I had seen pictures of Mcway Falls for many years and had always dreamed of seeing them with my own eyes. Carmel is one of the most charming and quintessential towns I have ever been to. 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. 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). Big sur is definitely on my bucket list of places to travel to. Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. 1. This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! Day 1: Monterey. If youve had enough of driving on your road trip, you can park near Carmel beach and walk the scenic path. 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). After leaving the park, there was quite a bit of traffic to get back to Carmel. 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. There are warm fires all over the place and lights hanging in the trees. This whole road trip looks so picturesque! There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! The location was great and we were able to walk all over town. Carmel-by-the-Sea. Just note that the Monterey-Salinas Transit Lines stop running during . The Andrew Molera State Park is located in Big Sur and is a relatively undeveloped park in the area. Cozy. 8 Best California Road Trips | Big Sur to Sierras - Leisure I absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. The region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Thank you for sharing! Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! : Sand dollar beach does indeed have sand dollars! Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur itinerary? - California Forum This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. (See that next!). It was moved to get away from the military garrison. I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. April trip - itinerary change? - Big Sur Message Board - Tripadvisor 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! As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts. A girls gotta eat, am I right? 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. 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. 4 Golfers. Did you know? Big Sur is one of my favorite places IN THE WORLD (hands down) and one of my favorite road trips from San Francisco. These 10 Hidden Gems Are California's Best-kept Secrets 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. This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. Why is Big Sur famous? *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). 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. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. 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. 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 saw many of them while riding my bike on the Pacific Coastal Trail and just rode down a particular street if I saw any that looked really interesting! McWay Falls That waterfall on Julia Pfeiffer Burns is incredible!!! PDF Monterey Bay The Ultimate Guide From Santa Cruz To Pdf Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. Ive been to California several times but I still havent visited Big Sur or Monterey. Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria. Pin it for later or share it! Hiking and tide pooling are great here. 3. Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur In a nutshell, this drive is all about the jaw-dropping scenery of the Pacific Coast. Can You Stop by Santa Cruz on the Way to Monterey? They had the cutest beach cruisers with baskets and they also have electric bikes! Dont go during the rain or after its just rained as the road is all dirt and can get quite muddy at times. And if the two resort pools with panoramic coastal views didnt do it for you, I bet the spa treatments in outdoor cabanas overlooking the redwood forest will. Be sure to checkout some of my blog posts which include information about travel, fashion, lifestyle and photography. If youre visiting in winter, dont miss the chance to go whale-watching, as this area is a haven for them! Youll be hungry after your ride, so head over to Hulas for a late lunch. En route, you'll pitstop on the Monterey Peninsula before snaking along through the wilderness of Big Sur. Thank you! Big Sur Road Trip - Includes ALL the Best Viewpoints! If you choose to visit Big Sur as an out-and-back road trip from San Francisco, you can follow California Highway 1 south from the city past Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and the Monterey Peninsula - then back up. Living in Utah, our family vacations were always to Southern California. We went on the Bird Island and China Cove trailhead first. To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. 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. Now part of the Ventana Inn resort. 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. Big Sur Land Trust's Race for Open Space - seemonterey.com 14 Best Road Trips in Northern California - LazyTrips Be sure and check out the view from both sides of the street, but be careful when crossing. There are so many places in this area to pick for dinner. 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! One weekend is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur along Highway 1. 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. California's Springtime Road Trip: Exploring 10 Of The State's Best When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. Pace yourself its all beautiful. Its such a pretty area! 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) Cocktails with a view? I would love to go back! Day 3: Carmel to Big Sur. Head back north and drive into the quaint little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. Book now from $9.99! 7. Oh, and the bakery has public restrooms available, which is always good to know on a road trip without much service! Just letting you know so there are no surprises! Day 1. We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. 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. Lovely post! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. Highway 1 is a one lane highway that winds along the coast. On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. 5 days in Carmel, Big Sur & Monterey Itinerary in March This area is gorgeous where you can easily spend a couple of hours hanging out. Arrive- Pick up Rental Car and Drive to Monterey I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. The Perfect Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary - Globetrotting Ginger I repeat, the almond croissant is orgasmic. The clam chowder here is also amazing! 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. There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). You can easily park on the side of the road and forgo the paid parking, which is what most people do (Im not saying its a-okay just letting you know thats an option if the parking lot is full). While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! Hi Linnea! Sea otters help kelp forests flourish by keeping the sea urchin population in check. Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. After a full morning of activity and then a satisfying afternoon meal, we were ready for a restful and low-key afternoon. If youre from outta town, and by that not within driving distance, youll need to get yourself to SFO (San Francisco) first. I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! You wont miss it, promise, as its just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Bubba Gumps has such a fun atmosphere that seems to mesh perfectly with Monterrey! In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. The fog is usually gone by early Fall, and you can even witness whales and butterflies this time of year (yes, really, if you know where to look!). Start off your morning by heading over to Paris Bakery in Monterey to get some breakfast. all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. Theyve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if youre still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. We're currently planning a full trip to the Carmel/ Monterey/ Big Sur area but was wondering if our itinerary is to full? 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. Evening It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! I love Monterey! Montereys Fishermans Wharf is an iconic stop for your Monterey itinerary. They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays) daily at the Pacific Grove shops. One of the best features of the hotel was the Happy Hour that happened every day from 4-6. Big Sur guide. 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. Just a few of the things Big Sur is well-known for. If you didnt have time to pack a snack or breakfast, plan a stop at Big Sur Bakery before u-turning into the Pfeiffer Beach turn-off. You can stop in Santa Cruz if youd like. In those early days, abalone harvesting became very popular when the Chinese realized the lucrative business of harvesting fish and started commercializing seafood. Harbor seals can dive 300 feet and stay underwater for up to 28 minutes! Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. 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. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! Eating fresh clam chowder is a must on any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! The Best Big Sur Itinerary for an Epic Weekend Trip 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. We booked in advance and it was about $31 a day before adding gas and insurance if you want. 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. Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. It was so delicious and the outdoor dining setting right over the ocean was such a dream. Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles. Big Sur Hotel Guide: Best Luxury Hotels in Big Sur, California | Observer Hi Jolayne! Guide contents. A short 15 minute walk along the cliffs with beautiful views of the coast and even a waterfall! 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! 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. Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. Most people are surprised at how little civilization is around here no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. The ocean is a short walk away. Big Sur Weekend Road Trip Itinerary - Getaway Compass California Coast Day 3: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, & Pismo Carmel is a must for any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! It has an awesome art community, and its one of the most beautiful places in Californiatry the 17-mile scenic drive! They have a nice cafeteria there for lunch. Monterey is a quaint, small town with attractions such as Fishermans Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium. I was looking for an itinerary for this area for a roadtrip and landed on your blog. Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. Options for Dinner on Your Monterey Itinerary, Added Excursions for Your Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary, Map of Places for Your Monterey and Big Sur Road Trip, Where to Stay on Your Monterey and Big Sur Road Trip, More Places to Eat on Your Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary, Phils Fish Market & Eatery in Moss Landing, What to Pack for Your Monterey and Big Sur Road Trip, FAQs About Your Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary. 10. 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 Her Wanderful World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Tranquil. Cannery Row is filled with boutiques, restaurants and waterfront hotels. It is about 15 minutes from Monterey, spend at least 3 hours. 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. The actual name of the mission is Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo. THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but its not! I would love to visit all of the beautiful beaches, go on those hikes and eat the saltwater taffy and ice cream! :p. Have you ever seen a beach with purple sand?! Yes, definitely! This is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Monterey . There isnt an entrance fee, but they do ask for a $2 donation. 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. Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. About this rental. There are even more trails to explore such as the South Shore Trail, Cypress Grove Loop Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, and Lace Lichen Trail. To discover all these buildings, be like the yellow brick road and follow the Path of Historys yellow tiles on the sidewalk. Its about an hour north of Monterey, and its a great place to get lunch or do some shopping. I love how comprehensive this is Monterery and Big Sur look like such BEAUTIFUL places ! Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. Dont fret if you dont drink, they have tons of snacks you can eat as well! The Lone Cypress on the 17-mile drive is one of the most photographed trees in the world. You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life. Manage Settings 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. Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience. It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. Treebones Resort features seven ocean view tent campsites, along with 16 yurts with great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin! Hi Sydney! This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. 6 days / 5 nights / 4 rounds. Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose Bring your binoculars for wildlife viewing! It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! 1. We are surrounded by forest. If you are a morning person, you might want to head out earlier to avoid the other tourists. This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! This is definitely a place I would like to spend more time at if I head back to this area. Treebones Resort: Looking for something a bit different? Located about two hours south of San Francisco and about five hours north of Los Angeles, this rugged coastline is famous for many things. Bring water and watch out for poison oak. Big Sur, located along Central California coast, is one of the best places to visit on the West Coast of USA. Today, he has a wholesale warehouse where he provides his delicious fresh-baked pastries to hotels and restaurants around the area. 5. It ends near San Simeon. Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? Your Weekend in Big Sur Itinerary: How to Nail a Big Sur Road Trip 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. 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 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. (10/13/18). General tips. Tina Yen's travel guide for Big Sur with 47 favorite places to visit. Wow this place looks so similar to Malibu I swear!! Big Sur Itinerary - Day 2: 1. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 3-day Big Sur itinerary. The ultimate itinerary for a Big Sur road trip . This will probably whet your appetite for more, so dont miss the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium as well. My photographer heart would absolutely some of those vistas. Here are my picks and notes, either personally tested by me, or recommended by fellow travelers: Be prepared to spend some big money for dining out in Big Sur. Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! And yes, we always have a great time in Monterey! They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! 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!