big sur carmel, monterey itinerary
9. It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! 17-Mile Drive Tour | Big Sur Bike Tours & Rentals Monterey California Big Sur road trip: 12 Epic Pacific Coast Highway stops to check out (2022)! However, you can also stop at a local restaurant for lunch too! 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! So exactly where is big sur located? This area is one of my favorite places in California to visit. Looks like such an awesome road trip. This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. From here, you can make a decision on what youre feeling but here are some recommendations! Carmel Valley is full of vineyards and wineries. Big Sur Itinerary - Day 2: 1. Theyve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if youre still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. 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! (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. There is a $10 honor system daily charge, so bring some cash. Let me know how your travels go! Happy planning! The colors over the water were absolutely spectacular! 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. Have a great rest of your day. Its important to note that many businesses have shorter opening hours during the off-peak season. 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. Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose And yes, theres so much history in this little area. It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. Each room actually had binoculars making it even easier to locate the animals! Carmel to Big Sur: A Stunning California Road Trip Many different types of vegetation can be found here as well such as wildflowers, shrubs, and fungi, but most importantly the Monterey Cypress which is local to the area. Explore my other California guides here! Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. Its such a pretty area! . Havent had enough of the great outdoors on your Big Sur road trip just yet? I may email you with more in-depth questions as we plan. Planning a trip to Carmel/Big Sur? Help with Itinerary? - Monterey These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. Admission is $10.50 per vehicle and when you arrive at the entrance they give you a map of all of the scenic stops and designated places to see. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Heading to California and cant wait to check off all the stops on this Big Sur road trip itinerary? I guess we'll have to plan another trip." Youll want an all-wheel drive for best mobility, but if all youve got is a regular sedan, go slow and you should be a-okay! Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. 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. which is a favorite local hotspot and should not be missed when planning your Big Sur itinerary. Theres also some hiking in the state park, with sea lions and starfish in the tide pools nearby. Youll have an amazing time when you visit! I like to searchvia this sitein order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. Specialties: World-famous Breakfast served Daily 8:00am-noon; Dinner Friday-Tuesday starting at 5:30pm. If you do not have a high-clearance vehicle, you can still cross the street and take pictures from the other side of Bixby Bridge. Theres really no way around it. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Weve always been planning to do a road trip in this part of California, so will be bookmarking this. There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. If you are driving up from the south, everything will just be in reverse order. You'll 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! The only downside to visiting in the summertime is that July and August are the foggiest months. Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year's Race for Open Space has something for you. You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. I definitely recommend booking in advance. Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. 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). Bring your binoculars for wildlife viewing! I cant recommend this place enough! 4. But it's absolutely still worth visiting! Likes Comments. Big Sur Hotel Guide: Best Luxury Hotels in Big Sur, California | Observer It was the prime location for marine life spotting! Why is Big Sur famous? To discover all these buildings, be like the yellow brick road and follow the Path of Historys yellow tiles on the sidewalk. I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. Big Sur/Monterey Itinerary for July 4 - Big Sur Forum - Tripadvisor I personally love #doingallthethings at the beginning of my trips and then slowing down as I stay longer, but you can puzzle this Monterey and Big Sur itinerary out to best fit your weekend and travel style. 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. We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. The Bixby Bridge looked amazing. And if theres still orchids and wildflowers out, youll think youre in Hawaii. You can stop in Santa Cruz if youd like. We also really liked the friendly service and beautiful atrium. Specializing in travel, lifestyle and fashion. Day Three There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. Explore Big Sur. The ultimate itinerary for a Big Sur road trip Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Nov 2021 and Nov 2020. Traffic is really bad, please use public transport or other forms to reduce as much as possible. " It was a quick ride to Fishermans Wharf and we set up our bikes with a lock on a bike rack. One weekend is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur along Highway 1. Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. After that, we walked past an island with hundreds of birds on it, which was so cool! Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. If youre from outta town, and by that not within driving distance, youll need to get yourself to SFO (San Francisco) first. I got my ticket for the aquarium here. Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. Just a few of the things Big Sur is well-known for. Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. And theres a reason for it the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. Book now from $9.99! McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. I hope your travel planning takes you here soon! This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! The Perfect Weekend in Carmel, CA - Miss Molly Mac 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. California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara Afternoon Begin your day with a savory or sweet crepe at the highly rated Crepes of Brittany in Monterey. Epic Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary: Explore California's Pacific Coast 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!) Cozy. The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical But if you are still hungry, I recommend picking which place had your favorite sample and eating there! Big Sur looks truly incredible. 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! 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. If youre a fan of seafood, Cafe Kevahs Egg Benedict has Dungeness crab and is delicious; the regular egg benedict is also a top pick. Carmel-by-the-Sea. Of courseeee this is when its most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. It was moved to get away from the military garrison. Drive out to Point Lobos Natural Reserve for some hiking and breathtaking views. Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. Next up on this Big Sur road trip itinerary the Point Sur Lighthouse! You wont miss it, promise, as its just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. We pulled into this area where you can park and then pay to take a shuttle 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! It is the perfect place to fill up on gas and get any last minute snacks. With that being said, Im planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. 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. There was a trail for bikes all along the beach and it was a really beautiful place to end for sunset. 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. Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. Have so much fun when you visit! Hungry? When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel I'll be spending this upcoming weekend on a road trip from Los Angeles to Monterey and thought I'd post my general itinerary and pose a few questions for the Big. Evening 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. It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! The Whisky Club in Monterey hosts trivia on the first and third Thursday each . This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. 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). Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. Any tips/suggestions appreciated. 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. Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. Driving Big Sur: Best Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary (Top Views + Stops!) Price: $25-100. Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. Can you swim in Big Sur? While the food and drinks are good, youre paying for the view. Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary For Families Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Hearst Castle Also, as mentioned before Carmel is known for their wineries so there are several you can head to for wine tastings. THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but its not! Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. Pick up snacks beforehand to have in the car during the drive so you dont need to shell out an astronomical amount of cash at the Big Sur convenience stores every time you feel like noshing. Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur - California Mmm! You would never imagine this town is in California, it feels like a fairy tale town in Germany. Carmel Beach is definitely the best place to watch the sunset. San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur. The parking lot is large and yes, youll need to pay $10 (a common theme to use the beaches/parks in/near Big Sur). 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. Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. Hi Rosie! The location is so perfect in between Cannery Row and Fishermans Wharf and just a ten minute walk to the aquarium. The road is not paved. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! However, if you are here early, the pictures are still pretty amazing and youll miss the 9-10 AM traffic congestion so thats a win! One of the greatest attractions to this park is McWay Falls, one of two tidefalls* in California. The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! 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. The United States flag was first raised in Monterey in 1846 claiming California for the United States. It was going on right when we arrived at the hotel. Hi, Im Jess. :p. Have you ever seen a beach with purple sand?! End: Mammoth Lakes. They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! Like what you see? 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. We are surrounded by forest. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Where does the Big Sur drive start? 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) Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. As part of a longer visit we hoped to drive up to Cambria from Anaheim on 21 April, stay overnight then. To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. On arrival, our room wasnt quite ready so we had lunch at the hotels restaurant and I got clam chowder in a bread bowl! Theres no real starting point. Hi Linnea! Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. 4.. Can You Start from San Francisco to Big Sur on the Road Trip Itinerary? Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! Bring a blanket and some snacks and plan to stay for awhile. 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. Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim. It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular favorite as well! Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. It ends near San Simeon. This trail was amazing and we saw a cove with the most turquoise blue waters and baby sea lions down below. The Best Big Sur Itinerary for an Epic Weekend Trip Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. As always, all opinions expressed are our own. 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. READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. Since it was already the middle of the day, there were no parking spots down by the beach. About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. Quiet. South Iceland - 7 Places Your Family Will Love! 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. 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! Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. In those early days, abalone harvesting became very popular when the Chinese realized the lucrative business of harvesting fish and started commercializing seafood. (10/13/18). Its known for its pristine scenery, full of turquoise water, beautifully-designed bridges, rustic hiking trails, and more. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). 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. This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. 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. Clove Water For Skin Lightening, Articles B
9. It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! 17-Mile Drive Tour | Big Sur Bike Tours & Rentals Monterey California Big Sur road trip: 12 Epic Pacific Coast Highway stops to check out (2022)! However, you can also stop at a local restaurant for lunch too! 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! So exactly where is big sur located? This area is one of my favorite places in California to visit. Looks like such an awesome road trip. This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. From here, you can make a decision on what youre feeling but here are some recommendations! Carmel Valley is full of vineyards and wineries. Big Sur Itinerary - Day 2: 1. Theyve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if youre still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. 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! (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. There is a $10 honor system daily charge, so bring some cash. Let me know how your travels go! Happy planning! The colors over the water were absolutely spectacular! 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. Have a great rest of your day. Its important to note that many businesses have shorter opening hours during the off-peak season. 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. Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose And yes, theres so much history in this little area. It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. Each room actually had binoculars making it even easier to locate the animals! Carmel to Big Sur: A Stunning California Road Trip Many different types of vegetation can be found here as well such as wildflowers, shrubs, and fungi, but most importantly the Monterey Cypress which is local to the area. Explore my other California guides here! Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. Its such a pretty area! . Havent had enough of the great outdoors on your Big Sur road trip just yet? I may email you with more in-depth questions as we plan. Planning a trip to Carmel/Big Sur? Help with Itinerary? - Monterey These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. Admission is $10.50 per vehicle and when you arrive at the entrance they give you a map of all of the scenic stops and designated places to see. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Heading to California and cant wait to check off all the stops on this Big Sur road trip itinerary? I guess we'll have to plan another trip." Youll want an all-wheel drive for best mobility, but if all youve got is a regular sedan, go slow and you should be a-okay! Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. 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. which is a favorite local hotspot and should not be missed when planning your Big Sur itinerary. Theres also some hiking in the state park, with sea lions and starfish in the tide pools nearby. Youll have an amazing time when you visit! I like to searchvia this sitein order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. Specialties: World-famous Breakfast served Daily 8:00am-noon; Dinner Friday-Tuesday starting at 5:30pm. If you do not have a high-clearance vehicle, you can still cross the street and take pictures from the other side of Bixby Bridge. Theres really no way around it. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Weve always been planning to do a road trip in this part of California, so will be bookmarking this. There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. If you are driving up from the south, everything will just be in reverse order. You'll 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! The only downside to visiting in the summertime is that July and August are the foggiest months. Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year's Race for Open Space has something for you. You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. I definitely recommend booking in advance. Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. 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). Bring your binoculars for wildlife viewing! I cant recommend this place enough! 4. But it's absolutely still worth visiting! Likes Comments. Big Sur Hotel Guide: Best Luxury Hotels in Big Sur, California | Observer It was the prime location for marine life spotting! Why is Big Sur famous? To discover all these buildings, be like the yellow brick road and follow the Path of Historys yellow tiles on the sidewalk. I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. Big Sur/Monterey Itinerary for July 4 - Big Sur Forum - Tripadvisor I personally love #doingallthethings at the beginning of my trips and then slowing down as I stay longer, but you can puzzle this Monterey and Big Sur itinerary out to best fit your weekend and travel style. 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. We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. The Bixby Bridge looked amazing. And if theres still orchids and wildflowers out, youll think youre in Hawaii. You can stop in Santa Cruz if youd like. We also really liked the friendly service and beautiful atrium. Specializing in travel, lifestyle and fashion. Day Three There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. Explore Big Sur. The ultimate itinerary for a Big Sur road trip Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Nov 2021 and Nov 2020. Traffic is really bad, please use public transport or other forms to reduce as much as possible. " It was a quick ride to Fishermans Wharf and we set up our bikes with a lock on a bike rack. One weekend is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur along Highway 1. Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. After that, we walked past an island with hundreds of birds on it, which was so cool! Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. If youre from outta town, and by that not within driving distance, youll need to get yourself to SFO (San Francisco) first. I got my ticket for the aquarium here. Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. Just a few of the things Big Sur is well-known for. Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. And theres a reason for it the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. Book now from $9.99! McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. I hope your travel planning takes you here soon! This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! The Perfect Weekend in Carmel, CA - Miss Molly Mac 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. California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara Afternoon Begin your day with a savory or sweet crepe at the highly rated Crepes of Brittany in Monterey. Epic Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary: Explore California's Pacific Coast 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!) Cozy. The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical But if you are still hungry, I recommend picking which place had your favorite sample and eating there! Big Sur looks truly incredible. 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! 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. If youre a fan of seafood, Cafe Kevahs Egg Benedict has Dungeness crab and is delicious; the regular egg benedict is also a top pick. Carmel-by-the-Sea. Of courseeee this is when its most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. It was moved to get away from the military garrison. Drive out to Point Lobos Natural Reserve for some hiking and breathtaking views. Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. Next up on this Big Sur road trip itinerary the Point Sur Lighthouse! You wont miss it, promise, as its just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. We pulled into this area where you can park and then pay to take a shuttle 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! It is the perfect place to fill up on gas and get any last minute snacks. With that being said, Im planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. 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. There was a trail for bikes all along the beach and it was a really beautiful place to end for sunset. 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. Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. Have so much fun when you visit! Hungry? When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel I'll be spending this upcoming weekend on a road trip from Los Angeles to Monterey and thought I'd post my general itinerary and pose a few questions for the Big. Evening 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. It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! The Whisky Club in Monterey hosts trivia on the first and third Thursday each . This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. 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). Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. Any tips/suggestions appreciated. 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. Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. Driving Big Sur: Best Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary (Top Views + Stops!) Price: $25-100. Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. Can you swim in Big Sur? While the food and drinks are good, youre paying for the view. Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary For Families Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Hearst Castle Also, as mentioned before Carmel is known for their wineries so there are several you can head to for wine tastings. THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but its not! Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. Pick up snacks beforehand to have in the car during the drive so you dont need to shell out an astronomical amount of cash at the Big Sur convenience stores every time you feel like noshing. Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur - California Mmm! You would never imagine this town is in California, it feels like a fairy tale town in Germany. Carmel Beach is definitely the best place to watch the sunset. San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur. The parking lot is large and yes, youll need to pay $10 (a common theme to use the beaches/parks in/near Big Sur). 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. Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. Hi Rosie! The location is so perfect in between Cannery Row and Fishermans Wharf and just a ten minute walk to the aquarium. The road is not paved. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! However, if you are here early, the pictures are still pretty amazing and youll miss the 9-10 AM traffic congestion so thats a win! One of the greatest attractions to this park is McWay Falls, one of two tidefalls* in California. The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! 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. The United States flag was first raised in Monterey in 1846 claiming California for the United States. It was going on right when we arrived at the hotel. Hi, Im Jess. :p. Have you ever seen a beach with purple sand?! End: Mammoth Lakes. They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! Like what you see? 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. We are surrounded by forest. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Where does the Big Sur drive start? 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) Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. As part of a longer visit we hoped to drive up to Cambria from Anaheim on 21 April, stay overnight then. To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. On arrival, our room wasnt quite ready so we had lunch at the hotels restaurant and I got clam chowder in a bread bowl! Theres no real starting point. Hi Linnea! Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. 4.. Can You Start from San Francisco to Big Sur on the Road Trip Itinerary? Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! Bring a blanket and some snacks and plan to stay for awhile. 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. Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim. It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular favorite as well! Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. It ends near San Simeon. This trail was amazing and we saw a cove with the most turquoise blue waters and baby sea lions down below. The Best Big Sur Itinerary for an Epic Weekend Trip Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. As always, all opinions expressed are our own. 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. READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. Since it was already the middle of the day, there were no parking spots down by the beach. About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. Quiet. South Iceland - 7 Places Your Family Will Love! 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. 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! Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. In those early days, abalone harvesting became very popular when the Chinese realized the lucrative business of harvesting fish and started commercializing seafood. (10/13/18). Its known for its pristine scenery, full of turquoise water, beautifully-designed bridges, rustic hiking trails, and more. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). 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. This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. 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.

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