big sur carmel, monterey itinerary

This shop was really cute and had lots of yummy treats and great customer service. Specialties: World-famous Breakfast served Daily 8:00am-noon; Dinner Friday-Tuesday starting at 5:30pm. 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! I think we tried 7 different kinds of Clam Chowder and they literally all taste different because they have their own recipes and specialties. For a delicious Mediterranean style dinner, head over to Dametra Caf. There is plenty to see and do in Monterey County outside of meeting room walls. Not many out-of-towners know this, but. Admission is $10.50 per vehicle and when you arrive at the entrance they give you a map of all of the scenic stops and designated places to see. 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! Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year's Race for Open Space has something for you. They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! I ordered the Dungeness crab and N got fish and chipsalways so good. If the weathers lousy (as in thick fog drastically impeding the views), I honestly wouldnt bother with Nepenthe. Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. 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. You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. We enjoyed a little downtime at our hotel. 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. 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 rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of California is just begging to be explored. Hi Jolayne! 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! 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. We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe. When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. Channel Islands National Park Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! I would love to go back! Hearst Castle There were various cheeses, crackers, fruit and little sandwiches. Be sure and check out the view from both sides of the street, but be careful when crossing. Ill receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which Ill totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. We ate a quick breakfast at the hotel (one of the other perks of staying there) and then headed to the 5th Avenue Deli. Hi Rosie! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! Famous for fairytale-like cottages and shops, great art, dining, charming B&B and boutique hotels, and of course the beautiful and exclusive pebble beach golf course. I may email you with more in-depth questions as we plan. While the tours are quite long at three hours, the history and information is so interesting you wont even notice the hours passing by. After Mcway Falls, we headed to Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park). Checking into the Madonna Inn: San Luis Obispos Quirkiest and Most Eccentric Hotel, Snorkeling in Maui: 12 Best Places to Snorkel in Maui (+ Safety and Packing Tips), The Massive Guide to Manarola, Italy: Things to do in Manarola, Cinque Terre, Cinque Terre Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Days in Cinque Terre, Italy, Fall in San Francisco: 25+ Fall Activities in the SF Bay Area You Cant Miss, Things to do in Cambria, California (The Cutest Seaside Village on the Central Coast). If youre planning on hanging out on the beach, pack your swimsuit or a wetsuit to surf. Their island-inspired menu has plenty to choose from including burgers, tacos, fish and chicken platters. Monterey Carmel Big Sur Pebble Beach Private Charter by Luxury Vehicle 6 hrs~ 6 hours Hotel pickup offered. Its such a pretty area! Stay for sunset as the rock formations on the beach make for some epic scenery! 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! Any tips/suggestions appreciated. 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. Hi Christina! 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. The Big Sur River Inn is located about half way through the Big Sur viewpoints and a great spot to stop for lunch! 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! 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. You will definitely get beautiful views here! Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. There were all sorts of cute alleys you could go down to find more hidden gems. 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. I had never seen succulents that big before! The marketplace is a certified farmers market so youll find local bakeries, craft vendors, and organic produce. This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. You will arrive at Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California. 3. Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. This can be easily done as a weekend trip out from the Bay Area or as part of a wider trip tracing California's coastline. (7/15/18), "It's such a kid-friendly area, and I just heard that the entire Hwy 1 is now opened." Have a great rest of your day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi I am Aubrie, thanks for stopping by! The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. I was really excited to go here because I hadnt seen redwood trees since I was a little kid. Ive already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! The beach there was beautiful with views of the cliffs next to the ocean. For the photographers heart, the iconic Keyhole Arch makes for a stunning sunset spot in Central California during the golden hour! We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. You can read all about how this area came to be here. I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! Yes, youll definitely need to add these 2 to your list and drive along the 101 highway. Day 1. You managed to pack in so many must-see sights and unique experiences, all while keeping a great balance of relaxation and adventure. We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! There is so much to see, this is only the tip of it! Hungry? Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. When researching where to eat, I had Forge in the Forest recommend several times. Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. Price: $25-100. From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. When is the Best Time to Visit Monterey and Big Sur? 3. I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! 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! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular favorite as well! And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so theres no risk of getting lost. Majority of the famous viewpoints are on the coastal side, so it would be best if you drove north to south, that way you make right turns in/out of the viewpoints. I love the mixture of beautiful scenery, learning about new things, and getting outside and being active. 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). 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 . I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. Saving this guide for later! Eating fresh clam chowder is a must on any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience. This is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Monterey . The Whisky Club in Monterey hosts trivia on the first and third Thursday each . However, you can also stop at a local restaurant for lunch too! Weekend Big Sur itinerary. Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. You would never imagine this town is in California, it feels like a fairy tale town in Germany. 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. Looking for sand dollars might result in a disappointment, but youll easily find muscles, crabs, sea anemone, and kelp beds while exploring the nearby rocks during low tide. Your email address will not be published. General tips. Besides Abalonettis another one of our favorite restaurants in this area is Phils Fish Market & Eatery. End: Mammoth Lakes. 2. When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. There are a lot of incredible eateries in Carmel. 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. Again, theres a toilet here! There is also the Old Downtown Marketplace every Tuesday from 4 -7 PM in the fall and 4 8 PM in the summer. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, their menu will satisfy every palette. Makes me miss San Francisco! 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 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. After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. 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 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary Carmel-by-the-Sea Start your Big Sur Road Trip in the charming small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4','ezslot_26',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4-0');A beautiful state park, Garrapata State Park has views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Soberanes Canyon. 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. Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. Absolute paradise, albeit rather crowded at times. And trust me, theres enough things to do in Big Sur to fill an entire weekend and then some. Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Nov 2021 and Nov 2020. Begin your day with a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Caf Lumiere in Monterey. It was the prime location for marine life spotting! I saw sea otters, seals and dolphins! I only have three more posts to go after this one. And Im jealous of you already. Thanks for stopping by! You could spend 1-2 hours here and then continue on to Big Sur. The airport is small and easy to navigate. We won't recommend it if we didn't love it! There are warm fires all over the place and lights hanging in the trees. Did you know? You can do a day trip to Big Sur or Monterey, but it takes at least 2 days to explore both Monterey and Big Sur properly. 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. Top tip: pull off at a turnout from the bridges south end at sunset. Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. . We decided to stop by Folktale Winery and Vineyards because it seriously looked like something from a fairy tale! Next up on this Big Sur road trip itinerary the Point Sur Lighthouse! (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" Havent had enough of the great outdoors on your Big Sur road trip just yet? I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. The Bixby Creek Bridge all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. It is still totally worth it to see this beautiful place. I was looking for an itinerary for this area for a roadtrip and landed on your blog. 5. Youll drive into places like San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, Pismo, and more! Then continue heading south along Hwy 1 to take in some of the famous sites. I havent been to Malibu yet, but if they look the same then Im down to see more gorgeous views! La Playa Carmel. Winding turns. 1. Some staple orders for us here are the steak and shrimp scampi, gnocchi with two sauces, and the grilled salmon filet. McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. We loved visiting the Whalers Cabin in Whalers Cove and thought the scenery was the most spectacular around Bluefish Cove. We rode past Point Pinos Lighthouse and ended up on a trail to Asilomar State Beach. Then head over to the Carmel Mission. Answer 11 of 11: Hello I'm hoping for some advice. In every way, shape, and form. The town is truly tiny at only one square mile, but it is absolutely packed with amazing things. We also really liked the friendly service and beautiful atrium. 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 scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. Our guide Johnathon was knowledgeable about the area telling us interesting facts along the route. How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? Tina Yen's travel guide for Big Sur with 47 favorite places to visit. Begin your day with a savory or sweet crepe at the highly rated Crepes of Brittany in Monterey. Again, thank you! from $900. It was going on right when we arrived at the hotel. Have you seen the photos?! Youll get a really nice view of the beach. Treebones Resort features seven ocean view tent campsites, along with 16 yurts with great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin! 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). When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! Even if you decide to end here and make this a San Francisco to Monterey drive, you won't be missing out. I heard from a local that even though Carmel is small, there is always something new to discover and I can definitely believe it. The e-bikes are incredibly easy to ride and comfortable. There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. 5. 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. Dont fret if you dont drink, they have tons of snacks you can eat as well! Recommended accommodation options in Monterey and Carmel that wont break the bank: With that being said, the hotels in Big Sur really are quite special, and if you can splurge for one night on your California Coast road trip, these are the best places to do it: Post Ranch Inn: Offering 3 pools, one being an infinity hot tub, you can spend the bulk of your time here overlooking the stunning California coastline. This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. Three tips for the Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops. There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! The colors over the water were absolutely spectacular! Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning Hi.. we are driving in from Santa Barbara and wanted to plan a Big Sur , Monterey trip where should we stop first where would u stay if u want to see Carmel too? 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. This image is from Big Sur, a California State Park . Thank you! (10/12/18), "Thank you Kelsey for your words of advise. Lovely post! You can definitely take away as needed to fit your travel style. That waterfall on Julia Pfeiffer Burns is incredible!!! Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel. Located just a smidge south of Pfieffer beach is Big Sur Bakery, which is actually a 1930s ranch-style home. The 45 minute drive can last all day as you delight in the views (and the cuisine!) . Theres really no way around it. 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. After checking out Cannery Row, we walked to Big Sur Adventuresabout 5 minutes away to rent bikes. About this rental. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with your itinerary. One of our first stops was atLovers Point Beach. The rest of the year is considered cool temperature, but Monterey does boast of 300 days of sunshine. 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. As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! $8,790.00 USD per person. This weekend itinerary will immerse you in the Big Sur experience. You'll most definitely wanna make a few stops along the way ( Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, Santa Cruz, and Carmel/Monterey are my favorites), so plan accordingly! Yes please! But if you are still hungry, I recommend picking which place had your favorite sample and eating there! READ NEXT: 25+ Best Road Trips from San Francisco. Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. 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. The trail will take you less than an hour as its about 0.8 miles long and will bring you to the beautiful shorelines where you might even spot a sea otter! Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! 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. Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. Bixby Bridge was one of my favorite stops on my Big Sur Itinerary! 3-day Big Sur itinerary. And yes, we always have a great time in Monterey! It's $10.50 entrance per car to see the iconic views. As you arrive, drive straight to the Sea Lion Point parking lot and you can start on the trail there, Cypress Grove Trail. It will take you about 2 hours to drive right into Monterey. This area is one of my favorite places in California to visit. Day 2. 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 then stopped atPerkins Park spontaneously because of the unique Cyprus trees, the rocky shoreline and the purple flowers everywhere! Book now from $9.99! Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. 7. Renting a Car : Note that you'll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) Its known for its pristine scenery, full of turquoise water, beautifully-designed bridges, rustic hiking trails, and more. The United States flag was first raised in Monterey in 1846 claiming California for the United States. We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. From here, you can make a decision on what youre feeling but here are some recommendations! Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? Will need to make a trip out to Big Sur . I personally love #doingallthethings at the beginning of my trips and then slowing down as I stay longer, but you can puzzle this Monterey and Big Sur itinerary out to best fit your weekend and travel style. 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. *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. Weve always been planning to do a road trip in this part of California, so will be bookmarking this. Pace yourself its all beautiful. We are visiting California from the UK in April, a rescheduled trip after we had to cancel in May 2020. (See that next!). Note:If you have time, Pfeiffer Beach, which is very close to this state park is worth a visit. Evening Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary Stop 1: Carmel-by-the-Sea Stop 2: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Stop 3: Garrapata State Park Stop 4: Kasler Point Stop 5: Rocky Creek Bridge Stop 6: Bixby Creek Bridge Stop 7: Andrew Molera State Park Stop 8: Pfeiffer Beach Stop 9: McWay Falls Stop 10: Limekiln State Park Stop 11: Sand Dollar Beach A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. The clam chowder here is also amazing! Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. 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. The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! First things first, if youve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. My photographer heart would absolutely some of those vistas. Distance: Approximately 430 miles. Begin your day with breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel by-the-Sea. Where did you drive from? Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. 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! Required fields are marked *. This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. Be sure to check the website as tours are not offered every day. Since the road to Big Sur is finally open again (after months of closure due to horrific mudslides), nows the time to visit! 10. Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. 4.. Can You Start from San Francisco to Big Sur on the Road Trip Itinerary? Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! In fact, I thought about being a Marine Biologist for awhile.