big sur carmel, monterey itinerary big sur carmel, monterey itinerary

The inside had the most beautiful design and the outside was just as lovely with tables and benches everywhere and live music playing. Big sur is definitely on my bucket list of places to travel to. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. After checking out Cannery Row, we walked to Big Sur Adventuresabout 5 minutes away to rent bikes. We were going to get lunch, but decided to wait until Carmel since we ate so many samples! This is a popular street located in the heart of Monterey. 2. And I do love my crab from Phils! If this is your first time to the area dont rush it! Where did you drive from? Description: This April, Big Sur Land Trust is hitting the trails once again for our annual fundraiser to save open space and care for the lands you love in Monterey County! One of the greatest attractions to this park is McWay Falls, one of two tidefalls* in California. Thats so cool youre a teacher! Yes and No. Thx!! Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. Answer 11 of 32: Hi all! So if youre visiting the area (or live in the city and dont have access to a car), a car rental will be a necessity! The ambience at this place was amazing. 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). We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. Big Sur Carmel Carmel Valley Castroville Marina Monterey Moss Landing Pacific Grove Pebble Beach Salinas Seaside . You will arrive at Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California. 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. This waterfall cascades over the cliff and falls about 80 feet into the sandy cove below. Arrive as early as possible on your first day so that you can maximize your time. If you have time for more hiking and want to explore more of the Big Sur area on foot, check out this link for ideas. There is so much nature and the small city feels to explore in Monterey and Big Sur! 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! There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). Day One From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. They have a nice cafeteria there for lunch. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. Most people start this iconic road trip in L . Morning You can stop in Santa Cruz if youd like. Big Sur is a beautiful coastal area located 140 miles south of San Francisco. Beautiful, post-card like views. I was there for a penguin feeding and that was really fun! There is plenty to see and do in Monterey County outside of meeting room walls. Note:If you have time, Pfeiffer Beach, which is very close to this state park is worth a visit. Montereys Fishermans Wharf is an iconic stop for your Monterey itinerary. Yes, its that impressive. (10/12/18), "Thank you Kelsey for your words of advise. This will probably whet your appetite for more, so dont miss the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium as well. We would like to thank Big Sur Adventures for providing discounted tickets for us to experience their e-bike tour. When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. Tours cost $15 per person. 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. While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). 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! If the history doesnt draw you in, Point Lobos is also home to abundant wildlife, including 20 species of mammals such as gray foxes and mountain lions, various species of birds like the acorn woodpecker peregrine falcon, and of course, many species of marine life including sea otters, sea lions, and whales. Yes, its a gorgeous area! From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. 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. Be sure to checkout some of my blog posts which include information about travel, fashion, lifestyle and photography. Hi Jolayne! which is a favorite local hotspot and should not be missed when planning your Big Sur itinerary. 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 One of the best features of the hotel was the Happy Hour that happened every day from 4-6. 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. The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! 17 Mile Drive is said to be one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. (7/19/18), "This area has been on my must-see/do list for years. And plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus? From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. The location is so perfect in between Cannery Row and Fishermans Wharf and just a ten minute walk to the aquarium. My favorite part about it, however, was that it was literally right over the ocean. Can You Stop by Santa Cruz on the Way to Monterey? Miles of misty coastline. There are even more trails to explore such as the South Shore Trail, Cypress Grove Loop Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, and Lace Lichen Trail. It is highly recommended that a car or truck with high clearance would be better to drive through it. There was a trail for bikes all along the beach and it was a really beautiful place to end for sunset. 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. I really thought this was a great aquarium and I loved seeing all of the conservation efforts they had put into place. You wont miss it, promise, as its just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. They were so cute, I was squealing! The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. From here, you can make a decision on what youre feeling but here are some recommendations! When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. Likes Comments. Ive been to California several times but I still havent visited Big Sur or Monterey. It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. 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 When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. Drive out to Point Lobos Natural Reserve for some hiking and breathtaking views. Admission is $10.50 per vehicle and when you arrive at the entrance they give you a map of all of the scenic stops and designated places to see. Then head over to the American Tin Cannery Outlets and meet up with Big Sur Adventures for an e-bike tour of the coast. 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. 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! And yes, theres so much history in this little area. We rode past Point Pinos Lighthouse and ended up on a trail to Asilomar State Beach. 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! They also have bikes you can rent as well. 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? 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. I ordered the Dungeness crab and N got fish and chipsalways so good. Day 1 of Big Sur Itinerary: Carmel to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Driving distance and time: 33.9 miles, about 1 hour and 5 minutes Start your day early with coffee and a pastry at Carmel Bakery. The airport is small and easy to navigate. Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. Its so nice to just be surrounded by nature and kinda forget about the rest of the world for a little while! They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts. Please make reservation for dinner; No Dinner Wednesday/Thursday; Deetjen's Big Sur Inn is a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of the historic Big Sur Inn at Castro Canyon. 5. It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. If you have never seen redwood trees another great stop is Pfieffer Big Sur state Park , mentioned by the previous poster. There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! There is also the Old Downtown Marketplace every Tuesday from 4 -7 PM in the fall and 4 8 PM in the summer. Ill receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which Ill totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. The high season in this area is during the summer months, just after May and through August, so you may want to avoid these months if you dont want to be around the crowds. . I had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. You can easily park on the side of the road and forgo the paid parking, which is what most people do (Im not saying its a-okay just letting you know thats an option if the parking lot is full). Comment below. It was the prime location for marine life spotting! View Full Itinerary At a Glance Called the most beautiful meeting of land and water on the face of the earth, Monterey Bay, the legendary Pacific coast and sun-drenched Carmel Valley mark a convergence of currents, cultures and creators that make the area one of the country's most fascinating places. Read Next: 25+ Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco. And if the two resort pools with panoramic coastal views didnt do it for you, I bet the spa treatments in outdoor cabanas overlooking the redwood forest will. The Bixby Bridge looked amazing. Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. Be sure and check out the view from both sides of the street, but be careful when crossing. 6. The banana bread is great too, but now that weve had the almond croissant, I dont think well ever be getting anything else. 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. If you do not have a high-clearance vehicle, you can still cross the street and take pictures from the other side of Bixby Bridge. . Psst: If youre visiting in early spring, dont miss Calla Lily Valley right near Garrapata Beach (different location than the Bluff Trail). Thanks for all the recommendations. 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. This website is very helpful and gives a description of each stop so you can decide where you want to stop before you even get there. About 30 minutes into your drive is the first quick pull-off in your Big Sur itinerary. Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! 2022 text, 2021 Big Sur Drinking Fountain Image and Ghiradelli Cannery Row Image, 2020 Carmel . Which means youll ultimately need to climb back up! Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! 4.. Can You Start from San Francisco to Big Sur on the Road Trip Itinerary? I would love to visit all of the beautiful beaches, go on those hikes and eat the saltwater taffy and ice cream! Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. La Playa Carmel. Still dreaming of heading back and doing this Monterey , Carmel and Big Sur itinerary again sometime soon! Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. The Pacific Coast Highway is the longest state route in California. Tina Yen. En route, you'll pitstop on the Monterey Peninsula before snaking along through the wilderness of Big Sur. We pulled into this area where you can park and then pay to take a shuttle to the beach. Perfect ending to your Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway day trip! In this quaint town, you will find a gas station, a few small hotels, convenience stores, bathrooms, and restaurants. I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. (7/15/18), "It's such a kid-friendly area, and I just heard that the entire Hwy 1 is now opened." Theres also some hiking in the state park, with sea lions and starfish in the tide pools nearby. This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. 1. 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. Note that parking costs $10 to enter the park, but you can easily park on the side of the road (if you dont mind walking a far distance to get in). Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. 8. 3. If youre from outta town, and by that not within driving distance, youll need to get yourself to SFO (San Francisco) first. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! The Barbacoa Beef tacos are insanely delicious! Aww, thank you so much! California History Books for Kids. 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. We won't recommend it if we didn't love it! It was a quick ride to Fishermans Wharf and we set up our bikes with a lock on a bike rack. The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. Thanks for the inspiration to put it on the top of my travel list." 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. 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary. all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. 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! These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. 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. Swimming is not recommended at this beach because there are a lot of rock formations that could cause harm if a strong wave pulled a swimmer the wrong way (and there were a lot of waves crashing through the rock formations), but you could also stay near the sandy area and dip your feet in the Pacific Ocean. It was moved to get away from the military garrison. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular favorite as well! 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. The official name of the Carmel Mission is Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo. This is definitely a place I would like to spend more time at if I head back to this area. Just letting you know so there are no surprises! 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. Also, as mentioned before Carmel is known for their wineries so there are several you can head to for wine tastings. If you squint really hard, youll see the falls between the rocks going directly into the ocean in the photo below. Dont fret if you dont drink, they have tons of snacks you can eat as well! It is our home state, so hopefully we can do it soon." What a wonderful place you get to call home. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The ocean is a short walk away. Located about two hours south of San Francisco and about five hours north of Los Angeles, this rugged coastline is famous for many things. Oh la la, Crepes! Many different types of vegetation can be found here as well such as wildflowers, shrubs, and fungi, but most importantly the Monterey Cypress which is local to the area. Dont go during the rain or after its just rained as the road is all dirt and can get quite muddy at times. Youll find a parking lot on the east side of the road with an underground tunnel for walking over to the trail. There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. Manage Settings I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. One of our favorite spots here is the Pepper Palace where we buy dry rubs and sauces to make our legendary wings. Begin your day with a savory or sweet crepe at the highly rated Crepes of Brittany in Monterey. 2023 Cultural & Theme Tours in Monterey & Carmel: Check out reviews and photos of the 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical Highlights. Hi Shafinah! Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). Have you been? THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but its not! Your email address will not be published. I love Monterey! Make sure to bring a light jacket since it gets a little bit chillier at night. 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. Located just a smidge south of Pfieffer beach is Big Sur Bakery, which is actually a 1930s ranch-style home. Big Sur looks truly incredible. Day 3: Carmel to Big Sur. Dont miss it its even surrounded by giant redwoods! Johnathon was easy-going and the time we spent with Big Sur Adventures was the highlight of our weekend. I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. I know it is a chain, but I had never eaten there before and thought it would be fun to try it out! Theyve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas. I have visited California many times through out my life. Ventana Inn & Spa: Youll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. This was our last stop heading down Highway 1 before we turned around and made some stops on the way back to Carmel. You betcha your night will be an unforgettable escape. There is so much to see, this is only the tip of it! Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. Be sure to check the website as tours are not offered every day. Grab Life by the Moments Itineraries Highlights Itinerary Outdoors Itinerary Family Itinerary Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary Golf Itinerary When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! It will take you about 2 hours to drive right into Monterey. Morning Bring a blanket and a cooler with your favorite sandwich to enjoy, which we wish we had done. There were all sorts of cute alleys you could go down to find more hidden gems. Cannery Row is near where we dropped off our bikes so we just walked right over! Day 2. I absolutely loved the houses in Pacific Grove. This was a great place to end the day in Carmel. We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe. If you didnt have time to pack a snack or breakfast, plan a stop at Big Sur Bakery before u-turning into the Pfeiffer Beach turn-off. Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. 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 region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. Hi Linnea! You can always put your feet in if youd like! Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. Once here, you can hike down to this spectacular crescent-shaped beach and relax. If you are looking to stay right in Big Sur, you can find Big Sur Lodge and Big Sur River Inn.If you would like to save money and don't mind staying a little further away, you can find accommodations in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Monterey by searching on booking.com.Carmel-by-the-Sea is about 10 minutes away from the north part of Big Sur, and Monterey is about 20 minutes away. However, you can also stop at a local restaurant for lunch too! After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. I heard a few state parks in Big Sur are open now! When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. There are warm fires all over the place and lights hanging in the trees. We so enjoyed our time on our Monterey and Big Sur road trip. (10/13/18). A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to a beautiful waterfall crashing directly into the Pacific Oceans emerald water. Theres no real starting point. Saving this guide for later! Ten interesting facts we learned on OurEDventure: Check the website for openings and reservations. This trail was amazing and we saw a cove with the most turquoise blue waters and baby sea lions down below. They have ice cream, churros, and sundaes, which is the best option! Yes! I really enjoyed Spanish Bay Beach, Fanshell Beach overlook, Cypress Point Lookout and the Lone Cypress. Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. Even more than that, Point Lobos doesnt classify itself as a state park, but rather as a natural reserve with the highest protection for nature and wildlife found here. There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! Its such a pretty area! Today, he has a wholesale warehouse where he provides his delicious fresh-baked pastries to hotels and restaurants around the area. McWay Falls McWay Falls is likely the most iconic and most-photographed spot in Big Sur. 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. Besides Abalonettis another one of our favorite restaurants in this area is Phils Fish Market & Eatery. (Keep this in mind if you are headed off to the airport so that you give yourself plenty of time.). Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur In a nutshell, this drive is all about the jaw-dropping scenery of the Pacific Coast. First things first, if youve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. Any Big Sur road trip aint complete without a stop at iconic Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur (which Im sure youve seen alllll over instagram and pinterest). It was so delicious and the outdoor dining setting right over the ocean was such a dream. Hi Faith! Right outside of Carmel is Carmel Mission Basilica, dating clear back to the 1700s. 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. Visitors pressed for time often make the drive from. Since the road to Big Sur is finally open again (after months of closure due to horrific mudslides), nows the time to visit! 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. 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. Cannery Row also has some cute candy shops, arcades and even an indoor mini golf arena! There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. I personally love #doingallthethings at the beginning of my trips and then slowing down as I stay longer, but you can puzzle this Monterey and Big Sur itinerary out to best fit your weekend and travel style.