Carmel or Monterey, which will take you all the way to Nepenthe Restaurant when heading south. Big Sur is a beautiful coastal area located 140 miles south of San Francisco. This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! Evening Okay, so we just discovered this spot off the side of the highway on our last visit to Big Sur, and I cannot believe I never noticed it before! Just note that the Monterey-Salinas Transit Lines stop running during . The entire road is comprised of redwood groves, babbling brooks, rolling hills, and lots of no trespassing signs. Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. The menus pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur In a nutshell, this drive is all about the jaw-dropping scenery of the Pacific Coast. We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. Guide contents. We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe. Dont go during the rain or after its just rained as the road is all dirt and can get quite muddy at times. There are a lot of really good options of places to stay in Carmel. That waterfall on Julia Pfeiffer Burns is incredible!!! Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. Details. With more ocean views than you ever thought possible, eco-friendly and luxurious hotel stays, wooded hiking trails and nature for days, I can never get enough of this stretch of the coastline. We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. This Monterey to Big Sur itinerary is planned so it is possible to start in San Francisco and experience the whole road trip itinerary without backtracking at all. If youre a fan of seafood, Cafe Kevahs Egg Benedict has Dungeness crab and is delicious; the regular egg benedict is also a top pick. Where we stayed: 1. Quiet. You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. Cocktails with a view? Youll find a parking lot on the east side of the road with an underground tunnel for walking over to the trail. Day 3: Carmel to Big Sur. Big Sur Carmel Carmel Valley Castroville Marina Monterey Moss Landing Pacific Grove Pebble Beach Salinas Seaside . The ambience at this place was amazing. We are visiting California from the UK in April, a rescheduled trip after we had to cancel in May 2020. There were cute adorable dogs everywhere. And yes, theres so much history in this little area. Keep that in mind when you head out on your road trip. After you finally find it (the road to get to Pfeiffer Beach is a bit hidden and narrow with no signs), youll be pleasantly surprised that the sand is actually truly purple in some spots on the beach. Her Wanderful World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Tina Yen's travel guide for Big Sur with 47 favorite places to visit. Epic Golf Travel would love to be your resource for all your golf travel needs! Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. and not many tourists know about it just yet! You can book a tour right on the wharf, but its possible that tickets might sell out. Note:If you have time, Pfeiffer Beach, which is very close to this state park is worth a visit. (7/19/18), "This area has been on my must-see/do list for years. Day 3. . But if you are still hungry, I recommend picking which place had your favorite sample and eating there! 5. Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. 5. Thanks for stopping by! However, if you are here early, the pictures are still pretty amazing and youll miss the 9-10 AM traffic congestion so thats a win! Oh la la, Crepes! It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. 1. Montereys Fishermans Wharf is an iconic stop for your Monterey itinerary. Three days would be even better so you can really relax and take your time. The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. The location of the Carmel Mission isn't the original spot. However, you can also stop at a local restaurant for lunch too! Ive been to California several times but I still havent visited Big Sur or Monterey. Then continue heading south along Hwy 1 to take in some of the famous sites. If you have never seen redwood trees another great stop is Pfieffer Big Sur state Park , mentioned by the previous poster. Pfeiffer beach is best known for its amazing rock structures, sunsets and sometimes there is even purple sand! I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! In fact, I thought about being a Marine Biologist for awhile. Do note there is no beach or ocean access, and its actually forbidden to go down there. Also, as mentioned before Carmel is known for their wineries so there are several you can head to for wine tastings. I discuss Nepenthe below as a must-visit stop on your Big Sur itinerary! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Afternoon This area is one of my favorite places in California to visit. I definitely need to add that this is one of the most dog friendly places I have ever been. Heres more California-related content I think youll love: Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! If you and your group aren't ready to slow down yet, take this time to explore the shops on Fisherman's Wharf or Cannery Row. We were able to order build your own sandwiches that came with a drink and chips. I love the mixture of beautiful scenery, learning about new things, and getting outside and being active. Not to be missed, youll need to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. We loved visiting the Whalers Cabin in Whalers Cove and thought the scenery was the most spectacular around Bluefish Cove. As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts. The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. It could take as little as 2 hours (if you dont stop at all), or 2 days if you make all the stops for the views, foods, and hikes. As you start your Big Sur road trip down from San Francisco (after exploring Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea prior), youre first official stop should be Point Lobos! Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary. Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. Dont fret if you dont drink, they have tons of snacks you can eat as well! But it's absolutely still worth visiting! (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). Carmel Valley is full of vineyards and wineries. Next up on your Monterey itinerary is Old Downtown Monterey located on Alvarado street and named after Juan Bautista Alvarado who was the former governor of Alta California. Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? And so is Nepenthe! A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to a beautiful waterfall crashing directly into the Pacific Oceans emerald water. There are plenty of other beaches to hang around, so do your part and just stay where youre supposed to be. You could easily spend a few hours admiring the keyhole and rock formations on the beach. Cannery Row is filled with boutiques, restaurants and waterfront hotels. How to get here: When youre heading southbound (recommended), take the 2nd right after you see the Big Sur Station. If you happen to be visiting Big Sur between February and early April, you NEED to make a short pit stop at Calla Lily Valley! The people that worked there were friendly and gave us a map of the nearby trail and tips on places they recommended seeing. There are so many places in this area to pick for dinner. It is our home state, so hopefully we can do it soon." Definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list. There is so much to see, this is only the tip of it! from $900. If youve been thinking about a weekend get-a-way to one of California's best destinations, then look no further than this 3-day itinerary celebrating the best that Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur have to offer.