When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. Can you swim in Big Sur? Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. Its about an hour north of Monterey, and its a great place to get lunch or do some shopping. The grounds are incredibly beautiful and this place is definitely worth a stop for the gorgeous grounds and architecture. 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 This place is absolutely perfect for lunch! You might recognize this bridge if you have seen Big Little Lies. Its one of the most iconic bridges in all of California and definitely one of the most photographed for its aesthetic. 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! It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. Big Sur Itinerary Get away to Big Sur to decompress, lose your stress and soothe your soul. The actual name of the mission is Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo. As part of a longer visit we hoped to drive up to Cambria from Anaheim on 21 April, stay overnight then. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with your itinerary. Not as expensive as the other two, so check out Treebones if youd like to give your wallet a bit of a break! Just note that the Monterey-Salinas Transit Lines stop running during . Want the scenic route? After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. Bring a blanket and a cooler with your favorite sandwich to enjoy, which we wish we had done. If you are into golfing, the 17 mile drive also has the world famous Pebble Beach! Treebones Resort: Looking for something a bit different? I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. Constructed in 1931, and standing over 250 feet high, many people consider this bridge to be the gateway to Big Sur. Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. 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. Cannery Row is filled with boutiques, restaurants and waterfront hotels. I definitely recommend booking in advance. We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. Thank you! Drive over to Asilomar State Beach for some tide-pooling. 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. 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. For a delicious Mediterranean style dinner, head over to Dametra Caf. Win-win! Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago .
2-Day Big Sur Itinerary: 25 Best Things To Do For An Epic Road Trip In 5. Carmel is a small, beautiful, and charming seaside town tucked between Big Sur and Monterey on the central coast of California. I am a huge fan of aquariums! 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.
Carmel is one of the most charming and quintessential towns I have ever been to. And its large enough to split, for sure. It is still totally worth it to see this beautiful place. Youll know it by seeing cars lined up the hill up into the parking lot or various vehicles parked, waiting to get in. Hi Jolayne! Ventana Inn & Spa: Youll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. Since it was already the middle of the day, there were no parking spots down by the beach. 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. 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!) Like what you see? 8. There were also lots of lawn games. And plus, the water is chilly over here! Use caution while driving as the road is rather windy and narrow! Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. If youve 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. Sure, the food is on the pricey side (like the rest of Big Sur), but its such a great place to stop and relax for a bit. To eat here though, you definitely pay for the cliffside views. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. The location is so perfect in between Cannery Row and Fishermans Wharf and just a ten minute walk to the aquarium. One of the greatest attractions to this park is McWay Falls, one of two tidefalls* in California. One of our favorite spots here is the Pepper Palace where we buy dry rubs and sauces to make our legendary wings. 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. In fact, I thought about being a Marine Biologist for awhile. Today, he has a wholesale warehouse where he provides his delicious fresh-baked pastries to hotels and restaurants around the area.
35 of the Best Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from San Francisco End: Mammoth Lakes. Day Three
I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Many people dont actually realize this, but Big Sur is not an actual city/town for that matter.
Girls Trip: Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur 3 Day Itinerary Thanks for stopping by! In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. You could spend 1-2 hours here and then continue on to Big Sur. Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. Some staple orders for us here are the steak and shrimp scampi, gnocchi with two sauces, and the grilled salmon filet. The inside had the most beautiful design and the outside was just as lovely with tables and benches everywhere and live music playing. I hope youll have the same great time while visiting! 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! 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). Evening
Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! Have you seen the photos?! Big Sur is a beautiful coastal area located 140 miles south of San Francisco. Do note there is no beach or ocean access, and its actually forbidden to go down there. Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! I would advise sharing a sundae with your BFF as the portions are huge, but its delicious nonetheless.
Happy planning! With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. They were so colorful and unique! On your first morning, wake up early and by 8 AM start your Big Sur itinerary by heading south on Highway 1. 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. Hi Linnea! Oh, and the bakery has public restrooms available, which is always good to know on a road trip without much service! The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. . They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. Not happening. We ate a quick breakfast at the hotel (one of the other perks of staying there) and then headed to the 5th Avenue Deli. , Point Lobos looks absolutely stunning! 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! The parking near this bridge is somewhat limited. This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! And trust me, theres enough things to do in Big Sur to fill an entire weekend and then some. I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. The Whisky Club in Monterey hosts trivia on the first and third Thursday each . The e-bikes are incredibly easy to ride and comfortable. I absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. The Lone Cypress on the 17-mile drive is one of the most photographed trees in the world. Hi Kate! If youve had enough of driving on your road trip, you can park near Carmel beach and walk the scenic path. Unfortunately, we had just missed the last shuttle and the next one wasnt leaving for quite awhile.
17-Mile Drive Tour | Big Sur Bike Tours & Rentals Monterey California 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. This weekend itinerary will immerse you in the Big Sur experience. That waterfall on Julia Pfeiffer Burns is incredible!!! Bubba Gumps has such a fun atmosphere that seems to mesh perfectly with Monterrey! 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. Channel Islands National Park
Tina Yen. Book now from $9.99! This waterfall cascades over the cliff and falls about 80 feet into the sandy cove below. Theyve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas. There were cute adorable dogs everywhere. The 45 minute drive can last all day as you delight in the views (and the cuisine!) Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! . Saving this guide for later! If you want a taste of France in sweet Monterey, Paris Bakery is your go-to spot! Book lover? You can do a day trip to Big Sur or Monterey, but it takes at least 2 days to explore both Monterey and Big Sur properly. Even if you decide to end here and make this a San Francisco to Monterey drive, you won't be missing out. Why is Big Sur famous? When driving from Monterey to Big Sur, youll pass the small seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea. :p. Have you ever seen a beach with purple sand?! Details. 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.
Carmel to Big Sur: A Stunning California Road Trip Day One
Pick-up from centrally located hotels between 7:30am - 8:30am Duration: 11 hours Transportation: Comfortable Motorcoach Includes: Complimentary pickup/dropoff from centrally located hotels Bring your binoculars for wildlife viewing! The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. Here youll find multiple historic buildings including Californias First Theater, Colton Hall, the Stevenson House, and many more! They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. . This beach is known to be the most consistent wave producer for surfers, so if you are one of these talented people, bring your surfboard and have at it! As always, all opinions expressed are our own. 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! My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! I was in awe the entire time. As always, thanks for the support.
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I heard a few state parks in Big Sur are open now! How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? A girls gotta eat, am I right? Basically, nature at its finest.
17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical Drive out to Point Lobos Natural Reserve for some hiking and breathtaking views. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip.
Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur - 3 Days | kimkim Bedroom3; Baths2; Property typePrivate Vacation Home; Max Sleeps6; Love golf Pebble Beach golf courses are among some of the best in the world; Carmel-by-the-Sea renowned for its art galleries, many restaurants & sandy white beaches; Big Sur has campsites, high-cliff beaches, superb hiking trails & world-class views on the Pacific Ocean, and Monterey is known for the famous . Where did you drive from? And plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus? Phone: (831) 515-6403. 5. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! Day 3: Carmel to Big Sur. Have a great rest of your day. Homewood Suites by Hilton in San Jose Four Points by Sheraton Hotels in San Jose Aloft Hotels in San Jose InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in San Jose Extended Stay America Hotels in San Jose Residence Inns in San Jose Choice Hotels in San Jose Best Western Hotels in San Jose Motel 6 Hotels in San Jose Fairfield Inns in San Jose Four Points by Sheraton Hotels Visiting between the months of November to March? Answer 11 of 11: Hello I'm hoping for some advice. Yes and No. Evening
If youre visiting in winter, dont miss the chance to go whale-watching, as this area is a haven for them! I absolutely fell in love. McWay Falls
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. For the photographers heart, the iconic Keyhole Arch makes for a stunning sunset spot in Central California during the golden hour! Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. We then stopped atPerkins Park spontaneously because of the unique Cyprus trees, the rocky shoreline and the purple flowers everywhere! I heard from a local that even though Carmel is small, there is always something new to discover and I can definitely believe it. Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline?
Big Sur Weekend Road Trip Itinerary - Getaway Compass 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. You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience. Theyve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if youre still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. The Big Sur River Inn is located about half way through the Big Sur viewpoints and a great spot to stop for lunch! Be sure to dabble your toes in the river at Big Sur River Inn and then end your day with a sunset dinner and ocean view at Pacific's Edge. 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. Afternoon
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! The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! 10. Check the website for openings and reservations. Grab Life by the Moments Itineraries Highlights Itinerary Outdoors Itinerary Family Itinerary Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary Golf Itinerary Time needed: 1 to 2 days. This is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Monterey . Seeing these trees was such a surreal experience! The ocean is a short walk away. While youre planning your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary, check out these useful road trip gifts to have the best experience on the road! I definitely need to add that this is one of the most dog friendly places I have ever been. Thx!! 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! And if theres still orchids and wildflowers out, youll think youre in Hawaii. Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Nov 2021 and Nov 2020. Don't be me. Youll find a parking lot on the east side of the road with an underground tunnel for walking over to the trail. Youll be hungry after your ride, so head over to Hulas for a late lunch. And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. It is highly recommended that a car or truck with high clearance would be better to drive through it. Perfect ending to your Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway day trip! The clam chowder here is also amazing! Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach.
Monterey Itineraries | Things to Do in Monterey | Monterey County CVB There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. Youll be able to come back to a small town and enjoy a night on the town after you explore the nature scenes of Big Sur. Three days would be even better so you can really relax and take your time. 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. Explore my other California guides here! The location was great and we were able to walk all over town. Arrive as early as possible on your first day so that you can maximize your time. The colors over the water were absolutely spectacular!
California Coast Day 3: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, & Pismo The Best Big Sur Itinerary for an Epic Weekend Trip 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. However, you can also stop at a local restaurant for lunch too! Not many out-of-towners know this, but. As an English teacher, I love travel that involves a literary outing like Cannery Row. While youre hiking, youll want to have closed-toe shoes with a good grip to keep yourself safe, literally speaking from experience. Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! I too hope that tourists can make the kind of choices that will benefit everyone." Youll drive into places like San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, Pismo, and more! 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. After leaving the park, there was quite a bit of traffic to get back to Carmel. Be sure to check the website as tours are not offered every day. There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! 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. Bring water and watch out for poison oak. 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). 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! It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. Another awesome part of the Monterey Plaza Hotel is that you can rent bikes for free! 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). 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. Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. 3-day Big Sur itinerary. Lovely post! Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. Stay and Play in Monterey.
The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary for Carmel & Monterey - I Wander Moon Monterey & Carmel - Stuart Thornton 2019-01-08 Quirky beach towns, deliciously fresh seafood, and dramatic hikes and drives: discover what the locals love with Moon Monterey & Carmel. Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It will take you about 2 hours to drive right into Monterey. 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.
3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary Winding turns. Ive been to California several times but I still havent visited Big Sur or Monterey. And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! Our guide Johnathon was knowledgeable about the area telling us interesting facts along the route.
Big Sur Hotel Guide: Best Luxury Hotels in Big Sur, California | Observer Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. Located about two hours south of San Francisco and about five hours north of Los Angeles, this rugged coastline is famous for many things. There are so many places in this area to pick for dinner. Each room also boasts a private deck with those magicnicant coastline views, a wood-burning fireplace to get cozy during the chilly nights, and an indoor spa tub.