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Whether you prefer sweet or savory, their menu will satisfy every palette. I cant recommend this place enough! Hi Linnea! The rest of the year is considered cool temperature, but Monterey does boast of 300 days of sunshine. Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. In this quaint town, you will find a gas station, a few small hotels, convenience stores, bathrooms, and restaurants. This is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Monterey . 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. We would like to thank Big Sur Adventures for providing discounted tickets for us to experience their e-bike tour. The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. They were so colorful and unique! Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! We're currently planning a full trip to the Carmel/ Monterey/ Big Sur area but was wondering if our itinerary is to full? Eating fresh clam chowder is a must on any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! Yes, its that impressive. Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. 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. You could spend 1-2 hours here and then continue on to Big Sur. About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. There is so much you can do and see while you are in Carmel. As always, thanks for the support. The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. Answer 11 of 32: Hi all! McWay Falls McWay Falls is likely the most iconic and most-photographed spot in Big Sur. Thank you for this helpful resource. 5. There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). Carmel is a must for any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! I only have three more posts to go after this one. 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. Havent had enough of the great outdoors on your Big Sur road trip just yet? We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe. Right outside of Carmel is Carmel Mission Basilica, dating clear back to the 1700s. Again, theres a toilet here! 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. I stopped at this state park on the way back to Carmel and I really loved it! If you have a map, you can plan out some of the places you want to stop before you head out! You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. Looking for more California content? They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" Theyve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas. I may email you with more in-depth questions as we plan. I think you. Hi MacKenzie! I really thought this was a great aquarium and I loved seeing all of the conservation efforts they had put into place. It was so yummy! Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur In a nutshell, this drive is all about the jaw-dropping scenery of the Pacific Coast. Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. I absolutely loved the houses in Pacific Grove. General tips. Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. I love the mixture of beautiful scenery, learning about new things, and getting outside and being active. In those early days, abalone harvesting became very popular when the Chinese realized the lucrative business of harvesting fish and started commercializing seafood. Be sure and check out the view from both sides of the street, but be careful when crossing. Casinos like Harrah's in South Lake Tahoe regularly have big-name artists perform, so a concert night could be in the cards for your trip. Your email address will not be published. One of my favorite parts of the park was all of the beautiful walking paths with wildflowers everywhere. 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. Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! The museum exhibits have a few rooms depicting life during the mission days. Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. 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. Afternoon Johnathon was easy-going and the time we spent with Big Sur Adventures was the highlight of our weekend. This area is one of my favorite places in California to visit. Still dreaming of heading back and doing this Monterey , Carmel and Big Sur itinerary again sometime soon! I repeat, the almond croissant is orgasmic. (7/15/18), "It's such a kid-friendly area, and I just heard that the entire Hwy 1 is now opened." 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. Yes, youll definitely need to add these 2 to your list and drive along the 101 highway. Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. 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. It is about 15 minutes from Monterey, spend at least 3 hours. Answer 11 of 11: Hello I'm hoping for some advice. Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. And plus, the water is chilly over here! Check out this packing guide of my favorite items to pack on my trips, however, listed below is a tailored guide for a Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. There is a small parking area located on the east side of the highway. This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! If youve had enough of driving on your road trip, you can park near Carmel beach and walk the scenic path. Then the trail led down to this amazing white sandy beach with no one else around. Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? from $900. 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. Located just a smidge south of Pfieffer beach is Big Sur Bakery, which is actually a 1930s ranch-style home. Known as one of Big Surs largest and most accessible beaches and the last stop on your Big Sur itinerary is Sand Dollar Beach, located about 30 minutes south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. 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. at stops along the way. Use caution while driving as the road is rather windy and narrow! Day 1. 2. (10/13/18). Most people start this iconic road trip in L . This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). Finding it can be a challenge in itself because the turn is not marked. We also went on the Cyprus Grove Trail and we loved that one too. Yes, you can leave from San Francisco to head south down the Central Coast on Highway 101. Absolute paradise, albeit rather crowded at times. McWay Falls There are a lot of really good options of places to stay in Carmel. and not many tourists know about it just yet! 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! We went on the Bird Island and China Cove trailhead first. Winding turns. Since you are now past the influx of traffic, you wont be in a rush to get into any of the popular sites. 10. We were able to order build your own sandwiches that came with a drink and chips. Looks like you had a wonderful time too. Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles. However, if you wait until the summer rush is over and visit during either September or October, youll experience less crowds and actually better weather! 3 hours 20 minutes (150 miles) Difficulty level: Easy The Barbacoa Beef tacos are insanely delicious! Check the website for openings and reservations. Yes! 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! No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. Then head over to the American Tin Cannery Outlets and meet up with Big Sur Adventures for an e-bike tour of the coast. Here, youll find tips to help plan the perfect road trip for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. 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. Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! Big Sur isnt too far from Monterey and you get all the nature with it. Begin your day with breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel by-the-Sea. Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? The perfect amount of time to see Monterey and Big Sur is 2-3 days. Beautiful, post-card like views. You could easily spend a few hours admiring the keyhole and rock formations on the beach. In the Big Sur region, hop on the Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH; part of California State Route 1), one of the state's most scenic routes, and take your pick of any of the stunning coastal towns. I heard a few state parks in Big Sur are open now! Have a great rest of your day. Big Sur, located along Central California coast, is one of the best places to visit on the West Coast of USA. I know it is a chain, but I had never eaten there before and thought it would be fun to try it out! 6. Seaside cliffs. Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. There is a lot to discover and experience on this route, with breathtaking coastal views, lovely beach towns, and . The e-bikes are incredibly easy to ride and comfortable. I mean, its absolutely GORGEOUS. This weekend itinerary will immerse you in the Big Sur experience. Its about an hour north of Monterey, and its a great place to get lunch or do some shopping. Big Sur is a beautiful coastal area located 140 miles south of San Francisco. Go hiking, walking, bird watching (pelicans frequent the area), scuba diving (yes, really! Bring water and watch out for poison oak. You can always put your feet in if youd like! What a wonderful place you get to call home. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. This area is one of my favorites in CA. Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary Carmel-by-the-Sea Start your Big Sur Road Trip in the charming small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Reading and seeing these photos makes me miss it a whole lot. We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. 3-day Big Sur itinerary. 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. 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. If you squint really hard, youll see the falls between the rocks going directly into the ocean in the photo below. It took my breath away. Carmel is one of the most charming and quintessential towns I have ever been to. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular favorite as well! 1. Specializing in travel, lifestyle and fashion. Keep that in mind when you head out on your road trip. Big Sur is one of my favorite places IN THE WORLD (hands down) and one of my favorite road trips from San Francisco. If you are driving up from the south, everything will just be in reverse order. Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. 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. The entire road is comprised of redwood groves, babbling brooks, rolling hills, and lots of no trespassing signs. $8,790.00 USD per person. . Description: This April, Big Sur Land Trust is hitting the trails once again for our annual fundraiser to save open space and care for the lands you love in Monterey County! And get there early the tours only accommodate 40 people! Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. I was looking for an itinerary for this area for a roadtrip and landed on your blog. 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. 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). I had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. When is the Best Time to Visit Monterey and Big Sur? 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). Thanks for sharing your journey with us! After that, we walked past an island with hundreds of birds on it, which was so cool! The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. After we walked back from the aquarium to the hotel, we decided it would be fun to ride bikes over to Fishermans Wharf! Yes, its a gorgeous area! 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 Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. And so is Nepenthe! If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 6 days / 5 nights / 4 rounds. 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 The menus pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! There isnt an entrance fee, but they do ask for a $2 donation. All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! I totally agree, one of my favorite places to visit! Yes, definitely! By this time, youll likely be hungry, so stop in at the Big Sur Roadhouse for their famous avo toast, or other wraps or sandwiches. What Can I Do After My Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary? Cannery Row also has some cute candy shops, arcades and even an indoor mini golf arena! With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. One of the greatest attractions to this park is McWay Falls, one of two tidefalls* in California. It ends near San Simeon. The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! (Keep this in mind if you are headed off to the airport so that you give yourself plenty of time.). I love how comprehensive this is Monterery and Big Sur look like such BEAUTIFUL places ! End: Mammoth Lakes. Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. We booked in advance and it was about $31 a day before adding gas and insurance if you want. We were going to get lunch, but decided to wait until Carmel since we ate so many samples! 6. Ten interesting facts we learned on OurEDventure: Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! Courtesy of La Playa Carmel / Expedia. The beach there was beautiful with views of the cliffs next to the ocean. When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. 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 . I would love to visit all of the beautiful beaches, go on those hikes and eat the saltwater taffy and ice cream! You will arrive at Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California. It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. The location was great and we were able to walk all over town. 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. Which means youll ultimately need to climb back up! 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 Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. There were also lots of lawn games. In Old Downtown Monterey, youll find over 400 shops and restaurants lining the main streets as well. Hiking and tide pooling are great here. 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. Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Nov 2021 and Nov 2020. Youve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Hi Sydney! And yes, theres so much history in this little area. The parking lot is large and yes, youll need to pay $10 (a common theme to use the beaches/parks in/near Big Sur). South Iceland - 7 Places Your Family Will Love! Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! At the time of posting this article, the section of Hwy 1 south of McWay Falls was still closed due to mudslides from 2017. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! There was a river right behind the Inn with lots of cute chairs to sit on and relax and people were even tubing on the river! Ive already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! Stay for sunset as the rock formations on the beach make for some epic scenery! Epic Golf Travel would love to be your resource for all your golf travel needs! I have visited California many times through out my life. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Not to be missed, youll need to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. . 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. The first stop in your Big Sur itinerary is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which is known as the crown jewel of all state parks in California, located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Big Sur Itinerary Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. Mmm! 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! There are so many places in this area to pick for dinner. We had to hurry back right after so we could get our bike rentals back in time! The region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. 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. Of courseeee this is when its most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. Each room actually had binoculars making it even easier to locate the animals! Afternoon This was our last stop heading down Highway 1 before we turned around and made some stops on the way back to Carmel. In fact, I thought about being a Marine Biologist for awhile. 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. With more ocean views than you ever thought possible, eco-friendly and luxurious hotel stays, wooded hiking trails and nature for days, I can never get enough of this stretch of the coastline. In his restaurant, youll see rows of pastries lining the front of his shop and cafe au lait to go, too! We won't recommend it if we didn't love it! The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. First things first, if youve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. (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. " Pace yourself its all beautiful. They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. There is memorabilia from the movies all over! Can you swim in Big Sur? Big Sur looks truly incredible. Tranquil. Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience. Note that youll have to walk/hike about 100 steps or so to access the beach. Big Sur is the farthest distance of the San Francisco day trips on our list (2.5 hours away from the city). 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. THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but its not! For more information, check out my travel resources page. 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. Again, thank you! Specialties: World-famous Breakfast served Daily 8:00am-noon; Dinner Friday-Tuesday starting at 5:30pm. Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim. Big Sur guide. READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. The United States flag was first raised in Monterey in 1846 claiming California for the United States. This road trip itinerary is designed to be done in one to two days depending on your timeline and how much you want to get out and see along the way. What is there to see between Monterey and Big Sur? This looks amazing. Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . Luckily, I have a few more trips planned this fall so the 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. Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. Price: $25-100. It is about a 20-minute drive from the Monterey area, but its named one of the Best Beach restaurants named by BBC Travel. Key: Purple Big Sur Itinerary | Blue Monterey Itinerary | Orange Other excursions | Yellow Places to stay. It will take you about 2 hours to drive right into Monterey. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. You will definitely get beautiful views here! The Big Sur River Inn is located about half way through the Big Sur viewpoints and a great spot to stop for lunch!