McWay Falls McWay Falls is likely the most iconic and most-photographed spot in Big Sur. Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. Day 3. . Just note that the Monterey-Salinas Transit Lines stop running during . (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" Hi Jolayne! I would advise sharing a sundae with your BFF as the portions are huge, but its delicious nonetheless. I think we tried 7 different kinds of Clam Chowder and they literally all taste different because they have their own recipes and specialties. Not to be missed, youll need to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. I recommend booking your whale-watching tickets in advance. You could spend 1-2 hours here and then continue on to Big Sur. They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! Day 1. There is also the Old Downtown Marketplace every Tuesday from 4 -7 PM in the fall and 4 8 PM in the summer. 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. 5. San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur. I have visited California many times through out my life. I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! As you arrive, drive straight to the Sea Lion Point parking lot and you can start on the trail there, Cypress Grove Trail. By this time, youll likely be hungry, so stop in at the Big Sur Roadhouse for their famous avo toast, or other wraps or sandwiches. The location of the Carmel Mission isn't the original spot. This will probably whet your appetite for more, so dont miss the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium as well. Thanks for stopping by! You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast! Big Sur isnt too far from Monterey and you get all the nature with it. Big Sur is the farthest distance of the San Francisco day trips on our list (2.5 hours away from the city). The Bixby Bridge looked amazing. Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. (7/19/18), "as a resident of the Monterey Peninsula we do love our tourists, however, I'd like to remind those who visit - there are those that work and live in the area, and to please be courteous of our existence. 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. I like to searchvia this sitein order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. I definitely need to add that this is one of the most dog friendly places I have ever been. You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life. If seeing a whale is on your bucket list, Fishermans Wharf is where you need to be. . You can definitely complete this Big Sur itinerary in a day, but if you have more time, you can also spread it out over 2-3 days and spend more time in each place. Not happening. Begin your day with a savory or sweet crepe at the highly rated Crepes of Brittany in Monterey. The entire road is comprised of redwood groves, babbling brooks, rolling hills, and lots of no trespassing signs. , Point Lobos looks absolutely stunning! This waterfall cascades over the cliff and falls about 80 feet into the sandy cove below. View Full Itinerary At a Glance Called the most beautiful meeting of land and water on the face of the earth, Monterey Bay, the legendary Pacific coast and sun-drenched Carmel Valley mark a convergence of currents, cultures and creators that make the area one of the country's most fascinating places. On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. Oh la la, Crepes! Then continue heading south along Hwy 1 to take in some of the famous sites. It was located in a building that looked like a castle. The people that worked there were friendly and gave us a map of the nearby trail and tips on places they recommended seeing. 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. The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old! Oh, and the bakery has public restrooms available, which is always good to know on a road trip without much service! Yes, its a gorgeous area! To eat here though, you definitely pay for the cliffside views. You'll likely hit Carmel-By-The-Sea first, which is where you should bed down; the famed L'Auberge Carmel offers old-world luxury. And theres a reason for it the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. Once you get to Pacific Grove, everything is accessible by foot or bike. Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. Where we stayed: 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. A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. There are a lot of really good options of places to stay in Carmel. Day 2. 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! Big Falls Trail near the south end of the range is a . How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? 17 Mile Drive is said to be one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! The American Tin Cannery Suite 122 125 Ocean view Blvd Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-747-1677 _____ 17 Mile Drive 2106 Sunset Drive Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-717-4912 _____ Pedego Electric Bikes 143 Crossroads Blvd, Carmel, CA 831-293-7063. 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary. We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. There is so much nature and the small city feels to explore in Monterey and Big Sur! Which means youll ultimately need to climb back up! Quiet. Squeezing all the hot spots into just three days might be a challenging task, but this perfect three-day itinerary will keep you on track. Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays) daily at the Pacific Grove shops. This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! There are BARRELS of salt water taffy with flavors ranging from caramel apple to blueberry cheesecake its incredible! 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. Manage Settings When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? Next up on the Big Sur Itinerary: Stopping at Big Sur River Inn for a much needed icecream break! Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth 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. All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! I can now say that I absolutely loved that area and will definitely be coming back! Pace yourself its all beautiful. Thank you! Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! For a delicious Mediterranean style dinner, head over to Dametra Caf. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. Bixby Bridge was one of my favorite stops on my Big Sur Itinerary! This beach is known to be the most consistent wave producer for surfers, so if you are one of these talented people, bring your surfboard and have at it! Big Sur looks truly incredible. Explore Big Sur. This shop was really cute and had lots of yummy treats and great customer service. 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. 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. Day 1: Monterey. When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. Not to mention, its adorable, so its a really fun place to stop for photos! Seeing these trees was such a surreal experience! Evening Finding it can be a challenge in itself because the turn is not marked. 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! Fishermans Wharf is full of cute candy shops and tons of Clam Chowder restaurants! Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. If you start at Big Sur, put your location in as San Simeon and then drive north from there. What Can I Do After My Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary? Youll most likely be coming from the airport if youre visiting, so aim to pick up your car rental from SFO. There were all sorts of cute alleys you could go down to find more hidden gems. We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. In his restaurant, youll see rows of pastries lining the front of his shop and cafe au lait to go, too! Theres no real starting point. Happy planning! This image is from Big Sur, a California State Park . 8. The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! 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 . Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! The location was great and we were able to walk all over town. Just letting you know so there are no surprises! Your email address will not be published. It was moved to get away from the military garrison. Ventana Inn & Spa: Youll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. 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. 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. Thanks for your support! Hi, Im Jess. We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! 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. End: Mammoth Lakes. The banana bread is great too, but now that weve had the almond croissant, I dont think well ever be getting anything else. 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 Where did you drive from? 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. However, if you are here early, the pictures are still pretty amazing and youll miss the 9-10 AM traffic congestion so thats a win! *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). from $900. Its important to note that many businesses have shorter opening hours during the off-peak season. We decided to stop by Folktale Winery and Vineyards because it seriously looked like something from a fairy tale! Miles of misty coastline. And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so theres no risk of getting lost. The 45 minute drive can last all day as you delight in the views (and the cuisine!) Fog usually disappears around 9 AM even though that sounds like a disappointing fact. There were also lots of lawn games. If we get there earlier, we get saltwater taffy and enjoy them on our hikes/beach time. . To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. Bubba Gumps has such a fun atmosphere that seems to mesh perfectly with Monterrey! 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. I havent been to Malibu yet, but if they look the same then Im down to see more gorgeous views! All these spots make it easy to photograph. We loved visiting the Whalers Cabin in Whalers Cove and thought the scenery was the most spectacular around Bluefish Cove. Use caution while driving as the road is rather windy and narrow! As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts. One of our first stops was atLovers Point Beach. A short 15 minute walk along the cliffs with beautiful views of the coast and even a waterfall! 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. 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. 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. Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. 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. 2. Beautiful, post-card like views. In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. Have a great rest of your day. Explore my other California guides here! We had to hurry back right after so we could get our bike rentals back in time! Let me know how your travels go! Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 4.. Can You Start from San Francisco to Big Sur on the Road Trip Itinerary? No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. Required fields are marked *. In Old Downtown Monterey, youll find over 400 shops and restaurants lining the main streets as well. The hottest month in Monterey is September when high temperatures are around 67F and lows are 55F. It is the perfect place to fill up on gas and get any last minute snacks. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. If youre planning on hanging out on the beach, pack your swimsuit or a wetsuit to surf. (7/19/18), "This area has been on my must-see/do list for years. After Mcway Falls, we headed to Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park). Hi Desiree! for current highway conditions before your drive. Yes, yes, and yes! I totally agree, one of my favorite places to visit! 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). Ive already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! 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. With that being said, Im planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. Grab Life by the Moments Itineraries Highlights Itinerary Outdoors Itinerary Family Itinerary Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary Golf Itinerary And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago . You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. After that, we walked past an island with hundreds of birds on it, which was so cool! Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). Yes, youll definitely need to add these 2 to your list and drive along the 101 highway. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with your itinerary. Win-win! (10/13/18). 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! September 10, 2024 - September 15, 2024. Theyre my two favorite spots in Point Lobos, and you wont find clearer waters. These are the items on our list that we are possibly looking to hit: Highway 1 Mcway Falls Bixby. 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. If you have never seen redwood trees another great stop is Pfieffer Big Sur state Park , mentioned by the previous poster. Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. Big Sur road trip itinerary: You could do Big Sur in a day or the entire California coast in 2-3 days if you really wanted to, but it will be much more enjoyable if you do it slowly! The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. Carmel Valley is full of vineyards and wineries. Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. Carmel Beach is definitely the best place to watch the sunset. In those early days, abalone harvesting became very popular when the Chinese realized the lucrative business of harvesting fish and started commercializing seafood. There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. That just means you'll have to go back! Definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list. Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail & State Beach, 7. Since it was already the middle of the day, there were no parking spots down by the beach. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! Monterey is a quaint, small town with attractions such as Fishermans Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Youll know it by seeing cars lined up the hill up into the parking lot or various vehicles parked, waiting to get in. You can stop in Santa Cruz if youd like. We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! Renting a Car:Note that youll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. 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! When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. This whole road trip looks so picturesque! While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. 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. I saw sea otters, seals and dolphins! The menus pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! Price: $25-100. Pfeiffer beach is best known for its amazing rock structures, sunsets and sometimes there is even purple sand! Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! I was in awe the entire time. Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. Perfect ending to your Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway day trip! Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. (See that next!). Cozy. Hang out on Fishermans Wharf a little longer after dinner and grab a dessert at the Monterey Bay Creamery (right next door to Abalonettis). 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. Then walk through the main entrance, purchase a $2 map and head out on your hike. The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. While the food and drinks are good, youre paying for the view. And get there early the tours only accommodate 40 people! Call ahead to ask about the exact time that the bagpipe player will be playing, as times change throughout the year. Psst: If youre visiting in early spring, dont miss Calla Lily Valley right near Garrapata Beach (different location than the Bluff Trail). 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. This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. I had seen pictures of Mcway Falls for many years and had always dreamed of seeing them with my own eyes. Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. They are a definite must on any Big Sur Itinerary. The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. Youll be hungry after your ride, so head over to Hulas for a late lunch. 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.. I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. I got my ticket for the aquarium here. 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.