Bixby Bridge was one of my favorite stops on my Big Sur Itinerary! They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! 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. I would advise sharing a sundae with your BFF as the portions are huge, but its delicious nonetheless. To eat here though, you definitely pay for the cliffside views. Stay and Play in Monterey. McWay Falls This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. Highway 1 is a one lane highway that winds along the coast. As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. But if you are still hungry, I recommend picking which place had your favorite sample and eating there! And Im jealous of you already. I was looking for an itinerary for this area for a roadtrip and landed on your blog. I absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. Just a few of the things Big Sur is well-known for. To discover all these buildings, be like the yellow brick road and follow the Path of Historys yellow tiles on the sidewalk. Where does the Big Sur drive start? Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. You will arrive at Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California. You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. If you have never seen redwood trees another great stop is Pfieffer Big Sur state Park , mentioned by the previous poster. It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! This area is one of my favorites in CA. Theyve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas. They are a definite must on any Big Sur Itinerary. We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. 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.. San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur. Did you know? Weekend Big Sur itinerary. The Whisky Club in Monterey hosts trivia on the first and third Thursday each . I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. Morning Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. The Lone Cypress on the 17-mile drive is one of the most photographed trees in the world. The beach there was beautiful with views of the cliffs next to the ocean. In the months of October-February, you will also be in time to see the Monarch butterflies clustering at Monarch Grove Butterly Sanctuary. General tips. Big Sur, located along Central California coast, is one of the best places to visit on the West Coast of USA. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. (See that next!). While youre hiking, youll want to have closed-toe shoes with a good grip to keep yourself safe, literally speaking from experience. Check out this packing guide of my favorite items to pack on my trips, however, listed below is a tailored guide for a Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. Day Two 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. Stay for sunset as the rock formations on the beach make for some epic scenery! You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. 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. 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! Still dreaming of heading back and doing this Monterey , Carmel and Big Sur itinerary again sometime soon! There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. I absolutely loved the houses in Pacific Grove. Guide contents. The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. Youve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Three tips for the Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops. They are even bigger than you can imagine! Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! 2022 text, 2021 Big Sur Drinking Fountain Image and Ghiradelli Cannery Row Image, 2020 Carmel . at stops along the way. Hi Kate! Fishermans Wharf is full of cute candy shops and tons of Clam Chowder restaurants! Thank you! Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley. Have dinner at Lallapalooza on Alvarado Street. Just letting you know so there are no surprises! I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. On the opposite side of the road, there is a dirt road known as Old Coast Road. Nightly bagpipe performances have taken place every day since 1987 at Spanish Bay in Carmel. How to get here: When youre heading southbound (recommended), take the 2nd right after you see the Big Sur Station. 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 Christina! For more information, check out my travel resources page. Have you seen the photos?! Monterey, which is further north of Big Sur, is located no more than 1-1.5 hours away from most of the attractions that we recommend seeing on a Big Sur itinerary. If you are looking to stay right in Big Sur, you can find Big Sur Lodge and Big Sur River Inn.If you would like to save money and don't mind staying a little further away, you can find accommodations in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Monterey by searching on booking.com.Carmel-by-the-Sea is about 10 minutes away from the north part of Big Sur, and Monterey is about 20 minutes away. The region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. Some staple orders for us here are the steak and shrimp scampi, gnocchi with two sauces, and the grilled salmon filet. Ive already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! I would love to go there one day, Hi Jade! 3. Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. Monterey Carmel Big Sur Pebble Beach Private Charter by Luxury Vehicle 6 hrs~ 6 hours Hotel pickup offered. Point Lobos has a long history, dating all the way back to the mid-1800s, and hosted many groups including the Ohlone Native Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spaniards. 8. It was so delicious and the outdoor dining setting right over the ocean was such a dream. Big Sur isnt too far from Monterey and you get all the nature with it. And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so theres no risk of getting lost. Happy planning! With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. Bring water and watch out for poison oak. 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. Treebones Resort: Looking for something a bit different? Youll want an all-wheel drive for best mobility, but if all youve got is a regular sedan, go slow and you should be a-okay! End: Mammoth Lakes. Johnathon was easy-going and the time we spent with Big Sur Adventures was the highlight of our weekend. Use caution while driving as the road is rather windy and narrow! Distance: Approximately 430 miles. It could take as little as 2 hours (if you dont stop at all), or 2 days if you make all the stops for the views, foods, and hikes. The town is truly tiny at only one square mile, but it is absolutely packed with amazing things. The location was great and we were able to walk all over town. It is about 15 minutes from Monterey, spend at least 3 hours. Bubba Gumps specializes in seafood- specifically shrimp and if you have ever seen Forest Gump- this place will be really fun for you! 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). And yes, theres so much history in this little area. In those early days, abalone harvesting became very popular when the Chinese realized the lucrative business of harvesting fish and started commercializing seafood. 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. Day 3: Carmel to Big Sur. Limekiln State Park may be juuust what youre looking for. Manage Settings Weve always been planning to do a road trip in this part of California, so will be bookmarking this. Be sure to checkout some of my blog posts which include information about travel, fashion, lifestyle and photography. , Point Lobos looks absolutely stunning! The 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays) daily at the Pacific Grove shops. We are visiting California from the UK in April, a rescheduled trip after we had to cancel in May 2020. Check out Lovers Point Beach where you can do all the water activities like surfing and kayaking. You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. If youve had enough of driving on your road trip, you can park near Carmel beach and walk the scenic path. I guess we'll have to plan another trip." I have visited California many times through out my life. : Sand dollar beach does indeed have sand dollars! And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! Miles of misty coastline. It is definitely in a really romantic setting. Each room actually had binoculars making it even easier to locate the animals! Be sure to take along a sweater as the trails are shaded and can be very cool the entire time, which makes for a spectacular break on a super hot day! This is definitely a place I would like to spend more time at if I head back to this area. This sample itinerary aims to show how you can cover the two towns of Monterey or Carmel in as little as 2 days. Then head to California Highway 1 to begin your Big Sur road trip! Also, as mentioned before Carmel is known for their wineries so there are several you can head to for wine tastings. I love Monterey! 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. 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 colors over the water were absolutely spectacular! With an early head start to your day, you will have plenty of parking spaces to choose from if you stop for lunch here. Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. Youll have an amazing time when you visit! Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! Harbor seals can dive 300 feet and stay underwater for up to 28 minutes! Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! In fact, they all have people outside of their cafes or restaurants giving out samples. Then head over to the American Tin Cannery Outlets and meet up with Big Sur Adventures for an e-bike tour of the coast. Be sure and check out the view from both sides of the street, but be careful when crossing. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-sky-3','ezslot_25',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-sky-3-0');As one of the top 20 best places to retire in California, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming small town you need to check out. 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. Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. Bedroom3; Baths2; Property typePrivate Vacation Home; Max Sleeps6; Love golf Pebble Beach golf courses are among some of the best in the world; Carmel-by-the-Sea renowned for its art galleries, many restaurants & sandy white beaches; Big Sur has campsites, high-cliff beaches, superb hiking trails & world-class views on the Pacific Ocean, and Monterey is known for the famous . Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year's Race for Open Space has something for you. . Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! I would love to go back! Hi Sydney! The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. 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. 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. Big sur is definitely on my bucket list of places to travel to. If the weathers lousy (as in thick fog drastically impeding the views), I honestly wouldnt bother with Nepenthe. This Inn was so cute and the place we got icecream was in an old blue bus! I saw sea otters, seals and dolphins! Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. I can now say that I absolutely loved that area and will definitely be coming back! It has an awesome art community, and its one of the most beautiful places in Californiatry the 17-mile scenic drive! There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. 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! These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. Quiet. For a complete San Francisco to Big Sur day trip , start in San Francisco and make your way through Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea to Big Sur on Highway 1 and US-101. About this rental. We were able to order build your own sandwiches that came with a drink and chips. At the time of posting this article, the section of Hwy 1 south of McWay Falls was still closed due to mudslides from 2017. Day 1. I think you. The e-bikes are incredibly easy to ride and comfortable. We also really liked the friendly service and beautiful atrium. Once here, you can hike down to this spectacular crescent-shaped beach and relax. Psst: When people say theyre hiking to McWay Falls, theyre really just casually strolling down a paved path. I have yet to try Big Sur Bakery although Ive heard many good referrals about all the food from wood-fired sourdough to buttermilk biscuits and gravy. This image is from Big Sur, a California State Park . ), all while taking in the magnificent views! As always, all opinions expressed are our own. 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) The actual name of the mission is Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo. Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. Yes! Begin your day with a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Caf Lumiere in Monterey. And get there early the tours only accommodate 40 people! McWay Falls McWay Falls is likely the most iconic and most-photographed spot in Big Sur. 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. 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! Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. If you are into golfing, the 17 mile drive also has the world famous Pebble Beach! While the tours are quite long at three hours, the history and information is so interesting you wont even notice the hours passing by. All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! We loved visiting the Whalers Cabin in Whalers Cove and thought the scenery was the most spectacular around Bluefish Cove. 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. The Bixby Creek Bridge Glad to hear it! 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 . Tina Yen's travel guide for Big Sur with 47 favorite places to visit. There were cute adorable dogs everywhere. Absolute paradise, albeit rather crowded at times. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Morning This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing. (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. The eatery has indoor and outdoor seating, but if you would like to sit on the beach and enjoy the waves while you eat, bring a blanket or some lawn chairs with you as you get beach access from the restaurant. This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. Big Sur Carmel Carmel Valley Castroville Marina Monterey Moss Landing Pacific Grove Pebble Beach Salinas Seaside . Will need to make a trip out to Big Sur . 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. 5. There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! Cannery Row is near where we dropped off our bikes so we just walked right over! 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. Even if you decide to end here and make this a San Francisco to Monterey drive, you won't be missing out. The Barbacoa Beef tacos are insanely delicious! A trailhead can be found from Monterey State Beach and from there heading south, it will take you to Fishermans Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Unfortunately, we had just missed the last shuttle and the next one wasnt leaving for quite awhile. However, you can also stop at a local restaurant for lunch too! Theres no real starting point. On arrival, our room wasnt quite ready so we had lunch at the hotels restaurant and I got clam chowder in a bread bowl! Next up on your Monterey itinerary is Old Downtown Monterey located on Alvarado street and named after Juan Bautista Alvarado who was the former governor of Alta California. 7. 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! It needs our tourism more than ever, after suffering near economic catastrophe when. Bubba Gumps has such a fun atmosphere that seems to mesh perfectly with Monterrey! Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. Thank you! We also think the service is really good, so you cant go wrong with this restaurant! all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. For a delicious Mediterranean style dinner, head over to Dametra Caf. That waterfall on Julia Pfeiffer Burns is incredible!!! 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. The Big Sur River Inn is located about half way through the Big Sur viewpoints and a great spot to stop for lunch! We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). Our other option is to do Monterey/Carmel on Tuesday (aquarium, 17-mile drive, etc), and then Big Sur first thing Wednesday morning (July 4th). Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. Details. On your first morning, wake up early and by 8 AM start your Big Sur itinerary by heading south on Highway 1. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! Looking for more California content? Looks like you had a wonderful time too. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. Although I can definitely see why its just as beautiful and even the same style! The entire road is comprised of redwood groves, babbling brooks, rolling hills, and lots of no trespassing signs. Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. 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. Its so nice to just be surrounded by nature and kinda forget about the rest of the world for a little while! The Bixby Bridge looked amazing. Make sure to bring a light jacket since it gets a little bit chillier at night. There is also the Old Downtown Marketplace every Tuesday from 4 -7 PM in the fall and 4 8 PM in the summer. Free shipping for many products! While the food and drinks are good, youre paying for the view. One of my favorite parts of the park was all of the beautiful walking paths with wildflowers everywhere. It is highly recommended that a car or truck with high clearance would be better to drive through it. Since the road to Big Sur is finally open again (after months of closure due to horrific mudslides), nows the time to visit! Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. 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. And if theres still orchids and wildflowers out, youll think youre in Hawaii. On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi I am Aubrie, thanks for stopping by! If you start at Big Sur, put your location in as San Simeon and then drive north from there. Whats your favorite local spot? The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old! Living in Utah, our family vacations were always to Southern California. Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! 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. 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 had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park).
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