On the opposite side of the road, there is a dirt road known as Old Coast Road. The entire road is comprised of redwood groves, babbling brooks, rolling hills, and lots of no trespassing signs. which is a favorite local hotspot and should not be missed when planning your Big Sur itinerary. Parking is open all along the street and a parking lot is also located on the south side of Cannery Row. Your email address will not be published. Oh la la, Crepes! The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. 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. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! . A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to a beautiful waterfall crashing directly into the Pacific Oceans emerald water. The official name of the Carmel Mission is Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo. Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. Big Sur is one of my favorite places IN THE WORLD (hands down) and one of my favorite road trips from San Francisco. Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. 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. Absolute paradise, albeit rather crowded at times. A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . (10/12/18), "Thank you Kelsey for your words of advise. Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. Start off your morning by heading over to Paris Bakery in Monterey to get some breakfast. Just a few of the things Big Sur is well-known for. Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. Definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list. Book now from $9.99! This trail was amazing and we saw a cove with the most turquoise blue waters and baby sea lions down below. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. Hi Rosie! First things first, if youve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. En route, you'll pitstop on the Monterey Peninsula before snaking along through the wilderness of Big Sur. The airport is small and easy to navigate. I only have three more posts to go after this one. from $900. Most the attractions mentioned in this article are closed due to covid19. Grab Life by the Moments Itineraries Highlights Itinerary Outdoors Itinerary Family Itinerary Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary Golf Itinerary Where we stayed:
Now part of the Ventana Inn resort. Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. I had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. 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. Cannery Row is near where we dropped off our bikes so we just walked right over! After you finally find it (the road to get to Pfeiffer Beach is a bit hidden and narrow with no signs), youll be pleasantly surprised that the sand is actually truly purple in some spots on the beach. There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. 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. Cozy. This shop was really cute and had lots of yummy treats and great customer service. You might recognize this bridge if you have seen Big Little Lies. Its one of the most iconic bridges in all of California and definitely one of the most photographed for its aesthetic. For a complete San Francisco to Big Sur day trip , start in San Francisco and make your way through Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea to Big Sur on Highway 1 and US-101. This Inn was so cute and the place we got icecream was in an old blue bus! In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. It is definitely in a really romantic setting. On your first morning, wake up early and by 8 AM start your Big Sur itinerary by heading south on Highway 1. It ends near San Simeon. Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! Guide contents. The inside had the most beautiful design and the outside was just as lovely with tables and benches everywhere and live music playing. Hi Christina! The location was great and we were able to walk all over town. Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. I mean, its absolutely GORGEOUS. The Barbacoa Beef tacos are insanely delicious! 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. Then walk through the main entrance, purchase a $2 map and head out on your hike. Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. So this tour fit the bill on all accounts! Big Sur road trip itinerary: You could do Big Sur in a day or the entire California coast in 2-3 days if you really wanted to, but it will be much more enjoyable if you do it slowly! The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. If you didnt have time to pack a snack or breakfast, plan a stop at Big Sur Bakery before u-turning into the Pfeiffer Beach turn-off. 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. Since it was already the middle of the day, there were no parking spots down by the beach. Renting a Car:Note that youll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) 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). Did you know? The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. Located about two hours south of San Francisco and about five hours north of Los Angeles, this rugged coastline is famous for many things. Time needed: 1 to 2 days. There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. Whats your favorite local spot? 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 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. But it's absolutely still worth visiting! There are definitely so many good spots for pictures that you cant get enough of! As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts. Book lover? BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA: LOGISTICS. Pace yourself its all beautiful. This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! If youre planning on hanging out on the beach, pack your swimsuit or a wetsuit to surf. Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. 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. The actual name of the mission is Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo. I definitely need to add that this is one of the most dog friendly places I have ever been. This image is from Big Sur, a California State Park . Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! 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. Explore Big Sur. I ordered the Dungeness crab and N got fish and chipsalways so good. Thank you for this helpful resource. Specialties: World-famous Breakfast served Daily 8:00am-noon; Dinner Friday-Tuesday starting at 5:30pm. Drive over to Asilomar State Beach for some tide-pooling. There are BARRELS of salt water taffy with flavors ranging from caramel apple to blueberry cheesecake its incredible! Since the road to Big Sur is finally open again (after months of closure due to horrific mudslides), nows the time to visit! We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. It's $10.50 entrance per car to see the iconic views. For a special end to your day, drive over to the Spanish Inn to listen to the live bagpipe player, and sip a glass of wine as you watch the sunset. 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! The location is so perfect in between Cannery Row and Fishermans Wharf and just a ten minute walk to the aquarium. Not to be missed, youll need to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld. Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! Glad to hear it! You can definitely take away as needed to fit your travel style. Ten interesting facts we learned on OurEDventure:
Keep that in mind when you head out on your road trip. 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 had never seen succulents that big before! 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! The perfect amount of time to see Monterey and Big Sur is 2-3 days. 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. There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. Have a great rest of your day. What a wonderful place you get to call home. And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! I am a huge fan of aquariums! FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I would love to go back! We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. Distance: Approximately 430 miles. Morning
For the photographers heart, the iconic Keyhole Arch makes for a stunning sunset spot in Central California during the golden hour! Note that youll have to walk/hike about 100 steps or so to access the beach. If you want a taste of France in sweet Monterey, Paris Bakery is your go-to spot! This will probably whet your appetite for more, so dont miss the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium as well. We had to hurry back right after so we could get our bike rentals back in time! 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. Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz. We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. Sure, the food is on the pricey side (like the rest of Big Sur), but its such a great place to stop and relax for a bit. If you squint really hard, youll see the falls between the rocks going directly into the ocean in the photo below. 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!). They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! Thanks for stopping by! On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. Check the website for openings and reservations. Luckily, I have a few more trips planned this fall so the 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. The only downside to visiting in the summertime is that July and August are the foggiest months. The road is not paved. About this rental. It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. I stopped at this state park on the way back to Carmel and I really loved it! 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! I would advise sharing a sundae with your BFF as the portions are huge, but its delicious nonetheless. Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! Looking for more California content? And plus, the water is chilly over here! 8. In his restaurant, youll see rows of pastries lining the front of his shop and cafe au lait to go, too! I have visited California many times through out my life. 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. Youll find plenty of sunny days over here! One of the greatest attractions to this park is McWay Falls, one of two tidefalls* in California. Tina Yen. $8,790.00 USD per person. Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego
Tour Details Departure: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, year-round. all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. The Lone Cypress on the 17-mile drive is one of the most photographed trees in the world. And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. 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). I heard from a local that even though Carmel is small, there is always something new to discover and I can definitely believe it. I think you. Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! It was the prime location for marine life spotting! :p. Have you ever seen a beach with purple sand?! Once you get to Pacific Grove, everything is accessible by foot or bike. When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. I hope youll have the same great time while visiting! They are a definite must on any Big Sur Itinerary. If the weathers lousy (as in thick fog drastically impeding the views), I honestly wouldnt bother with Nepenthe. 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! Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. And thankfully, neither are too strenuous or long (perfect if you dont have all day). I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! 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 Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. The marketplace is a certified farmers market so youll find local bakeries, craft vendors, and organic produce. There is a small parking area located on the east side of the highway. I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! Fog usually disappears around 9 AM even though that sounds like a disappointing fact. The banana bread is great too, but now that weve had the almond croissant, I dont think well ever be getting anything else. Pin it for later or share it! Be sure and check out the view from both sides of the street, but be careful when crossing. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. Where does the Big Sur drive start? Want the scenic route? When is the Best Time to Visit Monterey and Big Sur? Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! With an early head start to your day, you will have plenty of parking spaces to choose from if you stop for lunch here. They have a nice cafeteria there for lunch. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. Day 1. Theres a retro school bus selling ice cream right off the parking lot, which is perfect on a hot day. Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! I think we tried 7 different kinds of Clam Chowder and they literally all taste different because they have their own recipes and specialties. 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. Have you seen the photos?! Afternoon
A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. Be aware that the trail is sometimes blocked off due to erosion, and you may not be able to get that picture perfect view. Carmel is a small, beautiful, and charming seaside town tucked between Big Sur and Monterey on the central coast of California. 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. These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! Thats so cool youre a teacher! Not as expensive as the other two, so check out Treebones if youd like to give your wallet a bit of a break! Day 3. . I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. Epic Golf Travel would love to be your resource for all your golf travel needs! Day 1: Monterey. When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. There are so many places in this area to pick for dinner. Hi Linnea! Youll get a really nice view of the beach. The Andrew Molera State Park is located in Big Sur and is a relatively undeveloped park in the area. Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays) daily at the Pacific Grove shops. In this quaint town, you will find a gas station, a few small hotels, convenience stores, bathrooms, and restaurants. Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. Unfortunately, we had just missed the last shuttle and the next one wasnt leaving for quite awhile. There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! Hi Faith! Evening
Eating fresh clam chowder is a must on any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! Here, youll find tips to help plan the perfect road trip for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles. 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. If youve had enough of driving on your road trip, you can park near Carmel beach and walk the scenic path. Its such a pretty area! Manage Settings I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. Theres really no way around it. Like what you see? If youre visiting in winter, dont miss the chance to go whale-watching, as this area is a haven for them! Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. You could drive the famous 17-mile Pebble Beach drive en route. Hi MacKenzie! Big Sur Itinerary - Day 2: 1. Cocktails with a view? Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. They were so cute, I was squealing! Treebones Resort features seven ocean view tent campsites, along with 16 yurts with great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin! It is the perfect place to fill up on gas and get any last minute snacks. Tours cost $15 per person. If you are into golfing, the 17 mile drive also has the world famous Pebble Beach! It is about a 20-minute drive from the Monterey area, but its named one of the Best Beach restaurants named by BBC Travel. Big Sur Coast is known for its rocky beaches, spectacular sunsets, and sheer natural beauty. Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! 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. Monterey is a quaint, small town with attractions such as Fishermans Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Since the road to Big Sur is finally open again (after months of closure due to horrific mudslides), nows the time to visit! The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old!