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. 15 Dreamy Things To Do In Monterey and Carmel As A Couple Highway 1 is a one lane highway that winds along the coast. The Perfect Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary, Wizarding World of Harry Potter | Perfect Itinerary, Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party | Top 10, Utah in the Winter | 11 Magical Things to Do, Best Things to do in Jacksonville Florida, 20 Top Things to do in Iceland- The Ultimate Bucket List, Things to do in Kauai | Perfect Itinerary, Things to do in Seoul, South Korea | Top 20, Baja Cantina & Grill- quirky inside and outside, Mission Ranch Restaurant- popular spot for Brunch. I would love to go there one day, Hi Jade! Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi I am Aubrie, thanks for stopping by! This romantic drive is one of the best cross country road trip routes that couples must take together! Day Three Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur itinerary? - California Forum Jackie Jegat, the owner and founder, moved from his home in France to open his own restaurant on the California Coast when he was about 30 years old. (See that next!). McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. 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 . Read Next: 25+ Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco. From San Francisco: The Best Road Trip to Monterey, Carmel, & Big Sur This will probably whet your appetite for more, so dont miss the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium as well. How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? The Perfect Weekend in Carmel, CA - Miss Molly Mac If you arent pressed for time I recommend spending the night in Carmel-by-the-Sea or at least exploring it for a few hours. In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. I love how comprehensive this is Monterery and Big Sur look like such BEAUTIFUL places ! 6. This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. Drive over to Asilomar State Beach for some tide-pooling. 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. Continue driving south on Hwy 1 towards your next stop in this Big Sur itinerary: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which is not to be confused with Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. 14 Best Road Trips in Northern California - LazyTrips Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. , Point Lobos looks absolutely stunning! They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! In the morning, after breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes), which became an artist's colony after the 1906 Great San Francisco Earthquake destroyed that city.Take a stroll along Ocean Ave. and admire the charming shops and galleries. . With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. Seeing these trees was such a surreal experience! Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley. Comment below. I definitely need to add that this is one of the most dog friendly places I have ever been. 8. I have yet to try Big Sur Bakery although Ive heard many good referrals about all the food from wood-fired sourdough to buttermilk biscuits and gravy. As you start your Big Sur road trip down from San Francisco (after exploring Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea prior), youre first official stop should be Point Lobos! Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. Unfortunately, when I was there, you could only go on part of the trail and since it is only a small pathway where you can see the falls, it was pretty crowded. Big Sur Itinerary - Day 2: 1. Bring a blanket and a cooler with your favorite sandwich to enjoy, which we wish we had done. While the tours are quite long at three hours, the history and information is so interesting you wont even notice the hours passing by. Thanks for stopping by! It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! (10/13/18). The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary (All The Best Stops!) This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. The colors over the water were absolutely spectacular! 4. We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). The picturesque stretch hugs the Monterey Peninsula, threading through the historic Monterey and the fairytale town of Carmel-by-the-Sea before connecting with the jaw-dropping Big Sur. : Sand dollar beach does indeed have sand dollars! Its a cute town, and there is a long sandy beach. Youll drive into places like San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, Pismo, and more! The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. 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. This image is from Big Sur, a California State Park . Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). 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. 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. Then walk through the main entrance, purchase a $2 map and head out on your hike. It took my breath away. 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. Now you can sit and relax in the car a bit as you head south to Big Sur. Afternoon Carmel is a must for any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! The Pacific Coast Highway is the longest state route in California. Yes, youll definitely need to add these 2 to your list and drive along the 101 highway. We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. The Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary On your first morning, wake up early and by 8 AM start your Big Sur itinerary by heading south on Highway 1. La Playa Carmel. Big Sur Itinerary Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. My photographer heart would absolutely some of those vistas. And get there early the tours only accommodate 40 people! 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. 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! If seeing a whale is on your bucket list, Fishermans Wharf is where you need to be. $8,790.00 USD per person. This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. 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. 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. The Whisky Club in Monterey hosts trivia on the first and third Thursday each . Phone: (831) 515-6403. If you start at Big Sur, put your location in as San Simeon and then drive north from there. Beautiful, post-card like views. We loved visiting the Whalers Cabin in Whalers Cove and thought the scenery was the most spectacular around Bluefish Cove. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience. Next up on your Monterey itinerary is Cannery Row, a waterfront area with old buildings filled with shopping, restaurants, and fun activities such as escape rooms, arcades, and the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. If youre from outta town, and by that not within driving distance, youll need to get yourself to SFO (San Francisco) first. This whole road trip looks so picturesque! Pace yourself its all beautiful. Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! Again, thank you! It was going on right when we arrived at the hotel. 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). Constructed in 1931, and standing over 250 feet high, many people consider this bridge to be the gateway to Big Sur. So this tour fit the bill on all accounts! 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 It is still totally worth it to see this beautiful place. 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! Hi Kate! The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. 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. Her Wanderful World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. 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. . 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. Explore my other California guides here! About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. Thank you for sharing! 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Its so nice to just be surrounded by nature and kinda forget about the rest of the world for a little while! 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. 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. 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. A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. Hi Jolayne! I cant recommend this place enough! The Bixby Creek Bridge (10/12/18), "Thank you Kelsey for your words of advise. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. Ill receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which Ill totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. Carmel to Big Sur: A Stunning California Road Trip From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. If you are planning a road trip to the coast of California, this Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is a perfect option for you, and its so convenient as they are about 30 minutes apart from one another. We're currently planning a full trip to the Carmel/ Monterey/ Big Sur area but was wondering if our itinerary is to full? Youll know it by seeing cars lined up the hill up into the parking lot or various vehicles parked, waiting to get in. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4','ezslot_26',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4-0');A beautiful state park, Garrapata State Park has views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Soberanes Canyon. Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. 17 Mile Drive is said to be one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. I stopped at this state park on the way back to Carmel and I really loved it! Price: $25-100. 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. 5. It could be difficult to drive a large vehicle or RV through this area as it is one lane and very narrow. Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. Key: Purple Big Sur Itinerary | Blue Monterey Itinerary | Orange Other excursions | Yellow Places to stay. Theyre my two favorite spots in Point Lobos, and you wont find clearer waters. Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. 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). This place is absolutely perfect for lunch! The airport is small and easy to navigate. THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but its not! 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. Yes, yes, and yes! 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary Whats your favorite local spot? Carmel Itineraries Monterey Peninsula Carmel Chamber of Commerce This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. Both are definitely worth getting out for and photographing. Morning Day Two They also have bikes you can rent as well. Thanks for all the recommendations. Not to be missed, youll need to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. I was there for a penguin feeding and that was really fun! While the food and drinks are good, youre paying for the view. Carmel is one of the most charming and quintessential towns I have ever been to. Not to mention, its adorable, so its a really fun place to stop for photos! Our guide Johnathon was knowledgeable about the area telling us interesting facts along the route. 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 Ive been to California several times but I still havent visited Big Sur or Monterey. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The United States flag was first raised in Monterey in 1846 claiming California for the United States. There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! Youll have an amazing time when you visit! We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. Day 3. . 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. . I may email you with more in-depth questions as we plan. When is the Best Time to Visit Monterey and Big Sur? Win-win! There are a lot of incredible eateries in Carmel. Alternately, it's possible to just take Highway 1 all the way, though this takes a long time, about a 4 hours and 30 minutes drive to Cambria. 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. Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago . Like what you see? 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. I absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! from $900. We ate a quick breakfast at the hotel (one of the other perks of staying there) and then headed to the 5th Avenue Deli. 35 of the Best Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from San Francisco Day 1: Monterey. It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. I always love getting cheese plates! 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! A PCH Road Trip to Monterey and Big Sur | Cond Nast Traveler Note:If you have time, Pfeiffer Beach, which is very close to this state park is worth a visit. A Carmel to Big Sur road trip can take anywhere from one hour to five, depending on how many stops . It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. I can now say that I absolutely loved that area and will definitely be coming back! We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe. There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. Day One The location was great and we were able to walk all over town. The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. Johnathon was easy-going and the time we spent with Big Sur Adventures was the highlight of our weekend. Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. 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. Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? Big Sur is one of my favorite places IN THE WORLD (hands down) and one of my favorite road trips from San Francisco. There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. for current highway conditions before your drive. Monterey, which is further north of Big Sur, is located no more than 1-1.5 hours away from most of the attractions that we recommend seeing on a Big Sur itinerary. Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary: Plan the Perfect - Her Wanderful World Youll find plenty of sunny days over here! Day 1 6pm After a thrilling drive along historic Highway One, you've arrived at the Big Sur Campground and Cabins for an authentically rustic Big Sur stay. Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. 10. 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. These 10 Hidden Gems Are California's Best-kept Secrets Ive already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! Monterey Itineraries | Things to Do in Monterey | Monterey County CVB And trust me, theres enough things to do in Big Sur to fill an entire weekend and then some. 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. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. 1. First things first, if youve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. Yes! Note that parking costs $10 to enter the park, but you can easily park on the side of the road (if you dont mind walking a far distance to get in). Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. Whether it's sipping your way through Carmel Valley's boutique wine tasting rooms or hopping on an unforgettable whale watching excursion, Monterey County provides meeting attendees with a variety of extracurricular activities. Call ahead to ask about the exact time that the bagpipe player will be playing, as times change throughout the year. Bubba Gumps has such a fun atmosphere that seems to mesh perfectly with Monterrey! That waterfall on Julia Pfeiffer Burns is incredible!!! You wont miss it, promise, as its just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Aubrie is a Utah based blogger/content creator. McWay Falls McWay Falls is likely the most iconic and most-photographed spot in Big Sur. I too hope that tourists can make the kind of choices that will benefit everyone." Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. 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! Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria. Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. Guide contents. This website is very helpful and gives a description of each stop so you can decide where you want to stop before you even get there. It needs our tourism more than ever, after suffering near economic catastrophe when. 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! Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! We would like to thank Big Sur Adventures for providing discounted tickets for us to experience their e-bike tour. Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. One of the best features of the hotel was the Happy Hour that happened every day from 4-6. Its more of a state of mind rather than a specific point on a map, encompassing about 90 sunny Californian miles down the Pacific Coast Highway. Hi Shafinah! There is a $10 honor system daily charge, so bring some cash. Answer 11 of 32: Hi all! 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. 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. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . They are even bigger than you can imagine! 6. 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. Looking for more California content? This was a great place to end the day in Carmel. 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.. Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. 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. The drive was nice and pretty straight forward and just took a little over an hour and a half. 2. Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. We were able to order build your own sandwiches that came with a drink and chips. Be aware that the trail is sometimes blocked off due to erosion, and you may not be able to get that picture perfect view. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! We rode past Point Pinos Lighthouse and ended up on a trail to Asilomar State Beach. 4.. Can You Start from San Francisco to Big Sur on the Road Trip Itinerary? Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. 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! Glad to hear it! 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. View of Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA Vacation Rental Private vacation home 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! Begin your day with a savory or sweet crepe at the highly rated Crepes of Brittany in Monterey. Thats so cool youre a teacher! When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. Any tips/suggestions appreciated. Free shipping for many products! Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! 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. Dont fret if you dont drink, they have tons of snacks you can eat as well!