Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur - A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary - Our EDventures You can definitely take away as needed to fit your travel style. Youll be hungry after your ride, so head over to Hulas for a late lunch. To discover all these buildings, be like the yellow brick road and follow the Path of Historys yellow tiles on the sidewalk. California's Springtime Road Trip: Exploring 10 Of The State's Best If you arent pressed for time I recommend spending the night in Carmel-by-the-Sea or at least exploring it for a few hours. There isnt an entrance fee, but they do ask for a $2 donation. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. 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. Have dinner at Lallapalooza on Alvarado Street. 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. To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. There was a trail for bikes all along the beach and it was a really beautiful place to end for sunset. This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. . 5. I love the mixture of beautiful scenery, learning about new things, and getting outside and being active. 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. Its a cute town, and there is a long sandy beach. 2. A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. 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. On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. They start getting crowded around 9 am, so plan to arrive before then. I really thought this was a great aquarium and I loved seeing all of the conservation efforts they had put into place. Channel Islands National Park I stopped at this state park on the way back to Carmel and I really loved it! When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. There are BARRELS of salt water taffy with flavors ranging from caramel apple to blueberry cheesecake its incredible! It is the perfect place to fill up on gas and get any last minute snacks. 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. My photographer heart would absolutely some of those vistas. The ultimate itinerary for a Big Sur road trip Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary If you've been thinking about a weekend get-a-way to one of California's best destinations, then look no further than this 3-day itinerary celebrating the best that Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur have to offer. For more information, check out my travel resources page. Tina Yen. Thanks for stopping by! It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. The Ultimate Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary We rode past Point Pinos Lighthouse and ended up on a trail to Asilomar State Beach. 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. Check the website for openings and reservations. Quiet. You can definitely complete this Big Sur itinerary in a day, but if you have more time, you can also spread it out over 2-3 days and spend more time in each place. We pulled into this area where you can park and then pay to take a shuttle to the beach. While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). 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. Monterey is a quaint, small town with attractions such as Fishermans Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium. We booked in advance and it was about $31 a day before adding gas and insurance if you want. The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. California History Books for Kids. Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago . Pacific Coast Highway. 3 Day Carmel + Big Sur Getaway Itinerary THE NORMAL TRAVELER Right outside of Carmel is Carmel Mission Basilica, dating clear back to the 1700s. 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. 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. This area is gorgeous where you can easily spend a couple of hours hanging out. There is also the Old Downtown Marketplace every Tuesday from 4 -7 PM in the fall and 4 8 PM in the summer. Seeing these trees was such a surreal experience! Since you are now past the influx of traffic, you wont be in a rush to get into any of the popular sites. Psst: If youre visiting in early spring, dont miss Calla Lily Valley right near Garrapata Beach (different location than the Bluff Trail). No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. 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. Visiting between the months of November to March? Named as one of the top 10 travel bloggers on Instagram by Kayak and short listed as the best travel influencer by FlightCentre. Next up on your Monterey itinerary is Old Downtown Monterey located on Alvarado street and named after Juan Bautista Alvarado who was the former governor of Alta California. Eating fresh clam chowder is a must on any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! This area is one of my favorite places in California to visit. In fact, I thought about being a Marine Biologist for awhile. There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. The inside had the most beautiful design and the outside was just as lovely with tables and benches everywhere and live music playing. Theres also some hiking in the state park, with sea lions and starfish in the tide pools nearby. When driving from Monterey to Big Sur, youll pass the small seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea. Cannery Row also has some cute candy shops, arcades and even an indoor mini golf arena! In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . The town is truly tiny at only one square mile, but it is absolutely packed with amazing things. There were all sorts of cute alleys you could go down to find more hidden gems. GROUP PEBBLE BEACH GOLF TRIP PROPOSAL. Thats so cool youre a teacher! Not to mention, its adorable, so its a really fun place to stop for photos! When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! The colors over the water were absolutely spectacular! And thankfully, neither are too strenuous or long (perfect if you dont have all day). Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur - California Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary: Plan the Perfect - Her Wanderful World Majority of the famous viewpoints are on the coastal side, so it would be best if you drove north to south, that way you make right turns in/out of the viewpoints. Looking for more California content? Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. The road is narrow, so be extra careful when pulling over for the views (my advice only pull off in designated spots, theres plenty of them). We ended up booking the Hideaway an adorable boutique hotel. Your Weekend in Big Sur Itinerary: How to Nail a Big Sur Road Trip They had the cutest beach cruisers with baskets and they also have electric bikes! My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! Like what you see? Their island-inspired menu has plenty to choose from including burgers, tacos, fish and chicken platters. The Pacific Coast Highway is the longest state route in California. I saw sea otters, seals and dolphins! Many people dont actually realize this, but Big Sur is not an actual city/town for that matter. September 10, 2024 - September 15, 2024. As part of a longer visit we hoped to drive up to Cambria from Anaheim on 21 April, stay overnight then. Oh la la, Crepes! Afternoon The trail will take you less than an hour as its about 0.8 miles long and will bring you to the beautiful shorelines where you might even spot a sea otter! Bubba Gumps specializes in seafood- specifically shrimp and if you have ever seen Forest Gump- this place will be really fun for you! Note that parking costs $10 to enter the park, but you can easily park on the side of the road (if you dont mind walking a far distance to get in). 2022 text, 2021 Big Sur Drinking Fountain Image and Ghiradelli Cannery Row Image, 2020 Carmel . Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. And get there early the tours only accommodate 40 people! In the months of October-February, you will also be in time to see the Monarch butterflies clustering at Monarch Grove Butterly Sanctuary. 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. Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year's Race for Open Space has something for you. Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles. Required fields are marked *. 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. Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. It was so yummy! Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. Temps are mild year round, ranging from a cool 60 degrees to a balmy 75 degrees F. Its always wise to bring along a jacket no matter what month youll be frolicking around Big Sur, as it never gets particularly hot hot hot, and temperatures are always cooler on the coast than in the mountains nearby. Dont miss it its even surrounded by giant redwoods! Aww, thank you so much! Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley. Begin your day with a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Caf Lumiere in Monterey. When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. There are souvenir shops, where I bought a super cute Monterey boat picture frame, theres a clam chowder stand, a cafe spot that I love and forget its name, and my favorite the Monterey Bay Creamery where theres a huge cow statue selling ice cream. If this is your first time to the area dont rush it! You are able to do wine tastings inside or if you dont drink, there is also a full service restaurant as well. Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. Bring water and watch out for poison oak. Public school whose 1931 auditorium served as Carmel's primary artistic, civic . We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. 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. We would like to thank Big Sur Adventures for providing discounted tickets for us to experience their e-bike tour. Your email address will not be published. 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. In fact, they all have people outside of their cafes or restaurants giving out samples. Some places I recommend going to in Carmel: Point Lobos was also definitely another highlight of this trip and should definitely be on your Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary. Each room actually had binoculars making it even easier to locate the animals! 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 recommend booking your whale-watching tickets in advance. Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. Tour Details Departure: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, year-round. Continue with Recommended Cookies. From San Francisco: The Best Road Trip to Monterey, Carmel, & Big Sur 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. 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. There are cute dogs all over the place! They were so colorful and unique! There are a lot of really good options of places to stay in Carmel. Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. Psst: When people say theyre hiking to McWay Falls, theyre really just casually strolling down a paved path. In his restaurant, youll see rows of pastries lining the front of his shop and cafe au lait to go, too! Lovely post! Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. There is a $10 honor system daily charge, so bring some cash. Big Sur road trip: 12 Epic Pacific Coast Highway stops to check out (2022)! The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim. The airport is small and easy to navigate. Yes, its that impressive. 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 chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. 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. Just letting you know so there are no surprises! Ill receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which Ill totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. 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. I was there for a penguin feeding and that was really fun! Some staple orders for us here are the steak and shrimp scampi, gnocchi with two sauces, and the grilled salmon filet. I really enjoyed Spanish Bay Beach, Fanshell Beach overlook, Cypress Point Lookout and the Lone Cypress. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. 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 Explore my other California guides here! There are a ton of walks and trails to choose from, with all difficulty levels. Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip 3 Day Itinerary I absolutely fell in love. Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur In a nutshell, this drive is all about the jaw-dropping scenery of the Pacific Coast. Thank you! Start with the short film about Junipero Serra to learn about the history of this mission and also the start of all the California missions. I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary for Carmel & Monterey - I Wander Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail & State Beach, 7. There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. We are visiting California from the UK in April, a rescheduled trip after we had to cancel in May 2020. If youre not in a rush on your Big Sur road trip, why not make the extra stop? Yes, its a gorgeous area! It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. I mean, its absolutely GORGEOUS. 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. 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 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. Living in Utah, our family vacations were always to Southern California. FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. Youll also be able to witness sea lions and harbor seals frolicking around on nearby rocks any time of year listen and youll hear them no problem! 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! I like to searchvia this sitein order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. There is so much to see, this is only the tip of it! This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. (7/19/18), "This area has been on my must-see/do list for years. Checking into the Madonna Inn: San Luis Obispos Quirkiest and Most Eccentric Hotel, Snorkeling in Maui: 12 Best Places to Snorkel in Maui (+ Safety and Packing Tips), The Massive Guide to Manarola, Italy: Things to do in Manarola, Cinque Terre, Cinque Terre Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Days in Cinque Terre, Italy, Fall in San Francisco: 25+ Fall Activities in the SF Bay Area You Cant Miss, Things to do in Cambria, California (The Cutest Seaside Village on the Central Coast). And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. 4 Golfers. 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. Thanks for sharing your journey with us! Hi Linnea! 6. Don't be me. 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. On one side, youll see the quaint houses up close and on the other side, youll have a clear view of the iconic Carmel beach down below. Book lover? Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. Bixby Bridge was built in 1932 and is one of the highest suspending bridges sitting at 260 feet above the bottom of the canyon below. Then head over to the American Tin Cannery Outlets and meet up with Big Sur Adventures for an e-bike tour of the coast. The Best Big Sur Itinerary for an Epic Weekend Trip Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. 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? I would advise sharing a sundae with your BFF as the portions are huge, but its delicious nonetheless. You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life.

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