No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary Carmel-by-the-Sea Start your Big Sur Road Trip in the charming small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. 6. It has an awesome art community, and its one of the most beautiful places in Californiatry the 17-mile scenic drive! 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). I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips. Hi Rosie! It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. Thanks for sharing your journey with us! Manage Settings 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. Looking for more California content? You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! Stay and Play in Monterey. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. How to get here: When youre heading southbound (recommended), take the 2nd right after you see the Big Sur Station. 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! Key: Purple Big Sur Itinerary | Blue Monterey Itinerary | Orange Other excursions | Yellow Places to stay. Big Falls Trail near the south end of the range is a . This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. Arrive as early as possible on your first day so that you can maximize your time. Day 3. . Be sure to check the website as tours are not offered every day. Nightly bagpipe performances have taken place every day since 1987 at Spanish Bay in Carmel. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! 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! Its such a pretty area! While youre planning your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary, check out these useful road trip gifts to have the best experience on the road! What a wonderful place you get to call home. Let me know how your travels go! This was a great place to end the day in Carmel. Theyve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if youre still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. My favorite part about it, however, was that it was literally right over the ocean. There are warm fires all over the place and lights hanging in the trees. The e-bikes are incredibly easy to ride and comfortable. Johnathon was easy-going and the time we spent with Big Sur Adventures was the highlight of our weekend. Hi Christina! . Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail & State Beach, 7. 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! There are BARRELS of salt water taffy with flavors ranging from caramel apple to blueberry cheesecake its incredible! The town is truly tiny at only one square mile, but it is absolutely packed with amazing things. Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. Traffic is really bad, please use public transport or other forms to reduce as much as possible. " Start off your morning by heading over to Paris Bakery in Monterey to get some breakfast. I guess we'll have to plan another trip." Thank you! Weekend Big Sur itinerary. 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. Another thing I loved about Carmel Beach was how dog friendly it was. A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. Have you been? The Best California Road Trips & Itineraries | Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur to Santa Barbara California: Places to Visit North America California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara FIRST POSTED: 4th June 2019 | LAST UPDATED: 7th August 2020 9 minute read Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. Theres a retro school bus selling ice cream right off the parking lot, which is perfect on a hot day. There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. 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. California History Books for Kids. Three days would be even better so you can really relax and take your time. After a full morning of activity and then a satisfying afternoon meal, we were ready for a restful and low-key afternoon. Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. GROUP PEBBLE BEACH GOLF TRIP PROPOSAL - Epic Golf Travel Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. I had never seen succulents that big before! . Driving Big Sur: Best Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary (Top Views + Stops!) When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. Loading. Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. It was so yummy! We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! Big sur is definitely on my bucket list of places to travel to. We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. 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. There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). Monterey Carmel Big Sur Pebble Beach Private Charter by Luxury Vehicle 6 hrs~ 6 hours Hotel pickup offered. Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! Located just a smidge south of Pfieffer beach is Big Sur Bakery, which is actually a 1930s ranch-style home. Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! 5. Hi Sydney! 17-Mile Drive Tour | Big Sur Bike Tours & Rentals Monterey California 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. Evening
Right outside of Carmel is Carmel Mission Basilica, dating clear back to the 1700s. I only have three more posts to go after this one. I totally agree, one of my favorite places to visit! The clam chowder here is also amazing! Known as one of Big Surs largest and most accessible beaches and the last stop on your Big Sur itinerary is Sand Dollar Beach, located about 30 minutes south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Free shipping for many products! Drive over to Asilomar State Beach for some tide-pooling. And I do love my crab from Phils! We are surrounded by forest. Youll be hungry after your ride, so head over to Hulas for a late lunch. The region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. Since it was already the middle of the day, there were no parking spots down by the beach. Big Sur Itinerary - Day 2: 1. for current highway conditions before your drive. 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! It is highly recommended that a car or truck with high clearance would be better to drive through it. 10. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? I always love getting cheese plates! Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! It ends near San Simeon. Bring your binoculars for wildlife viewing! Miles of misty coastline. Happy planning! When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. The colors over the water were absolutely spectacular! Then walk through the main entrance, purchase a $2 map and head out on your hike. There are so many scenic look outs to stop at so feel free to stop as much as you want along the way! In every way, shape, and form. This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. 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! Its more of a state of mind rather than a specific point on a map, encompassing about 90 sunny Californian miles down the Pacific Coast Highway. These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. Basically, nature at its finest. Visitors pressed for time often make the drive from. Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. Big Sur Land Trust's Race for Open Space - seemonterey.com It was located in a building that looked like a castle. In fact, they all have people outside of their cafes or restaurants giving out samples. Yes, yes, and yes! There is so much nature and the small city feels to explore in Monterey and Big Sur! Guide contents. These 10 Hidden Gems Are California's Best-kept Secrets Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. Theres also some hiking in the state park, with sea lions and starfish in the tide pools nearby. After checking out Cannery Row, we walked to Big Sur Adventuresabout 5 minutes away to rent bikes. Ventana Inn & Spa: Youll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. Still dreaming of heading back and doing this Monterey , Carmel and Big Sur itinerary again sometime soon! You can definitely take away as needed to fit your travel style. Have you seen the photos?! Bring a blanket and some snacks and plan to stay for awhile. Visiting between the months of November to March? Big Sur, located along Central California coast, is one of the best places to visit on the West Coast of USA. Hi Desiree! The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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! Woooo its finally time to get this Big Sur road trip itinerary under way! When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. The Ultimate Guide to Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary with 13 Stops 1. The only downside to visiting in the summertime is that July and August are the foggiest months. 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. Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur itinerary? - California Forum Tranquil. Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! You can do a day trip to Big Sur or Monterey, but it takes at least 2 days to explore both Monterey and Big Sur properly. 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. This looks amazing. Hi, Im Jess. Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. General tips. Hi Linnea! They had the cutest beach cruisers with baskets and they also have electric bikes! You could spend 1-2 hours here and then continue on to Big Sur. The Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip 3 Day Itinerary The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. Monterey, Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea Bus Tour from San Francisco 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). 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. There isnt an entrance fee, but they do ask for a $2 donation. Big Sur road trip: 12 Epic Pacific Coast Highway stops to check out (2022)! I discuss Nepenthe below as a must-visit stop on your Big Sur itinerary! 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). 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. McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" Day 2. (10/13/18). 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. The parking near this bridge is somewhat limited. Continue driving south on Hwy 1 towards your next stop in this Big Sur itinerary: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which is not to be confused with Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts. Ten interesting facts we learned on OurEDventure:
3-day Big Sur itinerary. 2022 text, 2021 Big Sur Drinking Fountain Image and Ghiradelli Cannery Row Image, 2020 Carmel . I definitely recommend booking in advance. 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. From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. Theyve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas. It's $10.50 entrance per car to see the iconic views. We also really liked the friendly service and beautiful atrium. Hiking and tide pooling are great here. The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. Since youre on the coast, keep in mind that there may be a cold breeze, so youll want to dress in layers and have a light jacket like this one or that one. There are plenty of other beaches to hang around, so do your part and just stay where youre supposed to be. Yes, youll definitely need to add these 2 to your list and drive along the 101 highway. It is our home state, so hopefully we can do it soon." After that, we walked past an island with hundreds of birds on it, which was so cool! Now part of the Ventana Inn resort. Psst: When people say theyre hiking to McWay Falls, theyre really just casually strolling down a paved path. After Mcway Falls, we headed to Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park). Purple sand (yup!). (10/12/18), "Thank you Kelsey for your words of advise. Some staple orders for us here are the steak and shrimp scampi, gnocchi with two sauces, and the grilled salmon filet. Yes! 15 Dreamy Things To Do In Monterey and Carmel As A Couple After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. The Best Luxury Hotels in Big Sur - Culture Trip Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. These are the most common ways to take a Big Sur road trip: Start and finish in Carmel-by-the-Sea but only drive as far as McWay Falls (78 miles of driving) Start in Carmel-by-the-Sea and finish in Morro Bay (120 miles of driving) The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary for Carmel & Monterey - I Wander Carmel Valley is full of vineyards and wineries. You can easily park on the side of the road and forgo the paid parking, which is what most people do (Im not saying its a-okay just letting you know thats an option if the parking lot is full). Located about two hours south of San Francisco and about five hours north of Los Angeles, this rugged coastline is famous for many things. There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! I mean, its absolutely GORGEOUS. It was moved to get away from the military garrison. I absolutely fell in love. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Evening
It could be difficult to drive a large vehicle or RV through this area as it is one lane and very narrow. Go hiking, walking, bird watching (pelicans frequent the area), scuba diving (yes, really! 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. 8. Finding it can be a challenge in itself because the turn is not marked. A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. It is the foggiest park even when some of the other parks are clear, youll want to make sure to check the weather as you wont be able to see much with the fog. 8 Epic San Francisco Road Trips to Plan Right Now There is a small parking area located on the east side of the highway. National Register of Historic Places listings in Monterey County This Inn was so cute and the place we got icecream was in an old blue bus! Next up on the Big Sur Itinerary: Stopping at Big Sur River Inn for a much needed icecream break! Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. I got my ticket for the aquarium here. As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! 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. Which means youll ultimately need to climb back up! 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. Thank you for this helpful resource. The location of the Carmel Mission isn't the original spot. 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. Day 3: Carmel to Big Sur. This area is one of my favorites in CA. Tina Yen's travel guide for Big Sur with 47 favorite places to visit. You can always put your feet in if youd like! 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. Yes and No. Tina Yen. The official name of the Carmel Mission is Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo. 10 BIG Mistakes to Avoid Before Traveling to the Big Sur! There are so many places in this area to pick for dinner. I was in awe the entire time. Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. Harbor seals can dive 300 feet and stay underwater for up to 28 minutes! 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. 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary Cocktails with a view? Treebones Resort features seven ocean view tent campsites, along with 16 yurts with great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin! *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary For Families I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. Big Sur isnt too far from Monterey and you get all the nature with it. Hi Elena! Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. Day 1: Monterey. The 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur - California 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. Big Sur Itinerary Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. Big Sur is the farthest distance of the San Francisco day trips on our list (2.5 hours away from the city). 7 Best Stops on the San Francisco to Big Sur Road Trip - The World Was The fog is usually gone by early Fall, and you can even witness whales and butterflies this time of year (yes, really, if you know where to look!). And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. Top tip: pull off at a turnout from the bridges south end at sunset. In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . Any tips/suggestions appreciated. 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 always, all opinions expressed are our own. all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. Call ahead to ask about the exact time that the bagpipe player will be playing, as times change throughout the year. Alternatively, you can take a bus. The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. Dont miss it its even surrounded by giant redwoods! (7/19/18), "We were here in Spring of 2017 and, sadly, Big Sur was closed, but we still LOVED this area and can't wait to return one day. " They are a definite must on any Big Sur Itinerary.