You managed to pack in so many must-see sights and unique experiences, all while keeping a great balance of relaxation and adventure. This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. Another favorite thing we like to do here is to stop at the first shop on the right (also didnt pay attention to its name), grab a little red basket, and have a go at the saltwater taffy. Alternatively, you can take a bus. They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? One of the best features of the hotel was the Happy Hour that happened every day from 4-6. 8. 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. . They are even bigger than you can imagine! Yes, its a gorgeous area! It was quite busy at the time we arrived and we probably waited in line for 30 minutes-1 hour so make sure to add this in when planning your itinerary! We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! Some of the overgrown trails are known to have poison oak to get to the beach views, so make sure to protect yourself if you want to get to the water. You can definitely complete this Big Sur itinerary in a day, but if you have more time, you can also spread it out over 2-3 days and spend more time in each place. Quiet. Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. View Full Itinerary At a Glance Called the most beautiful meeting of land and water on the face of the earth, Monterey Bay, the legendary Pacific coast and sun-drenched Carmel Valley mark a convergence of currents, cultures and creators that make the area one of the country's most fascinating places. Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. I personally love #doingallthethings at the beginning of my trips and then slowing down as I stay longer, but you can puzzle this Monterey and Big Sur itinerary out to best fit your weekend and travel style. You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! I wanna go for sunset next time! If you are a morning person, you might want to head out earlier to avoid the other tourists. Afternoon Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago . Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. The inside had the most beautiful design and the outside was just as lovely with tables and benches everywhere and live music playing. This beach is known to be the most consistent wave producer for surfers, so if you are one of these talented people, bring your surfboard and have at it! 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! Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! You could spend 1-2 hours here and then continue on to Big Sur. Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail & State Beach, 7. I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. The entire road is comprised of redwood groves, babbling brooks, rolling hills, and lots of no trespassing signs. I saw many of them while riding my bike on the Pacific Coastal Trail and just rode down a particular street if I saw any that looked really interesting! For a special end to your day, drive over to the Spanish Inn to listen to the live bagpipe player, and sip a glass of wine as you watch the sunset. Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. READ NEXT: 25+ Best Road Trips from San Francisco. Heading to California and cant wait to check off all the stops on this Big Sur road trip itinerary? I hope your travel planning takes you here soon! Carmel is a must for any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! Big Sur road trip itinerary: You could do Big Sur in a day or the entire California coast in 2-3 days if you really wanted to, but it will be much more enjoyable if you do it slowly! In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . Many people dont actually realize this, but Big Sur is not an actual city/town for that matter. If you have a map, you can plan out some of the places you want to stop before you head out! You would never imagine this town is in California, it feels like a fairy tale town in Germany. Not happening. 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. Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. What is there to see between Monterey and Big Sur? Check out this packing guide of my favorite items to pack on my trips, however, listed below is a tailored guide for a Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. Also, as mentioned before Carmel is known for their wineries so there are several you can head to for wine tastings. Start with the short film about Junipero Serra to learn about the history of this mission and also the start of all the California missions. And if theres still orchids and wildflowers out, youll think youre in Hawaii. We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe. To discover all these buildings, be like the yellow brick road and follow the Path of Historys yellow tiles on the sidewalk. There is also the Old Downtown Marketplace every Tuesday from 4 -7 PM in the fall and 4 8 PM in the summer. Hi.. we are driving in from Santa Barbara and wanted to plan a Big Sur , Monterey trip where should we stop first where would u stay if u want to see Carmel too? I recommend booking your whale-watching tickets in advance. Note that parking costs $10 to enter the park, Gray Whales: December to February (migrating south to Mexico), and February to April (returning north; easier to spot as they are closer to the shore), Humpback Whales: late April to early December, With that being said, the hotels in Big Sur really are quite special, and if you can splurge for one night on your. Even if you decide to end here and make this a San Francisco to Monterey drive, you won't be missing out. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. Be sure to checkout some of my blog posts which include information about travel, fashion, lifestyle and photography. 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! When you visit Point Lobos, youll be amazed by its natural beauty, but please make sure to stay on trails as erosion is currently harming plants and wildlife in the area. Cruises currently run for 4 hours at 10 AM or 3 hours at 2:30 PM (morning tours are recommended) so youll need to plan your time wisely if you are wanting to include this activity in your itinerary. Im going next year to visit a friend and we plan on road tripping so Im hoping Ill finally get to go! That just means you'll have to go back! Win-win! And plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus? Big Sur Itinerary Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. Looks like you had a wonderful time too. These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. Do take note of the tide schedule though high tide can essentially make the sandy beach disappear, making it difficult to find a place to sit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. End: Mammoth Lakes. When researching where to eat, I had Forge in the Forest recommend several times. Treebones Resort: Looking for something a bit different? Makes me miss San Francisco! The drive was nice and pretty straight forward and just took a little over an hour and a half. The marketplace is a certified farmers market so youll find local bakeries, craft vendors, and organic produce. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! Winding turns. Have you seen the photos?! 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! This shop was really cute and had lots of yummy treats and great customer service. A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. This takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to the lowest point of Big Sur, Cambria, where you can start this itinerary (in reverse order from how it's posted). Oh la la, Crepes! 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. This waterfall cascades over the cliff and falls about 80 feet into the sandy cove below. This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! Highway 1 is one of the most scenic roads I have ever been on! Aubrie is a Utah based blogger/content creator. Now you can sit and relax in the car a bit as you head south to Big Sur. Looks like such an awesome road trip. In Old Downtown Monterey, youll find over 400 shops and restaurants lining the main streets as well. 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 ate a quick breakfast at the hotel (one of the other perks of staying there) and then headed to the 5th Avenue Deli. Big Sur looks truly incredible. There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. This weekend itinerary will immerse you in the Big Sur experience. Yes, its that impressive. If you choose to visit Big Sur as an out-and-back road trip from San Francisco, you can follow California Highway 1 south from the city past Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and the Monterey Peninsula - then back up. If this is your first time to the area dont rush it! 2. Pfeiffer Beach will be the second turnout, There are many more options for Monterey ranging from the, If youd like to stay in Big Sur, there is the, Blanket or lawn chairs for hanging out at the beach, Bike if youd like to explore Monterey by bike. 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. . While the food and drinks are good, youre paying for the view. Did you know? Patience is the only requirement, but binoculars are nice to have as well. The beach there was beautiful with views of the cliffs next to the ocean. I definitely recommend booking in advance. (7/19/18), "This area has been on my must-see/do list for years. Answer 11 of 11: Hello I'm hoping for some advice. It was the prime location for marine life spotting! 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! Here, youll find tips to help plan the perfect road trip for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. There were all sorts of cute alleys you could go down to find more hidden gems. Want the scenic route? When driving from Monterey to Big Sur, youll pass the small seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea. You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life. McWay Falls McWay Falls is likely the most iconic and most-photographed spot in Big Sur. You betcha your night will be an unforgettable escape. Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. It is still totally worth it to see this beautiful place. . After checking out Cannery Row, we walked to Big Sur Adventuresabout 5 minutes away to rent bikes. Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! Homewood Suites by Hilton in San Jose Four Points by Sheraton Hotels in San Jose Aloft Hotels in San Jose InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in San Jose Extended Stay America Hotels in San Jose Residence Inns in San Jose Choice Hotels in San Jose Best Western Hotels in San Jose Motel 6 Hotels in San Jose Fairfield Inns in San Jose Four Points by Sheraton Hotels It is about a 20-minute drive from the Monterey area, but its named one of the Best Beach restaurants named by BBC Travel. Yes! Then head over to the Carmel Mission. When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. 3. Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience. California History Books for Kids. Loading. I had seen pictures of Mcway Falls for many years and had always dreamed of seeing them with my own eyes. The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! And I do love my crab from Phils! It makes an excellent, However, if you wait until the summer rush is over and visit during either September or October, youll experience less crowds and actually better weather! As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! BIG SUR ADVENTURES. Youll be able to come back to a small town and enjoy a night on the town after you explore the nature scenes of Big Sur. Be sure to take along a sweater as the trails are shaded and can be very cool the entire time, which makes for a spectacular break on a super hot day! 6. Check the website for openings and reservations. We're currently planning a full trip to the Carmel/ Monterey/ Big Sur area but was wondering if our itinerary is to full? I would advise sharing a sundae with your BFF as the portions are huge, but its delicious nonetheless. A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to a beautiful waterfall crashing directly into the Pacific Oceans emerald water. 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. It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. Day 1: Monterey. Moon Monterey & Carmel - Stuart Thornton 2019-01-08 Quirky beach towns, deliciously fresh seafood, and dramatic hikes and drives: discover what the locals love with Moon Monterey & Carmel. , Point Lobos looks absolutely stunning! Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. I would love to visit all of the beautiful beaches, go on those hikes and eat the saltwater taffy and ice cream! It was so yummy! I really thought this was a great aquarium and I loved seeing all of the conservation efforts they had put into place. The rest of the year is considered cool temperature, but Monterey does boast of 300 days of sunshine. While youre hiking, youll want to have closed-toe shoes with a good grip to keep yourself safe, literally speaking from experience. 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. I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. Once here, you can hike down to this spectacular crescent-shaped beach and relax. Big Sur Itinerary - Day 2: 1. Channel Islands National Park Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. As you arrive, drive straight to the Sea Lion Point parking lot and you can start on the trail there, Cypress Grove Trail. (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). Nearest Cities: Monterey and Carmel to the north (40 minute drive), San Simeon and Cambria to the south (1.5 hour drive) Closest International Airports: San Jose International Airport (SJC) - 1.5 hour drive | Oakland International Airport (OAK) - 2 hour drive | San Francisco (SFO) - 2.5 hour drive Best Time to Visit: April through October, early fall is best (7/16/18), "It just opened yesterday! There are even more trails to explore such as the South Shore Trail, Cypress Grove Loop Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, and Lace Lichen Trail. Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. The ambience at this place was amazing. 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. Many different types of vegetation can be found here as well such as wildflowers, shrubs, and fungi, but most importantly the Monterey Cypress which is local to the area. The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld. Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! There are so many scenic look outs to stop at so feel free to stop as much as you want along the way! The town is truly tiny at only one square mile, but it is absolutely packed with amazing things. Tours cost $15 per person. Check out Lovers Point Beach where you can do all the water activities like surfing and kayaking. Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). Hi, Im Jess. ), all while taking in the magnificent views! I stopped at this state park on the way back to Carmel and I really loved it! This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. There are a lot of really good options of places to stay in Carmel. Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! This trail was amazing and we saw a cove with the most turquoise blue waters and baby sea lions down below. On your first morning, wake up early and by 8 AM start your Big Sur itinerary by heading south on Highway 1. The beach down below was beautiful; however, hiking down to the beach is not advisable as the cliffs are unstable and there is no clear path. Not as expensive as the other two, so check out Treebones if youd like to give your wallet a bit of a break! GROUP PEBBLE BEACH GOLF TRIP PROPOSAL. There isnt an entrance fee, but they do ask for a $2 donation. The Lone Cypress on the 17-mile drive is one of the most photographed trees in the world. South Iceland - 7 Places Your Family Will Love! Parking is open all along the street and a parking lot is also located on the south side of Cannery Row. The colors over the water were absolutely spectacular! That is a lot to fit into 2-days. It is definitely in a really romantic setting. Thank you! 3. Enjoy your ice cream on the wharf and enjoy watching all the puppies greet each other as their owners walk them up and down the pier. Bubba Gumps has such a fun atmosphere that seems to mesh perfectly with Monterrey! I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with your itinerary. Thanks for all the recommendations. Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! Now part of the Ventana Inn resort. Be sure and check out the view from both sides of the street, but be careful when crossing. In fact, I thought about being a Marine Biologist for awhile. The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. 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. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. It's $10.50 entrance per car to see the iconic views. The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old! Since it was already the middle of the day, there were no parking spots down by the beach. The clam chowder here is also amazing! PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials. Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). 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. Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. And Im jealous of you already. The 45 minute drive can last all day as you delight in the views (and the cuisine!) Thank you! They have a nice cafeteria there for lunch. Afternoon Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. Arrive- Pick up Rental Car and Drive to Monterey I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. You can read all about how this area came to be here. This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. That waterfall on Julia Pfeiffer Burns is incredible!!! While the tours are quite long at three hours, the history and information is so interesting you wont even notice the hours passing by. There are BARRELS of salt water taffy with flavors ranging from caramel apple to blueberry cheesecake its incredible! We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! I feel oh so lucky to only live a few hours north, which means we typically make it to Big Sur at least once a year! Where does the Big Sur drive start? Its pretty secluded and kinda secret (aka not on all the typical things to do in Big Sur posts), so I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Theyve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if youre still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! 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 know it by seeing cars lined up the hill up into the parking lot or various vehicles parked, waiting to get in. You could drive the famous 17-mile Pebble Beach drive en route. General tips. Note that parking costs $10 to enter the park, but you can easily park on the side of the road (if you dont mind walking a far distance to get in). At an early hour, you might be too early for Nepenthe the restaurant upstairs, but Cafe Kevah down below has a delicious selection for brunch. Ten interesting facts we learned on OurEDventure: THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but its not! Cocktails with a view? Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. Walking on the wharf doesnt take any more than 30 minutes if you just want to do a walk-through, but youd be missing out! Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! Hearst Castle document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. The perfect amount of time to see Monterey and Big Sur is 2-3 days. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, their menu will satisfy every palette. It will take you about 2 hours to drive right into Monterey. Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! The airport is small and easy to navigate. You could spend all day in this area headed from winery to winery. Yes! It is highly recommended that a car or truck with high clearance would be better to drive through it. I was really excited to go here because I hadnt seen redwood trees since I was a little kid. The Andrew Molera State Park is located in Big Sur and is a relatively undeveloped park in the area. This whole road trip looks so picturesque! The parking lot is large and yes, youll need to pay $10 (a common theme to use the beaches/parks in/near Big Sur). There are a ton of walks and trails to choose from, with all difficulty levels. Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. Key: Purple Big Sur Itinerary | Blue Monterey Itinerary | Orange Other excursions | Yellow Places to stay. Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. Its a cute town, and there is a long sandy beach. Casinos like Harrah's in South Lake Tahoe regularly have big-name artists perform, so a concert night could be in the cards for your trip. Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. There is so much to see, this is only the tip of it! Thanks for stopping by! Check the missions website for daily hours and admission prices. Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. Fishermans Wharf is full of cute candy shops and tons of Clam Chowder restaurants! It has an awesome art community, and its one of the most beautiful places in Californiatry the 17-mile scenic drive! Cozy. Fog usually disappears around 9 AM even though that sounds like a disappointing fact. If you didnt have time to pack a snack or breakfast, plan a stop at Big Sur Bakery before u-turning into the Pfeiffer Beach turn-off. And thankfully, neither are too strenuous or long (perfect if you dont have all day).