Its so nice to just be surrounded by nature and kinda forget about the rest of the world for a little while! 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. From San Francisco: The Best Road Trip to Monterey, Carmel, & Big Sur 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! 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. McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. All these spots make it easy to photograph. This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. 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). The parking near this bridge is somewhat limited. Traffic is really bad, please use public transport or other forms to reduce as much as possible. " The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. 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. I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. Again, theres a toilet here! California CA Big Sur Carmel Monterey Coastline Postcard Old Vintage We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. 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. They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! 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! You managed to pack in so many must-see sights and unique experiences, all while keeping a great balance of relaxation and adventure. 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. Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. Most the attractions mentioned in this article are closed due to covid19. (7/15/18), "It's such a kid-friendly area, and I just heard that the entire Hwy 1 is now opened." Tours cost $15 per person. Morsels 03.02.23 | Eat + Drink - Monterey County Weekly NOW You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. 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 . Begin your day with breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel by-the-Sea. Its beautiful coastline views! Cannery Row is near where we dropped off our bikes so we just walked right over! 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! If you are a morning person, you might want to head out earlier to avoid the other tourists. My favorite part about it, however, was that it was literally right over the ocean. There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). Another favorite thing we like to do here is to stop at the first shop on the right (also didnt pay attention to its name), grab a little red basket, and have a go at the saltwater taffy. Click here to skip back to the top. In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. Their island-inspired menu has plenty to choose from including burgers, tacos, fish and chicken platters. All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! The Bixby Creek Bridge
Our other option is to do Monterey/Carmel on Tuesday (aquarium, 17-mile drive, etc), and then Big Sur first thing Wednesday morning (July 4th). We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe. These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. It needs our tourism more than ever, after suffering near economic catastrophe when. Youll get a really nice view of the beach. The location of the Carmel Mission isn't the original spot. And theres a reason for it the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. like a Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls One Day Tour from San Jose.. Alternatively, you can take the Monterey-Salinas Transit Line 22 from Carmel or Monterey, which will take you all the way to Nepenthe Restaurant when heading south. First things first, if youve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. Do note there is no beach or ocean access, and its actually forbidden to go down there. Thanks for stopping by! Go hiking, walking, bird watching (pelicans frequent the area), scuba diving (yes, really! I had seen pictures of Mcway Falls for many years and had always dreamed of seeing them with my own eyes. I really enjoyed Spanish Bay Beach, Fanshell Beach overlook, Cypress Point Lookout and the Lone Cypress. About this rental. Dont fret if you dont drink, they have tons of snacks you can eat as well! Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. This sample itinerary aims to show how you can cover the two towns of Monterey or Carmel in as little as 2 days. Note that youll have to walk/hike about 100 steps or so to access the beach. And plus, the water is chilly over here! 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). Like what you see? 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. I love how comprehensive this is Monterery and Big Sur look like such BEAUTIFUL places ! Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. 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 Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, what to do in Big Sur, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. Havent had enough of the great outdoors on your Big Sur road trip just yet? 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) Manage Settings Aubrie is a Utah based blogger/content creator. We will be coming here mid-May and will definitely use your advice. Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. Besides Abalonettis another one of our favorite restaurants in this area is Phils Fish Market & Eatery. Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. 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. Not many out-of-towners know this, but. Evening
Its pretty secluded and kinda secret (aka not on all the typical things to do in Big Sur posts), so I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. Big Sur is the farthest distance of the San Francisco day trips on our list (2.5 hours away from the city). I can now say that I absolutely loved that area and will definitely be coming back! We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. 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. : Sand dollar beach does indeed have sand dollars! Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur - 3 Days | kimkim Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. In fact, they all have people outside of their cafes or restaurants giving out samples. Check the missions website for daily hours and admission prices. On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. My photographer heart would absolutely some of those vistas. Not happening. Be sure to checkout some of my blog posts which include information about travel, fashion, lifestyle and photography. One of our favorite spots here is the Pepper Palace where we buy dry rubs and sauces to make our legendary wings. There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. If you want a taste of France in sweet Monterey, Paris Bakery is your go-to spot! The road is narrow, so be extra careful when pulling over for the views (my advice only pull off in designated spots, theres plenty of them). The Ultimate Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary (Keep this in mind if you are headed off to the airport so that you give yourself plenty of time.). Its a cute town, and there is a long sandy beach. Phone: (831) 515-6403. I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! 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. Youll most likely be coming from the airport if youre visiting, so aim to pick up your car rental from SFO. Morning
As always, thanks for the support. Where does the Big Sur drive start? 4.. Can You Start from San Francisco to Big Sur on the Road Trip Itinerary? Whether youre driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, youre in luck. I definitely need to add that this is one of the most dog friendly places I have ever been. It could take as little as 2 hours (if you dont stop at all), or 2 days if you make all the stops for the views, foods, and hikes. We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. Use caution while driving as the road is rather windy and narrow! (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. The Perfect Weekend in Carmel, CA - Miss Molly Mac 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Have dinner at Lallapalooza on Alvarado Street. Hi Jolayne! I got my ticket for the aquarium here. Monterey is definitely one of my favorite places in CA! From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. Then head over to the American Tin Cannery Outlets and meet up with Big Sur Adventures for an e-bike tour of the coast. Carmel is one of the most charming and quintessential towns I have ever been to. There is a small parking area located on the east side of the highway. As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur - A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary - Our EDventures Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. Guide contents. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Note that parking costs $10 to enter the park, Gray Whales: December to February (migrating south to Mexico), and February to April (returning north; easier to spot as they are closer to the shore), Humpback Whales: late April to early December, With that being said, the hotels in Big Sur really are quite special, and if you can splurge for one night on your. As part of a longer visit we hoped to drive up to Cambria from Anaheim on 21 April, stay overnight then. Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! Harbor seals can dive 300 feet and stay underwater for up to 28 minutes! 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. Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? 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. There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. There is so much to see, this is only the tip of it! We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. It was going on right when we arrived at the hotel. 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! Luckily, I have a few more trips planned this fall so the 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. 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. Pin it for later or share it! $8,790.00 USD per person. Total Distance: 217 miles ; One-Way Driving Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes ; Route: San Francisco Half Moon Bay Santa Cruz Monterey Carmel-by-the-Sea Big Sur San Simeon ; The drive between San Francisco and San Simeon is more appealing than one might imagine. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular favorite as well! Big Sur Coast is known for its rocky beaches, spectacular sunsets, and sheer natural beauty. In the months of October-February, you will also be in time to see the Monarch butterflies clustering at Monarch Grove Butterly Sanctuary. And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so theres no risk of getting lost. Im going next year to visit a friend and we plan on road tripping so Im hoping Ill finally get to go! I hope your travel planning takes you here soon! Mmm! Central Coast Region | @KnowLabs | Flipboard Carmel-by-the-Sea is probably one of the quaintest seaside towns in the world, which makes it a good starting point for your Big Sur road trip. Monterey, which is further north of Big Sur, is located no more than 1-1.5 hours away from most of the attractions that we recommend seeing on a Big Sur itinerary. It is still totally worth it to see this beautiful place. Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with your itinerary. You would never imagine this town is in California, it feels like a fairy tale town in Germany. You can definitely take away as needed to fit your travel style. As you arrive, drive straight to the Sea Lion Point parking lot and you can start on the trail there, Cypress Grove Trail. I would love to visit all of the beautiful beaches, go on those hikes and eat the saltwater taffy and ice cream! One of our first stops was atLovers Point Beach. 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! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Glad to hear it! The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi I am Aubrie, thanks for stopping by! 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 the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. California Coast Day 3: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, & Pismo 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. 8. We also think the service is really good, so you cant go wrong with this restaurant! 9. In every way, shape, and form. Required fields are marked *. This weekend itinerary will immerse you in the Big Sur experience. If we get there earlier, we get saltwater taffy and enjoy them on our hikes/beach time. The fog is usually gone by early Fall, and you can even witness whales and butterflies this time of year (yes, really, if you know where to look!). We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! 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. How to Spend One Day in Big Sur: Day Trip Guide from the Bay Area View of Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA Vacation Rental Private vacation home Right outside of Carmel is Carmel Mission Basilica, dating clear back to the 1700s. Hi Rosie! There is plenty to see and do in Monterey County outside of meeting room walls. This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. Next up on your Monterey itinerary is Cannery Row, a waterfront area with old buildings filled with shopping, restaurants, and fun activities such as escape rooms, arcades, and the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. Hiking and tide pooling are great here. In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . 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. The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary for Carmel & Monterey - I Wander We won't recommend it if we didn't love it! I always love getting cheese plates! I havent been to Malibu yet, but if they look the same then Im down to see more gorgeous views! I may email you with more in-depth questions as we plan. And its large enough to split, for sure. I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! 4 Golfers. Of courseeee this is when its most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. I recommend booking your whale-watching tickets in advance. 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. Hi Kate! Big Sur guide.