big sur carmel, monterey itinerary

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. 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). Note:If you have time, Pfeiffer Beach, which is very close to this state park is worth a visit. . Carmel Beach is definitely the best place to watch the sunset. Bixby Bridge is the epitome of Big Sur and its everything youd expect and more (but really, its the surrounding scenery that really steals the show). Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. We had to hurry back right after so we could get our bike rentals back in time! Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! Still dreaming of heading back and doing this Monterey , Carmel and Big Sur itinerary again sometime soon! If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. I feel oh so lucky to only live a few hours north, which means we typically make it to Big Sur at least once a year! And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so theres no risk of getting lost. 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. Guide contents. Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! Alternatively, you can take a bus. Its about an hour north of Monterey, and its a great place to get lunch or do some shopping. We are surrounded by forest. After we walked back from the aquarium to the hotel, we decided it would be fun to ride bikes over to Fishermans Wharf! (Keep this in mind if you are headed off to the airport so that you give yourself plenty of time.). There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! The ambience at this place was amazing. If you choose to visit Big Sur as an out-and-back road trip from San Francisco, you can follow California Highway 1 south from the city past Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and the Monterey Peninsula - then back up. How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? Enjoy your ice cream on the wharf and enjoy watching all the puppies greet each other as their owners walk them up and down the pier. Here youll find multiple historic buildings including Californias First Theater, Colton Hall, the Stevenson House, and many more! Youll know it by seeing cars lined up the hill up into the parking lot or various vehicles parked, waiting to get in. Youll get a really nice view of the beach. If seeing a whale is on your bucket list, Fishermans Wharf is where you need to be. This sample itinerary aims to show how you can cover the two towns of Monterey or Carmel in as little as 2 days. 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. The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. (7/16/18), "It just opened yesterday! After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. If the history doesnt draw you in, Point Lobos is also home to abundant wildlife, including 20 species of mammals such as gray foxes and mountain lions, various species of birds like the acorn woodpecker peregrine falcon, and of course, many species of marine life including sea otters, sea lions, and whales. There isnt an entrance fee, but they do ask for a $2 donation. When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). The road is not paved. Start off your morning by heading over to Paris Bakery in Monterey to get some breakfast. 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! Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago . I only have three more posts to go after this one. Carmel is a small, beautiful, and charming seaside town tucked between Big Sur and Monterey on the central coast of California. There were various cheeses, crackers, fruit and little sandwiches. We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. 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! Monterey is a quaint, small town with attractions such as Fishermans Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium. En route, you'll pitstop on the Monterey Peninsula before snaking along through the wilderness of Big Sur. Where did you drive from? The museum exhibits have a few rooms depicting life during the mission days. And it is a full itinerary! Pacific Grove is a small area right on the edge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary about a 10-minute drive from Fishermans Wharf. All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! General tips. This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! The airport is small and easy to navigate. We so enjoyed our time on our Monterey and Big Sur road trip. Big Sur Coast is known for its rocky beaches, spectacular sunsets, and sheer natural beauty. Did you know? Morning Whether you are looking for a shopping trip, family getaway or romantic getaway we have just the travel itinerary for you! Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! They were so cute, I was squealing! 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. If you are looking to stay right in Big Sur, you can find Big Sur Lodge and Big Sur River Inn.If you would like to save money and don't mind staying a little further away, you can find accommodations in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Monterey by searching on booking.com.Carmel-by-the-Sea is about 10 minutes away from the north part of Big Sur, and Monterey is about 20 minutes away. Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles. Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. This can be easily done as a weekend trip out from the Bay Area or as part of a wider trip tracing California's coastline. Thx!! Jackie Jegat, the owner and founder, moved from his home in France to open his own restaurant on the California Coast when he was about 30 years old. Carmel-by-the-Sea. Bring water and watch out for poison oak. Sure, its the most expensive pastry Ive ever bought (at a whopping $8.50), but my husband and I both felt it was worth the hefty price tag. This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! Weve always been planning to do a road trip in this part of California, so will be bookmarking this. Your email address will not be published. This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. Three types of whales frequent the Big Sur coastline: If youre visiting Big Sur in the winter months between October and December, youre in for a real treat tons of monarch butterflies! Since Big Sur is located between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon, its best to start from either of these (and finish in the other) if you wanna experience the entire coastline of Big Sur. If you didnt have time to pack a snack or breakfast, plan a stop at Big Sur Bakery before u-turning into the Pfeiffer Beach turn-off. After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. Tours cost $15 per person. Right outside of Carmel is Carmel Mission Basilica, dating clear back to the 1700s. The 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). Once you get to Pacific Grove, everything is accessible by foot or bike. Constructed in 1931, and standing over 250 feet high, many people consider this bridge to be the gateway to Big Sur. 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. 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. I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. In Old Downtown Monterey, youll find over 400 shops and restaurants lining the main streets as well. Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! At an early hour, you might be too early for Nepenthe the restaurant upstairs, but Cafe Kevah down below has a delicious selection for brunch. Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. The beach down below was beautiful; however, hiking down to the beach is not advisable as the cliffs are unstable and there is no clear path. 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. Arrive as early as possible on your first day so that you can maximize your time. On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. In fact, they all have people outside of their cafes or restaurants giving out samples. Fun fact: Bixby Bridge was built 5 years before the road was paved to connect Carmel to San Luis Obispo! 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. A short 15 minute walk along the cliffs with beautiful views of the coast and even a waterfall! La Playa Carmel. Monterey State Historic Park. McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. Fog usually disappears around 9 AM even though that sounds like a disappointing fact. Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with your itinerary. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I know it is a chain, but I had never eaten there before and thought it would be fun to try it out! 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. Even if you decide to end here and make this a San Francisco to Monterey drive, you won't be missing out. Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. I mean, its absolutely GORGEOUS. We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. 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! 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? Youll drive into places like San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, Pismo, and more! Evening Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. The Lone Cypress on the 17-mile drive is one of the most photographed trees in the world. I recommend anywhere from 1-3 days in Big Sur, kinda depending if you wanna go on a few hikes or just see the typical tourist Big Sur road trip stops. 4 Golfers. 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. They had the cutest beach cruisers with baskets and they also have electric bikes! Recommended accommodation options in Monterey and Carmel that wont break the bank: With that being said, the hotels in Big Sur really are quite special, and if you can splurge for one night on your California Coast road trip, these are the best places to do it: Post Ranch Inn: Offering 3 pools, one being an infinity hot tub, you can spend the bulk of your time here overlooking the stunning California coastline. Its so nice to just be surrounded by nature and kinda forget about the rest of the world for a little while! One weekend is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur along Highway 1. Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. I stopped at this state park on the way back to Carmel and I really loved it! These are the items on our list that we are possibly looking to hit: Highway 1 Mcway Falls Bixby. Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! McWay Falls There are so many scenic look outs to stop at so feel free to stop as much as you want along the way! Distance: Approximately 430 miles. If we get there earlier, we get saltwater taffy and enjoy them on our hikes/beach time. Some staple orders for us here are the steak and shrimp scampi, gnocchi with two sauces, and the grilled salmon filet. Check out Lovers Point Beach where you can do all the water activities like surfing and kayaking. 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Our other option is to do Monterey/Carmel on Tuesday (aquarium, 17-mile drive, etc), and then Big Sur first thing Wednesday morning (July 4th). Theres really no way around it. (7/19/18), "We were here in Spring of 2017 and, sadly, Big Sur was closed, but we still LOVED this area and can't wait to return one day. " This trail was amazing and we saw a cove with the most turquoise blue waters and baby sea lions down below. Looking for sand dollars might result in a disappointment, but youll easily find muscles, crabs, sea anemone, and kelp beds while exploring the nearby rocks during low tide. Required fields are marked *. Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience. I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! There are definitely so many good spots for pictures that you cant get enough of! All these spots make it easy to photograph. Then head over to the Carmel Mission. Thank you! Tina Yen's travel guide for Big Sur with 47 favorite places to visit. 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. Weekend Big Sur itinerary. We're currently planning a full trip to the Carmel/ Monterey/ Big Sur area but was wondering if our itinerary is to full? Have dinner at Lallapalooza on Alvarado Street. The Post Ranch Inn is a Big Sur icon; the 100-acre property first opened in 1992, and in the years since, has cemented its spot as one of the top luxury hotels in . Some of the overgrown trails are known to have poison oak to get to the beach views, so make sure to protect yourself if you want to get to the water. It was located in a building that looked like a castle. March 3, 2023. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Both are definitely worth getting out for and photographing. Thank you! The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. Aubrie is a Utah based blogger/content creator. We then stopped atPerkins Park spontaneously because of the unique Cyprus trees, the rocky shoreline and the purple flowers everywhere! It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. It was a quick ride to Fishermans Wharf and we set up our bikes with a lock on a bike rack. The inside had the most beautiful design and the outside was just as lovely with tables and benches everywhere and live music playing. If youre planning on hanging out on the beach, pack your swimsuit or a wetsuit to surf. Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, what to do in Big Sur, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! This Inn was so cute and the place we got icecream was in an old blue bus! For a delicious Mediterranean style dinner, head over to Dametra Caf. They were so colorful and unique! The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. In his restaurant, youll see rows of pastries lining the front of his shop and cafe au lait to go, too! Please make reservation for dinner; No Dinner Wednesday/Thursday; Deetjen's Big Sur Inn is a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of the historic Big Sur Inn at Castro Canyon. You will arrive at Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California. And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! Loading. Use caution while driving as the road is rather windy and narrow! This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. Cannery Row is near where we dropped off our bikes so we just walked right over! We also went on the Cyprus Grove Trail and we loved that one too. Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? The town is truly tiny at only one square mile, but it is absolutely packed with amazing things. For more information, check out my travel resources page. Big Sur, located along Central California coast, is one of the best places to visit on the West Coast of USA. It took my breath away. There were all sorts of cute alleys you could go down to find more hidden gems. There is also the Old Downtown Marketplace every Tuesday from 4 -7 PM in the fall and 4 8 PM in the summer. A girls gotta eat, am I right? 5. A 75-room Big Sur boutique hotel just yards from the beach in a restored mansion built in 1905, La Playa Carmel was first constructed by artist Christian Jorgensen as a gift for his wife and had the first swimming pool in Carmel-by-the-Sea. In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . I really thought this was a great aquarium and I loved seeing all of the conservation efforts they had put into place. 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. Its more of a state of mind rather than a specific point on a map, encompassing about 90 sunny Californian miles down the Pacific Coast Highway. This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. Top tip: pull off at a turnout from the bridges south end at sunset. The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. Traffic is really bad, please use public transport or other forms to reduce as much as possible. " Make sure to have these essentials on your list: The best time to visit Monterey and Big Sur is in the fall during the months of September to November or in the spring during the months of April to May. Next up on the Big Sur Itinerary: Stopping at Big Sur River Inn for a much needed icecream break! Wow this place looks so similar to Malibu I swear!! I would love to go back! Whats your favorite local spot? Be sure to take along a sweater as the trails are shaded and can be very cool the entire time, which makes for a spectacular break on a super hot day! This was a great place to end the day in Carmel. This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. Then the trail led down to this amazing white sandy beach with no one else around. Saving this guide for later! Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur In a nutshell, this drive is all about the jaw-dropping scenery of the Pacific Coast. Key: Purple Big Sur Itinerary | Blue Monterey Itinerary | Orange Other excursions | Yellow Places to stay. Likes Comments. It is still totally worth it to see this beautiful place. A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. 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!) I saw many of them while riding my bike on the Pacific Coastal Trail and just rode down a particular street if I saw any that looked really interesting! Also, as mentioned before Carmel is known for their wineries so there are several you can head to for wine tastings. But it's absolutely still worth visiting! This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). Theres no real starting point. When driving from Monterey to Big Sur, youll pass the small seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea. Carmel is one of the most charming and quintessential towns I have ever been to. Psst: When people say theyre hiking to McWay Falls, theyre really just casually strolling down a paved path. It will take you about 2 hours to drive right into Monterey. California History Books for Kids. Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. For a special end to your day, drive over to the Spanish Inn to listen to the live bagpipe player, and sip a glass of wine as you watch the sunset. 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.