Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. Jackie Jegat, the owner and founder, moved from his home in France to open his own restaurant on the California Coast when he was about 30 years old. This was our last stop heading down Highway 1 before we turned around and made some stops on the way back to Carmel. 2. There was a trail for bikes all along the beach and it was a really beautiful place to end for sunset. We won't recommend it if we didn't love it! When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. Manage Settings You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! Most the attractions mentioned in this article are closed due to covid19. With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. Not happening. Cozy. (10/13/18). 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 needs our tourism more than ever, after suffering near economic catastrophe when. They are even bigger than you can imagine! Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. 6 days / 5 nights / 4 rounds. Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. Head back north and drive into the quaint little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Day 1. Any Big Sur road trip aint complete without a stop at iconic Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur (which Im sure youve seen alllll over instagram and pinterest). Free shipping for many products! 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. Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. 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! 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 too hope that tourists can make the kind of choices that will benefit everyone." We had to hurry back right after so we could get our bike rentals back in time! 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. If youre from outta town, and by that not within driving distance, youll need to get yourself to SFO (San Francisco) first. In Old Downtown Monterey, youll find over 400 shops and restaurants lining the main streets as well. Constructed in 1931, and standing over 250 feet high, many people consider this bridge to be the gateway to Big Sur. Thank you for sharing! After a full morning of activity and then a satisfying afternoon meal, we were ready for a restful and low-key afternoon. I got my ticket for the aquarium here. While youre hiking, youll want to have closed-toe shoes with a good grip to keep yourself safe, literally speaking from experience. How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? If you are a morning person, you might want to head out earlier to avoid the other tourists. Johnathon was easy-going and the time we spent with Big Sur Adventures was the highlight of our weekend. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It was so delicious and the outdoor dining setting right over the ocean was such a dream. There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. I only have three more posts to go after this one. The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. Cannery Row is filled with boutiques, restaurants and waterfront hotels. Yes! After we walked back from the aquarium to the hotel, we decided it would be fun to ride bikes over to Fishermans Wharf! Yes, definitely! The airport is small and easy to navigate. Theyve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if youre still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old! We also really liked the friendly service and beautiful atrium. If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. Ten interesting facts we learned on OurEDventure:
Theres also some hiking in the state park, with sea lions and starfish in the tide pools nearby. The grounds are incredibly beautiful and this place is definitely worth a stop for the gorgeous grounds and architecture. Hang out on Fishermans Wharf a little longer after dinner and grab a dessert at the Monterey Bay Creamery (right next door to Abalonettis). Have dinner at Lallapalooza on Alvarado Street. Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria. Three tips for the Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops. Any tips/suggestions appreciated. Call ahead to ask about the exact time that the bagpipe player will be playing, as times change throughout the year. One of our favorite spots here is the Pepper Palace where we buy dry rubs and sauces to make our legendary wings. Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. 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! Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. After that, we walked past an island with hundreds of birds on it, which was so cool! Theres no real starting point. We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! It was the prime location for marine life spotting! Bubba Gumps specializes in seafood- specifically shrimp and if you have ever seen Forest Gump- this place will be really fun for you! There are a ton of walks and trails to choose from, with all difficulty levels. These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. Its a cute town, and there is a long sandy beach. (See that next!). With an early head start to your day, you will have plenty of parking spaces to choose from if you stop for lunch here. 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. This road trip takes just over 3 hours and is a must-do for a glimpse of California's coastal beauty. Price: $25-100. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with your itinerary. Why is Big Sur famous? Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Each room actually had binoculars making it even easier to locate the animals! Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. Hi Rosie! This can be easily done as a weekend trip out from the Bay Area or as part of a wider trip tracing California's coastline. 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! 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. 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. Looks like such an awesome road trip. The menus pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! Let me know how your travels go! And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. 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. Answer 11 of 11: Hello I'm hoping for some advice. It ends near San Simeon. We ended up booking the Hideaway an adorable boutique hotel. The drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Simeon is 2 hours and 20 minutes of curvy, cliff-side driving. My photographer heart would absolutely some of those vistas. 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. They have a nice cafeteria there for lunch. Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. 5. This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! Just note that the Monterey-Salinas Transit Lines stop running during . Famous for its narrow cobblestone lanes, little cottages dressed in flowers and plants, and enchanting shops that sell tons of local goodies, Carmel is a . There are so many scenic look outs to stop at so feel free to stop as much as you want along the way! Read Next: 25+ Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco. *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). Then head over to the Carmel Mission. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. Thanks for all the recommendations. 3-day Big Sur itinerary. And plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus? Once you get to Pacific Grove, everything is accessible by foot or bike. I absolutely loved the houses in Pacific Grove. As always, all opinions expressed are our own. Thanks for your support! 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 . Begin your day with breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel by-the-Sea. On arrival, our room wasnt quite ready so we had lunch at the hotels restaurant and I got clam chowder in a bread bowl! 5. We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. Basically, nature at its finest. After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. 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. We were going to get lunch, but decided to wait until Carmel since we ate so many samples! There are definitely so many good spots for pictures that you cant get enough of! From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. Tina Yen's travel guide for Big Sur with 47 favorite places to visit. Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel. And thankfully, neither are too strenuous or long (perfect if you dont have all day). It has an awesome art community, and its one of the most beautiful places in Californiatry the 17-mile scenic drive! Youve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. As you arrive, drive straight to the Sea Lion Point parking lot and you can start on the trail there, Cypress Grove Trail. 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. This takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to the lowest point of Big Sur, Cambria, where you can start this itinerary (in reverse order from how it's posted). Want the scenic route? Both are definitely worth getting out for and photographing. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, their menu will satisfy every palette. And yes, we always have a great time in Monterey! I saw sea otters, seals and dolphins! So exactly where is big sur located? 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. 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.. 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! . It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. (7/16/18), "It just opened yesterday! If you choose to visit Big Sur as an out-and-back road trip from San Francisco, you can follow California Highway 1 south from the city past Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and the Monterey Peninsula - then back up. And its large enough to split, for sure. Tina Yen. This looks amazing. If the weathers lousy (as in thick fog drastically impeding the views), I honestly wouldnt bother with Nepenthe. It was so yummy! Stay and Play in Monterey. Eating fresh clam chowder is a must on any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. 4 Golfers. 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. Check out Lovers Point Beach where you can do all the water activities like surfing and kayaking. Finding it can be a challenge in itself because the turn is not marked. 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! Theres really no way around it. Fishermans Wharf is full of cute candy shops and tons of Clam Chowder restaurants! You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld. Day Two
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. Winding turns. Thanks for stopping by! Yes, its a gorgeous area! Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. 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. And it is a full itinerary! They start getting crowded around 9 am, so plan to arrive before then. Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! 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. I discuss Nepenthe below as a must-visit stop on your Big Sur itinerary! Definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list. And get there early the tours only accommodate 40 people! Note that youll have to walk/hike about 100 steps or so to access the beach. In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . I was looking for an itinerary for this area for a roadtrip and landed on your blog. Small and cozy and rustic and delicious. Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. Yes, its that impressive. 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. There are plenty of other beaches to hang around, so do your part and just stay where youre supposed to be. While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! Public school whose 1931 auditorium served as Carmel's primary artistic, civic . Treebones Resort: Looking for something a bit different? I personally love #doingallthethings at the beginning of my trips and then slowing down as I stay longer, but you can puzzle this Monterey and Big Sur itinerary out to best fit your weekend and travel style. You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life. 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. Hungry? Day Three
In fact, they all have people outside of their cafes or restaurants giving out samples. Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz. I havent been to Malibu yet, but if they look the same then Im down to see more gorgeous views! 4. The inside had the most beautiful design and the outside was just as lovely with tables and benches everywhere and live music playing. Most people are surprised at how little civilization is around here no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary If you've 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. Most people start this iconic road trip in L . When driving from Monterey to Big Sur, youll pass the small seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea. Hi Shafinah! Which means youll ultimately need to climb back up! ), all while taking in the magnificent views! 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! As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! Just letting you know so there are no surprises! 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 They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! Its beautiful coastline views! This is definitely a place I would like to spend more time at if I head back to this area. 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. The parking near this bridge is somewhat limited. The 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. There are even more trails to explore such as the South Shore Trail, Cypress Grove Loop Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, and Lace Lichen Trail. To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! Have you been? This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! This area is gorgeous where you can easily spend a couple of hours hanging out. Explore Big Sur. Cannery Row also has some cute candy shops, arcades and even an indoor mini golf arena! Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience. 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. The 45 minute drive can last all day as you delight in the views (and the cuisine!) This waterfall cascades over the cliff and falls about 80 feet into the sandy cove below. 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. Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. These are the items on our list that we are possibly looking to hit: Highway 1 Mcway Falls Bixby. 3. Key: Purple Big Sur Itinerary | Blue Monterey Itinerary | Orange Other excursions | Yellow Places to stay. Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. 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! The Bixby Bridge looked amazing. The United States flag was first raised in Monterey in 1846 claiming California for the United States. Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! Alternatively, you can take a bus. I would love to go there one day, Hi Jade! Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles. Thank you for this helpful resource. Likes Comments. I can now say that I absolutely loved that area and will definitely be coming back! Its more of a state of mind rather than a specific point on a map, encompassing about 90 sunny Californian miles down the Pacific Coast Highway. 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. A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . It is still totally worth it to see this beautiful place. After leaving the park, there was quite a bit of traffic to get back to Carmel. 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. Named as one of the top 10 travel bloggers on Instagram by Kayak and short listed as the best travel influencer by FlightCentre. Yes! 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! Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. From here, you can make a decision on what youre feeling but here are some recommendations! I had never seen succulents that big before! They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! The ocean is a short walk away. Note:If you have time, Pfeiffer Beach, which is very close to this state park is worth a visit. Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning The hottest month in Monterey is September when high temperatures are around 67F and lows are 55F. This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. Its such a pretty area! Hi Sydney! Purple sand (yup!). You'll likely hit Carmel-By-The-Sea first, which is where you should bed down; the famed L'Auberge Carmel offers old-world luxury. Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. Psst: When people say theyre hiking to McWay Falls, theyre really just casually strolling down a paved path. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. 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. This area is one of my favorites in CA. Squeezing all the hot spots into just three days might be a challenging task, but this perfect three-day itinerary will keep you on track. 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. I may email you with more in-depth questions as we plan. Whether it's sipping your way through Carmel Valley's boutique wine tasting rooms or hopping on an unforgettable whale watching excursion, Monterey County provides meeting attendees with a variety of extracurricular activities. One of the best features of the hotel was the Happy Hour that happened every day from 4-6. Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. Yes, yes, and yes! It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! One of my favorite parts of the park was all of the beautiful walking paths with wildflowers everywhere. 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! La Playa Carmel. Be aware that the trail is sometimes blocked off due to erosion, and you may not be able to get that picture perfect view. 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