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We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. Our guide Johnathon was knowledgeable about the area telling us interesting facts along the route. If you have a map, you can plan out some of the places you want to stop before you head out! Now you can sit and relax in the car a bit as you head south to Big Sur. Carmel is one of the most charming and quintessential towns I have ever been to. It took my breath away. I stopped at this state park on the way back to Carmel and I really loved it! at stops along the way. We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. Montereys Fishermans Wharf is an iconic stop for your Monterey itinerary. We would like to thank Big Sur Adventures for providing discounted tickets for us to experience their e-bike tour. It is about 15 minutes from Monterey, spend at least 3 hours. 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! To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. Again, theres a toilet here! 10. I recommend booking your whale-watching tickets in advance. 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. It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. 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. 2022 text, 2021 Big Sur Drinking Fountain Image and Ghiradelli Cannery Row Image, 2020 Carmel . Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. 8. Since you are now past the influx of traffic, you wont be in a rush to get into any of the popular sites. Youll most likely be coming from the airport if youre visiting, so aim to pick up your car rental from SFO. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. When driving from Monterey to Big Sur, youll pass the small seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea. If you happen to be visiting Big Sur between February and early April, you NEED to make a short pit stop at Calla Lily Valley! Thats so cool youre a teacher! Look out for them clustered in trees in the early morning, and flying around during the day. Cozy. Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays) daily at the Pacific Grove shops. 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. Youll be driving on private land, so you cant stop to take tooo many photos, but since its usually not crowded, feel free to stop in the middle of the road if you must for some shots. Purple sand (yup!). With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. 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! The marketplace is a certified farmers market so youll find local bakeries, craft vendors, and organic produce. The Andrew Molera State Park is located in Big Sur and is a relatively undeveloped park in the area. I would love to go back! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Then the trail led down to this amazing white sandy beach with no one else around. This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. We were going to get lunch, but decided to wait until Carmel since we ate so many samples! That just means you'll have to go back! No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. End: Mammoth Lakes. 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. If youre looking to take a much longer trip down the PCH, check out all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway yes, all 75 of them! We are visiting California from the UK in April, a rescheduled trip after we had to cancel in May 2020. Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! Carmel-by-the-Sea is probably one of the quaintest seaside towns in the world, which makes it a good starting point for your Big Sur road trip. Day One Thanks for the inspiration to put it on the top of my travel list." Right outside of Carmel is Carmel Mission Basilica, dating clear back to the 1700s. I absolutely fell in love. I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips. For more information, check out my travel resources page. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. If you are into golfing, the 17 mile drive also has the world famous Pebble Beach! Will need to make a trip out to Big Sur . My favorite part about it, however, was that it was literally right over the ocean. The United States flag was first raised in Monterey in 1846 claiming California for the United States. This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! This place is absolutely perfect for lunch! A Carmel to Big Sur road trip can take anywhere from one hour to five, depending on how many stops . Patience is the only requirement, but binoculars are nice to have as well. (Keep this in mind if you are headed off to the airport so that you give yourself plenty of time.). 8. BIG SUR ADVENTURES. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! If you are a morning person, you might want to head out earlier to avoid the other tourists. Unfortunately, we had just missed the last shuttle and the next one wasnt leaving for quite awhile. Oh, and the bakery has public restrooms available, which is always good to know on a road trip without much service! 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. I am a huge fan of aquariums! Day 1 6pm After a thrilling drive along historic Highway One, you've arrived at the Big Sur Campground and Cabins for an authentically rustic Big Sur stay. After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. Thanks for stopping by! This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing. Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). Evening I was looking for an itinerary for this area for a roadtrip and landed on your blog. 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. Drive out to Point Lobos Natural Reserve for some hiking and breathtaking views. The grounds are incredibly beautiful and this place is definitely worth a stop for the gorgeous grounds and architecture. At an early hour, you might be too early for Nepenthe the restaurant upstairs, but Cafe Kevah down below has a delicious selection for brunch. Oh la la, Crepes! Thank you for sharing! How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? I may email you with more in-depth questions as we plan. Youll find a parking lot on the east side of the road with an underground tunnel for walking over to the trail. Distance: Approximately 430 miles. I was really excited to go here because I hadnt seen redwood trees since I was a little kid. Start with the short film about Junipero Serra to learn about the history of this mission and also the start of all the California missions. These are the items on our list that we are possibly looking to hit: Highway 1 Mcway Falls Bixby. So this tour fit the bill on all accounts! But if you are still hungry, I recommend picking which place had your favorite sample and eating there! Bubba Gumps specializes in seafood- specifically shrimp and if you have ever seen Forest Gump- this place will be really fun for you! 3. 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. There were all sorts of cute alleys you could go down to find more hidden gems. Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago . 3. Next up on the Big Sur Itinerary: Stopping at Big Sur River Inn for a much needed icecream break! Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Of courseeee this is when its most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. Looks like such an awesome road trip. 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. Pick-up from centrally located hotels between 7:30am - 8:30am Duration: 11 hours Transportation: Comfortable Motorcoach Includes: Complimentary pickup/dropoff from centrally located hotels Thank you! Big Sur is the farthest distance of the San Francisco day trips on our list (2.5 hours away from the city). It is our home state, so hopefully we can do it soon." 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. ), all while taking in the magnificent views! Sea otters help kelp forests flourish by keeping the sea urchin population in check. Once here, you can hike down to this spectacular crescent-shaped beach and relax. However, you can also stop at a local restaurant for lunch too! Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! I guess we'll have to plan another trip." 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. You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast! Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. 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. 5. Constructed in 1931, and standing over 250 feet high, many people consider this bridge to be the gateway to Big Sur. Havent had enough of the great outdoors on your Big Sur road trip just yet? There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel. You can stop in Santa Cruz if youd like. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! 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 . The ocean is a short walk away. Why is Big Sur famous? Pacific Grove is a small area right on the edge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary about a 10-minute drive from Fishermans Wharf. 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 was our last stop heading down Highway 1 before we turned around and made some stops on the way back to Carmel. They were so colorful and unique! Their island-inspired menu has plenty to choose from including burgers, tacos, fish and chicken platters. Manage Settings As always, thanks for the support. I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! The parking lot is large and yes, youll need to pay $10 (a common theme to use the beaches/parks in/near Big Sur). Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to a beautiful waterfall crashing directly into the Pacific Oceans emerald water. This road trip itinerary is designed to be done in one to two days depending on your timeline and how much you want to get out and see along the way. Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. And I do love my crab from Phils! 3-day Big Sur itinerary. Some places I recommend going to in Carmel: Point Lobos was also definitely another highlight of this trip and should definitely be on your Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary. Key: Purple Big Sur Itinerary | Blue Monterey Itinerary | Orange Other excursions | Yellow Places to stay. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. Book lover? The parking near this bridge is somewhat limited. Keep that in mind when you head out on your road trip. You are able to do wine tastings inside or if you dont drink, there is also a full service restaurant as well. I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. I love the mixture of beautiful scenery, learning about new things, and getting outside and being active. 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. 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. South Iceland - 7 Places Your Family Will Love! 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 be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! Tina Yen's travel guide for Big Sur with 47 favorite places to visit. Do note there is no beach or ocean access, and its actually forbidden to go down there. Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. Have dinner at Lallapalooza on Alvarado Street. When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. 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). Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. Three tips for the Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops. There is so much to see, this is only the tip of it! This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! Ventana Inn & Spa: Youll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. Big Falls Trail near the south end of the range is a . 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 As you start your Big Sur road trip down from San Francisco (after exploring Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea prior), youre first official stop should be Point Lobos! It was so delicious and the outdoor dining setting right over the ocean was such a dream. Big Sur, located along Central California coast, is one of the best places to visit on the West Coast of USA. Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. (10/13/18). This Inn was so cute and the place we got icecream was in an old blue bus! (7/19/18), "This area has been on my must-see/do list for years. 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. Description: This April, Big Sur Land Trust is hitting the trails once again for our annual fundraiser to save open space and care for the lands you love in Monterey County! 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! Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! If you have never seen redwood trees another great stop is Pfieffer Big Sur state Park , mentioned by the previous poster. 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. From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. 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). The region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. Temps are mild year round, ranging from a cool 60 degrees to a balmy 75 degrees F. Its always wise to bring along a jacket no matter what month youll be frolicking around Big Sur, as it never gets particularly hot hot hot, and temperatures are always cooler on the coast than in the mountains nearby. No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. 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. I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Whether you are looking for a shopping trip, family getaway or romantic getaway we have just the travel itinerary for you! Hiking and tide pooling are great here. Hi Elena! and not many tourists know about it just yet! 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. Guide contents. Details. 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). 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Specializing in travel, lifestyle and fashion. Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. Parking is open all along the street and a parking lot is also located on the south side of Cannery Row. We pulled into this area where you can park and then pay to take a shuttle to the beach. Mmm! There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. Small and cozy and rustic and delicious. 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. I would love to visit all of the beautiful beaches, go on those hikes and eat the saltwater taffy and ice cream! Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel I'll be spending this upcoming weekend on a road trip from Los Angeles to Monterey and thought I'd post my general itinerary and pose a few questions for the Big. . Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. Yes! Time needed: 1 to 2 days. Weve always been planning to do a road trip in this part of California, so will be bookmarking this. 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. Grab Life by the Moments Itineraries Highlights Itinerary Outdoors Itinerary Family Itinerary Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary Golf Itinerary Harbor seals can dive 300 feet and stay underwater for up to 28 minutes! all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. Its so nice to just be surrounded by nature and kinda forget about the rest of the world for a little while! It's $10.50 entrance per car to see the iconic views. Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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! I havent been to Malibu yet, but if they look the same then Im down to see more gorgeous views! 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! There are plenty of other beaches to hang around, so do your part and just stay where youre supposed to be. Not happening. Treebones Resort features seven ocean view tent campsites, along with 16 yurts with great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin! We won't recommend it if we didn't love it! from $900. On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. This trail was amazing and we saw a cove with the most turquoise blue waters and baby sea lions down below. We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). Courtesy of La Playa Carmel / Expedia. Cannery Row is near where we dropped off our bikes so we just walked right over! Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! 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. Its beautiful coastline views! 10 Things You Should Know About The Brando Resort in Tetiaroa, A First-timer's Trip to Australia; Sydney, the Whitsundays and the Central Coast, Paradise in the Dominican Republic: The Samana Peninsula, Explore the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, A 3-Day Itinerary for Charleston, South Carolina, How to Spend 3 Days in Nashville, TN - A Girls' Trip, Balboa Island in Newport Beach,California, Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur - A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary, Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, "I've actually been meaning to take the kids on this road trip. I think you. We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. 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.