Makes me miss San Francisco! How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! And it is a full itinerary! Today, he has a wholesale warehouse where he provides his delicious fresh-baked pastries to hotels and restaurants around the area. 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. The Pacific Coast Highway is the longest state route in California. You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. If you want a taste of France in sweet Monterey, Paris Bakery is your go-to spot! I stopped at this state park on the way back to Carmel and I really loved it! One weekend is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur along Highway 1. Not as expensive as the other two, so check out Treebones if youd like to give your wallet a bit of a break! There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. But it's absolutely still worth visiting! This area is gorgeous where you can easily spend a couple of hours hanging out. Did you know? There are even more trails to explore such as the South Shore Trail, Cypress Grove Loop Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, and Lace Lichen Trail. I cant recommend this place enough! Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. Its about an hour north of Monterey, and its a great place to get lunch or do some shopping. The Post Ranch Inn is a Big Sur icon; the 100-acre property first opened in 1992, and in the years since, has cemented its spot as one of the top luxury hotels in . I absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. Again, thank you! (10/13/18). Hi Christina! And yes, we always have a great time in Monterey! Why is Big Sur famous? Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. 6 days / 5 nights / 4 rounds. 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. We booked in advance and it was about $31 a day before adding gas and insurance if you want. Have a great rest of your day. Key: Purple Big Sur Itinerary | Blue Monterey Itinerary | Orange Other excursions | Yellow Places to stay. Stay and Play in Monterey. Some of the overgrown trails are known to have poison oak to get to the beach views, so make sure to protect yourself if you want to get to the water. 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) Morning Here, youll find tips to help plan the perfect road trip for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. Thank you! Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). Its so nice to just be surrounded by nature and kinda forget about the rest of the world for a little while! A girls gotta eat, am I right? Basically, nature at its finest. Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego There is plenty to see and do in Monterey County outside of meeting room walls. Glad to hear it! I have visited California many times through out my life. Oh la la, Crepes! Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. You would never imagine this town is in California, it feels like a fairy tale town in Germany. Day One Besides Abalonettis another one of our favorite restaurants in this area is Phils Fish Market & Eatery. Just letting you know so there are no surprises! Some staple orders for us here are the steak and shrimp scampi, gnocchi with two sauces, and the grilled salmon filet. You can definitely take away as needed to fit your travel style. I was in awe the entire time. There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. Youll 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! Since it was already the middle of the day, there were no parking spots down by the beach. McWay Falls 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. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! Book now from $9.99! Although I can definitely see why its just as beautiful and even the same style! Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. Wrap Up Your Perfect Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary, link to Her Wanderful World's Instagram account, link to Her Wanderful World's Facebook account, link to Her Wanderful World's Pinterest account, link to Her Wanderful World's Twitter account, Teaching English Abroad Everything You Need to Know, California Coast Roadtrip | San Fran all the way to San Diego, Check the website for openings and reservations, 17 Fun Things to do in Santa Rosa, California, 20 Incredible Things to do in Petaluma, CA, 17 Charming Things to do in Cambria, California, 17 Best Coastal Sunset Spots in Central California. I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. Thankfully theres hot chocolate, tea, and/or coffee waiting for you. They start getting crowded around 9 am, so plan to arrive before then. They have ice cream, churros, and sundaes, which is the best option! We're currently planning a full trip to the Carmel/ Monterey/ Big Sur area but was wondering if our itinerary is to full? After a full morning of activity and then a satisfying afternoon meal, we were ready for a restful and low-key afternoon. I love the mixture of beautiful scenery, learning about new things, and getting outside and being active. Likes Comments. for current highway conditions before your drive. I heard from a local that even though Carmel is small, there is always something new to discover and I can definitely believe it. 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. No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. Carmel is a small, beautiful, and charming seaside town tucked between Big Sur and Monterey on the central coast of California. I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! 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! 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. 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! Our guide Johnathon was knowledgeable about the area telling us interesting facts along the route. We also went on the Cyprus Grove Trail and we loved that one too. 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). Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. Weekend Big Sur itinerary. Big Sur looks truly incredible. The 45 minute drive can last all day as you delight in the views (and the cuisine!) 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. The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! And plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus? In fact, they all have people outside of their cafes or restaurants giving out samples. While youre planning your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary, check out these useful road trip gifts to have the best experience on the road! 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. Pfeiffer Beach will be the second turnout, There are many more options for Monterey ranging from the, If youd like to stay in Big Sur, there is the, Blanket or lawn chairs for hanging out at the beach, Bike if youd like to explore Monterey by bike. The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. Again, theres a toilet here! Dont miss it its even surrounded by giant redwoods! I had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. It needs our tourism more than ever, after suffering near economic catastrophe when. I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. There is memorabilia from the movies all over! Be aware that the trail is sometimes blocked off due to erosion, and you may not be able to get that picture perfect view. (Keep this in mind if you are headed off to the airport so that you give yourself plenty of time.). This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! At an early hour, you might be too early for Nepenthe the restaurant upstairs, but Cafe Kevah down below has a delicious selection for brunch. . 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. *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). (7/15/18), "It's such a kid-friendly area, and I just heard that the entire Hwy 1 is now opened." You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life. Living in Utah, our family vacations were always to Southern California. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! You can easily follow along the road trip stops, doing every single one (my recommendation) or picking and choosing a few if you only have part of a day. This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. Thx!! Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! Its known for its pristine scenery, full of turquoise water, beautifully-designed bridges, rustic hiking trails, and more. This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. : Sand dollar beach does indeed have sand dollars! The only downside to visiting in the summertime is that July and August are the foggiest months. And thankfully, neither are too strenuous or long (perfect if you dont have all day). Yes! Even if you decide to end here and make this a San Francisco to Monterey drive, you won't be missing out. Stay for sunset as the rock formations on the beach make for some epic scenery! I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. There are a ton of walks and trails to choose from, with all difficulty levels. Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience. March 3, 2023. Okay, so we just discovered this spot off the side of the highway on our last visit to Big Sur, and I cannot believe I never noticed it before! Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! . Ive been to California several times but I still havent visited Big Sur or Monterey. They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley. If we get there earlier, we get saltwater taffy and enjoy them on our hikes/beach time. READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. Can you swim in Big Sur? California History Books for Kids. We rode past Point Pinos Lighthouse and ended up on a trail to Asilomar State Beach. While youre hiking, youll want to have closed-toe shoes with a good grip to keep yourself safe, literally speaking from experience. 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. It is the perfect place to fill up on gas and get any last minute snacks. 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. It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! Highway 1 is a one lane highway that winds along the coast. No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. Then head over to the Carmel Mission. Hi Elena! I definitely need to add that this is one of the most dog friendly places I have ever been. Theyre my two favorite spots in Point Lobos, and you wont find clearer waters. Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! One of our favorite spots here is the Pepper Palace where we buy dry rubs and sauces to make our legendary wings. While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! 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! If youve had enough of driving on your road trip, you can park near Carmel beach and walk the scenic path. 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. Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. There are warm fires all over the place and lights hanging in the trees. And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so theres no risk of getting lost. There is a lot to discover and experience on this route, with breathtaking coastal views, lovely beach towns, and . if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4','ezslot_26',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4-0');A beautiful state park, Garrapata State Park has views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Soberanes Canyon. The clam chowder here is also amazing! This area is one of my favorite places in California to visit. En route, you'll pitstop on the Monterey Peninsula before snaking along through the wilderness of Big Sur. It will take you about 2 hours to drive right into Monterey. Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. I know it is a chain, but I had never eaten there before and thought it would be fun to try it out! 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. And its large enough to split, for sure. This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. Most people are surprised at how little civilization is around here no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. Have you been? I recommend booking your whale-watching tickets in advance. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The entire road is comprised of redwood groves, babbling brooks, rolling hills, and lots of no trespassing signs. This trail was amazing and we saw a cove with the most turquoise blue waters and baby sea lions down below. 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! I absolutely fell in love. Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. Details. A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. La Playa Carmel. Tours cost $15 per person. When is the Best Time to Visit Monterey and Big Sur? Hearst Castle It is the foggiest park even when some of the other parks are clear, youll want to make sure to check the weather as you wont be able to see much with the fog. 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. The region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. Monterey is definitely one of my favorite places in CA! Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. AirBnB: Due to the higher-than-normal cost of accommodation in Big Sur, you may want to check out AirBnB for a less expensive option, many even with those ocean views were all swooning over (without the super hefty price tag). Check the website for openings and reservations. This romantic drive is one of the best cross country road trip routes that couples must take together! Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! Youll have an amazing time when you visit! We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! I would love to go back! From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. from $900. 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. 6. Right outside of Carmel is Carmel Mission Basilica, dating clear back to the 1700s. Patience is the only requirement, but binoculars are nice to have as well. The inside had the most beautiful design and the outside was just as lovely with tables and benches everywhere and live music playing. 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. I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. That is a lot to fit into 2-days. (10/12/18), "Thank you Kelsey for your words of advise. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. I had a few places in mind I wanted to stop before we left, but I also thought it was fun to be spontaneous and stop whenever we saw something that interested us! I heard a few state parks in Big Sur are open now! Of courseeee this is when its most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. 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. 4. You can stop in Santa Cruz if youd like. Small and cozy and rustic and delicious. Thank you for sharing! When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! (7/19/18), "We were here in Spring of 2017 and, sadly, Big Sur was closed, but we still LOVED this area and can't wait to return one day. " We won't recommend it if we didn't love it! Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! This road trip takes just over 3 hours and is a must-do for a glimpse of California's coastal beauty. 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! 1. The people that worked there were friendly and gave us a map of the nearby trail and tips on places they recommended seeing.

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