Beautiful, post-card like views. The road is not paved. There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. Check out Lovers Point Beach where you can do all the water activities like surfing and kayaking. Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. Most people start this iconic road trip in L . The location is so perfect in between Cannery Row and Fishermans Wharf and just a ten minute walk to the aquarium. This area is gorgeous where you can easily spend a couple of hours hanging out. Distance: Approximately 430 miles. 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. These are the items on our list that we are possibly looking to hit: Highway 1 Mcway Falls Bixby. 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. Some staple orders for us here are the steak and shrimp scampi, gnocchi with two sauces, and the grilled salmon filet. Whats your favorite local spot? *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). Looks like you had a wonderful time too. I stopped at this state park on the way back to Carmel and I really loved it! Call ahead to ask about the exact time that the bagpipe player will be playing, as times change throughout the year. You can always put your feet in if youd like! When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. 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! Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. 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 Thx!! 6. As always, all opinions expressed are our own. With an early head start to your day, you will have plenty of parking spaces to choose from if you stop for lunch here. We then stopped atPerkins Park spontaneously because of the unique Cyprus trees, the rocky shoreline and the purple flowers everywhere! Whether you are looking for a shopping trip, family getaway or romantic getaway we have just the travel itinerary for you! I absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. The Perfect Weekend in Carmel, CA - Miss Molly Mac 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! They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. After we walked back from the aquarium to the hotel, we decided it would be fun to ride bikes over to Fishermans Wharf! Also, as mentioned before Carmel is known for their wineries so there are several you can head to for wine tastings. Youll drive into places like San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, Pismo, and more! Thanks for sharing your journey with us! Their island-inspired menu has plenty to choose from including burgers, tacos, fish and chicken platters. 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. March 3, 2023. Time needed: 1 to 2 days. A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to a beautiful waterfall crashing directly into the Pacific Oceans emerald water. Check the website for openings and reservations. You might recognize this bridge if you have seen Big Little Lies. Its one of the most iconic bridges in all of California and definitely one of the most photographed for its aesthetic. Famous for its narrow cobblestone lanes, little cottages dressed in flowers and plants, and enchanting shops that sell tons of local goodies, Carmel is a . When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. 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. In the morning, after breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes), which became an artist's colony after the 1906 Great San Francisco Earthquake destroyed that city.Take a stroll along Ocean Ave. and admire the charming shops and galleries. Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. Not to mention, its adorable, so its a really fun place to stop for photos! Here, youll find tips to help plan the perfect road trip for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. 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. There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. Yes, its that impressive. 3-day Big Sur itinerary. How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? 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. Its important to note that many businesses have shorter opening hours during the off-peak season. I too hope that tourists can make the kind of choices that will benefit everyone." Jackie Jegat, the owner and founder, moved from his home in France to open his own restaurant on the California Coast when he was about 30 years old. They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! The Big Sur River Inn is located about half way through the Big Sur viewpoints and a great spot to stop for lunch! This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! About this rental. Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! Youll most likely be coming from the airport if youre visiting, so aim to pick up your car rental from SFO. Definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list. To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. You can book a tour right on the wharf, but its possible that tickets might sell out. Theres no real starting point. This road trip takes just over 3 hours and is a must-do for a glimpse of California's coastal beauty. This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. We booked in advance and it was about $31 a day before adding gas and insurance if you want. Its beautiful coastline views! 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. 7 Best Stops on the San Francisco to Big Sur Road Trip - The World Was View of Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA Vacation Rental Private vacation home 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! Yes, you can leave from San Francisco to head south down the Central Coast on Highway 101. The clam chowder here is also amazing! Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! 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. GROUP PEBBLE BEACH GOLF TRIP PROPOSAL - Epic Golf Travel Glad to hear it! Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary For Families This mountain range, just inland from the not-so-hidden gem that is Big Sur, runs from below Monterey and Carmel down to about San Luis Obispo. Pfeiffer beach is best known for its amazing rock structures, sunsets and sometimes there is even purple sand! Day Three
After a full morning of activity and then a satisfying afternoon meal, we were ready for a restful and low-key afternoon. Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. Then continue heading south along Hwy 1 to take in some of the famous sites. When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. The entire 6-mile loop takes approximately three hours, but guests can enjoy as much or as little as they like as all trails intersect at various points and all paths are clearly marked. The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. I was there for a penguin feeding and that was really fun! Start off your morning by heading over to Paris Bakery in Monterey to get some breakfast. It was the prime location for marine life spotting! Big Sur road trip: 12 Epic Pacific Coast Highway stops to check out (2022)! 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. Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz. Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. As you arrive, drive straight to the Sea Lion Point parking lot and you can start on the trail there, Cypress Grove Trail. 6 days / 5 nights / 4 rounds. Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! After Mcway Falls, we headed to Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park). Located just a smidge south of Pfieffer beach is Big Sur Bakery, which is actually a 1930s ranch-style home. 2. Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! Big Sur/Monterey Itinerary for July 4 - Big Sur Forum - Tripadvisor This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-sky-3','ezslot_25',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-sky-3-0');As one of the top 20 best places to retire in California, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming small town you need to check out. 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. Yes! The Barbacoa Beef tacos are insanely delicious! 1. After that, we walked past an island with hundreds of birds on it, which was so cool! 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! Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! Have so much fun when you visit! Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. Evening
Youll also be able to witness sea lions and harbor seals frolicking around on nearby rocks any time of year listen and youll hear them no problem! Monterey is definitely one of my favorite places in CA! 8. The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. I love the mixture of beautiful scenery, learning about new things, and getting outside and being active. If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. 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. Phone: (831) 515-6403. at stops along the way. Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums There are a lot of incredible eateries in Carmel. It is located towards the end of the wharf, so beware that you may be tempted to stop at one of the restaurants before it. Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. 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. Comment below. Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. Then we'd be driving from Mc Way Falls back up to Monterey and then down to Arroyo Grande where we're staying Wednesday night. No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. 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! Theyre my two favorite spots in Point Lobos, and you wont find clearer waters. There were various cheeses, crackers, fruit and little sandwiches. (See that next!). Happy planning! It is definitely in a really romantic setting. Looking for more California content? Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. 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! Since you are now past the influx of traffic, you wont be in a rush to get into any of the popular sites. Ventana Inn & Spa: Youll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. If you are a morning person, you might want to head out earlier to avoid the other tourists. Big Sur Weekend Road Trip Itinerary - Getaway Compass Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. I feel the need to say this since youll be getting back in the car to continue on the 1: if youre the driver, please be responsible and limit yourself to one drink at most. Majority of the famous viewpoints are on the coastal side, so it would be best if you drove north to south, that way you make right turns in/out of the viewpoints. We won't recommend it if we didn't love it! There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. And so is Nepenthe! 8 Epic San Francisco Road Trips to Plan Right Now Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! If you start at Big Sur, put your location in as San Simeon and then drive north from there. . 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. 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. Fog usually disappears around 9 AM even though that sounds like a disappointing fact. McWay Falls McWay Falls is likely the most iconic and most-photographed spot in Big Sur. It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. Make sure to have these essentials on your list: The best time to visit Monterey and Big Sur is in the fall during the months of September to November or in the spring during the months of April to May. The location was great and we were able to walk all over town. Afternoon
The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. :p. Have you ever seen a beach with purple sand?! About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials. Do note there is no beach or ocean access, and its actually forbidden to go down there. . Not many out-of-towners know this, but. 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. California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara Absolute paradise, albeit rather crowded at times. The ultimate itinerary for a Big Sur road trip This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing. It was a quick ride to Fishermans Wharf and we set up our bikes with a lock on a bike rack. California Coast Day 3: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, & Pismo 15 Dreamy Things To Do In Monterey and Carmel As A Couple 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. Tranquil. Yes! which is a favorite local hotspot and should not be missed when planning your Big Sur itinerary. One of the greatest attractions to this park is McWay Falls, one of two tidefalls* in California. A short 15 minute walk along the cliffs with beautiful views of the coast and even a waterfall! Carmel-by-the-Sea. Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). Like what you see? Bring a blanket and a cooler with your favorite sandwich to enjoy, which we wish we had done. 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! There isnt an entrance fee, but they do ask for a $2 donation. When researching where to eat, I had Forge in the Forest recommend several times.