Do note there is no beach or ocean access, and its actually forbidden to go down there. 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. Bixby Bridge was one of my favorite stops on my Big Sur Itinerary! 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. In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . I think we tried 7 different kinds of Clam Chowder and they literally all taste different because they have their own recipes and specialties. This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. Walking on the wharf doesnt take any more than 30 minutes if you just want to do a walk-through, but youd be missing out! Once you get to Pacific Grove, everything is accessible by foot or bike. (7/19/18), "This area has been on my must-see/do list for years. Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. Afternoon You can definitely take away as needed to fit your travel style. And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so theres no risk of getting lost. The United States flag was first raised in Monterey in 1846 claiming California for the United States. Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. Let me know how your travels go! all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. 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). 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. 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! We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. And plus, the water is chilly over here! That waterfall on Julia Pfeiffer Burns is incredible!!! Thats so cool youre a teacher! Be sure to checkout some of my blog posts which include information about travel, fashion, lifestyle and photography. Specializing in travel, lifestyle and fashion. 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. Treebones Resort: Looking for something a bit different? That just means you'll have to go back! You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. 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! I had seen pictures of Mcway Falls for many years and had always dreamed of seeing them with my own eyes. 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! Any tips/suggestions appreciated. Here, youll find tips to help plan the perfect road trip for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. The airport is small and easy to navigate. These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. And Im jealous of you already. There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! 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. After that, we walked past an island with hundreds of birds on it, which was so cool! Most the attractions mentioned in this article are closed due to covid19. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Three types of whales frequent the Big Sur coastline: If youre visiting Big Sur in the winter months between October and December, youre in for a real treat tons of monarch butterflies! Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago . Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! There were all sorts of cute alleys you could go down to find more hidden gems. Grab Life by the Moments Itineraries Highlights Itinerary Outdoors Itinerary Family Itinerary Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary Golf Itinerary Oh la la, Crepes! Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. We enjoyed a little downtime at our hotel. What Can I Do After My Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary? This romantic drive is one of the best cross country road trip routes that couples must take together! The people that worked there were friendly and gave us a map of the nearby trail and tips on places they recommended seeing. 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. Day Three: Monterey Morning Monterey is just a 10 minute drive from Carmel and a great area to explore for the day! Thx!! Patience is the only requirement, but binoculars are nice to have as well. I discuss Nepenthe below as a must-visit stop on your Big Sur itinerary! It was a quick ride to Fishermans Wharf and we set up our bikes with a lock on a bike rack. Visitors pressed for time often make the drive from. Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. Hi Desiree! You can read all about how this area came to be here. Dont miss it its even surrounded by giant redwoods! The official name of the Carmel Mission is Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo. (10/13/18). Beautiful, post-card like views. 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. 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. You can stop in Santa Cruz if youd like. 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. Youll have an amazing time when you visit! Continue with Recommended Cookies. Aww, thank you so much! It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. One weekend is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur along Highway 1. 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 a lot of incredible eateries in Carmel. ), all while taking in the magnificent views! Bixby Bridge was built in 1932 and is one of the highest suspending bridges sitting at 260 feet above the bottom of the canyon below. I always love getting cheese plates! Of courseeee this is when its most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. You wont miss it, promise, as its just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The picturesque stretch hugs the Monterey Peninsula, threading through the historic Monterey and the fairytale town of Carmel-by-the-Sea before connecting with the jaw-dropping Big Sur. Happy planning! We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe. Constructed in 1931, and standing over 250 feet high, many people consider this bridge to be the gateway to Big Sur. 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 . They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. 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. 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. Hi MacKenzie! Distance: Approximately 430 miles. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! Since the road to Big Sur is finally open again (after months of closure due to horrific mudslides), nows the time to visit! Carmel-by-the-Sea is probably one of the quaintest seaside towns in the world, which makes it a good starting point for your Big Sur road trip. It ends near San Simeon. There are even more trails to explore such as the South Shore Trail, Cypress Grove Loop Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, and Lace Lichen Trail. Named as one of the top 10 travel bloggers on Instagram by Kayak and short listed as the best travel influencer by FlightCentre. Comment below. Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Nov 2021 and Nov 2020. Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! Heres more California-related content I think youll love: Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! If you are driving up from the south, everything will just be in reverse order. And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. The road is narrow, so be extra careful when pulling over for the views (my advice only pull off in designated spots, theres plenty of them). The actual name of the mission is Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo. I would love to go back! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 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. Be sure and check out the view from both sides of the street, but be careful when crossing. 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. In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! Limekiln State Park may be juuust what youre looking for. Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. Monterey is definitely one of my favorite places in CA! All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! Youll get a really nice view of the beach. Another awesome part of the Monterey Plaza Hotel is that you can rent bikes for free! As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! 6. . 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. Head back north and drive into the quaint little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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). There are BARRELS of salt water taffy with flavors ranging from caramel apple to blueberry cheesecake its incredible! Have so much fun when you visit! FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. Another thing I loved about Carmel Beach was how dog friendly it was. , Point Lobos looks absolutely stunning! 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary. Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! I havent been to Malibu yet, but if they look the same then Im down to see more gorgeous views! This area is one of my favorites in CA. It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. 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! Treebones Resort features seven ocean view tent campsites, along with 16 yurts with great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin! I heard a few state parks in Big Sur are open now! The inside had the most beautiful design and the outside was just as lovely with tables and benches everywhere and live music playing. Note that parking costs $10 to enter the park, but you can easily park on the side of the road (if you dont mind walking a far distance to get in). Thank you for this helpful resource. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Big Sur is the 90 mile stretch of California coast, nestled between Monterey and San Luis Obispo that is as breathtakingly beautiful and unreal as a dream, with the waves of the Pacific ocean crashing along its rugged shores, simply begging for a visit. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. We also think the service is really good, so you cant go wrong with this restaurant! If youre not in a rush on your Big Sur road trip, why not make the extra stop? Carmel is a must for any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! This is definitely a place I would like to spend more time at if I head back to this area. I too hope that tourists can make the kind of choices that will benefit everyone." Thank you! The entire area is pricey, so expect to pay big city prices (~$15ish for a cocktail, ~$20-30ish for an entree). The menus pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! I can now say that I absolutely loved that area and will definitely be coming back! When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! Stay for sunset as the rock formations on the beach make for some epic scenery! Youll drive into places like San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, Pismo, and more! The location of the Carmel Mission isn't the original spot. Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. 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. Sure, its the most expensive pastry Ive ever bought (at a whopping $8.50), but my husband and I both felt it was worth the hefty price tag. $8,790.00 USD per person. Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. 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. They start getting crowded around 9 am, so plan to arrive before then. Seeing these trees was such a surreal experience! 9. 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. Book now from $9.99! Make sure to bring a light jacket since it gets a little bit chillier at night. If you have a map, you can plan out some of the places you want to stop before you head out! La Playa Carmel. We ended up booking the Hideaway an adorable boutique hotel. The location was great and we were able to walk all over town. The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old! There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. At an early hour, you might be too early for Nepenthe the restaurant upstairs, but Cafe Kevah down below has a delicious selection for brunch. McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? It was located in a building that looked like a castle. Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. 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! Our guide Johnathon was knowledgeable about the area telling us interesting facts along the route. En route, you'll pitstop on the Monterey Peninsula before snaking along through the wilderness of Big Sur. A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . You will arrive at Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California. Some places I recommend going to in Carmel: Point Lobos was also definitely another highlight of this trip and should definitely be on your Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary. 1. You could drive the famous 17-mile Pebble Beach drive en route. It is definitely in a really romantic setting. Thank you! We will be coming here mid-May and will definitely use your advice. You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life. Im going next year to visit a friend and we plan on road tripping so Im hoping Ill finally get to go! Youll be hungry after your ride, so head over to Hulas for a late lunch. Look out for them clustered in trees in the early morning, and flying around during the day. I only have three more posts to go after this one. I totally agree, one of my favorite places to visit! Evening 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! It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! The 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. There are souvenir shops, where I bought a super cute Monterey boat picture frame, theres a clam chowder stand, a cafe spot that I love and forget its name, and my favorite the Monterey Bay Creamery where theres a huge cow statue selling ice cream. 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! Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. 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. I heard from a local that even though Carmel is small, there is always something new to discover and I can definitely believe it. Then head over to the American Tin Cannery Outlets and meet up with Big Sur Adventures for an e-bike tour of the coast. Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. Unfortunately, when I was there, you could only go on part of the trail and since it is only a small pathway where you can see the falls, it was pretty crowded. The perfect amount of time to see Monterey and Big Sur is 2-3 days. Check out Lovers Point Beach where you can do all the water activities like surfing and kayaking. Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! 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. We would like to thank Big Sur Adventures for providing discounted tickets for us to experience their e-bike tour. Even more than that, Point Lobos doesnt classify itself as a state park, but rather as a natural reserve with the highest protection for nature and wildlife found here. Dont fret if you dont drink, they have tons of snacks you can eat as well! Another favorite thing we like to do here is to stop at the first shop on the right (also didnt pay attention to its name), grab a little red basket, and have a go at the saltwater taffy. Besides Abalonettis another one of our favorite restaurants in this area is Phils Fish Market & Eatery. Begin your day with a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Caf Lumiere in Monterey. You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast! I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. Then continue heading south along Hwy 1 to take in some of the famous sites. Highway 1 is a one lane highway that winds along the coast. The colors over the water were absolutely spectacular! And I do love my crab from Phils! 8. Now part of the Ventana Inn resort. Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley. Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. As part of a longer visit we hoped to drive up to Cambria from Anaheim on 21 April, stay overnight then. Details. Sure, the food is on the pricey side (like the rest of Big Sur), but its such a great place to stop and relax for a bit. Now you can sit and relax in the car a bit as you head south to Big Sur. The marketplace is a certified farmers market so youll find local bakeries, craft vendors, and organic produce. Makes me miss San Francisco! While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! Just letting you know so there are no surprises! Sea otters help kelp forests flourish by keeping the sea urchin population in check. Absolute paradise, albeit rather crowded at times. The Lone Cypress on the 17-mile drive is one of the most photographed trees in the world. I would love to go there one day, Hi Jade! BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA: LOGISTICS. 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. The only downside to visiting in the summertime is that July and August are the foggiest months. I am a huge fan of aquariums! I ordered the Dungeness crab and N got fish and chipsalways so good. Hi Christina! We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! Even if you decide to end here and make this a San Francisco to Monterey drive, you won't be missing out. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld. Hi Linnea! Although I can definitely see why its just as beautiful and even the same style! Thanks for stopping by! Hi Sydney! Thankfully theres hot chocolate, tea, and/or coffee waiting for you. Click here to skip back to the top. If you squint really hard, youll see the falls between the rocks going directly into the ocean in the photo below. South Iceland - 7 Places Your Family Will Love! Day 1 of Big Sur Itinerary: Carmel to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Driving distance and time: 33.9 miles, about 1 hour and 5 minutes Start your day early with coffee and a pastry at Carmel Bakery.