6. On one side, youll see the quaint houses up close and on the other side, youll have a clear view of the iconic Carmel beach down below. BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA: LOGISTICS. Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. 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 absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. So exactly where is big sur located? I think you. And thankfully, neither are too strenuous or long (perfect if you dont have all day). There isnt an entrance fee, but they do ask for a $2 donation. There is a $10 honor system daily charge, so bring some cash. The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. Located just a smidge south of Pfieffer beach is Big Sur Bakery, which is actually a 1930s ranch-style home. The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago . Seaside cliffs. 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. 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! Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. It took my breath away. Then we'd be driving from Mc Way Falls back up to Monterey and then down to Arroyo Grande where we're staying Wednesday night. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Yes! Its such a pretty area! Begin your day with breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel by-the-Sea. If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. I repeat, the almond croissant is orgasmic. Epic Golf Travel would love to be your resource for all your golf travel needs! The hottest month in Monterey is September when high temperatures are around 67F and lows are 55F. 3 Day Carmel + Big Sur Getaway Itinerary THE NORMAL TRAVELER (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). 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. You are able to do wine tastings inside or if you dont drink, there is also a full service restaurant as well. Many people dont actually realize this, but Big Sur is not an actual city/town for that matter. Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. Bring a blanket and some snacks and plan to stay for awhile. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. 2. There are a lot of really good options of places to stay in Carmel. READ NEXT: 25+ Best Road Trips from San Francisco. Treebones Resort features seven ocean view tent campsites, along with 16 yurts with great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin! Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. They were so colorful and unique! We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. 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 If you are into golfing, the 17 mile drive also has the world famous Pebble Beach! We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe. Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. It is the foggiest park even when some of the other parks are clear, youll want to make sure to check the weather as you wont be able to see much with the fog. 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. You wont miss it, promise, as its just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. After Mcway Falls, we headed to Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park). This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! 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. They are a definite must on any Big Sur Itinerary. They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. There is a small parking lot off the north end of Bixby Bridge where you can step out and take some iconic photos of it. Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California 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. 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. Its pretty secluded and kinda secret (aka not on all the typical things to do in Big Sur posts), so I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Best Things to do in Big Sur Day Trip | Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip End: Mammoth Lakes. You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. 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). In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary Hungry? This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing. Bubba Gumps specializes in seafood- specifically shrimp and if you have ever seen Forest Gump- this place will be really fun for you! 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! Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. I recommend anywhere from 1-3 days in Big Sur, kinda depending if you wanna go on a few hikes or just see the typical tourist Big Sur road trip stops. Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! If you are a morning person, you might want to head out earlier to avoid the other tourists. Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. Epic Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary: Explore California's Pacific Coast Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. If seeing a whale is on your bucket list, Fishermans Wharf is where you need to be. 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. The only downside to visiting in the summertime is that July and August are the foggiest months. Price: $25-100. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! 4. This romantic drive is one of the best cross country road trip routes that couples must take together! 9. 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). A PCH Road Trip to Monterey and Big Sur | Cond Nast Traveler Theres also some hiking in the state park, with sea lions and starfish in the tide pools nearby. The Andrew Molera State Park is located in Big Sur and is a relatively undeveloped park in the area. No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. Woooo its finally time to get this Big Sur road trip itinerary under way! Cannery Row is filled with boutiques, restaurants and waterfront hotels. Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur itinerary? - California Forum 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. Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. We are surrounded by forest. It has an awesome art community, and its one of the most beautiful places in Californiatry the 17-mile scenic drive! Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? We booked in advance and it was about $31 a day before adding gas and insurance if you want. I may email you with more in-depth questions as we plan. Here are my picks and notes, either personally tested by me, or recommended by fellow travelers: Be prepared to spend some big money for dining out in Big Sur. Aww, thank you so much! Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. Fun fact: Bixby Bridge was built 5 years before the road was paved to connect Carmel to San Luis Obispo! Likes Comments. Be aware that the trail is sometimes blocked off due to erosion, and you may not be able to get that picture perfect view. There are even more trails to explore such as the South Shore Trail, Cypress Grove Loop Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, and Lace Lichen Trail. Stay and Play in Monterey. 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. Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. Just letting you know so there are no surprises! This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. 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 . It is located towards the end of the wharf, so beware that you may be tempted to stop at one of the restaurants before it. Thank you! Please make reservation for dinner; No Dinner Wednesday/Thursday; Deetjen's Big Sur Inn is a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of the historic Big Sur Inn at Castro Canyon. 5. 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. They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. The Bixby Bridge looked amazing. Eating fresh clam chowder is a must on any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! 6. 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! Lovely post! Theyve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if youre still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. 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. 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. Perfect ending to your Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway day trip! 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. Seeing these trees was such a surreal experience! 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! 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! Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . And I do love my crab from Phils! Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. You could drive the famous 17-mile Pebble Beach drive en route. There is a lot to discover and experience on this route, with breathtaking coastal views, lovely beach towns, and . Big Sur Land Trust's Race for Open Space - seemonterey.com 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. Stay for sunset as the rock formations on the beach make for some epic scenery! For a delicious Mediterranean style dinner, head over to Dametra Caf. It needs our tourism more than ever, after suffering near economic catastrophe when. The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary (All The Best Stops!) What is there to see between Monterey and Big Sur? There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! A Carmel to Big Sur road trip can take anywhere from one hour to five, depending on how many stops . Its a cute town, and there is a long sandy beach. Just a few of the things Big Sur is well-known for. Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! Hi Christina! Cannery Row is near where we dropped off our bikes so we just walked right over! To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. 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 would like to thank Big Sur Adventures for providing discounted tickets for us to experience their e-bike tour. Then head to California Highway 1 to begin your Big Sur road trip! Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary For Families This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. 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.. If we get there earlier, we get saltwater taffy and enjoy them on our hikes/beach time. Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. Not to be missed, youll need to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Each room also boasts a private deck with those magicnicant coastline views, a wood-burning fireplace to get cozy during the chilly nights, and an indoor spa tub. I love how comprehensive this is Monterery and Big Sur look like such BEAUTIFUL places ! I guess we'll have to plan another trip." There are cute dogs all over the place! One of our favorite spots here is the Pepper Palace where we buy dry rubs and sauces to make our legendary wings. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Call ahead to ask about the exact time that the bagpipe player will be playing, as times change throughout the year. Yes, you can leave from San Francisco to head south down the Central Coast on Highway 101. We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. Small and cozy and rustic and delicious. Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! Now you can sit and relax in the car a bit as you head south to Big Sur. I definitely recommend booking in advance. We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). ), all while taking in the magnificent views! Big Sur road trip: 12 Epic Pacific Coast Highway stops to check out (2022)! If youre planning on hanging out on the beach, pack your swimsuit or a wetsuit to surf. 7. Cozy. Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! And trust me, theres enough things to do in Big Sur to fill an entire weekend and then some. I really enjoyed Spanish Bay Beach, Fanshell Beach overlook, Cypress Point Lookout and the Lone Cypress. Weekend Big Sur itinerary. As part of a longer visit we hoped to drive up to Cambria from Anaheim on 21 April, stay overnight then. This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. And yes, we always have a great time in Monterey! Not to mention, its adorable, so its a really fun place to stop for photos! I was there for a penguin feeding and that was really fun! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Constructed in 1931, and standing over 250 feet high, many people consider this bridge to be the gateway to Big Sur. Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. They have a nice cafeteria there for lunch. Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. The Bixby Creek Bridge Ten interesting facts we learned on OurEDventure: I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! Big Sur/Monterey Itinerary for July 4 - Big Sur Forum - Tripadvisor Monterey State Historic Park. 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. 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. California History Books for Kids. It's $10.50 entrance per car to see the iconic views. Living in Utah, our family vacations were always to Southern California. Things to Do in Big Sur | Big Sur, CA Itinerary - Visit Monterey Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. 3. We pulled into this area where you can park and then pay to take a shuttle to the beach. In Old Downtown Monterey, youll find over 400 shops and restaurants lining the main streets as well. It was the prime location for marine life spotting! This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). The Barbacoa Beef tacos are insanely delicious! Then head over to the American Tin Cannery Outlets and meet up with Big Sur Adventures for an e-bike tour of the coast. Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. Where did you drive from? We will be coming here mid-May and will definitely use your advice. (Keep this in mind if you are headed off to the airport so that you give yourself plenty of time.). The inside had the most beautiful design and the outside was just as lovely with tables and benches everywhere and live music playing. The Best Luxury Hotels in Big Sur - Culture Trip Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. National Register of Historic Places listings in Monterey County There were cute adorable dogs everywhere. I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. Nearest Cities: Monterey and Carmel to the north (40 minute drive), San Simeon and Cambria to the south (1.5 hour drive) Closest International Airports: San Jose International Airport (SJC) - 1.5 hour drive | Oakland International Airport (OAK) - 2 hour drive | San Francisco (SFO) - 2.5 hour drive Best Time to Visit: April through October, early fall is best (7/15/18), "It's such a kid-friendly area, and I just heard that the entire Hwy 1 is now opened." Luckily, I have a few more trips planned this fall so the Check out Lovers Point Beach where you can do all the water activities like surfing and kayaking. I wanna go for sunset next time! Hi Faith! 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. Thanks for stopping by! Explore Big Sur. Its important to note that many businesses have shorter opening hours during the off-peak season. The location is so perfect in between Cannery Row and Fishermans Wharf and just a ten minute walk to the aquarium. If you can settle for not actually staying in Big Sur itself, consider heading up north to Carmel or Monterey for less-than-astronomical prices. View of Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA Vacation Rental Private vacation home California road trip: Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe - Tripadvisor 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. My favorite part about it, however, was that it was literally right over the ocean. :p. Have you ever seen a beach with purple sand?! It is our home state, so hopefully we can do it soon." General tips. Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. There were various cheeses, crackers, fruit and little sandwiches. Hi Rosie! 4 Golfers. How to get here: When youre heading southbound (recommended), take the 2nd right after you see the Big Sur Station. When is the Best Time to Visit Monterey and Big Sur? Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. 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. 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 . It is about 15 minutes from Monterey, spend at least 3 hours. Monterey Itineraries | Things to Do in Monterey | Monterey County CVB We ended up booking the Hideaway an adorable boutique hotel. You can stop in Santa Cruz if youd like. 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! When driving from Monterey to Big Sur, youll pass the small seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea. There are definitely so many good spots for pictures that you cant get enough of! You could easily spend a few hours admiring the keyhole and rock formations on the beach. Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. Inside you'll nd: Flexible, strategic itineraries including long weekends in Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz, and a three-day road trip from Big Sur to Famous for its narrow cobblestone lanes, little cottages dressed in flowers and plants, and enchanting shops that sell tons of local goodies, Carmel is a . La Playa Carmel. The banana bread is great too, but now that weve had the almond croissant, I dont think well ever be getting anything else. Day 1. Oh, and the bakery has public restrooms available, which is always good to know on a road trip without much service! Afternoon 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. The 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. (7/16/18), "It just opened yesterday! 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. Then continue heading south along Hwy 1 to take in some of the famous sites. Thx!! 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. 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical Another awesome part of the Monterey Plaza Hotel is that you can rent bikes for free! The 20 Best Day Trips From San Francisco (Without a Car) You could spend 1-2 hours here and then continue on to Big Sur. The beach there was beautiful with views of the cliffs next to the ocean. all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. Youll be hungry after your ride, so head over to Hulas for a late lunch. Hi Shafinah! Youve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. And theres a reason for it the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. Havent had enough of the great outdoors on your Big Sur road trip just yet? I hope youll have the same great time while visiting! If you want a taste of France in sweet Monterey, Paris Bakery is your go-to spot! I heard from a local that even though Carmel is small, there is always something new to discover and I can definitely believe it. Bring water and watch out for poison oak. Tours cost $15 per person. Day Three: Monterey Morning Monterey is just a 10 minute drive from Carmel and a great area to explore for the day!
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