Bixby Bridge was one of my favorite stops on my Big Sur Itinerary! Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! So if youre visiting the area (or live in the city and dont have access to a car), a car rental will be a necessity! A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . If you want a taste of France in sweet Monterey, Paris Bakery is your go-to spot! 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. Bubba Gumps specializes in seafood- specifically shrimp and if you have ever seen Forest Gump- this place will be really fun for you! Thanks for stopping by! Monterey State Historic Park. I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! Its important to note that many businesses have shorter opening hours during the off-peak season. (7/19/18), "This area has been on my must-see/do list for years. Youll get a really nice view of the beach. 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. And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. ), all while taking in the magnificent views! On the opposite side of the road, there is a dirt road known as Old Coast Road. I was in awe the entire time. Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. (10/12/18), "Thank you Kelsey for your words of advise. Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! Our other option is to do Monterey/Carmel on Tuesday (aquarium, 17-mile drive, etc), and then Big Sur first thing Wednesday morning (July 4th). A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. Looking for more California content? Read Next: 25+ Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco. 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). I was there for a penguin feeding and that was really fun! One of my favorite parts of the park was all of the beautiful walking paths with wildflowers everywhere. The Andrew Molera State Park is located in Big Sur and is a relatively undeveloped park in the area. Want the scenic route? Manage Settings Renting a Car:Note that youll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. In the months of October-February, you will also be in time to see the Monarch butterflies clustering at Monarch Grove Butterly Sanctuary. 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. Have a great rest of your day. Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. Thank you! 3 hours 20 minutes (150 miles) Difficulty level: Easy Day Three Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. These are the most common ways to take a Big Sur road trip: Start and finish in Carmel-by-the-Sea but only drive as far as McWay Falls (78 miles of driving) Start in Carmel-by-the-Sea and finish in Morro Bay (120 miles of driving) Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? The hottest month in Monterey is September when high temperatures are around 67F and lows are 55F. This shop was really cute and had lots of yummy treats and great customer service. Both are definitely worth getting out for and photographing. Big sur is definitely on my bucket list of places to travel to. Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. Big Sur Itinerary - Day 2: 1. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. Bring water and watch out for poison oak. Drive over to Asilomar State Beach for some tide-pooling. Another favorite thing we like to do here is to stop at the first shop on the right (also didnt pay attention to its name), grab a little red basket, and have a go at the saltwater taffy. San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur. Carmel Valley is full of vineyards and wineries. This Monterey to Big Sur itinerary is planned so it is possible to start in San Francisco and experience the whole road trip itinerary without backtracking at all. Big Sur is a beautiful coastal area located 140 miles south of San Francisco. 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. There isnt an entrance fee, but they do ask for a $2 donation. Hi Kate! . 6. Pace yourself its all beautiful. Day One The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. There were cute adorable dogs everywhere. Hearst Castle And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so theres no risk of getting lost. The Bixby Creek Bridge 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. I discuss Nepenthe below as a must-visit stop on your Big Sur itinerary! If we get there earlier, we get saltwater taffy and enjoy them on our hikes/beach time. 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. Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! They also have bikes you can rent as well. March 3, 2023. 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 Comment below. Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. (7/19/18), "We were here in Spring of 2017 and, sadly, Big Sur was closed, but we still LOVED this area and can't wait to return one day. " 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. 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! 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. Keep that in mind when you head out on your road trip. When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! I had never seen succulents that big before! When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. 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! Pacific Coast Highway. Afternoon Not to be missed, youll need to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Distance: Approximately 430 miles. The Pacific Coast Highway is the longest state route in California. Then head over to the Carmel Mission. After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . 7. Some staple orders for us here are the steak and shrimp scampi, gnocchi with two sauces, and the grilled salmon filet. Youll most likely be coming from the airport if youre visiting, so aim to pick up your car rental from SFO. If you are driving up from the south, everything will just be in reverse order. Hi Rosie! Look out for them clustered in trees in the early morning, and flying around during the day. Whether you are looking for a shopping trip, family getaway or romantic getaway we have just the travel itinerary for you! Hi Jolayne! It could be difficult to drive a large vehicle or RV through this area as it is one lane and very narrow. Point Lobos has a long history, dating all the way back to the mid-1800s, and hosted many groups including the Ohlone Native Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spaniards. 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. Day 1: Monterey. We went on the Bird Island and China Cove trailhead first. They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. I definitely need to add that this is one of the most dog friendly places I have ever been. . Just letting you know so there are no surprises! Mmm! I havent been to Malibu yet, but if they look the same then Im down to see more gorgeous views! Ventana Inn & Spa: Youll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. 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. It was so delicious and the outdoor dining setting right over the ocean was such a dream. There is a small parking area located on the east side of the highway. 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!) If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. Theres a retro school bus selling ice cream right off the parking lot, which is perfect on a hot day. The American Tin Cannery Suite 122 125 Ocean view Blvd Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-747-1677 _____ 17 Mile Drive 2106 Sunset Drive Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-717-4912 _____ Pedego Electric Bikes 143 Crossroads Blvd, Carmel, CA 831-293-7063. And thankfully, neither are too strenuous or long (perfect if you dont have all day). This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. And yes, theres so much history in this little area. While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. Thanks for sharing your journey with us! Its beautiful coastline views! Located about two hours south of San Francisco and about five hours north of Los Angeles, this rugged coastline is famous for many things. We were going to get lunch, but decided to wait until Carmel since we ate so many samples! The menus pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! The people that worked there were friendly and gave us a map of the nearby trail and tips on places they recommended seeing. Youll have an amazing time when you visit! There are a lot of incredible eateries in Carmel. 4.. Can You Start from San Francisco to Big Sur on the Road Trip Itinerary? 17 Mile Drive is said to be one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. Big Sur isnt too far from Monterey and you get all the nature with it. THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but its not! 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. You would never imagine this town is in California, it feels like a fairy tale town in Germany. One of the best features of the hotel was the Happy Hour that happened every day from 4-6. I really enjoyed Spanish Bay Beach, Fanshell Beach overlook, Cypress Point Lookout and the Lone Cypress. Pin it for later or share it! 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary. Big Sur Coast is known for its rocky beaches, spectacular sunsets, and sheer natural beauty. How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, what to do in Big Sur, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! Theyre my two favorite spots in Point Lobos, and you wont find clearer waters. There are plenty of other beaches to hang around, so do your part and just stay where youre supposed to be. We decided to stop by Folktale Winery and Vineyards because it seriously looked like something from a fairy tale! Make sure to bring a light jacket since it gets a little bit chillier at night. Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays) daily at the Pacific Grove shops. As you arrive, drive straight to the Sea Lion Point parking lot and you can start on the trail there, Cypress Grove Trail. Cannery Row is near where we dropped off our bikes so we just walked right over! Here, youll find tips to help plan the perfect road trip for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. 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! While the food and drinks are good, youre paying for the view. You can book a tour right on the wharf, but its possible that tickets might sell out. The airport is small and easy to navigate. Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. You can stop in Santa Cruz if youd like. Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. The perfect amount of time to see Monterey and Big Sur is 2-3 days. Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). First things first, if youve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. Tours cost $15 per person. It is highly recommended that a car or truck with high clearance would be better to drive through it. Then head over to the American Tin Cannery Outlets and meet up with Big Sur Adventures for an e-bike tour of the coast. Since youre on the coast, keep in mind that there may be a cold breeze, so youll want to dress in layers and have a light jacket like this one or that one. 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 Head back north and drive into the quaint little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. 6. The entire area is pricey, so expect to pay big city prices (~$15ish for a cocktail, ~$20-30ish for an entree). The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! Theres also some hiking in the state park, with sea lions and starfish in the tide pools nearby. Once here, you can hike down to this spectacular crescent-shaped beach and relax. 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. Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary Carmel-by-the-Sea Start your Big Sur Road Trip in the charming small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Call ahead to ask about the exact time that the bagpipe player will be playing, as times change throughout the year. Answer 11 of 32: Hi all! We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. The grounds are incredibly beautiful and this place is definitely worth a stop for the gorgeous grounds and architecture. Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. 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. Big Sur is one of my favorite places IN THE WORLD (hands down) and one of my favorite road trips from San Francisco. Just note that the Monterey-Salinas Transit Lines stop running during . It was so yummy! In Old Downtown Monterey, youll find over 400 shops and restaurants lining the main streets as well. Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. 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. There were various cheeses, crackers, fruit and little sandwiches. 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 All these spots make it easy to photograph. Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! Another awesome part of the Monterey Plaza Hotel is that you can rent bikes for free! Most people are surprised at how little civilization is around here no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. In fact, I thought about being a Marine Biologist for awhile. Glad to hear it! Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! Highway 1 is a one lane highway that winds along the coast. Have you been? Fun fact: Bixby Bridge was built 5 years before the road was paved to connect Carmel to San Luis Obispo! . 6 days / 5 nights / 4 rounds. You'll likely hit Carmel-By-The-Sea first, which is where you should bed down; the famed L'Auberge Carmel offers old-world luxury. Monterey is definitely one of my favorite places in CA! Evening Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. 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! To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. Thank you for sharing! As part of a longer visit we hoped to drive up to Cambria from Anaheim on 21 April, stay overnight then. After we walked back from the aquarium to the hotel, we decided it would be fun to ride bikes over to Fishermans Wharf! Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. 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. Living in Utah, our family vacations were always to Southern California. I would love to go there one day, Hi Jade! I heard from a local that even though Carmel is small, there is always something new to discover and I can definitely believe it. This will probably whet your appetite for more, so dont miss the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium as well. This area is one of my favorite places in California to visit. READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. If youve had enough of driving on your road trip, you can park near Carmel beach and walk the scenic path. It is the perfect place to fill up on gas and get any last minute snacks. Thx!! Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. Looks like such an awesome road trip. 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). End: Mammoth Lakes. They were so colorful and unique! 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). . So exactly where is big sur located? It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. 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. 8. Another thing I loved about Carmel Beach was how dog friendly it was. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Wow this place looks so similar to Malibu I swear!! Big Sur Itinerary Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. Dont fret if you dont drink, they have tons of snacks you can eat as well! 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. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail & State Beach, 7. This whole road trip looks so picturesque! We so enjoyed our time on our Monterey and Big Sur road trip. Morning Evening With more ocean views than you ever thought possible, eco-friendly and luxurious hotel stays, wooded hiking trails and nature for days, I can never get enough of this stretch of the coastline. The eatery has indoor and outdoor seating, but if you would like to sit on the beach and enjoy the waves while you eat, bring a blanket or some lawn chairs with you as you get beach access from the restaurant. 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. The parking near this bridge is somewhat limited. 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 . Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. You can always put your feet in if youd like! Fishermans Wharf is full of cute candy shops and tons of Clam Chowder restaurants! And yes, we always have a great time in Monterey! This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! I have visited California many times through out my life. : Sand dollar beach does indeed have sand dollars! Loading. It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! 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! Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! For more information, check out my travel resources page. McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. Bedroom3; Baths2; Property typePrivate Vacation Home; Max Sleeps6; Love golf Pebble Beach golf courses are among some of the best in the world; Carmel-by-the-Sea renowned for its art galleries, many restaurants & sandy white beaches; Big Sur has campsites, high-cliff beaches, superb hiking trails & world-class views on the Pacific Ocean, and Monterey is known for the famous . Cannery Row is filled with boutiques, restaurants and waterfront hotels. Named as one of the top 10 travel bloggers on Instagram by Kayak and short listed as the best travel influencer by FlightCentre. The airport is small and easy to navigate. Explore Big Sur. They were so cute, I was squealing! Stay and Play in Monterey. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. As always, all opinions expressed are our own. Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! Their island-inspired menu has plenty to choose from including burgers, tacos, fish and chicken platters. Youll be hungry after your ride, so head over to Hulas for a late lunch. Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. Traffic is really bad, please use public transport or other forms to reduce as much as possible. " My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! Did you know? The marketplace is a certified farmers market so youll find local bakeries, craft vendors, and organic produce. Do take note of the tide schedule though high tide can essentially make the sandy beach disappear, making it difficult to find a place to sit. Thank you for this helpful resource. You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life. Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning For a delicious Mediterranean style dinner, head over to Dametra Caf. Reading and seeing these photos makes me miss it a whole lot. Theyve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas. Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. Thanks for your support! Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim. How to get here: When youre heading southbound (recommended), take the 2nd right after you see the Big Sur Station. Afternoon The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. Where we stayed: Required fields are marked *. The colors over the water were absolutely spectacular! The Barbacoa Beef tacos are insanely delicious! As an English teacher, I love travel that involves a literary outing like Cannery Row. Then continue heading south along Hwy 1 to take in some of the famous sites. McWay Falls McWay Falls is likely the most iconic and most-photographed spot in Big Sur. I heard a few state parks in Big Sur are open now! And plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus? Hi Christina! Perfect ending to your Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway day trip! 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. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! They are even bigger than you can imagine! South Iceland - 7 Places Your Family Will Love! I repeat, the almond croissant is orgasmic. Now you can sit and relax in the car a bit as you head south to Big Sur. There is memorabilia from the movies all over! I had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. Why is Big Sur famous? This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing. There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. I too hope that tourists can make the kind of choices that will benefit everyone."