big sur carmel, monterey itinerary

The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. 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! McWay Falls To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. 2. In the months of October-February, you will also be in time to see the Monarch butterflies clustering at Monarch Grove Butterly Sanctuary. If you are planning a road trip to the coast of California, this Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is a perfect option for you, and its so convenient as they are about 30 minutes apart from one another. This website is very helpful and gives a description of each stop so you can decide where you want to stop before you even get there. The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. I have yet to try Big Sur Bakery although Ive heard many good referrals about all the food from wood-fired sourdough to buttermilk biscuits and gravy. Yes, you can leave from San Francisco to head south down the Central Coast on Highway 101. If youre planning on hanging out on the beach, pack your swimsuit or a wetsuit to surf. Explore Big Sur. Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! I got my ticket for the aquarium here. Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. I definitely recommend booking in advance. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! 3. It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. Big Sur guide. We loved visiting the Whalers Cabin in Whalers Cove and thought the scenery was the most spectacular around Bluefish Cove. And yes, theres so much history in this little area. From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. This romantic drive is one of the best cross country road trip routes that couples must take together! 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. About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. 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. Bubba Gumps specializes in seafood- specifically shrimp and if you have ever seen Forest Gump- this place will be really fun for you! The entire area is pricey, so expect to pay big city prices (~$15ish for a cocktail, ~$20-30ish for an entree). Big Sur, located along Central California coast, is one of the best places to visit on the West Coast of USA. 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! And I do love my crab from Phils! 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.. Saving this guide for later! Fun fact: Bixby Bridge was built 5 years before the road was paved to connect Carmel to San Luis Obispo! I have visited California many times through out my life. Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! Check out Lovers Point Beach where you can do all the water activities like surfing and kayaking. It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. This area is one of my favorites in CA. 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. Absolute paradise, albeit rather crowded at times. This area is gorgeous where you can easily spend a couple of hours hanging out. 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. If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. I would love to go back! Highway 1 is a one lane highway that winds along the coast. When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. 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. $8,790.00 USD per person. Bring a blanket and a cooler with your favorite sandwich to enjoy, which we wish we had done. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. In fact, I thought about being a Marine Biologist for awhile. Don't be me. 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. I love Monterey! and not many tourists know about it just yet! Dont go during the rain or after its just rained as the road is all dirt and can get quite muddy at times. 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. There are even more trails to explore such as the South Shore Trail, Cypress Grove Loop Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, and Lace Lichen Trail. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. On your first morning, wake up early and by 8 AM start your Big Sur itinerary by heading south on Highway 1. 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. You would never imagine this town is in California, it feels like a fairy tale town in Germany. Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. They were so colorful and unique! Pfeiffer beach is best known for its amazing rock structures, sunsets and sometimes there is even purple sand! This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. Hi MacKenzie! I heard from a local that even though Carmel is small, there is always something new to discover and I can definitely believe it. 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. Youll find a parking lot on the east side of the road with an underground tunnel for walking over to the trail. Bring water and watch out for poison oak. It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! There are so many scenic look outs to stop at so feel free to stop as much as you want along the way! Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. Arrive as early as possible on your first day so that you can maximize your time. The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. Purple sand (yup!). We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. The official name of the Carmel Mission is Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo. 5. 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. Hi Elena! There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. Yes, its that impressive. Thx!! 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! It will take you about 2 hours to drive right into Monterey. There are all types of shops including antique shops, fudge shops, oh and dont forget dog shops! Makes me miss San Francisco! 5. 6 days / 5 nights / 4 rounds. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. I guess we'll have to plan another trip." Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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). You could spend 1-2 hours here and then continue on to Big Sur. 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. 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). If you arent pressed for time I recommend spending the night in Carmel-by-the-Sea or at least exploring it for a few hours. Price: $25-100. Not many out-of-towners know this, but. All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! from $900. The marketplace is a certified farmers market so youll find local bakeries, craft vendors, and organic produce. Looks like such an awesome road trip. No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. We won't recommend it if we didn't love it! Nightly bagpipe performances have taken place every day since 1987 at Spanish Bay in Carmel. (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" 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! all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. There were also lots of lawn games. Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! Lovely post! It was the prime location for marine life spotting! This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. Living in Utah, our family vacations were always to Southern California. Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. We are visiting California from the UK in April, a rescheduled trip after we had to cancel in May 2020. Check the missions website for daily hours and admission prices. I always love getting cheese plates! I would advise sharing a sundae with your BFF as the portions are huge, but its delicious nonetheless. One of the best features of the hotel was the Happy Hour that happened every day from 4-6. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! Pace yourself its all beautiful. Thank you! We pulled into this area where you can park and then pay to take a shuttle to the beach. What Can I Do After My Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary? I hope youll have the same great time while visiting! Aww, thank you so much! South Iceland - 7 Places Your Family Will Love! Morning 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. By this time, youll likely be hungry, so stop in at the Big Sur Roadhouse for their famous avo toast, or other wraps or sandwiches. Finding it can be a challenge in itself because the turn is not marked. These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. 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. Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! The people that worked there were friendly and gave us a map of the nearby trail and tips on places they recommended seeing. This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. There are a ton of walks and trails to choose from, with all difficulty levels. 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. Monterey State Historic Park. 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. September 10, 2024 - September 15, 2024. Manage Settings Carmel is a must for any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. I wanna go for sunset next time! Note:If you have time, Pfeiffer Beach, which is very close to this state park is worth a visit. Thats so cool youre a teacher! Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. Here are my picks and notes, either personally tested by me, or recommended by fellow travelers: Be prepared to spend some big money for dining out in Big Sur. Here youll find multiple historic buildings including Californias First Theater, Colton Hall, the Stevenson House, and many more! Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning General tips. (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! Ive already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! We were able to order build your own sandwiches that came with a drink and chips. Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! 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. Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. Have you seen the photos?! Drive over to Asilomar State Beach for some tide-pooling. 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. Where did you drive from? Why is Big Sur famous? 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. There were all sorts of cute alleys you could go down to find more hidden gems. 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. Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. Let me know how your travels go! There are plenty of other beaches to hang around, so do your part and just stay where youre supposed to be. Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! Cozy. Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. After leaving the park, there was quite a bit of traffic to get back to Carmel. 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 Youll be driving on private land, so you cant stop to take tooo many photos, but since its usually not crowded, feel free to stop in the middle of the road if you must for some shots. Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Nov 2021 and Nov 2020. Again, thank you! 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. No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. Unfortunately, when I was there, you could only go on part of the trail and since it is only a small pathway where you can see the falls, it was pretty crowded. There is also the Old Downtown Marketplace every Tuesday from 4 -7 PM in the fall and 4 8 PM in the summer. Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience. Carmel Beach is definitely the best place to watch the sunset. 17 Mile Drive is said to be one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. Patience is the only requirement, but binoculars are nice to have as well. They were so cute, I was squealing! 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. We booked in advance and it was about $31 a day before adding gas and insurance if you want. This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. The drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Simeon is 2 hours and 20 minutes of curvy, cliff-side driving. Where we stayed: Another thing I loved about Carmel Beach was how dog friendly it was. The Whisky Club in Monterey hosts trivia on the first and third Thursday each . This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. There is a lot to discover and experience on this route, with breathtaking coastal views, lovely beach towns, and . 5. The first stop in your Big Sur itinerary is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which is known as the crown jewel of all state parks in California, located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. With that being said, Im planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. However, you can also stop at a local restaurant for lunch too! I discuss Nepenthe below as a must-visit stop on your Big Sur itinerary! Most the attractions mentioned in this article are closed due to covid19. Hi Faith! The rest of the year is considered cool temperature, but Monterey does boast of 300 days of sunshine. 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 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. Pin it for later or share it! Again, theres a toilet here! You could spend all day in this area headed from winery to winery. It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. I had a few places in mind I wanted to stop before we left, but I also thought it was fun to be spontaneous and stop whenever we saw something that interested us! Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? What a wonderful place you get to call home. Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. I was there for a penguin feeding and that was really fun! We ate a quick breakfast at the hotel (one of the other perks of staying there) and then headed to the 5th Avenue Deli. Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. Go hiking, walking, bird watching (pelicans frequent the area), scuba diving (yes, really! From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. Hang out on Fishermans Wharf a little longer after dinner and grab a dessert at the Monterey Bay Creamery (right next door to Abalonettis). Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. for current highway conditions before your drive. Ill receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which Ill totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. There is so much you can do and see while you are in Carmel. When driving from Monterey to Big Sur, youll pass the small seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea. We are surrounded by forest. Looking for more California content? Big Sur Coast is known for its rocky beaches, spectacular sunsets, and sheer natural beauty. We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. If you are into golfing, the 17 mile drive also has the world famous Pebble Beach! And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Pacific Coast Highway. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim. Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. Afternoon We ended up booking the Hideaway an adorable boutique hotel. On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! (See that next!). Hi Kate! Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria. I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. Luckily, I have a few more trips planned this fall so the While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! The grounds are incredibly beautiful and this place is definitely worth a stop for the gorgeous grounds and architecture. Whats your favorite local spot? Weve always been planning to do a road trip in this part of California, so will be bookmarking this. McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. It is still totally worth it to see this beautiful place. I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! 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. I absolutely fell in love. Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. And trust me, theres enough things to do in Big Sur to fill an entire weekend and then some. I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! 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. You wont miss it, promise, as its just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. Not as expensive as the other two, so check out Treebones if youd like to give your wallet a bit of a break! There is so much nature and the small city feels to explore in Monterey and Big Sur! Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. Since you are now past the influx of traffic, you wont be in a rush to get into any of the popular sites. 10 Things You Should Know About The Brando Resort in Tetiaroa, A First-timer's Trip to Australia; Sydney, the Whitsundays and the Central Coast, Paradise in the Dominican Republic: The Samana Peninsula, Explore the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, A 3-Day Itinerary for Charleston, South Carolina, How to Spend 3 Days in Nashville, TN - A Girls' Trip, Balboa Island in Newport Beach,California, Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur - A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary, Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, "I've actually been meaning to take the kids on this road trip. When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. If you are a morning person, you might want to head out earlier to avoid the other tourists. Answer 11 of 11: Hello I'm hoping for some advice. You can definitely take away as needed to fit your travel style. There are a lot of really good options of places to stay in Carmel. The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. Youll be hungry after your ride, so head over to Hulas for a late lunch. Big Falls Trail near the south end of the range is a . While the food and drinks are good, youre paying for the view. 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. They have ice cream, churros, and sundaes, which is the best option! You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! Glad to hear it! Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. 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).