Make sure to have these essentials on your list: The best time to visit Monterey and Big Sur is in the fall during the months of September to November or in the spring during the months of April to May. Big Sur/Monterey Itinerary for July 4 - Big Sur Forum - Tripadvisor If you are into golfing, the 17 mile drive also has the world famous Pebble Beach! Right outside of Carmel is Carmel Mission Basilica, dating clear back to the 1700s. Carmel is a small, beautiful, and charming seaside town tucked between Big Sur and Monterey on the central coast of California. The airport is small and easy to navigate. All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! Yes, its that impressive. After Mcway Falls, we headed to Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park). 3. They are even bigger than you can imagine! We were going to get lunch, but decided to wait until Carmel since we ate so many samples! We so enjoyed our time on our Monterey and Big Sur road trip. This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! (Keep this in mind if you are headed off to the airport so that you give yourself plenty of time.). Aubrie is a Utah based blogger/content creator. Your email address will not be published. Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! It was going on right when we arrived at the hotel. Aww, thank you so much! 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! I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-sky-3','ezslot_25',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-sky-3-0');As one of the top 20 best places to retire in California, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming small town you need to check out. They have ice cream, churros, and sundaes, which is the best option! Which means youll ultimately need to climb back up! While the tours are quite long at three hours, the history and information is so interesting you wont even notice the hours passing by. After leaving the park, there was quite a bit of traffic to get back to Carmel. And I do love my crab from Phils! With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. The Bixby Bridge looked amazing. If you are planning a road trip to the coast of California, this Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is a perfect option for you, and its so convenient as they are about 30 minutes apart from one another. California CA Big Sur Carmel Monterey Coastline Postcard Old Vintage There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! 9. There are definitely so many good spots for pictures that you cant get enough of! Did you know? The museum exhibits have a few rooms depicting life during the mission days. There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. Nearest Cities: Monterey and Carmel to the north (40 minute drive), San Simeon and Cambria to the south (1.5 hour drive) Closest International Airports: San Jose International Airport (SJC) - 1.5 hour drive | Oakland International Airport (OAK) - 2 hour drive | San Francisco (SFO) - 2.5 hour drive Best Time to Visit: April through October, early fall is best We're currently planning a full trip to the Carmel/ Monterey/ Big Sur area but was wondering if our itinerary is to full? Price: $25-100. The Best Big Sur Itinerary for an Epic Weekend Trip I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with your itinerary. One of my favorite parts of the park was all of the beautiful walking paths with wildflowers everywhere. Oh la la, Crepes! 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! A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to a beautiful waterfall crashing directly into the Pacific Oceans emerald water. We booked in advance and it was about $31 a day before adding gas and insurance if you want. Ive been to California several times but I still havent visited Big Sur or Monterey. We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! Manage Settings Arrive- Pick up Rental Car and Drive to Monterey I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! This sample itinerary aims to show how you can cover the two towns of Monterey or Carmel in as little as 2 days. 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. Yes and No. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. Day 2. Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur - A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary - Our EDventures Reading and seeing these photos makes me miss it a whole lot. You can book a tour right on the wharf, but its possible that tickets might sell out. Head back north and drive into the quaint little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary. From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. California's Springtime Road Trip: Exploring 10 Of The State's Best 10 Things You Should Know About The Brando Resort in Tetiaroa, A First-timer's Trip to Australia; Sydney, the Whitsundays and the Central Coast, Paradise in the Dominican Republic: The Samana Peninsula, Explore the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, A 3-Day Itinerary for Charleston, South Carolina, How to Spend 3 Days in Nashville, TN - A Girls' Trip, Balboa Island in Newport Beach,California, Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur - A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary, Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, "I've actually been meaning to take the kids on this road trip. Explore Big Sur. 8. This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. A trailhead can be found from Monterey State Beach and from there heading south, it will take you to Fishermans Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I heard a few state parks in Big Sur are open now! You could spend 1-2 hours here and then continue on to Big Sur. Thank you! 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. In fact, they all have people outside of their cafes or restaurants giving out samples. 4. It will take you about 2 hours to drive right into Monterey. Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. I ordered the Dungeness crab and N got fish and chipsalways so good. Eating fresh clam chowder is a must on any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. 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. Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. 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. Check the missions website for daily hours and admission prices. Weekend Big Sur itinerary. This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur - 3 Days | kimkim A Carmel to Big Sur road trip can take anywhere from one hour to five, depending on how many stops . California road trip: Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe - Tripadvisor Your Weekend in Big Sur Itinerary: How to Nail a Big Sur Road Trip Continue driving south on Hwy 1 towards your next stop in this Big Sur itinerary: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which is not to be confused with Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. I may email you with more in-depth questions as we plan. Big Sur Carmel Carmel Valley Castroville Marina Monterey Moss Landing Pacific Grove Pebble Beach Salinas Seaside . Mmm! You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. I like to searchvia this sitein order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. The Andrew Molera State Park is located in Big Sur and is a relatively undeveloped park in the area. Again, thank you! 3. If youve had enough of driving on your road trip, you can park near Carmel beach and walk the scenic path. We won't recommend it if we didn't love it! . DEETJENS BIG SUR INN - 261 Photos & 199 Reviews - Yelp Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Then walk through the main entrance, purchase a $2 map and head out on your hike. I can now say that I absolutely loved that area and will definitely be coming back! Morsels 03.02.23 | Eat + Drink - Monterey County Weekly NOW PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials. 17 Mile Drive is said to be one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. The airport is small and easy to navigate. Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! Likes Comments. At the time of posting this article, the section of Hwy 1 south of McWay Falls was still closed due to mudslides from 2017. Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles. April trip - itinerary change? - Big Sur Message Board - Tripadvisor Next up on your Monterey itinerary is Old Downtown Monterey located on Alvarado street and named after Juan Bautista Alvarado who was the former governor of Alta California. California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara Let me know how your travels go! Once you get to Pacific Grove, everything is accessible by foot or bike. Thank you for this helpful resource. 14 Best Road Trips in Northern California - LazyTrips 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 . Highway 1 is one of the most scenic roads I have ever been on! Do take note of the tide schedule though high tide can essentially make the sandy beach disappear, making it difficult to find a place to sit. There are so many scenic look outs to stop at so feel free to stop as much as you want along the way! There are warm fires all over the place and lights hanging in the trees. 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. The ocean is a short walk away. Its about an hour north of Monterey, and its a great place to get lunch or do some shopping. And it is a full itinerary! Nightly bagpipe performances have taken place every day since 1987 at Spanish Bay in Carmel. I really enjoyed Spanish Bay Beach, Fanshell Beach overlook, Cypress Point Lookout and the Lone Cypress. Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley. And its large enough to split, for sure. Don't be me. Since you are now past the influx of traffic, you wont be in a rush to get into any of the popular sites. There is a small parking area located on the east side of the highway. 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. (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" Thank you for sharing! There were cute adorable dogs everywhere. It was the prime location for marine life spotting! From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. Pacific Grove is a small area right on the edge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary about a 10-minute drive from Fishermans Wharf. 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! 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. Seaside cliffs. Thx!! You would never imagine this town is in California, it feels like a fairy tale town in Germany. The Perfect Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary - Globetrotting Ginger We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. Hi.. we are driving in from Santa Barbara and wanted to plan a Big Sur , Monterey trip where should we stop first where would u stay if u want to see Carmel too? Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. I always love getting cheese plates! San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur. Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. ), all while taking in the magnificent views! 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. Hi Jolayne! Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! 10 BIG Mistakes to Avoid Before Traveling to the Big Sur! In fact, I thought about being a Marine Biologist for awhile. And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. There are cute dogs all over the place! Epic Golf Travel would love to be your resource for all your golf travel needs! What a wonderful place you get to call home. With that being said, Im planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. Youll know it by seeing cars lined up the hill up into the parking lot or various vehicles parked, waiting to get in. Yes! There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. Looks like such an awesome road trip. Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel. 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. Yes, definitely! In this quaint town, you will find a gas station, a few small hotels, convenience stores, bathrooms, and restaurants. This image is from Big Sur, a California State Park . There is so much to see, this is only the tip of it! Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. This looks amazing. You are able to do wine tastings inside or if you dont drink, there is also a full service restaurant as well. Yes please! Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. You will definitely get beautiful views here! Its beautiful coastline views! No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. Both are definitely worth getting out for and photographing. There is also the Old Downtown Marketplace every Tuesday from 4 -7 PM in the fall and 4 8 PM in the summer. With an early head start to your day, you will have plenty of parking spaces to choose from if you stop for lunch here. This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi I am Aubrie, thanks for stopping by! I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. 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. When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. Do note there is no beach or ocean access, and its actually forbidden to go down there. And so is Nepenthe! Tranquil. Girls Trip: Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur 3 Day Itinerary This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. Where did you drive from? Treebones Resort: Looking for something a bit different? 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. Whether you are looking for a shopping trip, family getaway or romantic getaway we have just the travel itinerary for you! 1. First things first, if youve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. 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. Day Three: Monterey Morning Monterey is just a 10 minute drive from Carmel and a great area to explore for the day! 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. While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. 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. If you are driving up from the south, everything will just be in reverse order. 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). Thats so cool youre a teacher! And yes, we always have a great time in Monterey! This shop was really cute and had lots of yummy treats and great customer service. Hi Christina! You can definitely complete this Big Sur itinerary in a day, but if you have more time, you can also spread it out over 2-3 days and spend more time in each place. This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. Thanks for sharing your journey with us! Not as expensive as the other two, so check out Treebones if youd like to give your wallet a bit of a break! Hearst Castle This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! Makes me miss San Francisco! Renting a Car : Note that you'll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) 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. Youll find a parking lot on the east side of the road with an underground tunnel for walking over to the trail. Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. 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. The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! If you want a taste of France in sweet Monterey, Paris Bakery is your go-to spot! Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. Dont miss it its even surrounded by giant redwoods! It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. It was a quick ride to Fishermans Wharf and we set up our bikes with a lock on a bike rack. The entire area is pricey, so expect to pay big city prices (~$15ish for a cocktail, ~$20-30ish for an entree). Youll most likely be coming from the airport if youre visiting, so aim to pick up your car rental from SFO. I love the mixture of beautiful scenery, learning about new things, and getting outside and being active. 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. The e-bikes are incredibly easy to ride and comfortable. If you can settle for not actually staying in Big Sur itself, consider heading up north to Carmel or Monterey for less-than-astronomical prices. Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur - California And plus, the water is chilly over here! Specializing in travel, lifestyle and fashion. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! 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. They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! The grounds are incredibly beautiful and this place is definitely worth a stop for the gorgeous grounds and architecture. 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! Start with the short film about Junipero Serra to learn about the history of this mission and also the start of all the California missions. There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! You can always put your feet in if youd like! Make sure to bring a light jacket since it gets a little bit chillier at night. Like what you see? How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? 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. We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! 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. 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 Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The trail will take you less than an hour as its about 0.8 miles long and will bring you to the beautiful shorelines where you might even spot a sea otter! 5 days in Carmel, Big Sur & Monterey Itinerary in March Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. Dont go during the rain or after its just rained as the road is all dirt and can get quite muddy at times. Phone: (831) 515-6403. General tips. I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! They are a definite must on any Big Sur Itinerary. How to Spend One Day in Big Sur: Day Trip Guide from the Bay Area We also think the service is really good, so you cant go wrong with this restaurant! I absolutely fell in love. Day One I absolutely loved the houses in Pacific Grove. It is about 15 minutes from Monterey, spend at least 3 hours. I had never seen succulents that big before! Be sure and check out the view from both sides of the street, but be careful when crossing. Many people dont actually realize this, but Big Sur is not an actual city/town for that matter. La Playa Carmel. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. Theres really no way around it. The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old! Evening Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! Free shipping for many products! This whole road trip looks so picturesque! Comment below. Things to Do in Big Sur | Big Sur, CA Itinerary - Visit Monterey As an English teacher, I love travel that involves a literary outing like Cannery Row. While youre planning your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary, check out these useful road trip gifts to have the best experience on the road! Alternatively, you can take a bus. Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? They had the cutest beach cruisers with baskets and they also have electric bikes! Top tip: pull off at a turnout from the bridges south end at sunset. I hope your travel planning takes you here soon! They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! Can you swim in Big Sur? Also, as mentioned before Carmel is known for their wineries so there are several you can head to for wine tastings. 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. Day Three We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! It is our home state, so hopefully we can do it soon." Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! Begin your day with breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel by-the-Sea. In the months of October-February, you will also be in time to see the Monarch butterflies clustering at Monarch Grove Butterly Sanctuary. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, their menu will satisfy every palette. Grab Life by the Moments Itineraries Highlights Itinerary Outdoors Itinerary Family Itinerary Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary Golf Itinerary Monterey, Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea Bus Tour from San Francisco 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! So exactly where is big sur located? Most people are surprised at how little civilization is around here no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe. As you arrive, drive straight to the Sea Lion Point parking lot and you can start on the trail there, Cypress Grove Trail. 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