big sur carmel, monterey itinerary

Aubrie is a Utah based blogger/content creator. Big Sur Itinerary Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. 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. Renting a Car:Note that youll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. 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. We are visiting California from the UK in April, a rescheduled trip after we had to cancel in May 2020. If you are into golfing, the 17 mile drive also has the world famous Pebble Beach! And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. 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. On arrival, our room wasnt quite ready so we had lunch at the hotels restaurant and I got clam chowder in a bread bowl! Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago . 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. 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. From here, you can make a decision on what youre feeling but here are some recommendations! Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. Do note there is no beach or ocean access, and its actually forbidden to go down there. Walking on the wharf doesnt take any more than 30 minutes if you just want to do a walk-through, but youd be missing out! As you start your Big Sur road trip down from San Francisco (after exploring Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea prior), youre first official stop should be Point Lobos! . Yes! We ended up booking the Hideaway an adorable boutique hotel. 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! Pick-up from centrally located hotels between 7:30am - 8:30am Duration: 11 hours Transportation: Comfortable Motorcoach Includes: Complimentary pickup/dropoff from centrally located hotels I too hope that tourists can make the kind of choices that will benefit everyone." It ends near San Simeon. They have a nice cafeteria there for lunch. 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. Youll drive into places like San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, Pismo, and more! While youre planning your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary, check out these useful road trip gifts to have the best experience on the road! Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. 5. Price: $25-100. Looks like you had a wonderful time too. I hope youll have the same great time while visiting! 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. Keep that in mind when you head out on your road trip. Named as one of the top 10 travel bloggers on Instagram by Kayak and short listed as the best travel influencer by FlightCentre. It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. It is definitely in a really romantic setting. Be aware that the trail is sometimes blocked off due to erosion, and you may not be able to get that picture perfect view. It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. There are plenty of other beaches to hang around, so do your part and just stay where youre supposed to be. 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. There are a ton of walks and trails to choose from, with all difficulty levels. Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? 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. Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! Weve always been planning to do a road trip in this part of California, so will be bookmarking this. And so is Nepenthe! Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Today, he has a wholesale warehouse where he provides his delicious fresh-baked pastries to hotels and restaurants around the area. The town is truly tiny at only one square mile, but it is absolutely packed with amazing things. Pacific Grove is a small area right on the edge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary about a 10-minute drive from Fishermans Wharf. How to get here: When youre heading southbound (recommended), take the 2nd right after you see the Big Sur Station. Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. 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. Day Three: Monterey Morning Monterey is just a 10 minute drive from Carmel and a great area to explore for the day! Treebones Resort features seven ocean view tent campsites, along with 16 yurts with great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin! While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! If we get there earlier, we get saltwater taffy and enjoy them on our hikes/beach time. Besides Abalonettis another one of our favorite restaurants in this area is Phils Fish Market & Eatery. *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). Answer 11 of 11: Hello I'm hoping for some advice. Hearst Castle 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! From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. It was quite busy at the time we arrived and we probably waited in line for 30 minutes-1 hour so make sure to add this in when planning your itinerary! View Full Itinerary At a Glance Called the most beautiful meeting of land and water on the face of the earth, Monterey Bay, the legendary Pacific coast and sun-drenched Carmel Valley mark a convergence of currents, cultures and creators that make the area one of the country's most fascinating places. Begin your day with breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel by-the-Sea. Check the missions website for daily hours and admission prices. 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. If youre planning on hanging out on the beach, pack your swimsuit or a wetsuit to surf. Time needed: 1 to 2 days. 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. Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. Big Sur Coast is known for its rocky beaches, spectacular sunsets, and sheer natural beauty. You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! Guide contents. It was located in a building that looked like a castle. In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. 3. This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing. Evening Saving this guide for later! 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.. Hi, Im Jess. Yes, you can leave from San Francisco to head south down the Central Coast on Highway 101. I would love to visit all of the beautiful beaches, go on those hikes and eat the saltwater taffy and ice cream! 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. Carmel is a small, beautiful, and charming seaside town tucked between Big Sur and Monterey on the central coast of California. I heard from a local that even though Carmel is small, there is always something new to discover and I can definitely believe it. McWay Falls That waterfall on Julia Pfeiffer Burns is incredible!!! With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. Purple sand (yup!). My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! After we walked back from the aquarium to the hotel, we decided it would be fun to ride bikes over to Fishermans Wharf! 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. PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials. Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! I feel the need to say this since youll be getting back in the car to continue on the 1: if youre the driver, please be responsible and limit yourself to one drink at most. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! 6 days / 5 nights / 4 rounds. Day 1. 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. Big Sur isnt too far from Monterey and you get all the nature with it. THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but its not! This is definitely a place I would like to spend more time at if I head back to this area. There were also lots of lawn games. One of our favorite spots here is the Pepper Palace where we buy dry rubs and sauces to make our legendary wings. Afternoon In those early days, abalone harvesting became very popular when the Chinese realized the lucrative business of harvesting fish and started commercializing seafood. 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. And if the two resort pools with panoramic coastal views didnt do it for you, I bet the spa treatments in outdoor cabanas overlooking the redwood forest will. Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. 4. With an early head start to your day, you will have plenty of parking spaces to choose from if you stop for lunch here. I think you. If seeing a whale is on your bucket list, Fishermans Wharf is where you need to be. Details. I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. I love how comprehensive this is Monterery and Big Sur look like such BEAUTIFUL places ! The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. If you squint really hard, youll see the falls between the rocks going directly into the ocean in the photo below. I would advise sharing a sundae with your BFF as the portions are huge, but its delicious nonetheless. Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. It took my breath away. Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail & State Beach, 7. Another thing I loved about Carmel Beach was how dog friendly it was. Sea otters help kelp forests flourish by keeping the sea urchin population in check. Distance: Approximately 430 miles. There were all sorts of cute alleys you could go down to find more hidden gems. Stay and Play in Monterey. Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This place is absolutely perfect for lunch! The 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. (7/19/18), "as a resident of the Monterey Peninsula we do love our tourists, however, I'd like to remind those who visit - there are those that work and live in the area, and to please be courteous of our existence. Thanks for the inspiration to put it on the top of my travel list." I definitely need to add that this is one of the most dog friendly places I have ever been. Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! Their island-inspired menu has plenty to choose from including burgers, tacos, fish and chicken platters. all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. The banana bread is great too, but now that weve had the almond croissant, I dont think well ever be getting anything else. I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. Specializing in travel, lifestyle and fashion. Thank you! There are so many places in this area to pick for dinner. 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. You could spend all day in this area headed from winery to winery. Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! In Old Downtown Monterey, youll find over 400 shops and restaurants lining the main streets as well. 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. Hi Rosie! 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). 3 hours 20 minutes (150 miles) Difficulty level: Easy (7/19/18), "This area has been on my must-see/do list for years. In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . And get there early the tours only accommodate 40 people! There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. 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! Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Thank you! Win-win! Can you swim in Big Sur? Happy planning! Montereys Fishermans Wharf is an iconic stop for your Monterey itinerary. Then head to California Highway 1 to begin your Big Sur road trip! Reading and seeing these photos makes me miss it a whole lot. Your email address will not be published. If this is your first time to the area dont rush it! Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! Grab Life by the Moments Itineraries Highlights Itinerary Outdoors Itinerary Family Itinerary Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary Golf Itinerary The Bixby Creek Bridge We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. There is so much nature and the small city feels to explore in Monterey and Big Sur! 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. Youll most likely be coming from the airport if youre visiting, so aim to pick up your car rental from SFO. However, you can also stop at a local restaurant for lunch too! Youll find a parking lot on the east side of the road with an underground tunnel for walking over to the trail. Yes and No. This shop was really cute and had lots of yummy treats and great customer service. If you have never seen redwood trees another great stop is Pfieffer Big Sur state Park , mentioned by the previous poster. 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! I havent been to Malibu yet, but if they look the same then Im down to see more gorgeous views! Not many out-of-towners know this, but. It will take you about 2 hours to drive right into Monterey. This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! It makes an excellent, 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! The people that worked there were friendly and gave us a map of the nearby trail and tips on places they recommended seeing. Bring a blanket and a cooler with your favorite sandwich to enjoy, which we wish we had done. Youll have an amazing time when you visit! Parking is open all along the street and a parking lot is also located on the south side of Cannery Row. Afternoon Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur In a nutshell, this drive is all about the jaw-dropping scenery of the Pacific Coast. There are even more trails to explore such as the South Shore Trail, Cypress Grove Loop Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, and Lace Lichen Trail. There is so much you can do and see while you are in Carmel. Then continue heading south along Hwy 1 to take in some of the famous sites. 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 always love getting cheese plates! You would never imagine this town is in California, it feels like a fairy tale town in Germany. One weekend is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur along Highway 1. Yes, yes, and yes! Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley. With that being said, Im planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. It is highly recommended that a car or truck with high clearance would be better to drive through it. Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. In fact, I thought about being a Marine Biologist for awhile. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! Thx!! There were cute adorable dogs everywhere. 1. Cannery Row is near where we dropped off our bikes so we just walked right over! If youre visiting in winter, dont miss the chance to go whale-watching, as this area is a haven for them! Manage Settings After checking out Cannery Row, we walked to Big Sur Adventuresabout 5 minutes away to rent bikes. Our guide Johnathon was knowledgeable about the area telling us interesting facts along the route. Carmel Beach is definitely the best place to watch the sunset. 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. 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. The airport is small and easy to navigate. Even if you decide to end here and make this a San Francisco to Monterey drive, you won't be missing out. On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. There is a small parking area located on the east side of the highway. Youll get a really nice view of the beach. Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. Hi Jolayne! You could spend 1-2 hours here and then continue on to Big Sur. 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. Public school whose 1931 auditorium served as Carmel's primary artistic, civic . You can definitely take away as needed to fit your travel style. 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. The ocean is a short walk away. This area is one of my favorites in CA. 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. Monterey Carmel Big Sur Pebble Beach Private Charter by Luxury Vehicle 6 hrs~ 6 hours Hotel pickup offered. The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old! San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur. The museum exhibits have a few rooms depicting life during the mission days. A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to a beautiful waterfall crashing directly into the Pacific Oceans emerald water. I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! This area is gorgeous where you can easily spend a couple of hours hanging out. You can read all about how this area came to be here. 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. Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! A short 15 minute walk along the cliffs with beautiful views of the coast and even a waterfall! Its beautiful coastline views! If you start at Big Sur, put your location in as San Simeon and then drive north from there. It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! 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. Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! I only have three more posts to go after this one. March 3, 2023. I ordered the Dungeness crab and N got fish and chipsalways so good. Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. There are souvenir shops, where I bought a super cute Monterey boat picture frame, theres a clam chowder stand, a cafe spot that I love and forget its name, and my favorite the Monterey Bay Creamery where theres a huge cow statue selling ice cream. Famous for fairytale-like cottages and shops, great art, dining, charming B&B and boutique hotels, and of course the beautiful and exclusive pebble beach golf course. 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. Hungry? 5. 5. You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. for current highway conditions before your drive. Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. Again, thank you! The region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hi Elena! So if youre visiting the area (or live in the city and dont have access to a car), a car rental will be a necessity! Begin your day with a savory or sweet crepe at the highly rated Crepes of Brittany in Monterey. I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. For the photographers heart, the iconic Keyhole Arch makes for a stunning sunset spot in Central California during the golden hour! 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! This was a great place to end the day in Carmel. 7. When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. Located about two hours south of San Francisco and about five hours north of Los Angeles, this rugged coastline is famous for many things. Since the trail has a turn out to Monterey State Beach, you can stake your spot and head out for a swim, a surf, or a picnic. I feel oh so lucky to only live a few hours north, which means we typically make it to Big Sur at least once a year! When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. Yes, its that impressive. Also, as mentioned before Carmel is known for their wineries so there are several you can head to for wine tastings. I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. Since it was already the middle of the day, there were no parking spots down by the beach. End: Mammoth Lakes. Visiting between the months of November to March? The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these.

What Happened To Helen Forrester Siblings, Articles B