big sur carmel, monterey itinerary
Woooo its finally time to get this Big Sur road trip itinerary under way! While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. Three days would be even better so you can really relax and take your time. This area is gorgeous where you can easily spend a couple of hours hanging out. Any tips/suggestions appreciated. Begin your day with breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel by-the-Sea. Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. 8 Best California Road Trips | Big Sur to Sierras - Leisure Channel Islands National Park The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. Thanks for your support! La Playa Carmel. Not as expensive as the other two, so check out Treebones if youd like to give your wallet a bit of a break! 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!) Luckily, I have a few more trips planned this fall so the 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! I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. Glad to hear it! There are a ton of walks and trails to choose from, with all difficulty levels. 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. Thanks for stopping by! When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. Makes me miss San Francisco! And thankfully, neither are too strenuous or long (perfect if you dont have all day). Cozy. Whether you are looking for a shopping trip, family getaway or romantic getaway we have just the travel itinerary for you! And so is Nepenthe! Note that youll have to walk/hike about 100 steps or so to access the beach. It was so delicious and the outdoor dining setting right over the ocean was such a dream. Theyve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas. At the time of posting this article, the section of Hwy 1 south of McWay Falls was still closed due to mudslides from 2017. After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. Ventana Inn & Spa: Youll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. 3. Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. There is memorabilia from the movies all over! 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 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. Carmel Beach is definitely the best place to watch the sunset. Pacific Grove is a small area right on the edge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary about a 10-minute drive from Fishermans Wharf. Hi Jolayne! 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! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life. A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to a beautiful waterfall crashing directly into the Pacific Oceans emerald water. Then walk through the main entrance, purchase a $2 map and head out on your hike. Yes! Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Nov 2021 and Nov 2020. GROUP PEBBLE BEACH GOLF TRIP PROPOSAL - Epic Golf Travel Seaside cliffs. If seeing a whale is on your bucket list, Fishermans Wharf is where you need to be. Morning Carmel Valley is full of vineyards and wineries. We will be coming here mid-May and will definitely use your advice. Loading. FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays) daily at the Pacific Grove shops. Keep that in mind when you head out on your road trip. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! 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. While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). DEETJENS BIG SUR INN - 261 Photos & 199 Reviews - Yelp Another thing I loved about Carmel Beach was how dog friendly it was. Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel. Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. They are a definite must on any Big Sur Itinerary. Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. 14 Best Road Trips in Northern California - LazyTrips Seeing these trees was such a surreal experience! You could spend all day in this area headed from winery to winery. In the months of October-February, you will also be in time to see the Monarch butterflies clustering at Monarch Grove Butterly Sanctuary. Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose I hope your travel planning takes you here soon! 1. Morsels 03.02.23 | Eat + Drink - Monterey County Weekly NOW 5. You can easily follow along the road trip stops, doing every single one (my recommendation) or picking and choosing a few if you only have part of a day. One of my favorite parts of the park was all of the beautiful walking paths with wildflowers everywhere. Not happening. And yes, we always have a great time in Monterey! 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! 6 days / 5 nights / 4 rounds. I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! Thank you for this helpful resource. Win-win! A PCH Road Trip to Monterey and Big Sur | Cond Nast Traveler These 10 Hidden Gems Are California's Best-kept Secrets If you have time for more hiking and want to explore more of the Big Sur area on foot, check out this link for ideas. Monterey Carmel Big Sur Pebble Beach Private Charter by Luxury Vehicle 6 hrs~ 6 hours Hotel pickup offered. I know it is a chain, but I had never eaten there before and thought it would be fun to try it out! 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 . I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. 3. Any Big Sur road trip aint complete without a stop at iconic Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur (which Im sure youve seen alllll over instagram and pinterest). You can book a tour right on the wharf, but its possible that tickets might sell out. (10/13/18). Renting a Car:Note that youll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) March 3, 2023. Your Weekend in Big Sur Itinerary: How to Nail a Big Sur Road Trip 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). Big Sur Itinerary Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. This sample itinerary aims to show how you can cover the two towns of Monterey or Carmel in as little as 2 days. Beautiful, post-card like views. Big Sur looks truly incredible. Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. 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. Yes, its that impressive. 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. Located just a smidge south of Pfieffer beach is Big Sur Bakery, which is actually a 1930s ranch-style home. This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. Theres a retro school bus selling ice cream right off the parking lot, which is perfect on a hot day. I absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. 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. If you are a morning person, you might want to head out earlier to avoid the other tourists. It was moved to get away from the military garrison. Fog usually disappears around 9 AM even though that sounds like a disappointing fact. If youre not in a rush on your Big Sur road trip, why not make the extra stop? Be sure to checkout some of my blog posts which include information about travel, fashion, lifestyle and photography. 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! No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical Today, he has a wholesale warehouse where he provides his delicious fresh-baked pastries to hotels and restaurants around the area. If the weathers lousy (as in thick fog drastically impeding the views), I honestly wouldnt bother with Nepenthe. We are surrounded by forest. Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. The colors over the water were absolutely spectacular! 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). Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! I was really excited to go here because I hadnt seen redwood trees since I was a little kid. Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria. If you are into golfing, the 17 mile drive also has the world famous Pebble Beach! 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. We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! Make sure to have these essentials on your list: The best time to visit Monterey and Big Sur is in the fall during the months of September to November or in the spring during the months of April to May. End: Mammoth Lakes. 2-Day Big Sur Itinerary: 25 Best Things To Do For An Epic Road Trip In Click here to skip back to the top. They have ice cream, churros, and sundaes, which is the best option! 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. 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! . 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! To discover all these buildings, be like the yellow brick road and follow the Path of Historys yellow tiles on the sidewalk. There are souvenir shops, where I bought a super cute Monterey boat picture frame, theres a clam chowder stand, a cafe spot that I love and forget its name, and my favorite the Monterey Bay Creamery where theres a huge cow statue selling ice cream. Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. 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. Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! After Mcway Falls, we headed to Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park). Details. Bubba Gumps specializes in seafood- specifically shrimp and if you have ever seen Forest Gump- this place will be really fun for you! Treebones Resort features seven ocean view tent campsites, along with 16 yurts with great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin! A girls gotta eat, am I right? Dont go during the rain or after its just rained as the road is all dirt and can get quite muddy at times. I always love getting cheese plates! You betcha your night will be an unforgettable escape. 17 Mile Drive is said to be one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. Then continue heading south along Hwy 1 to take in some of the famous sites. 35 of the Best Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from San Francisco Yes, youll definitely need to add these 2 to your list and drive along the 101 highway. Bixby Bridge was built in 1932 and is one of the highest suspending bridges sitting at 260 feet above the bottom of the canyon below. It is still totally worth it to see this beautiful place. (7/16/18), "It just opened yesterday! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When researching where to eat, I had Forge in the Forest recommend several times. Answer 11 of 32: Hi all! Can you swim in Big Sur? California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara Hi Kate! Grab Life by the Moments Itineraries Highlights Itinerary Outdoors Itinerary Family Itinerary Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary Golf Itinerary Big Sur Carmel Carmel Valley Castroville Marina Monterey Moss Landing Pacific Grove Pebble Beach Salinas Seaside . Will need to make a trip out to Big Sur . 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. I saw sea otters, seals and dolphins! There are definitely so many good spots for pictures that you cant get enough of! AirBnB: Due to the higher-than-normal cost of accommodation in Big Sur, you may want to check out AirBnB for a less expensive option, many even with those ocean views were all swooning over (without the super hefty price tag). The marketplace is a certified farmers market so youll find local bakeries, craft vendors, and organic produce. (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" The parking lot is large and yes, youll need to pay $10 (a common theme to use the beaches/parks in/near Big Sur). I had a few places in mind I wanted to stop before we left, but I also thought it was fun to be spontaneous and stop whenever we saw something that interested us! To eat here though, you definitely pay for the cliffside views. Monterey, Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea Bus Tour from San Francisco You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast! You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. The fog is usually gone by early Fall, and you can even witness whales and butterflies this time of year (yes, really, if you know where to look!). 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! From San Francisco: The Best Road Trip to Monterey, Carmel, & Big Sur Check the missions website for daily hours and admission prices. They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! I was in awe the entire time. If youre visiting in winter, dont miss the chance to go whale-watching, as this area is a haven for them! 17-Mile Drive Tour | Big Sur Bike Tours & Rentals Monterey California Explore Big Sur. The high season in this area is during the summer months, just after May and through August, so you may want to avoid these months if you dont want to be around the crowds. If you are driving up from the south, everything will just be in reverse order. There were also lots of lawn games. 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. A short 15 minute walk along the cliffs with beautiful views of the coast and even a waterfall! Thankfully theres hot chocolate, tea, and/or coffee waiting for you. Hi Sydney! Psst: When people say theyre hiking to McWay Falls, theyre really just casually strolling down a paved path. Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. Right outside of Carmel is Carmel Mission Basilica, dating clear back to the 1700s. Youll drive into places like San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, Pismo, and more! Girls Trip: Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur 3 Day Itinerary READ NEXT: 25+ Best Road Trips from San Francisco. (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. There is also the Old Downtown Marketplace every Tuesday from 4 -7 PM in the fall and 4 8 PM in the summer. We also went on the Cyprus Grove Trail and we loved that one too. As part of a longer visit we hoped to drive up to Cambria from Anaheim on 21 April, stay overnight then. I discuss Nepenthe below as a must-visit stop on your Big Sur itinerary! I would love to visit all of the beautiful beaches, go on those hikes and eat the saltwater taffy and ice cream! Oh la la, Crepes! Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. Be sure and check out the view from both sides of the street, but be careful when crossing. Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? 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. Like what you see? This place is absolutely perfect for lunch! If youve had enough of driving on your road trip, you can park near Carmel beach and walk the scenic path. I had never seen succulents that big before! Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. We had to hurry back right after so we could get our bike rentals back in time! I definitely need to add that this is one of the most dog friendly places I have ever been. After we walked back from the aquarium to the hotel, we decided it would be fun to ride bikes over to Fishermans Wharf! And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. 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. Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. This trail was amazing and we saw a cove with the most turquoise blue waters and baby sea lions down below. Yes and No. Big Sur guide. In fact, I thought about being a Marine Biologist for awhile. And Im jealous of you already. Big Sur road trip: 12 Epic Pacific Coast Highway stops to check out (2022)! Hi Linnea! (See that next!). Located about two hours south of San Francisco and about five hours north of Los Angeles, this rugged coastline is famous for many things. This image is from Big Sur, a California State Park . Montereys Fishermans Wharf is an iconic stop for your Monterey itinerary. 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary. The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary for Carmel & Monterey - I Wander Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary If you've 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. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! I definitely recommend booking in advance. READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. September 10, 2024 - September 15, 2024. Heading to California and cant wait to check off all the stops on this Big Sur road trip itinerary? 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. 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. I had seen pictures of Mcway Falls for many years and had always dreamed of seeing them with my own eyes. You wont miss it, promise, as its just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. There is so much nature and the small city feels to explore in Monterey and Big Sur! I too hope that tourists can make the kind of choices that will benefit everyone." Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 6. Basically, nature at its finest. , Point Lobos looks absolutely stunning! This will probably whet your appetite for more, so dont miss the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium as well. Have dinner at Lallapalooza on Alvarado Street. 5. Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! Quiet. We pulled into this area where you can park and then pay to take a shuttle to the beach. We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. I only have three more posts to go after this one. If this is your first time to the area dont rush it! Since Big Sur is located between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon, its best to start from either of these (and finish in the other) if you wanna experience the entire coastline of Big Sur. It took my breath away. Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur - California They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The airport is small and easy to navigate. The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old! Driving Big Sur: Best Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary (Top Views + Stops!) Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. 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. 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. Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip 3 Day Itinerary