Perfect ending to your Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway day trip! 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! Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! There was a trail for bikes all along the beach and it was a really beautiful place to end for sunset. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. Hi Rosie! Theyve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas. 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). Big Sur Coast is known for its rocky beaches, spectacular sunsets, and sheer natural beauty. 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! *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). In the Big Sur region, hop on the Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH; part of California State Route 1), one of the state's most scenic routes, and take your pick of any of the stunning coastal towns. Youll most definitely wanna make a few stops along the way (Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, Santa Cruz, and Carmel/Monterey are my favorites), so plan accordingly! Any tips/suggestions appreciated. I only have three more posts to go after this one. Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel. Bubba Gumps has such a fun atmosphere that seems to mesh perfectly with Monterrey! . If this is your first time to the area dont rush it! Alternatively, you can take a bus. which is a favorite local hotspot and should not be missed when planning your Big Sur itinerary. Glad to hear it! The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Renting a Car:Note that youll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! Specialties: World-famous Breakfast served Daily 8:00am-noon; Dinner Friday-Tuesday starting at 5:30pm. Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. It was going on right when we arrived at the hotel. Renting a Car : Note that you'll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. It was the prime location for marine life spotting! This trail was amazing and we saw a cove with the most turquoise blue waters and baby sea lions down below. I was there for a penguin feeding and that was really fun! Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience. Read Next: 25+ Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco. Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. They have ice cream, churros, and sundaes, which is the best option! If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. This can be easily done as a weekend trip out from the Bay Area or as part of a wider trip tracing California's coastline. In Old Downtown Monterey, youll find over 400 shops and restaurants lining the main streets as well. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur 3 Day Itinerary Day 1: Arrival Hotel check-in: Hofsas House Brophy's Tavern Mulligan Public House Dinner at Little Napoli Day 2: Monterey and Big Sur Highway One Drive in Big Sur Monterey, CA 17 Mile Drive Carmel Beach Dinner: Hog's Breath Inn Day 3: Carmel by the Sea Breakfast: The Tuck Box Carmel Belle The inside had the most beautiful design and the outside was just as lovely with tables and benches everywhere and live music playing. If youve had enough of driving on your road trip, you can park near Carmel beach and walk the scenic path. And I do love my crab from Phils! Nightly bagpipe performances have taken place every day since 1987 at Spanish Bay in Carmel. 3-day Big Sur itinerary. Hearst Castle Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! Dont fret if you dont drink, they have tons of snacks you can eat as well! Epic Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary: Explore California's Pacific Coast Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary For Families The parking lot is large and yes, youll need to pay $10 (a common theme to use the beaches/parks in/near Big Sur). California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara Youll find plenty of sunny days over here! (7/19/18), "as a resident of the Monterey Peninsula we do love our tourists, however, I'd like to remind those who visit - there are those that work and live in the area, and to please be courteous of our existence. 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! Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago . The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary Stop 1: Carmel-by-the-Sea Stop 2: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Stop 3: Garrapata State Park Stop 4: Kasler Point Stop 5: Rocky Creek Bridge Stop 6: Bixby Creek Bridge Stop 7: Andrew Molera State Park Stop 8: Pfeiffer Beach Stop 9: McWay Falls Stop 10: Limekiln State Park Stop 11: Sand Dollar Beach Pfeiffer beach is best known for its amazing rock structures, sunsets and sometimes there is even purple sand! It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, their menu will satisfy every palette. 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. I cant recommend this place enough! I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. One of our first stops was atLovers Point Beach. There are a lot of incredible eateries in Carmel. Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. Day 2. It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). You can read all about how this area came to be here. And get there early the tours only accommodate 40 people! Comment below. GROUP PEBBLE BEACH GOLF TRIP PROPOSAL. And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so theres no risk of getting lost. La Playa Carmel. Aww, thank you so much! Three days would be even better so you can really relax and take your time. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. 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! From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. In every way, shape, and form. Thanks for your support! Answer 11 of 32: Hi all! The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! Have a great rest of your day. Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. Have dinner at Lallapalooza on Alvarado Street. Living in Utah, our family vacations were always to Southern California. Visiting between the months of November to March? Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! Next up on this Big Sur road trip itinerary the Point Sur Lighthouse! Public school whose 1931 auditorium served as Carmel's primary artistic, civic . Phone: (831) 515-6403. 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. Day 3: Carmel to Big Sur. With an early head start to your day, you will have plenty of parking spaces to choose from if you stop for lunch here. Did you know? California road trip: Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe - Tripadvisor And theres a reason for it the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. Youll know it by seeing cars lined up the hill up into the parking lot or various vehicles parked, waiting to get in. 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. They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! Then head to California Highway 1 to begin your Big Sur road trip! And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials. End: Mammoth Lakes. The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. Click here to skip back to the top. The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary (All The Best Stops!) I recommend booking your whale-watching tickets in advance. Theyve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if youre still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. Yes, youll definitely need to add these 2 to your list and drive along the 101 highway. Looks like you had a wonderful time too. 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! Evening They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! If youre not in a rush on your Big Sur road trip, why not make the extra stop? Again, thank you! As an English teacher, I love travel that involves a literary outing like Cannery Row. A short 15 minute walk along the cliffs with beautiful views of the coast and even a waterfall! If the history doesnt draw you in, Point Lobos is also home to abundant wildlife, including 20 species of mammals such as gray foxes and mountain lions, various species of birds like the acorn woodpecker peregrine falcon, and of course, many species of marine life including sea otters, sea lions, and whales. Admission is $10.50 per vehicle and when you arrive at the entrance they give you a map of all of the scenic stops and designated places to see. Girls Trip: Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur 3 Day Itinerary You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Hi Faith! Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose While the food and drinks are good, youre paying for the view. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! Basically, nature at its finest. Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning 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. The Best Luxury Hotels in Big Sur - Culture Trip Yes, its a gorgeous area! The rest of the year is considered cool temperature, but Monterey does boast of 300 days of sunshine. Head back north and drive into the quaint little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. Sure, the food is on the pricey side (like the rest of Big Sur), but its such a great place to stop and relax for a bit. A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. Free shipping for many products! Explore my other California guides here! You could easily spend a few hours admiring the keyhole and rock formations on the beach. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! 3. 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! Let me know how your travels go! Key: Purple Big Sur Itinerary | Blue Monterey Itinerary | Orange Other excursions | Yellow Places to stay. On one side, youll see the quaint houses up close and on the other side, youll have a clear view of the iconic Carmel beach down below. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. They are even bigger than you can imagine! And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. The location of the Carmel Mission isn't the original spot. If you start at Big Sur, put your location in as San Simeon and then drive north from there. This romantic drive is one of the best cross country road trip routes that couples must take together! Thanks for all the recommendations. 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. Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. This was our last stop heading down Highway 1 before we turned around and made some stops on the way back to Carmel. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. We're currently planning a full trip to the Carmel/ Monterey/ Big Sur area but was wondering if our itinerary is to full? California History Books for Kids. Highway 1 is one of the most scenic roads I have ever been on! Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! 6. Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. 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. This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! Big Sur Itinerary - Day 2: 1. Be aware that the trail is sometimes blocked off due to erosion, and you may not be able to get that picture perfect view. 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. The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. The high season in this area is during the summer months, just after May and through August, so you may want to avoid these months if you dont want to be around the crowds. Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! This image is from Big Sur, a California State Park . The only downside to visiting in the summertime is that July and August are the foggiest months. Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. 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. I love the mixture of beautiful scenery, learning about new things, and getting outside and being active. Monterey, which is further north of Big Sur, is located no more than 1-1.5 hours away from most of the attractions that we recommend seeing on a Big Sur itinerary. They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! It is highly recommended that a car or truck with high clearance would be better to drive through it. Psst: When people say theyre hiking to McWay Falls, theyre really just casually strolling down a paved path. September 10, 2024 - September 15, 2024. If you are a morning person, you might want to head out earlier to avoid the other tourists. Let's talk travel, teaching abroad, and travel blogging.I also love sharing about my love for Asian dramas and #allthethings to create memorable experiences! California CA Big Sur Carmel Monterey Coastline Postcard Old Vintage Check the missions website for daily hours and admission prices. View of Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA Vacation Rental Private vacation home 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. Carmel-by-the-Sea. This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. We are surrounded by forest. (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California (7/16/18), "It just opened yesterday! Some places I recommend going to in Carmel: Point Lobos was also definitely another highlight of this trip and should definitely be on your Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary. Monterey is definitely one of my favorite places in CA! You'll most definitely wanna make a few stops along the way ( Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, Santa Cruz, and Carmel/Monterey are my favorites), so plan accordingly! If you are looking to stay right in Big Sur, you can find Big Sur Lodge and Big Sur River Inn.If you would like to save money and don't mind staying a little further away, you can find accommodations in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Monterey by searching on booking.com.Carmel-by-the-Sea is about 10 minutes away from the north part of Big Sur, and Monterey is about 20 minutes away. 1. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! I am a huge fan of aquariums! Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. Tour Details Departure: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, year-round. Big Sur Road Trip - Includes ALL the Best Viewpoints! Wow this place looks so similar to Malibu I swear!! With that being said, Im planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. The hottest month in Monterey is September when high temperatures are around 67F and lows are 55F. After leaving the park, there was quite a bit of traffic to get back to Carmel. Monterey Carmel Big Sur Pebble Beach Private Charter by Luxury Vehicle 6 hrs~ 6 hours Hotel pickup offered. Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel I'll be spending this upcoming weekend on a road trip from Los Angeles to Monterey and thought I'd post my general itinerary and pose a few questions for the Big. The Perfect Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary - Globetrotting Ginger The grounds are incredibly beautiful and this place is definitely worth a stop for the gorgeous grounds and architecture. Not to be missed, youll need to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. The Lone Cypress on the 17-mile drive is one of the most photographed trees in the world. There is so much you can do and see while you are in Carmel. Just note that the Monterey-Salinas Transit Lines stop running during . Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! 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. Lovely post! Arrive as early as possible on your first day so that you can maximize your time. Then head over to the Carmel Mission. This was a great place to end the day in Carmel. DEETJENS BIG SUR INN - 261 Photos & 199 Reviews - Yelp The entire road is comprised of redwood groves, babbling brooks, rolling hills, and lots of no trespassing signs. Seaside cliffs. It was moved to get away from the military garrison. 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. 4 Golfers. You can definitely take away as needed to fit your travel style. Planning a trip to Carmel/Big Sur? Help with Itinerary? - Monterey Tranquil. You could spend all day in this area headed from winery to winery. Youll be hungry after your ride, so head over to Hulas for a late lunch. Big Sur Road Trip: Best Stops on a Scenic California Coast Adventure! The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old! Bedroom3; Baths2; Property typePrivate Vacation Home; Max Sleeps6; Love golf Pebble Beach golf courses are among some of the best in the world; Carmel-by-the-Sea renowned for its art galleries, many restaurants & sandy white beaches; Big Sur has campsites, high-cliff beaches, superb hiking trails & world-class views on the Pacific Ocean, and Monterey is known for the famous . This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. Wrap Up Your Perfect Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary, link to Her Wanderful World's Instagram account, link to Her Wanderful World's Facebook account, link to Her Wanderful World's Pinterest account, link to Her Wanderful World's Twitter account, Teaching English Abroad Everything You Need to Know, California Coast Roadtrip | San Fran all the way to San Diego, Check the website for openings and reservations, 17 Fun Things to do in Santa Rosa, California, 20 Incredible Things to do in Petaluma, CA, 17 Charming Things to do in Cambria, California, 17 Best Coastal Sunset Spots in Central California. Big Sur Itinerary Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. Day 3. . About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. Limekiln State Park may be juuust what youre looking for. Please make reservation for dinner; No Dinner Wednesday/Thursday; Deetjen's Big Sur Inn is a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of the historic Big Sur Inn at Castro Canyon. The museum exhibits have a few rooms depicting life during the mission days. It ends near San Simeon. Youve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. It could be difficult to drive a large vehicle or RV through this area as it is one lane and very narrow. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. Hi MacKenzie! I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. Temps are mild year round, ranging from a cool 60 degrees to a balmy 75 degrees F. Its always wise to bring along a jacket no matter what month youll be frolicking around Big Sur, as it never gets particularly hot hot hot, and temperatures are always cooler on the coast than in the mountains nearby. 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). The 20 Best Day Trips From San Francisco (Without a Car) 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. Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail is an 18-mile trail that runs from Pacific Grove up north to Castroville and alongside the old Southern Pacific Railway. Oh, and the bakery has public restrooms available, which is always good to know on a road trip without much service! Details. Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! If you squint really hard, youll see the falls between the rocks going directly into the ocean in the photo below. Your Weekend in Big Sur Itinerary: How to Nail a Big Sur Road Trip Looking for sand dollars might result in a disappointment, but youll easily find muscles, crabs, sea anemone, and kelp beds while exploring the nearby rocks during low tide. 2. Woooo its finally time to get this Big Sur road trip itinerary under way! 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. 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. This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! We would like to thank Big Sur Adventures for providing discounted tickets for us to experience their e-bike tour. 7. Its important to note that many businesses have shorter opening hours during the off-peak season. Im going next year to visit a friend and we plan on road tripping so Im hoping Ill finally get to go! Big Sur looks truly incredible. Fog usually disappears around 9 AM even though that sounds like a disappointing fact. 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! FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" Big Sur's vast wilderness and breathtaking views of the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline connects the northern half -- Carmel, Monterey and Santa Cruz -- with the rolling hills and vineyards of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Cambria and Hearst Castle of the southern half -- Part of the Best West Road Trip itinerary - Goin' Coastal in the Central Coast Region of California. The menus pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! 3. Youll have an amazing time when you visit! Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria. One of my favorite parts of the park was all of the beautiful walking paths with wildflowers everywhere. Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. You can always put your feet in if youd like! They were so colorful and unique! Most people start this iconic road trip in L . There are all types of shops including antique shops, fudge shops, oh and dont forget dog shops! 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).
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