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. One of the greatest attractions to this park is McWay Falls, one of two tidefalls* in California. FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. Although I can definitely see why its just as beautiful and even the same style! Call ahead to ask about the exact time that the bagpipe player will be playing, as times change throughout the year. Its such a pretty area! They were so colorful and unique! Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. Tina Yen. Mmm! Book lover? With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. 7. We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. This shop was really cute and had lots of yummy treats and great customer service. You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. Checking into the Madonna Inn: San Luis Obispos Quirkiest and Most Eccentric Hotel, Snorkeling in Maui: 12 Best Places to Snorkel in Maui (+ Safety and Packing Tips), The Massive Guide to Manarola, Italy: Things to do in Manarola, Cinque Terre, Cinque Terre Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Days in Cinque Terre, Italy, Fall in San Francisco: 25+ Fall Activities in the SF Bay Area You Cant Miss, Things to do in Cambria, California (The Cutest Seaside Village on the Central Coast). Thankfully theres hot chocolate, tea, and/or coffee waiting for you. For a complete San Francisco to Big Sur day trip , start in San Francisco and make your way through Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea to Big Sur on Highway 1 and US-101. Not many out-of-towners know this, but coastal fog is another downside of a Big sur road trip during summertime; it can hang around as late as midday! Aubrie is a Utah based blogger/content creator. Parking is open all along the street and a parking lot is also located on the south side of Cannery Row. Hi Faith! Grab Life by the Moments Itineraries Highlights Itinerary Outdoors Itinerary Family Itinerary Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary Golf Itinerary This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. Since Big Sur is located between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon, its best to start from either of these (and finish in the other) if you wanna experience the entire coastline of Big Sur. What Can I Do After My Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary? Montereys Fishermans Wharf is an iconic stop for your Monterey itinerary. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! 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. There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. 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. Next up on your Monterey itinerary is Cannery Row, a waterfront area with old buildings filled with shopping, restaurants, and fun activities such as escape rooms, arcades, and the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. I hope youll have the same great time while visiting! Yes, its that impressive. I really thought this was a great aquarium and I loved seeing all of the conservation efforts they had put into place. When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. Thanks for stopping by! Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. I have visited California many times through out my life. 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! You will definitely get beautiful views here! I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. You are able to do wine tastings inside or if you dont drink, there is also a full service restaurant as well. And it is a full itinerary! It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. 4 Golfers. It was moved to get away from the military garrison. Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. , Point Lobos looks absolutely stunning! These are the items on our list that we are possibly looking to hit: Highway 1 Mcway Falls Bixby. We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). Winding turns. Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! Here youll find multiple historic buildings including Californias First Theater, Colton Hall, the Stevenson House, and many more! Each room actually had binoculars making it even easier to locate the animals! 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! 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. They are a definite must on any Big Sur Itinerary. And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so theres no risk of getting lost. Evening 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. Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. Just a few of the things Big Sur is well-known for. After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast! We had to hurry back right after so we could get our bike rentals back in time! We also really liked the friendly service and beautiful atrium. To eat here though, you definitely pay for the cliffside views. Want the scenic route? Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria. Three types of whales frequent the Big Sur coastline: If youre visiting Big Sur in the winter months between October and December, youre in for a real treat tons of monarch butterflies! You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! I would love to visit all of the beautiful beaches, go on those hikes and eat the saltwater taffy and ice cream! BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA: LOGISTICS. The region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. You can read all about how this area came to be here. The American Tin Cannery Suite 122 125 Ocean view Blvd Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-747-1677 _____ 17 Mile Drive 2106 Sunset Drive Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-717-4912 _____ Pedego Electric Bikes 143 Crossroads Blvd, Carmel, CA 831-293-7063. 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). I mean, its absolutely GORGEOUS. 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Alternately, it's possible to just take Highway 1 all the way, though this takes a long time, about a 4 hours and 30 minutes drive to Cambria. Channel Islands National Park Theyve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if youre still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. Another thing I loved about Carmel Beach was how dog friendly it was. This is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Monterey . Thank you for sharing! The rest of the year is considered cool temperature, but Monterey does boast of 300 days of sunshine. Youll most likely be coming from the airport if youre visiting, so aim to pick up your car rental from SFO. Still dreaming of heading back and doing this Monterey , Carmel and Big Sur itinerary again sometime soon! It was so delicious and the outdoor dining setting right over the ocean was such a dream. I would love to go there one day, Hi Jade! There are definitely so many good spots for pictures that you cant get enough of! I ordered the Dungeness crab and N got fish and chipsalways so good. Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. This area is gorgeous where you can easily spend a couple of hours hanging out. The Lone Cypress on the 17-mile drive is one of the most photographed trees in the world. Can You Stop by Santa Cruz on the Way to Monterey? The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. 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! Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! 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. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! Big Sur is a beautiful coastal area located 140 miles south of San Francisco. South Iceland - 7 Places Your Family Will Love! Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego Did you know? I know it is a chain, but I had never eaten there before and thought it would be fun to try it out! The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! Hi, Im Jess. A Carmel to Big Sur road trip can take anywhere from one hour to five, depending on how many stops . Where did you drive from? After a full morning of activity and then a satisfying afternoon meal, we were ready for a restful and low-key afternoon. Bring your binoculars for wildlife viewing! My photographer heart would absolutely some of those vistas. That waterfall on Julia Pfeiffer Burns is incredible!!! It's $10.50 entrance per car to see the iconic views. I absolutely loved the houses in Pacific Grove. 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. This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. 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! This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! General tips. . (7/15/18), "It's such a kid-friendly area, and I just heard that the entire Hwy 1 is now opened." This image is from Big Sur, a California State Park . Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. This sample itinerary aims to show how you can cover the two towns of Monterey or Carmel in as little as 2 days. Options for Dinner on Your Monterey Itinerary, Added Excursions for Your Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary, Map of Places for Your Monterey and Big Sur Road Trip, Where to Stay on Your Monterey and Big Sur Road Trip, More Places to Eat on Your Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary, Phils Fish Market & Eatery in Moss Landing, What to Pack for Your Monterey and Big Sur Road Trip, FAQs About Your Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary. 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). Just note that the Monterey-Salinas Transit Lines stop running during . Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. Check out Lovers Point Beach where you can do all the water activities like surfing and kayaking. Youll have an amazing time when you visit! Dont fret if you dont drink, they have tons of snacks you can eat as well! Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. Since the trail has a turn out to Monterey State Beach, you can stake your spot and head out for a swim, a surf, or a picnic. 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. Wow this place looks so similar to Malibu I swear!! We rode past Point Pinos Lighthouse and ended up on a trail to Asilomar State Beach. It could be difficult to drive a large vehicle or RV through this area as it is one lane and very narrow. The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. from $900. 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. This area is one of my favorite places in California to visit. This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. There is so much to see, this is only the tip of it! Now part of the Ventana Inn resort. If seeing a whale is on your bucket list, Fishermans Wharf is where you need to be. 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. The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary. There were all sorts of cute alleys you could go down to find more hidden gems. Bubba Gumps specializes in seafood- specifically shrimp and if you have ever seen Forest Gump- this place will be really fun for you! 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. 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. Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. 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). These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. So exactly where is big sur located? Whether it's sipping your way through Carmel Valley's boutique wine tasting rooms or hopping on an unforgettable whale watching excursion, Monterey County provides meeting attendees with a variety of extracurricular activities. Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. If youre visiting in winter, dont miss the chance to go whale-watching, as this area is a haven for them! Visitors pressed for time often make the drive from. for current highway conditions before your drive. Located just a smidge south of Pfieffer beach is Big Sur Bakery, which is actually a 1930s ranch-style home. The Pacific Coast Highway is the longest state route in California. Afternoon If the weathers lousy (as in thick fog drastically impeding the views), I honestly wouldnt bother with Nepenthe. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular favorite as well! (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). 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. Any Big Sur road trip aint complete without a stop at iconic Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur (which Im sure youve seen alllll over instagram and pinterest). Big Sur, located along Central California coast, is one of the best places to visit on the West Coast of USA. When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. We were going to get lunch, but decided to wait until Carmel since we ate so many samples! 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. Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. Any tips/suggestions appreciated. Thank you! There is a $10 honor system daily charge, so bring some cash. Big Sur is the 90 mile stretch of California coast, nestled between Monterey and San Luis Obispo that is as breathtakingly beautiful and unreal as a dream, with the waves of the Pacific ocean crashing along its rugged shores, simply begging for a visit. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! We booked in advance and it was about $31 a day before adding gas and insurance if you want. Just letting you know so there are no surprises! This road trip itinerary is designed to be done in one to two days depending on your timeline and how much you want to get out and see along the way.