Dont go during the rain or after its just rained as the road is all dirt and can get quite muddy at times. You wont miss it, promise, as its just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! I really enjoyed Spanish Bay Beach, Fanshell Beach overlook, Cypress Point Lookout and the Lone Cypress. Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience. Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. Hi Sydney! Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur In a nutshell, this drive is all about the jaw-dropping scenery of the Pacific Coast. Not to be missed, youll need to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. 3 hours 20 minutes (150 miles) Difficulty level: Easy Can you swim in Big Sur? Big Sur guide. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. Cannery Row is filled with boutiques, restaurants and waterfront hotels. The airport is small and easy to navigate. Be aware that the trail is sometimes blocked off due to erosion, and you may not be able to get that picture perfect view. A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. You are able to do wine tastings inside or if you dont drink, there is also a full service restaurant 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! Ive been to California several times but I still havent visited Big Sur or Monterey. Bixby Bridge was one of my favorite stops on my Big Sur Itinerary! 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. 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. 1. We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! 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. Hungry? I love how comprehensive this is Monterery and Big Sur look like such BEAUTIFUL places ! It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! The region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. Evening 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. This place is absolutely perfect for lunch! Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. Morning Youll get a really nice view of the beach. Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning Have you seen the photos?! If youre from outta town, and by that not within driving distance, youll need to get yourself to SFO (San Francisco) first. 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 Post Ranch Inn is a Big Sur icon; the 100-acre property first opened in 1992, and in the years since, has cemented its spot as one of the top luxury hotels in . (7/19/18), "as a resident of the Monterey Peninsula we do love our tourists, however, I'd like to remind those who visit - there are those that work and live in the area, and to please be courteous of our existence. About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. Visiting between the months of November to March? Look out for them clustered in trees in the early morning, and flying around during the day. Why is Big Sur famous? It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. Note that youll have to walk/hike about 100 steps or so to access the beach. Carmel is a small, beautiful, and charming seaside town tucked between Big Sur and Monterey on the central coast of California. Today, he has a wholesale warehouse where he provides his delicious fresh-baked pastries to hotels and restaurants around the area. Since the road to Big Sur is finally open again (after months of closure due to horrific mudslides), nows the time to visit! The museum exhibits have a few rooms depicting life during the mission days. Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! 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. Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but its not! Pacific Grove is a small area right on the edge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary about a 10-minute drive from Fishermans Wharf. And its large enough to split, for sure. There were various cheeses, crackers, fruit and little sandwiches. That just means you'll have to go back! There is a $10 honor system daily charge, so bring some cash. 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. Time needed: 1 to 2 days. After we walked back from the aquarium to the hotel, we decided it would be fun to ride bikes over to Fishermans Wharf! Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? Cannery Row also has some cute candy shops, arcades and even an indoor mini golf arena! 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. Evening Living in Utah, our family vacations were always to Southern California. Again, theres a toilet here! When is the Best Time to Visit Monterey and Big Sur? Thanks for sharing your journey with us! ), all while taking in the magnificent views! 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 Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! I mean, its absolutely GORGEOUS. Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley. Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. Begin your day with a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Caf Lumiere in Monterey. You betcha your night will be an unforgettable escape. You will arrive at Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California. If you're going to drive all of the Big Sur coastline in a day, coming from the Bay Area, you'll want to be prepared for at least 5 hours of driving each way, a total of 10 hours on the road. 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. This was a great place to end the day in Carmel. We also really liked the friendly service and beautiful atrium. Hiking and tide pooling are great here. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur. We so enjoyed our time on our Monterey and Big Sur road trip. The rest of the year is considered cool temperature, but Monterey does boast of 300 days of sunshine. So if youre visiting the area (or live in the city and dont have access to a car), a car rental will be a necessity! There is a lot to discover and experience on this route, with breathtaking coastal views, lovely beach towns, and . Highway 1 is a one lane highway that winds along the coast. Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. This waterfall cascades over the cliff and falls about 80 feet into the sandy cove below. Here youll find multiple historic buildings including Californias First Theater, Colton Hall, the Stevenson House, and many more! Tranquil. 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. Yes, its that impressive. 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. Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. Courtesy of La Playa Carmel / Expedia. This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. End of Big Sur Itinerary Turnaround: On your way back, you can choose to pull off and snap a few pictures of the beautiful ocean down below. We would like to thank Big Sur Adventures for providing discounted tickets for us to experience their e-bike tour. Carmel is a must for any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! The airport is small and easy to navigate. You can definitely take away as needed to fit your travel style. 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. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. You could drive the famous 17-mile Pebble Beach drive en route. 1. But if you are still hungry, I recommend picking which place had your favorite sample and eating there! Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. The drive was nice and pretty straight forward and just took a little over an hour and a half. I can now say that I absolutely loved that area and will definitely be coming back! Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. 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. You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! There were also lots of lawn games. Carmel Valley is full of vineyards and wineries. The road is not paved. You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life. Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! Then the trail led down to this amazing white sandy beach with no one else around. 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 The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. Check the missions website for daily hours and admission prices. Yes, you can leave from San Francisco to head south down the Central Coast on Highway 101. These are the items on our list that we are possibly looking to hit: Highway 1 Mcway Falls Bixby. We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). Click here to skip back to the top. 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! The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old! It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. There isnt an entrance fee, but they do ask for a $2 donation. The beach there was beautiful with views of the cliffs next to the ocean. The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). Its such a pretty area! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular favorite as well! Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! Whether you are looking for a shopping trip, family getaway or romantic getaway we have just the travel itinerary for you! Big Sur Itinerary Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. I really thought this was a great aquarium and I loved seeing all of the conservation efforts they had put into place. Day 2. Afternoon Specializing in travel, lifestyle and fashion. 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. Hi Shafinah! 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. Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. Book lover? 2. Go hiking, walking, bird watching (pelicans frequent the area), scuba diving (yes, really! This whole road trip looks so picturesque! I was really excited to go here because I hadnt seen redwood trees since I was a little kid. Makes me miss San Francisco! 4 Golfers. 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. On one side, youll see the quaint houses up close and on the other side, youll have a clear view of the iconic Carmel beach down below. Any tips/suggestions appreciated. If you do not have a high-clearance vehicle, you can still cross the street and take pictures from the other side of Bixby Bridge. We enjoyed a little downtime at our hotel. However, you can also stop at a local restaurant for lunch too! Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. 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). This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. 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. Patience is the only requirement, but binoculars are nice to have as well. This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. 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. The ocean is a short walk away. On arrival, our room wasnt quite ready so we had lunch at the hotels restaurant and I got clam chowder in a bread bowl! Day Three: Monterey Morning Monterey is just a 10 minute drive from Carmel and a great area to explore for the day! Quiet. A girls gotta eat, am I right? Glad to hear it! This will probably whet your appetite for more, so dont miss the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium as well. Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. 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 definitely need to add that this is one of the most dog friendly places I have ever been. Stay and Play in Monterey. The actual name of the mission is Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo. Theyve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if youre still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. 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! After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. On the opposite side of the road, there is a dirt road known as Old Coast Road. 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. As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts. 17 Mile Drive is said to be one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. 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. The 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. In Old Downtown Monterey, youll find over 400 shops and restaurants lining the main streets as well. Psst: When people say theyre hiking to McWay Falls, theyre really just casually strolling down a paved path. 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. Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! Saving this guide for later! You can drive all of these Big Sur road trip stops from either north to south (starting in Carmel) or south to north (starting in San Simeon) of course, but I prefer driving from NORTH to SOUTH. Then head over to the American Tin Cannery Outlets and meet up with Big Sur Adventures for an e-bike tour of the coast. I totally agree, one of my favorite places to visit! Pin it for later or share it! 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. This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Arrive as early as possible on your first day so that you can maximize your time. Yes, its a gorgeous area! On your first morning, wake up early and by 8 AM start your Big Sur itinerary by heading south on Highway 1. The Perfect Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary, Wizarding World of Harry Potter | Perfect Itinerary, Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party | Top 10, Utah in the Winter | 11 Magical Things to Do, Best Things to do in Jacksonville Florida, 20 Top Things to do in Iceland- The Ultimate Bucket List, Things to do in Kauai | Perfect Itinerary, Things to do in Seoul, South Korea | Top 20, Baja Cantina & Grill- quirky inside and outside, Mission Ranch Restaurant- popular spot for Brunch. Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. Total Distance: 217 miles ; One-Way Driving Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes ; Route: San Francisco Half Moon Bay Santa Cruz Monterey Carmel-by-the-Sea Big Sur San Simeon ; The drive between San Francisco and San Simeon is more appealing than one might imagine. 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. There is plenty to see and do in Monterey County outside of meeting room walls. READ NEXT: 25+ Best Road Trips from San Francisco. And theres a reason for it the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. Its about an hour north of Monterey, and its a great place to get lunch or do some shopping. 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) 4. I havent been to Malibu yet, but if they look the same then Im down to see more gorgeous views! 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! Manage Settings Most people start this iconic road trip in L . Weekend Big Sur itinerary. When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! and not many tourists know about it just yet! There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! I would love to go there one day, Hi Jade! We ended up booking the Hideaway an adorable boutique hotel. When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. 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. There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! Bedroom3; Baths2; Property typePrivate Vacation Home; Max Sleeps6; Love golf Pebble Beach golf courses are among some of the best in the world; Carmel-by-the-Sea renowned for its art galleries, many restaurants & sandy white beaches; Big Sur has campsites, high-cliff beaches, superb hiking trails & world-class views on the Pacific Ocean, and Monterey is known for the famous . Alternatively, you can take a bus. I would love to go back! Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago . Cozy. 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! 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! Monterey, which is further north of Big Sur, is located no more than 1-1.5 hours away from most of the attractions that we recommend seeing on a Big Sur itinerary. There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! McWay Falls McWay Falls is likely the most iconic and most-photographed spot in Big Sur. No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. 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. 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!
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