Basically, nature at its finest. 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.. Theres no real starting point. We had to hurry back right after so we could get our bike rentals back in time! Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. They start getting crowded around 9 am, so plan to arrive before then. We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. These are the most common ways to take a Big Sur road trip: Start and finish in Carmel-by-the-Sea but only drive as far as McWay Falls (78 miles of driving) Start in Carmel-by-the-Sea and finish in Morro Bay (120 miles of driving) On arrival, our room wasnt quite ready so we had lunch at the hotels restaurant and I got clam chowder in a bread bowl! It is definitely in a really romantic setting. Each room actually had binoculars making it even easier to locate the animals! We also went on the Cyprus Grove Trail and we loved that one too. Cozy. After you finally find it (the road to get to Pfeiffer Beach is a bit hidden and narrow with no signs), youll be pleasantly surprised that the sand is actually truly purple in some spots on the beach. I always love getting cheese plates! I absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur itinerary? - California Forum We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. Mmm! It is the perfect place to fill up on gas and get any last minute snacks. For a complete San Francisco to Big Sur day trip , start in San Francisco and make your way through Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea to Big Sur on Highway 1 and US-101. 17 Mile Drive is said to be one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. Bring a blanket and a cooler with your favorite sandwich to enjoy, which we wish we had done. Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel. Most people are surprised at how little civilization is around here no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. You can read all about how this area came to be here. Living in Utah, our family vacations were always to Southern California. There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. Where does the Big Sur drive start? Book now from $9.99! And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. The airport is small and easy to navigate. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. 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. Hi Elena! Tina Yen. Highway 1 is one of the most scenic roads I have ever been on! Youll be driving on private land, so you cant stop to take tooo many photos, but since its usually not crowded, feel free to stop in the middle of the road if you must for some shots. In the morning, after breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes), which became an artist's colony after the 1906 Great San Francisco Earthquake destroyed that city.Take a stroll along Ocean Ave. and admire the charming shops and galleries. I cant recommend this place enough! 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. 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. Bixby Bridge was one of my favorite stops on my Big Sur Itinerary! California History Books for Kids. I definitely recommend booking in advance. 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. 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. And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! There are a ton of walks and trails to choose from, with all difficulty levels. April trip - itinerary change? - Big Sur Message Board - Tripadvisor This shop was really cute and had lots of yummy treats and great customer service. Big Sur Road Trip: Best Stops on a Scenic California Coast Adventure! These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. 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. , Point Lobos looks absolutely stunning! Discover Monterey Bay & Big Sur | Road Scholar Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. Named as one of the top 10 travel bloggers on Instagram by Kayak and short listed as the best travel influencer by FlightCentre. In his restaurant, youll see rows of pastries lining the front of his shop and cafe au lait to go, too! 6. This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim. 15 Dreamy Things To Do In Monterey and Carmel As A Couple which is a favorite local hotspot and should not be missed when planning your Big Sur itinerary. Cannery Row is filled with boutiques, restaurants and waterfront hotels. It will take you about 2 hours to drive right into Monterey. Youll also be able to witness sea lions and harbor seals frolicking around on nearby rocks any time of year listen and youll hear them no problem! Morsels 03.02.23 | Eat + Drink - Monterey County Weekly NOW The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary for Carmel & Monterey - I Wander There is a small parking area located on the east side of the highway. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. As always, thanks for the support. Glad to hear it! Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. Once you get to Pacific Grove, everything is accessible by foot or bike. Whats your favorite local spot? And it is a full itinerary! It is about a 20-minute drive from the Monterey area, but its named one of the Best Beach restaurants named by BBC Travel. Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. Hungry? Next up on this Big Sur road trip itinerary the Point Sur Lighthouse! Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! If you squint really hard, youll see the falls between the rocks going directly into the ocean in the photo below. San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur. Here, youll find tips to help plan the perfect road trip for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. End of Big Sur Itinerary Turnaround: On your way back, you can choose to pull off and snap a few pictures of the beautiful ocean down below. Where we stayed: Which means youll ultimately need to climb back up! And yes, we always have a great time in Monterey! Epic Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary: Explore California's Pacific Coast Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. 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). Alternatively, you can take a bus. The location is so perfect in between Cannery Row and Fishermans Wharf and just a ten minute walk to the aquarium. The only downside to visiting in the summertime is that July and August are the foggiest months. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. Hi, Im Jess. The Ultimate Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. for current highway conditions before your drive. You wont miss it, promise, as its just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. . 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. And if theres still orchids and wildflowers out, youll think youre in Hawaii. 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. Carmel Itineraries Monterey Peninsula Carmel Chamber of Commerce Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! We also think the service is really good, so you cant go wrong with this restaurant! Guide contents. Enjoy your ice cream on the wharf and enjoy watching all the puppies greet each other as their owners walk them up and down the pier. Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays) daily at the Pacific Grove shops. In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. Hi Desiree! You will definitely get beautiful views here! Explore Big Sur. Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur - California There is memorabilia from the movies all over! 10. Have a great rest of your day. Big Sur Itinerary - Day 2: 1. There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. In the months of October-February, you will also be in time to see the Monarch butterflies clustering at Monarch Grove Butterly Sanctuary. Pfeiffer beach is best known for its amazing rock structures, sunsets and sometimes there is even purple sand! Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! Since the road to Big Sur is finally open again (after months of closure due to horrific mudslides), nows the time to visit! From San Francisco: The Best Road Trip to Monterey, Carmel, & Big Sur This is definitely a place I would like to spend more time at if I head back to this area. Bring a blanket and some snacks and plan to stay for awhile. Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! There were cute adorable dogs everywhere. We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! There is a lot to discover and experience on this route, with breathtaking coastal views, lovely beach towns, and . They are a definite must on any Big Sur Itinerary. Then head over to the Carmel Mission. How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? I mean, its absolutely GORGEOUS. How to Spend One Day in Big Sur: Day Trip Guide from the Bay Area 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. Pace yourself its all beautiful. It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. DEETJENS BIG SUR INN - 261 Photos & 199 Reviews - Yelp These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. Big Sur isnt too far from Monterey and you get all the nature with it. I recommend booking your whale-watching tickets in advance. And plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus? Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. 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. Girls Trip: Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur 3 Day Itinerary After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. Big Sur is a beautiful coastal area located 140 miles south of San Francisco. Big Sur Weekend Road Trip Itinerary - Getaway Compass Pin it for later or share it! 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). I love the mixture of beautiful scenery, learning about new things, and getting outside and being active. Day One 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. Like what you see? Youll drive into places like San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, Pismo, and more! All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. The 45 minute drive can last all day as you delight in the views (and the cuisine!) To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. (10/12/18), "Thank you Kelsey for your words of advise. Ive already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! Hi Christina! I saw many of them while riding my bike on the Pacific Coastal Trail and just rode down a particular street if I saw any that looked really interesting! Time needed: 1 to 2 days. Day Three Again, theres a toilet here! Grab Life by the Moments Itineraries Highlights Itinerary Outdoors Itinerary Family Itinerary Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary Golf Itinerary Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. I recommend anywhere from 1-3 days in Big Sur, kinda depending if you wanna go on a few hikes or just see the typical tourist Big Sur road trip stops. This area is one of my favorites in CA. 9. The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. I am a huge fan of aquariums! I was there for a penguin feeding and that was really fun! 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. Purple sand (yup!). I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. Thank you for sharing! I love Monterey! Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Loading. 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. Im going next year to visit a friend and we plan on road tripping so Im hoping Ill finally get to go! Big Sur guide. You'll most definitely wanna make a few stops along the way ( Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, Santa Cruz, and Carmel/Monterey are my favorites), so plan accordingly! There are so many places in this area to pick for dinner. Begin your day with a savory or sweet crepe at the highly rated Crepes of Brittany in Monterey. 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. Youll want an all-wheel drive for best mobility, but if all youve got is a regular sedan, go slow and you should be a-okay! 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. If you have never seen redwood trees another great stop is Pfieffer Big Sur state Park , mentioned by the previous poster. Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! Read Next: 25+ Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco. We loved visiting the Whalers Cabin in Whalers Cove and thought the scenery was the most spectacular around Bluefish Cove. Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. The parking near this bridge is somewhat limited. The drive was nice and pretty straight forward and just took a little over an hour and a half. (7/19/18), "This area has been on my must-see/do list for years. It was so yummy! Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary. 2. 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. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! Its about an hour north of Monterey, and its a great place to get lunch or do some shopping. 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. 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!) 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. When researching where to eat, I had Forge in the Forest recommend several times.