They had the cutest beach cruisers with baskets and they also have electric bikes! These 10 Hidden Gems Are California's Best-kept Secrets Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . Besides Abalonettis another one of our favorite restaurants in this area is Phils Fish Market & Eatery. This was a great place to end the day in Carmel. The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! The banana bread is great too, but now that weve had the almond croissant, I dont think well ever be getting anything else. There was a river right behind the Inn with lots of cute chairs to sit on and relax and people were even tubing on the river! 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. In those early days, abalone harvesting became very popular when the Chinese realized the lucrative business of harvesting fish and started commercializing seafood. And so is Nepenthe! Big Sur/Monterey Itinerary for July 4 - Big Sur Forum - Tripadvisor The Lone Cypress on the 17-mile drive is one of the most photographed trees in the world. Walking on the wharf doesnt take any more than 30 minutes if you just want to do a walk-through, but youd be missing out! You could drive the famous 17-mile Pebble Beach drive en route. From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. Moon Monterey & Carmel - Stuart Thornton 2019-01-08 Quirky beach towns, deliciously fresh seafood, and dramatic hikes and drives: discover what the locals love with Moon Monterey & Carmel. You could easily spend a few hours admiring the keyhole and rock formations on the beach. Makes me miss San Francisco! Bring water and watch out for poison oak. Treebones Resort: Looking for something a bit different? I love the mixture of beautiful scenery, learning about new things, and getting outside and being active. We went on the Bird Island and China Cove trailhead first. . Even more than that, Point Lobos doesnt classify itself as a state park, but rather as a natural reserve with the highest protection for nature and wildlife found here. When researching where to eat, I had Forge in the Forest recommend several times. Right outside of Carmel is Carmel Mission Basilica, dating clear back to the 1700s. Psst: When people say theyre hiking to McWay Falls, theyre really just casually strolling down a paved path. Yes! Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. Not many out-of-towners know this, but. Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim. You can always put your feet in if youd like! And it is a full itinerary! Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. Of courseeee this is when its most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical Weve always been planning to do a road trip in this part of California, so will be bookmarking this. There is a small parking area located on the east side of the highway. (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. This trail was amazing and we saw a cove with the most turquoise blue waters and baby sea lions down below. Explore my other California guides here! The hottest month in Monterey is September when high temperatures are around 67F and lows are 55F. 8 Epic San Francisco Road Trips to Plan Right Now There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). Book now from $9.99! The Bixby Bridge looked amazing. Thank you for sharing! We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Big Sur looks truly incredible. FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. 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. What Can I Do After My Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary? 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! I feel oh so lucky to only live a few hours north, which means we typically make it to Big Sur at least once a year! Three days would be even better so you can really relax and take your time. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. Afternoon You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. Purple sand (yup!). I would love to go back! We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Cocktails with a view? Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel. If seeing a whale is on your bucket list, Fishermans Wharf is where you need to be. Looking for more California content? Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Nov 2021 and Nov 2020. Sure, its the most expensive pastry Ive ever bought (at a whopping $8.50), but my husband and I both felt it was worth the hefty price tag. The Barbacoa Beef tacos are insanely delicious! We pulled into this area where you can park and then pay to take a shuttle to the beach. Manage Settings Youll get a really nice view of the beach. Looks like you had a wonderful time too. Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year's Race for Open Space has something for you. That just means you'll have to go back! Next up on the Big Sur Itinerary: Stopping at Big Sur River Inn for a much needed icecream break! 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. 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. 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. A PCH Road Trip to Monterey and Big Sur | Cond Nast Traveler Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. It's $10.50 entrance per car to see the iconic views. The 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. Next up on this Big Sur road trip itinerary the Point Sur Lighthouse! 10. This area is one of my favorite places in California to visit. You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. 2023 Cultural & Theme Tours in Monterey & Carmel: Check out reviews and photos of the 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical Highlights. I had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. Big Sur road trip: 12 Epic Pacific Coast Highway stops to check out (2022)! 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. California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara GROUP PEBBLE BEACH GOLF TRIP PROPOSAL - Epic Golf Travel 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 flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. Swimming is not recommended at this beach because there are a lot of rock formations that could cause harm if a strong wave pulled a swimmer the wrong way (and there were a lot of waves crashing through the rock formations), but you could also stay near the sandy area and dip your feet in the Pacific Ocean. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. I had never seen succulents that big before! Hi MacKenzie! Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. I was really excited to go here because I hadnt seen redwood trees since I was a little kid. You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast! Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. I can now say that I absolutely loved that area and will definitely be coming back! If you are a morning person, you might want to head out earlier to avoid the other tourists. The road is not paved. You managed to pack in so many must-see sights and unique experiences, all while keeping a great balance of relaxation and adventure. Click here to skip back to the top. A Carmel to Big Sur road trip can take anywhere from one hour to five, depending on how many stops . Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. Thank you! Distance: Approximately 430 miles. Carmel is one of the most charming and quintessential towns I have ever been to. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA: LOGISTICS. Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! 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. Cannery Row also has some cute candy shops, arcades and even an indoor mini golf arena! I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with your itinerary. 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. Ive already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! 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). You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. This area is gorgeous where you can easily spend a couple of hours hanging out. The location of the Carmel Mission isn't the original spot. Bring a blanket and some snacks and plan to stay for awhile. Seeing these trees was such a surreal experience! 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. The town is truly tiny at only one square mile, but it is absolutely packed with amazing things. Seaside cliffs. This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. Highway 1 is a one lane highway that winds along the coast. Big Sur isnt too far from Monterey and you get all the nature with it. And plus, the water is chilly over here! It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! It was going on right when we arrived at the hotel. Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. 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. 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. Aww, thank you so much! One of the greatest attractions to this park is McWay Falls, one of two tidefalls* in California. When is the Best Time to Visit Monterey and Big Sur? To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. They were so colorful and unique! 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. In this quaint town, you will find a gas station, a few small hotels, convenience stores, bathrooms, and restaurants. While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! 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. There are even more trails to explore such as the South Shore Trail, Cypress Grove Loop Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, and Lace Lichen Trail. I guess we'll have to plan another trip." There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. Big Sur guide. They were so cute, I was squealing! If you're going to drive all of the Big Sur coastline in a day, coming from the Bay Area, you'll want to be prepared for at least 5 hours of driving each way, a total of 10 hours on the road. We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! Theyve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas. Loading. Bubba Gumps specializes in seafood- specifically shrimp and if you have ever seen Forest Gump- this place will be really fun for you! Yes, youll definitely need to add these 2 to your list and drive along the 101 highway. This weekend itinerary will immerse you in the Big Sur experience. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! The Best California Road Trips & Itineraries | Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur to Santa Barbara California: Places to Visit North America California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara FIRST POSTED: 4th June 2019 | LAST UPDATED: 7th August 2020 9 minute read Have a great rest of your day. From San Francisco: The Best Road Trip to Monterey, Carmel, & Big Sur Monterey Carmel Big Sur Pebble Beach Private Charter by Luxury Vehicle 6 hrs~ 6 hours Hotel pickup offered. Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! The clam chowder here is also amazing! My photographer heart would absolutely some of those vistas. from $900. 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 choose to visit Big Sur as an out-and-back road trip from San Francisco, you can follow California Highway 1 south from the city past Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and the Monterey Peninsula - then back up. You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! Hiking and tide pooling are great here. Pacific Coast Highway. Both are definitely worth getting out for and photographing. Definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list. . Top tip: pull off at a turnout from the bridges south end at sunset. There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. Answer 11 of 32: Hi all! 2. Sea otters help kelp forests flourish by keeping the sea urchin population in check. Although I can definitely see why its just as beautiful and even the same style! 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 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. Time needed: 1 to 2 days. Heading to California and cant wait to check off all the stops on this Big Sur road trip itinerary? Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago . Epic Golf Travel would love to be your resource for all your golf travel needs! The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. All these spots make it easy to photograph. The official name of the Carmel Mission is Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo. Ventana Inn & Spa: Youll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. When you visit Point Lobos, youll be amazed by its natural beauty, but please make sure to stay on trails as erosion is currently harming plants and wildlife in the area. Arrive- Pick up Rental Car and Drive to Monterey I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. Hi, Im Jess. Youll know it by seeing cars lined up the hill up into the parking lot or various vehicles parked, waiting to get in. 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. Girls Trip: Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur 3 Day Itinerary Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. You could spend all day in this area headed from winery to winery. Thanks for sharing your journey with us! Youll also be able to witness sea lions and harbor seals frolicking around on nearby rocks any time of year listen and youll hear them no problem! This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! Theres no real starting point. Hi.. we are driving in from Santa Barbara and wanted to plan a Big Sur , Monterey trip where should we stop first where would u stay if u want to see Carmel too? The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. Then continue heading south along Hwy 1 to take in some of the famous sites. The rest of the year is considered cool temperature, but Monterey does boast of 300 days of sunshine. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! March 3, 2023. 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. We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! 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. It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. Do note there is no beach or ocean access, and its actually forbidden to go down there. 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! Be sure to dabble your toes in the river at Big Sur River Inn and then end your day with a sunset dinner and ocean view at Pacific's Edge. We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. 35 of the Best Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from San Francisco Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! 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 youre from outta town, and by that not within driving distance, youll need to get yourself to SFO (San Francisco) first. which is a favorite local hotspot and should not be missed when planning your Big Sur itinerary. Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz. 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 Big Sur Road Trip - Includes ALL the Best Viewpoints! Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles. Winding turns. Thanks for all the recommendations. Planning a trip to Carmel/Big Sur? Help with Itinerary? - Monterey Fog usually disappears around 9 AM even though that sounds like a disappointing fact. *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). 17 Mile Drive is said to be one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. The people that worked there were friendly and gave us a map of the nearby trail and tips on places they recommended seeing. Big Sur is the 90 mile stretch of California coast, nestled between Monterey and San Luis Obispo that is as breathtakingly beautiful and unreal as a dream, with the waves of the Pacific ocean crashing along its rugged shores, simply begging for a visit. (7/16/18), "It just opened yesterday! There is so much nature and the small city feels to explore in Monterey and Big Sur! 6 days / 5 nights / 4 rounds. Its such a pretty area! Big Sur Road Trip: Best Stops on a Scenic California Coast Adventure! 7. 2022 text, 2021 Big Sur Drinking Fountain Image and Ghiradelli Cannery Row Image, 2020 Carmel . 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. Then walk through the main entrance, purchase a $2 map and head out on your hike. 8 Best California Road Trips | Big Sur to Sierras - Leisure We booked in advance and it was about $31 a day before adding gas and insurance if you want. There is so much to see, this is only the tip of it! The only downside to visiting in the summertime is that July and August are the foggiest months. Here, youll find tips to help plan the perfect road trip for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. Day Three: Monterey Morning Monterey is just a 10 minute drive from Carmel and a great area to explore for the day! I was looking for an itinerary for this area for a roadtrip and landed on your blog. Eating fresh clam chowder is a must on any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! Now part of the Ventana Inn resort. Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. The location is so perfect in between Cannery Row and Fishermans Wharf and just a ten minute walk to the aquarium. I repeat, the almond croissant is orgasmic. Thanks for your support! The beach there was beautiful with views of the cliffs next to the ocean. Renting a Car : Note that you'll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. Carmel Valley is full of vineyards and wineries. We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. Big Sur's vast wilderness and breathtaking views of the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline connects the northern half -- Carmel, Monterey and Santa Cruz -- with the rolling hills and vineyards of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Cambria and Hearst Castle of the southern half -- Part of the Best West Road Trip itinerary - Goin' Coastal in the Central Coast Region of California. I only have three more posts to go after this one. A girls gotta eat, am I right? Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. Constructed in 1931, and standing over 250 feet high, many people consider this bridge to be the gateway to Big Sur. California CA Big Sur Carmel Monterey Coastline Postcard Old Vintage La Playa Carmel. Traffic is really bad, please use public transport or other forms to reduce as much as possible. " Drive out to Point Lobos Natural Reserve for some hiking and breathtaking views. If you squint really hard, youll see the falls between the rocks going directly into the ocean in the photo below. From here, you can make a decision on what youre feeling but here are some recommendations! Theres really no way around it. Youll most definitely wanna make a few stops along the way (Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, Santa Cruz, and Carmel/Monterey are my favorites), so plan accordingly! The drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Simeon is 2 hours and 20 minutes of curvy, cliff-side driving. 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). I mean, its absolutely GORGEOUS. 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. 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 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. Morning The road is narrow, so be extra careful when pulling over for the views (my advice only pull off in designated spots, theres plenty of them).