big sur carmel, monterey itinerary big sur carmel, monterey itinerary

These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. I absolutely loved the houses in Pacific Grove. There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! For the photographers heart, the iconic Keyhole Arch makes for a stunning sunset spot in Central California during the golden hour! Keep that in mind when you head out on your road trip. Day Three: Monterey Morning Monterey is just a 10 minute drive from Carmel and a great area to explore for the day! Big Sur Itinerary - Day 2: 1. It needs our tourism more than ever, after suffering near economic catastrophe when. What a wonderful place you get to call home. It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. 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. Answer 11 of 32: Hi all! I cant recommend this place enough! 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. Youve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! 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 that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. General tips. Tina Yen's travel guide for Big Sur with 47 favorite places to visit. Three days would be even better so you can really relax and take your time. Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 5. Carmel is a must for any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! from $900. As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! Just a few of the things Big Sur is well-known for. I know it is a chain, but I had never eaten there before and thought it would be fun to try it out! Its known for its pristine scenery, full of turquoise water, beautifully-designed bridges, rustic hiking trails, and more. Distance: Approximately 430 miles. Theres no real starting point. Check the missions website for daily hours and admission prices. Quiet. The drive was nice and pretty straight forward and just took a little over an hour and a half. And plus, the water is chilly over here! Psst: If youre visiting in early spring, dont miss Calla Lily Valley right near Garrapata Beach (different location than the Bluff Trail). This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! Specialties: World-famous Breakfast served Daily 8:00am-noon; Dinner Friday-Tuesday starting at 5:30pm. The ambience at this place was amazing. That is a lot to fit into 2-days. 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). It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. Youll find a parking lot on the east side of the road with an underground tunnel for walking over to the trail. Ventana Inn & Spa: Youll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. Harbor seals can dive 300 feet and stay underwater for up to 28 minutes! McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! This sample itinerary aims to show how you can cover the two towns of Monterey or Carmel in as little as 2 days. 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! 5. You could easily spend a few hours admiring the keyhole and rock formations on the beach. It is located towards the end of the wharf, so beware that you may be tempted to stop at one of the restaurants before it. And it is a full itinerary! Her Wanderful World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Not many out-of-towners know this, but. Carmel-by-the-Sea is probably one of the quaintest seaside towns in the world, which makes it a good starting point for your Big Sur road trip. Theres really no way around it. FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. The inside had the most beautiful design and the outside was just as lovely with tables and benches everywhere and live music playing. Hi MacKenzie! Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but its not! Let me know how your travels go! Located just a smidge south of Pfieffer beach is Big Sur Bakery, which is actually a 1930s ranch-style home. This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. Treebones Resort: Looking for something a bit different? A trailhead can be found from Monterey State Beach and from there heading south, it will take you to Fishermans Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Make sure to bring a light jacket since it gets a little bit chillier at night. We ate a quick breakfast at the hotel (one of the other perks of staying there) and then headed to the 5th Avenue Deli. 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!). Also, as mentioned before Carmel is known for their wineries so there are several you can head to for wine tastings. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! (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. " Parking is open all along the street and a parking lot is also located on the south side of Cannery Row. 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! 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). There are so many scenic look outs to stop at so feel free to stop as much as you want along the way! Next up on your Monterey itinerary is Cannery Row, a waterfront area with old buildings filled with shopping, restaurants, and fun activities such as escape rooms, arcades, and the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. Since youre on the coast, keep in mind that there may be a cold breeze, so youll want to dress in layers and have a light jacket like this one or that one. Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. Reading and seeing these photos makes me miss it a whole lot. There are BARRELS of salt water taffy with flavors ranging from caramel apple to blueberry cheesecake its incredible! At the time of posting this article, the section of Hwy 1 south of McWay Falls was still closed due to mudslides from 2017. 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! Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. While the food and drinks are good, youre paying for the view. I was looking for an itinerary for this area for a roadtrip and landed on your blog. Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. Hearst Castle 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. Carmel-by-the-Sea. READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. 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 No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. This whole road trip looks so picturesque! I think you. (7/15/18), "It's such a kid-friendly area, and I just heard that the entire Hwy 1 is now opened." Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . And thankfully, neither are too strenuous or long (perfect if you dont have all day). Pfeiffer Beach will be the second turnout, There are many more options for Monterey ranging from the, If youd like to stay in Big Sur, there is the, Blanket or lawn chairs for hanging out at the beach, Bike if youd like to explore Monterey by bike. If youre planning on hanging out on the beach, pack your swimsuit or a wetsuit to surf. Epic Golf Travel would love to be your resource for all your golf travel needs! Our guide Johnathon was knowledgeable about the area telling us interesting facts along the route. Bedroom3; Baths2; Property typePrivate Vacation Home; Max Sleeps6; Love golf Pebble Beach golf courses are among some of the best in the world; Carmel-by-the-Sea renowned for its art galleries, many restaurants & sandy white beaches; Big Sur has campsites, high-cliff beaches, superb hiking trails & world-class views on the Pacific Ocean, and Monterey is known for the famous . What is there to see between Monterey and Big Sur? Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. Drive out to Point Lobos Natural Reserve for some hiking and breathtaking views. Tours cost $15 per person. They also have bikes you can rent as well. 5. Seeing these trees was such a surreal experience! Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! 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. Afternoon 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. Check the website for openings and reservations. Wow this place looks so similar to Malibu I swear!! Evening Hi Faith! Highway 1 is a one lane highway that winds along the coast. 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). It is still totally worth it to see this beautiful place. You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life. Have you seen the photos?! Yes and No. We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. 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. . (Keep this in mind if you are headed off to the airport so that you give yourself plenty of time.). The Best California Road Trips & Itineraries | Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur to Santa Barbara California: Places to Visit North America California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara FIRST POSTED: 4th June 2019 | LAST UPDATED: 7th August 2020 9 minute read I would love to go there one day, Hi Jade! Again, thank you! Be sure and check out the view from both sides of the street, but be careful when crossing. Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! Guide contents. Most the attractions mentioned in this article are closed due to covid19. 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. Yes please! We are surrounded by forest. I always love getting cheese plates! Glad to hear it! Youll be hungry after your ride, so head over to Hulas for a late lunch. Yes, its that impressive. 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 also some hiking in the state park, with sea lions and starfish in the tide pools nearby. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! Yes, you can leave from San Francisco to head south down the Central Coast on Highway 101. all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. 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. 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. Its such a pretty area! McWay Falls Limekiln State Park may be juuust what youre looking for. Hi Sydney! Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! Definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list. Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! Pfeiffer beach is best known for its amazing rock structures, sunsets and sometimes there is even purple sand! 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 were going to get lunch, but decided to wait until Carmel since we ate so many samples! Where we stayed: Yes, yes, and yes! The ocean is a short walk away. I had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. 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. Like what you see? We had to hurry back right after so we could get our bike rentals back in time! On the opposite side of the road, there is a dirt road known as Old Coast Road. They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. 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. Since the road to Big Sur is finally open again (after months of closure due to horrific mudslides), nows the time to visit! Saving this guide for later! I havent been to Malibu yet, but if they look the same then Im down to see more gorgeous views! Can You Stop by Santa Cruz on the Way to Monterey? I absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts. Total Distance: 217 miles ; One-Way Driving Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes ; Route: San Francisco Half Moon Bay Santa Cruz Monterey Carmel-by-the-Sea Big Sur San Simeon ; The drive between San Francisco and San Simeon is more appealing than one might imagine. They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! The location of the Carmel Mission isn't the original spot. I saw sea otters, seals and dolphins! BIG SUR ADVENTURES. $8,790.00 USD per person. Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. There isnt an entrance fee, but they do ask for a $2 donation. Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. Big Sur Itinerary Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. 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. Thanks for stopping by! Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! I heard a few state parks in Big Sur are open now! This road trip takes just over 3 hours and is a must-do for a glimpse of California's coastal beauty. 6 days / 5 nights / 4 rounds. Luckily, I have a few more trips planned this fall so the Day 1: Monterey. And get there early the tours only accommodate 40 people! 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. Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe. Thanks for stopping by! That just means you'll have to go back! Winding turns. Thanks for sharing your journey with us! 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. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! Thank you! Morning Where did you drive from? 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! Big Sur looks truly incredible. Bring a blanket and some snacks and plan to stay for awhile. The e-bikes are incredibly easy to ride and comfortable. Not happening. Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! End of Big Sur Itinerary Turnaround: On your way back, you can choose to pull off and snap a few pictures of the beautiful ocean down below. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, their menu will satisfy every palette. When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! Hi Christina! Bubba Gumps specializes in seafood- specifically shrimp and if you have ever seen Forest Gump- this place will be really fun for you! The 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning But if you are still hungry, I recommend picking which place had your favorite sample and eating there! Heres more California-related content I think youll love: Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. I love Monterey! It is highly recommended that a car or truck with high clearance would be better to drive through it. Today, he has a wholesale warehouse where he provides his delicious fresh-baked pastries to hotels and restaurants around the area. It is our home state, so hopefully we can do it soon." We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. Even more than that, Point Lobos doesnt classify itself as a state park, but rather as a natural reserve with the highest protection for nature and wildlife found here. 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! You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld. Its pretty secluded and kinda secret (aka not on all the typical things to do in Big Sur posts), so I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! The town is truly tiny at only one square mile, but it is absolutely packed with amazing things. California History Books for Kids. While the tours are quite long at three hours, the history and information is so interesting you wont even notice the hours passing by. It took my breath away. You managed to pack in so many must-see sights and unique experiences, all while keeping a great balance of relaxation and adventure. 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. We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. As you arrive, drive straight to the Sea Lion Point parking lot and you can start on the trail there, Cypress Grove Trail. 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. Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur In a nutshell, this drive is all about the jaw-dropping scenery of the Pacific Coast. These are the items on our list that we are possibly looking to hit: Highway 1 Mcway Falls Bixby. Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. There are warm fires all over the place and lights hanging in the trees. GROUP PEBBLE BEACH GOLF TRIP PROPOSAL. Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. I only have three more posts to go after this one. Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? The entire road is comprised of redwood groves, babbling brooks, rolling hills, and lots of no trespassing signs. When researching where to eat, I had Forge in the Forest recommend several times. 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. I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" This looks amazing. To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! The parking near this bridge is somewhat limited. Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail is an 18-mile trail that runs from Pacific Grove up north to Castroville and alongside the old Southern Pacific Railway. La Playa Carmel. 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! Bring water and watch out for poison oak. Grab Life by the Moments Itineraries Highlights Itinerary Outdoors Itinerary Family Itinerary Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary Golf Itinerary It was moved to get away from the military garrison. 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. Youll most likely be coming from the airport if youre visiting, so aim to pick up your car rental from SFO.