Big sur is definitely on my bucket list of places to travel to. You could spend all day in this area headed from winery to winery. 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. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. (7/19/18), "This area has been on my must-see/do list for years. There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. Hi Christina! 2023 CalQIC Annual Conference - Monterey County There were various cheeses, crackers, fruit and little sandwiches. Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). 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 Monterey is definitely one of my favorite places in CA! When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. First things first, if youve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. If you have time for more hiking and want to explore more of the Big Sur area on foot, check out this link for ideas. Montereys Fishermans Wharf is an iconic stop for your Monterey itinerary. Homewood Suites by Hilton in San Jose Four Points by Sheraton Hotels in San Jose Aloft Hotels in San Jose InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in San Jose Extended Stay America Hotels in San Jose Residence Inns in San Jose Choice Hotels in San Jose Best Western Hotels in San Jose Motel 6 Hotels in San Jose Fairfield Inns in San Jose Four Points by Sheraton Hotels I repeat, the almond croissant is orgasmic. Traffic is really bad, please use public transport or other forms to reduce as much as possible. " Stay and Play in Monterey. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. Then walk through the main entrance, purchase a $2 map and head out on your hike. 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. Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. This is definitely a place I would like to spend more time at if I head back to this area. 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. Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" However, if you are here early, the pictures are still pretty amazing and youll miss the 9-10 AM traffic congestion so thats a win! 8. On the opposite side of the road, there is a dirt road known as Old Coast Road. 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! A girls gotta eat, am I right? Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. We loved visiting the Whalers Cabin in Whalers Cove and thought the scenery was the most spectacular around Bluefish Cove. Details. You can stop in Santa Cruz if youd like. If you can settle for not actually staying in Big Sur itself, consider heading up north to Carmel or Monterey for less-than-astronomical prices. There are warm fires all over the place and lights hanging in the trees. 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. 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) 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. I love Monterey! It needs our tourism more than ever, after suffering near economic catastrophe when. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. AirBnB: Due to the higher-than-normal cost of accommodation in Big Sur, you may want to check out AirBnB for a less expensive option, many even with those ocean views were all swooning over (without the super hefty price tag). 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. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. GROUP PEBBLE BEACH GOLF TRIP PROPOSAL - Epic Golf Travel The eatery has indoor and outdoor seating, but if you would like to sit on the beach and enjoy the waves while you eat, bring a blanket or some lawn chairs with you as you get beach access from the restaurant. Another awesome part of the Monterey Plaza Hotel is that you can rent bikes for free! Since you are now past the influx of traffic, you wont be in a rush to get into any of the popular sites. Explore my other California guides here! This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! 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 Afternoon 4. We're currently planning a full trip to the Carmel/ Monterey/ Big Sur area but was wondering if our itinerary is to full? (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. A trailhead can be found from Monterey State Beach and from there heading south, it will take you to Fishermans Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Book now from $9.99! Check the missions website for daily hours and admission prices. 4.. Can You Start from San Francisco to Big Sur on the Road Trip Itinerary? Another thing I loved about Carmel Beach was how dog friendly it was. Be sure to checkout some of my blog posts which include information about travel, fashion, lifestyle and photography. Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. They were so cute, I was squealing! Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. Patience is the only requirement, but binoculars are nice to have as well. . Start with the short film about Junipero Serra to learn about the history of this mission and also the start of all the California missions. Aubrie is a Utah based blogger/content creator. 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! Three days would be even better so you can really relax and take your time. Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. Pfeiffer beach is best known for its amazing rock structures, sunsets and sometimes there is even purple sand! They have ice cream, churros, and sundaes, which is the best option! Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! Named as one of the top 10 travel bloggers on Instagram by Kayak and short listed as the best travel influencer by FlightCentre. Yes! The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. I discuss Nepenthe below as a must-visit stop on your Big Sur itinerary! We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. Use caution while driving as the road is rather windy and narrow! We are visiting California from the UK in April, a rescheduled trip after we had to cancel in May 2020. Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. 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). Day One Three tips for the Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops. Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley. 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. The menus pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! Have you been? Fog usually disappears around 9 AM even though that sounds like a disappointing fact. There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). Channel Islands National Park What is there to see between Monterey and Big Sur? Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. You can definitely take away as needed to fit your travel style. Ive been to California several times but I still havent visited Big Sur or Monterey. Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . Glad to hear it! We so enjoyed our time on our Monterey and Big Sur road trip. 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. It was the prime location for marine life spotting! Dont go during the rain or after its just rained as the road is all dirt and can get quite muddy at times. Living in Utah, our family vacations were always to Southern California. 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. Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! 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. In this quaint town, you will find a gas station, a few small hotels, convenience stores, bathrooms, and restaurants. Again, theres a toilet here! 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! Hi.. we are driving in from Santa Barbara and wanted to plan a Big Sur , Monterey trip where should we stop first where would u stay if u want to see Carmel too? These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing. Hi Sydney! 6 days / 5 nights / 4 rounds. Monterey Itineraries | Things to Do in Monterey | Monterey County CVB My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! 2. Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail & State Beach, 7. 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 Squeezing all the hot spots into just three days might be a challenging task, but this perfect three-day itinerary will keep you on track. . 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 grounds are incredibly beautiful and this place is definitely worth a stop for the gorgeous grounds and architecture. It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. Begin your day with breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel by-the-Sea. Its important to note that many businesses have shorter opening hours during the off-peak season. California road trip: Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe - Tripadvisor We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. 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. If you are into golfing, the 17 mile drive also has the world famous Pebble Beach! Then head over to the American Tin Cannery Outlets and meet up with Big Sur Adventures for an e-bike tour of the coast. Yes, you can leave from San Francisco to head south down the Central Coast on Highway 101. So this tour fit the bill on all accounts! Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. Point Lobos has a long history, dating all the way back to the mid-1800s, and hosted many groups including the Ohlone Native Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spaniards. Free shipping for many products! We pulled into this area where you can park and then pay to take a shuttle to the beach. It has an awesome art community, and its one of the most beautiful places in Californiatry the 17-mile scenic drive! What Can I Do After My Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary? Here youll find multiple historic buildings including Californias First Theater, Colton Hall, the Stevenson House, and many more! Thanks for stopping by! Note that youll have to walk/hike about 100 steps or so to access the beach. Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! I would love to go there one day, Hi Jade! My favorite part about it, however, was that it was literally right over the ocean. 8. The Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! Its a cute town, and there is a long sandy beach. Besides Abalonettis another one of our favorite restaurants in this area is Phils Fish Market & Eatery. Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. Thank you for sharing! Theres a retro school bus selling ice cream right off the parking lot, which is perfect on a hot day. 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! (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. " It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. For a delicious Mediterranean style dinner, head over to Dametra Caf. Big Sur Road Trip: Best Stops on a Scenic California Coast Adventure! The entire road is comprised of redwood groves, babbling brooks, rolling hills, and lots of no trespassing signs. THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but its not! On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. Day 1. 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. We also really liked the friendly service and beautiful atrium. Cannery Row is near where we dropped off our bikes so we just walked right over! Swimming is not recommended at this beach because there are a lot of rock formations that could cause harm if a strong wave pulled a swimmer the wrong way (and there were a lot of waves crashing through the rock formations), but you could also stay near the sandy area and dip your feet in the Pacific Ocean. What a wonderful place you get to call home. The ultimate itinerary for a Big Sur road trip Then head to California Highway 1 to begin your Big Sur road trip! The Perfect Weekend in Carmel, CA - Miss Molly Mac Dont miss it its even surrounded by giant redwoods! Limekiln State Park may be juuust what youre looking for. 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. The 45 minute drive can last all day as you delight in the views (and the cuisine!) At the time of posting this article, the section of Hwy 1 south of McWay Falls was still closed due to mudslides from 2017. I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays) daily at the Pacific Grove shops. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! 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. Thankfully theres hot chocolate, tea, and/or coffee waiting for you. I had seen pictures of Mcway Falls for many years and had always dreamed of seeing them with my own eyes. This image is from Big Sur, a California State Park . Be sure to check the website as tours are not offered every day. When is the Best Time to Visit Monterey and Big Sur? Visiting between the months of November to March? 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! Famous for fairytale-like cottages and shops, great art, dining, charming B&B and boutique hotels, and of course the beautiful and exclusive pebble beach golf course. Morning An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. Carmel Valley is full of vineyards and wineries. Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. However, you can also stop at a local restaurant for lunch too! Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego Carmel-by-the-Sea. Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. The Bixby Bridge looked amazing. Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. Not many out-of-towners know this, but. Just note that the Monterey-Salinas Transit Lines stop running during . Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. 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. Where we stayed: And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. 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! 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. Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. at stops along the way. Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. The town is truly tiny at only one square mile, but it is absolutely packed with amazing things. 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. As part of a longer visit we hoped to drive up to Cambria from Anaheim on 21 April, stay overnight then. I am a huge fan of aquariums! After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. Hi Faith! Big Sur Road Trip - Includes ALL the Best Viewpoints! This sample itinerary aims to show how you can cover the two towns of Monterey or Carmel in as little as 2 days. These 10 Hidden Gems Are California's Best-kept Secrets Theres no real starting point. The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old! There is a lot to discover and experience on this route, with breathtaking coastal views, lovely beach towns, and . One of our favorite spots here is the Pepper Palace where we buy dry rubs and sauces to make our legendary wings. Constructed in 1931, and standing over 250 feet high, many people consider this bridge to be the gateway to Big Sur. . I recommend anywhere from 1-3 days in Big Sur, kinda depending if you wanna go on a few hikes or just see the typical tourist Big Sur road trip stops. 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! 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. There are cute dogs all over the place! For the photographers heart, the iconic Keyhole Arch makes for a stunning sunset spot in Central California during the golden hour! You managed to pack in so many must-see sights and unique experiences, all while keeping a great balance of relaxation and adventure. Answer 11 of 32: Hi all! The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! Thank you for this helpful resource. I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. It is the perfect place to fill up on gas and get any last minute snacks. Big Sur isnt too far from Monterey and you get all the nature with it. Here, youll find tips to help plan the perfect road trip for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. The ambience at this place was amazing. Sea otters help kelp forests flourish by keeping the sea urchin population in check. The United States flag was first raised in Monterey in 1846 claiming California for the United States. Where does the Big Sur drive start? The banana bread is great too, but now that weve had the almond croissant, I dont think well ever be getting anything else. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And yes, we always have a great time in Monterey! Alternatively, you can take a bus. Central Coast Region | @KnowLabs | Flipboard This is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Monterey . . If you have never seen redwood trees another great stop is Pfieffer Big Sur state Park , mentioned by the previous poster. One of our first stops was atLovers Point Beach. 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. Purple sand (yup!). 2. The Whisky Club in Monterey hosts trivia on the first and third Thursday each . Definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list. There are definitely so many good spots for pictures that you cant get enough of! Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . If youre from outta town, and by that not within driving distance, youll need to get yourself to SFO (San Francisco) first. Hi Jolayne! Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! 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! It is highly recommended that a car or truck with high clearance would be better to drive through it. Courtesy of La Playa Carmel / Expedia. Perfect ending to your Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway day trip! Afternoon The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. Big Sur Coast is known for its rocky beaches, spectacular sunsets, and sheer natural beauty. Monterey, Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea Bus Tour from San Francisco Nightly bagpipe performances have taken place every day since 1987 at Spanish Bay in Carmel. Day Two Evening Pin it for later or share it! 6. Its so nice to just be surrounded by nature and kinda forget about the rest of the world for a little while!