Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. So this tour fit the bill on all accounts! 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. Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! Free shipping for many products! Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary: Plan the Perfect - Her Wanderful World You will arrive at Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California. Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. The parking near this bridge is somewhat limited. If the weathers lousy (as in thick fog drastically impeding the views), I honestly wouldnt bother with Nepenthe. (7/15/18), "It's such a kid-friendly area, and I just heard that the entire Hwy 1 is now opened." Bixby Bridge is the epitome of Big Sur and its everything youd expect and more (but really, its the surrounding scenery that really steals the show). 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. Pfeiffer Beach will be the second turnout, There are many more options for Monterey ranging from the, If youd like to stay in Big Sur, there is the, Blanket or lawn chairs for hanging out at the beach, Bike if youd like to explore Monterey by bike. 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. We also really liked the friendly service and beautiful atrium. Youll have an amazing time when you visit! The grounds are incredibly beautiful and this place is definitely worth a stop for the gorgeous grounds and architecture. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. 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) Just letting you know so there are no surprises! Once here, you can hike down to this spectacular crescent-shaped beach and relax. Reading and seeing these photos makes me miss it a whole lot. There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! Big Sur isnt too far from Monterey and you get all the nature with it. Your email address will not be published. Makes me miss San Francisco! Day Three Looking for more California content? 5. 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. Thanks for all the recommendations. The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! I saw sea otters, seals and dolphins! If we get there earlier, we get saltwater taffy and enjoy them on our hikes/beach time. Did you know? 4. Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. Big Sur Itinerary - Day 2: 1. 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! I would love to go back! We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. Make sure to bring a light jacket since it gets a little bit chillier at night. Pacific Grove is a small area right on the edge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary about a 10-minute drive from Fishermans Wharf. Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. There is so much to see, this is only the tip of it! This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing. Its known for its pristine scenery, full of turquoise water, beautifully-designed bridges, rustic hiking trails, and more. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for California CA Big Sur Carmel Monterey Coastline Postcard Old Vintage Card View at the best online prices at eBay! While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! La Playa Carmel. Make sure to have these essentials on your list: The best time to visit Monterey and Big Sur is in the fall during the months of September to November or in the spring during the months of April to May. You managed to pack in so many must-see sights and unique experiences, all while keeping a great balance of relaxation and adventure. 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. There is a small parking lot off the north end of Bixby Bridge where you can step out and take some iconic photos of it. I recommend booking your whale-watching tickets in advance. Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! 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. I ordered the Dungeness crab and N got fish and chipsalways so good. It took my breath away. California road trip: Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe - Tripadvisor Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. It ends near San Simeon. Unfortunately, we had just missed the last shuttle and the next one wasnt leaving for quite awhile. You can read all about how this area came to be here. I was really excited to go here because I hadnt seen redwood trees since I was a little kid. When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. Yes, definitely! The location was great and we were able to walk all over town. Weve always been planning to do a road trip in this part of California, so will be bookmarking this. Distance: Approximately 430 miles. We are surrounded by forest. 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. Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary For Families If seeing a whale is on your bucket list, Fishermans Wharf is where you need to be. Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. Theres no real starting point. If youve been thinking about a weekend get-a-way to one of California's best destinations, then look no further than this 3-day itinerary celebrating the best that Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur have to offer. The menus pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. 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 I like to searchvia this sitein order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. 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). Oh, and the bakery has public restrooms available, which is always good to know on a road trip without much service! Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. While the food and drinks are good, youre paying for the view. I was there for a penguin feeding and that was really fun! Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. 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. From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. When driving from Monterey to Big Sur, youll pass the small seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! for current highway conditions before your drive. 8. 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! The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. 2. The Andrew Molera State Park is located in Big Sur and is a relatively undeveloped park in the area. On the opposite side of the road, there is a dirt road known as Old Coast Road. The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. Why is Big Sur famous? They are even bigger than you can imagine! This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! After a full morning of activity and then a satisfying afternoon meal, we were ready for a restful and low-key afternoon. The ocean is a short walk away. There is a small parking area located on the east side of the highway. Big Sur Road Trip - Includes ALL the Best Viewpoints! Thank you! California's Springtime Road Trip: Exploring 10 Of The State's Best Although I can definitely see why its just as beautiful and even the same style! Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. Cozy. We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). A Carmel to Big Sur road trip can take anywhere from one hour to five, depending on how many stops . 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! I definitely recommend booking in advance. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! Phone: (831) 515-6403. Begin your day with a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Caf Lumiere in Monterey. But if you are still hungry, I recommend picking which place had your favorite sample and eating there! It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. We will be coming here mid-May and will definitely use your advice. 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. It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. Next up on this Big Sur road trip itinerary the Point Sur Lighthouse! 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. All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! Its a cute town, and there is a long sandy beach. 4.. Can You Start from San Francisco to Big Sur on the Road Trip Itinerary? This looks amazing. . Best Things to do in Big Sur Day Trip | Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This road trip takes just over 3 hours and is a must-do for a glimpse of California's coastal beauty. Ive already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. Will need to make a trip out to Big Sur . Inside you'll nd: Flexible, strategic itineraries including long weekends in Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz, and a three-day road trip from Big Sur to With an early head start to your day, you will have plenty of parking spaces to choose from if you stop for lunch here. If this is your first time to the area dont rush it! 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. It is definitely in a really romantic setting. Stay for sunset as the rock formations on the beach make for some epic scenery! If you want a taste of France in sweet Monterey, Paris Bakery is your go-to spot! 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. Oh la la, Crepes! Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. The colors over the water were absolutely spectacular! This is definitely a place I would like to spend more time at if I head back to this area. 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. . Montereys Fishermans Wharf is an iconic stop for your Monterey itinerary. 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. I am a huge fan of aquariums! 9. Keep that in mind when you head out on your road trip. 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. Alternately, it's possible to just take Highway 1 all the way, though this takes a long time, about a 4 hours and 30 minutes drive to Cambria. 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 5 days in Carmel, Big Sur & Monterey Itinerary in March 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). You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life. There is so much you can do and see while you are in Carmel. April trip - itinerary change? - Big Sur Message Board - Tripadvisor Big Sur/Monterey Itinerary for July 4 - Big Sur Forum - Tripadvisor My photographer heart would absolutely some of those vistas. There is memorabilia from the movies all over! Its important to note that many businesses have shorter opening hours during the off-peak season. From San Francisco: The Best Road Trip to Monterey, Carmel, & Big Sur Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. Pick up snacks beforehand to have in the car during the drive so you dont need to shell out an astronomical amount of cash at the Big Sur convenience stores every time you feel like noshing. Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! 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. When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. I totally agree, one of my favorite places to visit! Most people are surprised at how little civilization is around here no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. A girls gotta eat, am I right? Girls Trip: Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur 3 Day Itinerary Carmel Itineraries Monterey Peninsula Carmel Chamber of Commerce It was going on right when we arrived at the hotel. 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. Your Weekend in Big Sur Itinerary: How to Nail a Big Sur Road Trip Okay, so we just discovered this spot off the side of the highway on our last visit to Big Sur, and I cannot believe I never noticed it before! Which means youll ultimately need to climb back up! McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. 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. This waterfall cascades over the cliff and falls about 80 feet into the sandy cove below. The road is not paved. I would love to visit all of the beautiful beaches, go on those hikes and eat the saltwater taffy and ice cream! A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. Tina Yen's travel guide for Big Sur with 47 favorite places to visit. In the Big Sur region, hop on the Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH; part of California State Route 1), one of the state's most scenic routes, and take your pick of any of the stunning coastal towns. Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. Cruises currently run for 4 hours at 10 AM or 3 hours at 2:30 PM (morning tours are recommended) so youll need to plan your time wisely if you are wanting to include this activity in your itinerary. Hi Christina! 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. 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. 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. 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. They have a nice cafeteria there for lunch. Alternatively, you can take a bus. I wanna go for sunset next time! Dont go during the rain or after its just rained as the road is all dirt and can get quite muddy at times. Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year's Race for Open Space has something for you. These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. Youll find plenty of sunny days over here! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular favorite as well! PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials. For more information, check out my travel resources page. I had never seen succulents that big before! BIG SUR ADVENTURES. 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. $8,790.00 USD per person. Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur - California The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. Check the website for openings and reservations. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! Thanks for stopping by! Yes! It is highly recommended that a car or truck with high clearance would be better to drive through it. They are a definite must on any Big Sur Itinerary. Bubba Gumps specializes in seafood- specifically shrimp and if you have ever seen Forest Gump- this place will be really fun for you! There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! What a wonderful place you get to call home. Tours cost $15 per person. We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. BIG SUR ROAD TRIP ITINERARY: The Ultimate Guide to Beautiful Big Sur If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical Pfeiffer beach is best known for its amazing rock structures, sunsets and sometimes there is even purple sand! While youre planning your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary, check out these useful road trip gifts to have the best experience on the road! Central Coast Region | @KnowLabs | Flipboard Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. I guess we'll have to plan another trip." 3 hours 20 minutes (150 miles) Difficulty level: Easy This Inn was so cute and the place we got icecream was in an old blue bus! Do note there is no beach or ocean access, and its actually forbidden to go down there. They have ice cream, churros, and sundaes, which is the best option! This whole road trip looks so picturesque! Next up on your Monterey itinerary is Cannery Row, a waterfront area with old buildings filled with shopping, restaurants, and fun activities such as escape rooms, arcades, and the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! Another thing I loved about Carmel Beach was how dog friendly it was. Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Nov 2021 and Nov 2020. The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. About this rental. National Register of Historic Places listings in Monterey County Limekiln State Park may be juuust what youre looking for. 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. We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! I too hope that tourists can make the kind of choices that will benefit everyone." Yes, youll definitely need to add these 2 to your list and drive along the 101 highway. (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" Things to Do in Big Sur | Big Sur, CA Itinerary - Visit Monterey DEETJENS BIG SUR INN - 261 Photos & 199 Reviews - Yelp 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. We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. You can easily follow along the road trip stops, doing every single one (my recommendation) or picking and choosing a few if you only have part of a day.