big sur carmel, monterey itinerary

Tina Yen. You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life. 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. Limekiln State Park may be juuust what youre looking for. If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. Thanks for all the recommendations. To discover all these buildings, be like the yellow brick road and follow the Path of Historys yellow tiles on the sidewalk. 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. For the photographers heart, the iconic Keyhole Arch makes for a stunning sunset spot in Central California during the golden hour! Visitors pressed for time often make the drive from. This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing. We were able to order build your own sandwiches that came with a drink and chips. There are a lot of incredible eateries in Carmel. Homewood Suites by Hilton in San Jose Four Points by Sheraton Hotels in San Jose Aloft Hotels in San Jose InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in San Jose Extended Stay America Hotels in San Jose Residence Inns in San Jose Choice Hotels in San Jose Best Western Hotels in San Jose Motel 6 Hotels in San Jose Fairfield Inns in San Jose Four Points by Sheraton Hotels Three days would be even better so you can really relax and take your time. Big Sur is one of my favorite places IN THE WORLD (hands down) and one of my favorite road trips from San Francisco. I was in awe the entire time. You could easily spend a few hours admiring the keyhole and rock formations on the beach. They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. Call ahead to ask about the exact time that the bagpipe player will be playing, as times change throughout the year. There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. Hi Christina! La Playa Carmel. The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! House dating to 1867 of one of the first American families to homestead the Big Sur coast, with a New England-style saltbox wing built in 1877. The entire 6-mile loop takes approximately three hours, but guests can enjoy as much or as little as they like as all trails intersect at various points and all paths are clearly marked. The menus pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! Then walk through the main entrance, purchase a $2 map and head out on your hike. Big Sur road trip itinerary: You could do Big Sur in a day or the entire California coast in 2-3 days if you really wanted to, but it will be much more enjoyable if you do it slowly! It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. 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. When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! which is a favorite local hotspot and should not be missed when planning your Big Sur itinerary. Hi Shafinah! The Barbacoa Beef tacos are insanely delicious! 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. Be sure to checkout some of my blog posts which include information about travel, fashion, lifestyle and photography. Thanks for sharing your journey with us! 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. When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. Arrive- Pick up Rental Car and Drive to Monterey I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. March 3, 2023. Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. The official name of the Carmel Mission is Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo. From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. Aww, thank you so much! This image is from Big Sur, a California State Park . The beach there was beautiful with views of the cliffs next to the ocean. THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but its not! And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. Have you seen the photos?! Its known for its pristine scenery, full of turquoise water, beautifully-designed bridges, rustic hiking trails, and more. 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. As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! I really thought this was a great aquarium and I loved seeing all of the conservation efforts they had put into place. 8. Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with your itinerary. In Old Downtown Monterey, youll find over 400 shops and restaurants lining the main streets as well. 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 If youve had enough of driving on your road trip, you can park near Carmel beach and walk the scenic path. We decided to stop by Folktale Winery and Vineyards because it seriously looked like something from a fairy tale! This sample itinerary aims to show how you can cover the two towns of Monterey or Carmel in as little as 2 days. Theres a retro school bus selling ice cream right off the parking lot, which is perfect on a hot day. Perfect ending to your Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway day trip! 3 hours 20 minutes (150 miles) Difficulty level: Easy Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). We went on the Bird Island and China Cove trailhead first. The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. They also have bikes you can rent as well. 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. 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. Next up on the Big Sur Itinerary: Stopping at Big Sur River Inn for a much needed icecream break! Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year's Race for Open Space has something for you. You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! Just note that the Monterey-Salinas Transit Lines stop running during . While youre planning your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary, check out these useful road trip gifts to have the best experience on the road! We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. While the food and drinks are good, youre paying for the view. This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. 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. Hi Faith! This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. Hang out on Fishermans Wharf a little longer after dinner and grab a dessert at the Monterey Bay Creamery (right next door to Abalonettis). 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. Begin your day with a savory or sweet crepe at the highly rated Crepes of Brittany in Monterey. Tours cost $15 per person. We were going to get lunch, but decided to wait until Carmel since we ate so many samples! Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. Yes, its a gorgeous area! 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. One of the greatest attractions to this park is McWay Falls, one of two tidefalls* in California. Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. Can you swim in Big Sur? I was really excited to go here because I hadnt seen redwood trees since I was a little kid. Each room actually had binoculars making it even easier to locate the animals! 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). I love how comprehensive this is Monterery and Big Sur look like such BEAUTIFUL places ! Details. Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! We booked in advance and it was about $31 a day before adding gas and insurance if you want. 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. Big Sur looks truly incredible. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! There were various cheeses, crackers, fruit and little sandwiches. If you have a map, you can plan out some of the places you want to stop before you head out! 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! And I do love my crab from Phils! And Im jealous of you already. Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. It is the perfect place to fill up on gas and get any last minute snacks. Thank you for this helpful resource. It is about 15 minutes from Monterey, spend at least 3 hours. Manage Settings Theyre my two favorite spots in Point Lobos, and you wont find clearer waters. Monterey State Historic Park. I recommend booking your whale-watching tickets in advance. I was there for a penguin feeding and that was really fun! Thank you for sharing! Of courseeee this is when its most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. We so enjoyed our time on our Monterey and Big Sur road trip. What is there to see between Monterey and Big Sur? Answer 11 of 32: Hi all! The Whisky Club in Monterey hosts trivia on the first and third Thursday each . Theres really no way around it. 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. If you happen to be visiting Big Sur between February and early April, you NEED to make a short pit stop at Calla Lily Valley! 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. 7. 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) Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. : Sand dollar beach does indeed have sand dollars! Heading to California and cant wait to check off all the stops on this Big Sur road trip itinerary? Day 3. . BIG SUR ADVENTURES. (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. " Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. Hi Elena! Yes! 10. Have so much fun when you visit! Winding turns. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles. There is so much nature and the small city feels to explore in Monterey and Big Sur! I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. 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. 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). Whats your favorite local spot? Again, theres a toilet here! This area is one of my favorite places in California to visit. Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays) daily at the Pacific Grove shops. If you start at Big Sur, put your location in as San Simeon and then drive north from there. When researching where to eat, I had Forge in the Forest recommend several times. (10/13/18). This will probably whet your appetite for more, so dont miss the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium as well. 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. Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. Continue with Recommended Cookies. There is also the Old Downtown Marketplace every Tuesday from 4 -7 PM in the fall and 4 8 PM in the summer. Hi Desiree! Courtesy of La Playa Carmel / Expedia. Here youll find multiple historic buildings including Californias First Theater, Colton Hall, the Stevenson House, and many more! I love the mixture of beautiful scenery, learning about new things, and getting outside and being active. . 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! 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. The hottest month in Monterey is September when high temperatures are around 67F and lows are 55F. What a wonderful place you get to call home. Hi MacKenzie! This takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to the lowest point of Big Sur, Cambria, where you can start this itinerary (in reverse order from how it's posted). 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). McWay Falls McWay Falls is likely the most iconic and most-photographed spot in Big Sur. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. General tips. Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! Have dinner at Lallapalooza on Alvarado Street. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. I like to searchvia this sitein order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. 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. About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. 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. 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! READ NEXT: 25+ Best Road Trips from San Francisco. 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. Psst: When people say theyre hiking to McWay Falls, theyre really just casually strolling down a paved path. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. Point Lobos has a long history, dating all the way back to the mid-1800s, and hosted many groups including the Ohlone Native Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spaniards. You can always put your feet in if youd like! Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur In a nutshell, this drive is all about the jaw-dropping scenery of the Pacific Coast. They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. 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. 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. Thanks for stopping by! Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! Definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list. About this rental. You betcha your night will be an unforgettable escape. Makes me miss San Francisco! Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? Which means youll ultimately need to climb back up! Check out Lovers Point Beach where you can do all the water activities like surfing and kayaking. All these spots make it easy to photograph. We ate a quick breakfast at the hotel (one of the other perks of staying there) and then headed to the 5th Avenue Deli. Check the missions website for daily hours and admission prices. . Day Three like a Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls One Day Tour from San Jose.. Alternatively, you can take the Monterey-Salinas Transit Line 22 from Carmel or Monterey, which will take you all the way to Nepenthe Restaurant when heading south. In fact, I thought about being a Marine Biologist for awhile. 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 Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! Monterey is definitely one of my favorite places in CA! It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. After we walked back from the aquarium to the hotel, we decided it would be fun to ride bikes over to Fishermans Wharf! Constructed in 1931, and standing over 250 feet high, many people consider this bridge to be the gateway to Big Sur. As an English teacher, I love travel that involves a literary outing like Cannery Row. Hi Sydney! Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. I can now say that I absolutely loved that area and will definitely be coming back! I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! In this quaint town, you will find a gas station, a few small hotels, convenience stores, bathrooms, and restaurants. Begin your day with breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel by-the-Sea. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! Just a few of the things Big Sur is well-known for. Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! And so is Nepenthe! There are cute dogs all over the place! 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! Then head to California Highway 1 to begin your Big Sur road trip! We would like to thank Big Sur Adventures for providing discounted tickets for us to experience their e-bike tour. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. 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. Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. 4. And thankfully, neither are too strenuous or long (perfect if you dont have all day). This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. I absolutely fell in love. Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. The airport is small and easy to navigate. Top tip: pull off at a turnout from the bridges south end at sunset. 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. Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. The 45 minute drive can last all day as you delight in the views (and the cuisine!) . To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. 4 Golfers. Still dreaming of heading back and doing this Monterey , Carmel and Big Sur itinerary again sometime soon! Afternoon Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. Afternoon Oh, and the bakery has public restrooms available, which is always good to know on a road trip without much service! Cocktails with a view? Small and cozy and rustic and delicious. End: Mammoth Lakes. The 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. The road is not paved. There are definitely so many good spots for pictures that you cant get enough of! 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. Cozy. Monterey Carmel Big Sur Pebble Beach Private Charter by Luxury Vehicle 6 hrs~ 6 hours Hotel pickup offered. This Monterey to Big Sur itinerary is planned so it is possible to start in San Francisco and experience the whole road trip itinerary without backtracking at all. We ended up booking the Hideaway an adorable boutique hotel. It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. Price: $25-100. One weekend is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur along Highway 1. A girls gotta eat, am I right? Morning One of our favorite spots here is the Pepper Palace where we buy dry rubs and sauces to make our legendary wings. There are all types of shops including antique shops, fudge shops, oh and dont forget dog shops! 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. 5. 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). Theres also some hiking in the state park, with sea lions and starfish in the tide pools nearby. Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Nov 2021 and Nov 2020. You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast! Youll be hungry after your ride, so head over to Hulas for a late lunch. This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. Here are my picks and notes, either personally tested by me, or recommended by fellow travelers: Be prepared to spend some big money for dining out in Big Sur. Day 2. The picturesque stretch hugs the Monterey Peninsula, threading through the historic Monterey and the fairytale town of Carmel-by-the-Sea before connecting with the jaw-dropping Big Sur. If you want a taste of France in sweet Monterey, Paris Bakery is your go-to spot! There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. The fog is usually gone by early Fall, and you can even witness whales and butterflies this time of year (yes, really, if you know where to look!). For more information, check out my travel resources page. 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. I absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. I have visited California many times through out my life. Youve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. In every way, shape, and form. There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. I cant recommend this place enough! And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so theres no risk of getting lost. Let's talk travel, teaching abroad, and travel blogging.I also love sharing about my love for Asian dramas and #allthethings to create memorable experiences! Big Sur Itinerary Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. The high season in this area is during the summer months, just after May and through August, so you may want to avoid these months if you dont want to be around the crowds. This rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of California is just begging to be explored. 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. There is a $10 honor system daily charge, so bring some cash. The region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. Look out for them clustered in trees in the early morning, and flying around during the day. I havent been to Malibu yet, but if they look the same then Im down to see more gorgeous views! So this tour fit the bill on all accounts! Ive been to California several times but I still havent visited Big Sur or Monterey. When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*.

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