Cannery Row also has some cute candy shops, arcades and even an indoor mini golf arena! Reading and seeing these photos makes me miss it a whole lot. Explore Big Sur. READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . 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! I would advise sharing a sundae with your BFF as the portions are huge, but its delicious nonetheless. The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. Yes, yes, and yes! We were able to order build your own sandwiches that came with a drink and chips. 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! Did you know? Yes! With that being said, Im planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. There were all sorts of cute alleys you could go down to find more hidden gems. I had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. Big Sur, located along Central California coast, is one of the best places to visit on the West Coast of USA. 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! 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. Highway 1 is a one lane highway that winds along the coast. Its a cute town, and there is a long sandy beach. I am a huge fan of aquariums! Located about two hours south of San Francisco and about five hours north of Los Angeles, this rugged coastline is famous for many things. Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! Thanks for the inspiration to put it on the top of my travel list." 7. You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast! If youre looking to take a much longer trip down the PCH, check out all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway yes, all 75 of them! We loved visiting the Whalers Cabin in Whalers Cove and thought the scenery was the most spectacular around Bluefish Cove. This whole road trip looks so picturesque! There was a trail for bikes all along the beach and it was a really beautiful place to end for sunset. So exactly where is big sur located? This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. There were various cheeses, crackers, fruit and little sandwiches. This romantic drive is one of the best cross country road trip routes that couples must take together! 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! All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! What is there to see between Monterey and Big Sur? But it's absolutely still worth visiting! As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts. There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary Stop 1: Carmel-by-the-Sea Stop 2: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Stop 3: Garrapata State Park Stop 4: Kasler Point Stop 5: Rocky Creek Bridge Stop 6: Bixby Creek Bridge Stop 7: Andrew Molera State Park Stop 8: Pfeiffer Beach Stop 9: McWay Falls Stop 10: Limekiln State Park Stop 11: Sand Dollar Beach 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. *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). I guess we'll have to plan another trip." This beach is known to be the most consistent wave producer for surfers, so if you are one of these talented people, bring your surfboard and have at it! 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. This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. Be sure to checkout some of my blog posts which include information about travel, fashion, lifestyle and photography. We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. Youll drive into places like San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, Pismo, and more! Monterey State Historic Park. We also went on the Cyprus Grove Trail and we loved that one too. Ive already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! 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! Read Next: 25+ Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco. We went on the Bird Island and China Cove trailhead first. Okay, so we just discovered this spot off the side of the highway on our last visit to Big Sur, and I cannot believe I never noticed it before! One of our first stops was atLovers Point Beach. There are a ton of walks and trails to choose from, with all difficulty levels. Click here to skip back to the top. 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! The hottest month in Monterey is September when high temperatures are around 67F and lows are 55F. Book lover? Now part of the Ventana Inn resort. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-sky-3','ezslot_25',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-sky-3-0');As one of the top 20 best places to retire in California, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming small town you need to check out. Pacific Coast Highway. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. These are the items on our list that we are possibly looking to hit: Highway 1 Mcway Falls Bixby. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. at stops along the way. Also, as mentioned before Carmel is known for their wineries so there are several you can head to for wine tastings. This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. The perfect amount of time to see Monterey and Big Sur is 2-3 days. (7/19/18), "as a resident of the Monterey Peninsula we do love our tourists, however, I'd like to remind those who visit - there are those that work and live in the area, and to please be courteous of our existence. How to get here: When youre heading southbound (recommended), take the 2nd right after you see the Big Sur Station. I feel the need to say this since youll be getting back in the car to continue on the 1: if youre the driver, please be responsible and limit yourself to one drink at most. Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! 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. Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Youll most likely be coming from the airport if youre visiting, so aim to pick up your car rental from SFO. Happy planning! Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. 9. And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! Since you are now past the influx of traffic, you wont be in a rush to get into any of the popular sites. The rest of the year is considered cool temperature, but Monterey does boast of 300 days of sunshine. Tina Yen. I discuss Nepenthe below as a must-visit stop on your Big Sur itinerary! 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! It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. If you have a map, you can plan out some of the places you want to stop before you head out! 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. . Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. 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. Why is Big Sur famous? Right outside of Carmel is Carmel Mission Basilica, dating clear back to the 1700s. 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! After leaving the park, there was quite a bit of traffic to get back to Carmel. Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria. Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. I really thought this was a great aquarium and I loved seeing all of the conservation efforts they had put into place. Now you can sit and relax in the car a bit as you head south to Big Sur. The location was great and we were able to walk all over town. And Im jealous of you already. If you are driving up from the south, everything will just be in reverse order. Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! That is a lot to fit into 2-days. Weekend Big Sur itinerary. When researching where to eat, I had Forge in the Forest recommend several times. They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old! It has an awesome art community, and its one of the most beautiful places in Californiatry the 17-mile scenic drive! The ambience at this place was amazing. Their island-inspired menu has plenty to choose from including burgers, tacos, fish and chicken platters. From here, you can make a decision on what youre feeling but here are some recommendations! And get there early the tours only accommodate 40 people! 17 Mile Drive is said to be one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. That waterfall on Julia Pfeiffer Burns is incredible!!! Hi Jolayne! . Afternoon For the photographers heart, the iconic Keyhole Arch makes for a stunning sunset spot in Central California during the golden hour! McWay Falls McWay Falls is likely the most iconic and most-photographed spot in Big Sur. Makes me miss San Francisco! 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. We decided to stop by Folktale Winery and Vineyards because it seriously looked like something from a fairy tale! I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. (10/12/18), "Thank you Kelsey for your words of advise. It was so delicious and the outdoor dining setting right over the ocean was such a dream. Woooo its finally time to get this Big Sur road trip itinerary under way! Dont fret if you dont drink, they have tons of snacks you can eat as well! I love Monterey! Morning Top tip: pull off at a turnout from the bridges south end at sunset. Hi Rosie! In this quaint town, you will find a gas station, a few small hotels, convenience stores, bathrooms, and restaurants. You could drive the famous 17-mile Pebble Beach drive en route. Hi.. we are driving in from Santa Barbara and wanted to plan a Big Sur , Monterey trip where should we stop first where would u stay if u want to see Carmel too? Today, he has a wholesale warehouse where he provides his delicious fresh-baked pastries to hotels and restaurants around the area. There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! I mean, its absolutely GORGEOUS. Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. Youll find a parking lot on the east side of the road with an underground tunnel for walking over to the trail. Likes Comments. You can always put your feet in if youd like! 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.. Any tips/suggestions appreciated. This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. Then we'd be driving from Mc Way Falls back up to Monterey and then down to Arroyo Grande where we're staying Wednesday night. Winding turns. Where does the Big Sur drive start? But if you are still hungry, I recommend picking which place had your favorite sample and eating there! Pick-up from centrally located hotels between 7:30am - 8:30am Duration: 11 hours Transportation: Comfortable Motorcoach Includes: Complimentary pickup/dropoff from centrally located hotels Big Sur'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. Im going next year to visit a friend and we plan on road tripping so Im hoping Ill finally get to go! Miles of misty coastline. Located just a smidge south of Pfieffer beach is Big Sur Bakery, which is actually a 1930s ranch-style home. The inside had the most beautiful design and the outside was just as lovely with tables and benches everywhere and live music playing. Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. They were so colorful and unique! Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. The drive was nice and pretty straight forward and just took a little over an hour and a half. I only have three more posts to go after this one. Don't be me. There are so many scenic look outs to stop at so feel free to stop as much as you want along the way! 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. Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. We rode past Point Pinos Lighthouse and ended up on a trail to Asilomar State Beach. 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. 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. 1. 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. 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 . Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! March 3, 2023. Theres really no way around it. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Again, theres a toilet here! (10/13/18). Theyre my two favorite spots in Point Lobos, and you wont find clearer waters. You could easily spend a few hours admiring the keyhole and rock formations on the beach. I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! 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). Cannery Row is near where we dropped off our bikes so we just walked right over! For more information, check out my travel resources page. Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Time needed: 1 to 2 days. Yes, its a gorgeous area! A Carmel to Big Sur road trip can take anywhere from one hour to five, depending on how many stops . Casinos like Harrah's in South Lake Tahoe regularly have big-name artists perform, so a concert night could be in the cards for your trip. In those early days, abalone harvesting became very popular when the Chinese realized the lucrative business of harvesting fish and started commercializing seafood. 2. I would love to go there one day, Hi Jade! It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. I have visited California many times through out my life. Price: $25-100. No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. And it is a full itinerary! The ocean is a short walk away. Day 1. We are surrounded by forest. We pulled into this area where you can park and then pay to take a shuttle to the beach. Most the attractions mentioned in this article are closed due to covid19. Stay for sunset as the rock formations on the beach make for some epic scenery! Theres no real starting point. 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. 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. Perfect ending to your Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway day trip! Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. Visitors pressed for time often make the drive from. The location is so perfect in between Cannery Row and Fishermans Wharf and just a ten minute walk to the aquarium. I definitely recommend booking in advance. It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. $8,790.00 USD per person. This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, their menu will satisfy every palette. When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi I am Aubrie, thanks for stopping by! To eat here though, you definitely pay for the cliffside views. There are so many places in this area to pick for dinner. The road is not paved. 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! Johnathon was easy-going and the time we spent with Big Sur Adventures was the highlight of our weekend. 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. 10 Things You Should Know About The Brando Resort in Tetiaroa, A First-timer's Trip to Australia; Sydney, the Whitsundays and the Central Coast, Paradise in the Dominican Republic: The Samana Peninsula, Explore the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, A 3-Day Itinerary for Charleston, South Carolina, How to Spend 3 Days in Nashville, TN - A Girls' Trip, Balboa Island in Newport Beach,California, Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur - A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary, Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, "I've actually been meaning to take the kids on this road trip. I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! It was located in a building that looked like a castle. Check the missions website for daily hours and admission prices. Bixby Bridge was one of my favorite stops on my Big Sur Itinerary! Oh la la, Crepes! After a full morning of activity and then a satisfying afternoon meal, we were ready for a restful and low-key afternoon. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! I heard from a local that even though Carmel is small, there is always something new to discover and I can definitely believe it. Tina Yen's travel guide for Big Sur with 47 favorite places to visit. Not as expensive as the other two, so check out Treebones if youd like to give your wallet a bit of a break! 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 And so is Nepenthe! You are able to do wine tastings inside or if you dont drink, there is also a full service restaurant as well. Check out Lovers Point Beach where you can do all the water activities like surfing and kayaking. It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. The airport is small and easy to navigate. 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. Some staple orders for us here are the steak and shrimp scampi, gnocchi with two sauces, and the grilled salmon filet. Let me know how your travels go! You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. Thank you! Big Sur is the farthest distance of the San Francisco day trips on our list (2.5 hours away from the city). Stay and Play in Monterey. After Mcway Falls, we headed to Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park). Even if you decide to end here and make this a San Francisco to Monterey drive, you won't be missing out. This mountain range, just inland from the not-so-hidden gem that is Big Sur, runs from below Monterey and Carmel down to about San Luis Obispo. So this tour fit the bill on all accounts! I like to searchvia this sitein order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. 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. When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. Purple sand (yup!). I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. Where did you drive from? Explore my other California guides here! One of the greatest attractions to this park is McWay Falls, one of two tidefalls* in California. A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . There is a small parking area located on the east side of the highway. South Iceland - 7 Places Your Family Will Love! Aww, thank you so much! Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. This shop was really cute and had lots of yummy treats and great customer service. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Beautiful, post-card like views. The Bixby Creek Bridge Big Sur looks truly incredible. Seeing these trees was such a surreal experience! Thanks for your support! Then head over to the American Tin Cannery Outlets and meet up with Big Sur Adventures for an e-bike tour of the coast. Manage Settings Youll get a really nice view of the beach. Psst: If youre visiting in early spring, dont miss Calla Lily Valley right near Garrapata Beach (different location than the Bluff Trail). Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Wrap Up Your Perfect Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary, link to Her Wanderful World's Instagram account, link to Her Wanderful World's Facebook account, link to Her Wanderful World's Pinterest account, link to Her Wanderful World's Twitter account, Teaching English Abroad Everything You Need to Know, California Coast Roadtrip | San Fran all the way to San Diego, Check the website for openings and reservations, 17 Fun Things to do in Santa Rosa, California, 20 Incredible Things to do in Petaluma, CA, 17 Charming Things to do in Cambria, California, 17 Best Coastal Sunset Spots in Central California. Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego Its beautiful coastline views! Go hiking, walking, bird watching (pelicans frequent the area), scuba diving (yes, really! Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley. Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! The 45 minute drive can last all day as you delight in the views (and the cuisine!) If this is your first time to the area dont rush it! Then the trail led down to this amazing white sandy beach with no one else around. There are warm fires all over the place and lights hanging in the trees.

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