Check the website for openings and reservations. Hi Elena! The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. I absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights 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. Be sure and check out the view from both sides of the street, but be careful when crossing. You could drive the famous 17-mile Pebble Beach drive en route. Evening Check out Lovers Point Beach where you can do all the water activities like surfing and kayaking. Likes Comments. 5. On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. Bring your binoculars for wildlife viewing! However, if you are here early, the pictures are still pretty amazing and youll miss the 9-10 AM traffic congestion so thats a win! The 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. 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. There is a small parking lot off the north end of Bixby Bridge where you can step out and take some iconic photos of it. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! Pacific Grove is a small area right on the edge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary about a 10-minute drive from Fishermans Wharf. 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. I absolutely fell in love. It is our home state, so hopefully we can do it soon." Big Sur Itinerary Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! You wont miss it, promise, as its just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. It could be difficult to drive a large vehicle or RV through this area as it is one lane and very narrow. There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. Big Sur isnt too far from Monterey and you get all the nature with it. Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Don't be me. Hi Shafinah! Answer 11 of 11: Hello I'm hoping for some advice. Glad to hear it! This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego 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. I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips. Looking for more California content? Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. Then head over to the American Tin Cannery Outlets and meet up with Big Sur Adventures for an e-bike tour of the coast. Youve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Fishermans Wharf is full of cute candy shops and tons of Clam Chowder restaurants! (See that next!). Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! Yes, definitely! Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. There are warm fires all over the place and lights hanging in the trees. Absolute paradise, albeit rather crowded at times. I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. The perfect amount of time to see Monterey and Big Sur is 2-3 days. 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. from $900. 2023 Cultural & Theme Tours in Monterey & Carmel: Check out reviews and photos of the 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical Highlights. 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. Guide contents. This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. 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. 7. I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim. You can do a day trip to Big Sur or Monterey, but it takes at least 2 days to explore both Monterey and Big Sur properly. Not many out-of-towners know this, but. Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary Stop 1: Carmel-by-the-Sea Stop 2: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Stop 3: Garrapata State Park Stop 4: Kasler Point Stop 5: Rocky Creek Bridge Stop 6: Bixby Creek Bridge Stop 7: Andrew Molera State Park Stop 8: Pfeiffer Beach Stop 9: McWay Falls Stop 10: Limekiln State Park Stop 11: Sand Dollar Beach This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing. which is a favorite local hotspot and should not be missed when planning your Big Sur itinerary. Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. 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. Thanks for stopping by! The region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. 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. Looks like you had a wonderful time too. Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz. Unfortunately, when I was there, you could only go on part of the trail and since it is only a small pathway where you can see the falls, it was pretty crowded. Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for California CA Big Sur Carmel Monterey Coastline Postcard Old Vintage Card View at the best online prices at eBay! Bring water and watch out for poison oak. Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. The ambience at this place was amazing. This road trip takes just over 3 hours and is a must-do for a glimpse of California's coastal beauty. South Iceland - 7 Places Your Family Will Love! There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. Tour Details Departure: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, year-round. Hi, Im Jess. As an English teacher, I love travel that involves a literary outing like Cannery Row. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. Still dreaming of heading back and doing this Monterey , Carmel and Big Sur itinerary again sometime soon! What is there to see between Monterey and Big Sur? About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. Big sur is definitely on my bucket list of places to travel to. McWay Falls I hope your travel planning takes you here soon! . 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. (10/13/18). Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. Will need to make a trip out to Big Sur . 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. 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). Then we'd be driving from Mc Way Falls back up to Monterey and then down to Arroyo Grande where we're staying Wednesday night. The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. (7/19/18), "This area has been on my must-see/do list for years. Wow this place looks so similar to Malibu I swear!! With an early head start to your day, you will have plenty of parking spaces to choose from if you stop for lunch here. 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. *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). We are surrounded by forest. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld. Have you been? Day Three: Monterey Morning Monterey is just a 10 minute drive from Carmel and a great area to explore for the day! Yes, its that impressive. 2. This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! 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. 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. There are a lot of incredible eateries in Carmel. Definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list. Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel. There is so much nature and the small city feels to explore in Monterey and Big Sur! Patience is the only requirement, but binoculars are nice to have as well. Visitors pressed for time often make the drive from. From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. Yes! 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. This was our last stop heading down Highway 1 before we turned around and made some stops on the way back to Carmel. If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. Theyre my two favorite spots in Point Lobos, and you wont find clearer waters. It was located in a building that looked like a castle. It was so delicious and the outdoor dining setting right over the ocean was such a dream. You can always put your feet in if youd like! Begin your day with a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Caf Lumiere in Monterey. As part of a longer visit we hoped to drive up to Cambria from Anaheim on 21 April, stay overnight then. Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles. I like to searchvia this sitein order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. They are a definite must on any Big Sur Itinerary. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 3. Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. Start off your morning by heading over to Paris Bakery in Monterey to get some breakfast. Day One 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). You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. Seeing these trees was such a surreal experience! If youre visiting in winter, dont miss the chance to go whale-watching, as this area is a haven for them! You betcha your night will be an unforgettable escape. A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. And if you venture a bit further south from the city before you hit Carmel, you can enjoy the splendours of the 17-mile-drive a coastal route that is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the entirety of the US. I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. End: Mammoth Lakes. Makes me miss San Francisco! 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. 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. Named as one of the top 10 travel bloggers on Instagram by Kayak and short listed as the best travel influencer by FlightCentre. Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! Since it was already the middle of the day, there were no parking spots down by the beach. There were cute adorable dogs everywhere. I wanna go for sunset next time! It's $10.50 entrance per car to see the iconic views. 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. We had to hurry back right after so we could get our bike rentals back in time! Most the attractions mentioned in this article are closed due to covid19. I absolutely loved the houses in Pacific Grove. Use caution while driving as the road is rather windy and narrow! Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? Hi Christina! If you and your group aren't ready to slow down yet, take this time to explore the shops on Fisherman's Wharf or Cannery Row. BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA: LOGISTICS. We went on the Bird Island and China Cove trailhead first. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Simeon is 2 hours and 20 minutes of curvy, cliff-side driving.