So exactly where is big sur located? La Playa Carmel. Read Next: 25+ Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco. I can now say that I absolutely loved that area and will definitely be coming back! Theres also some hiking in the state park, with sea lions and starfish in the tide pools nearby. This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing. But if you are still hungry, I recommend picking which place had your favorite sample and eating there! : Sand dollar beach does indeed have sand dollars! It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. There is so much to see, this is only the tip of it! Not happening. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. The parking lot is large and yes, youll need to pay $10 (a common theme to use the beaches/parks in/near Big Sur). Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. (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. " The location was great and we were able to walk all over town. After Mcway Falls, we headed to Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park). What Can I Do After My Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary? This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. Carmel-by-the-Sea. Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. 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 plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus? There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! 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). This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. 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. Here youll find multiple historic buildings including Californias First Theater, Colton Hall, the Stevenson House, and many more! Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . 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. For the photographers heart, the iconic Keyhole Arch makes for a stunning sunset spot in Central California during the golden hour! Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! Just letting you know so there are no surprises! Have so much fun when you visit! 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. Since Big Sur is located between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon, its best to start from either of these (and finish in the other) if you wanna experience the entire coastline of Big Sur. . Yes, its a gorgeous area! The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. Hi Desiree! There are BARRELS of salt water taffy with flavors ranging from caramel apple to blueberry cheesecake its incredible! We ended up booking the Hideaway an adorable boutique hotel. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! You managed to pack in so many must-see sights and unique experiences, all while keeping a great balance of relaxation and adventure. Hi Kate! Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! If you have never seen redwood trees another great stop is Pfieffer Big Sur state Park , mentioned by the previous poster. Some staple orders for us here are the steak and shrimp scampi, gnocchi with two sauces, and the grilled salmon filet. This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! The entire area is pricey, so expect to pay big city prices (~$15ish for a cocktail, ~$20-30ish for an entree). Big Sur, located along Central California coast, is one of the best places to visit on the West Coast of USA. On the opposite side of the road, there is a dirt road known as Old Coast Road. I really enjoyed Spanish Bay Beach, Fanshell Beach overlook, Cypress Point Lookout and the Lone Cypress. We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. Free shipping for many products! Bixby Bridge was one of my favorite stops on my Big Sur Itinerary! If you are a morning person, you might want to head out earlier to avoid the other tourists. No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. Limekiln State Park may be juuust what youre looking for. They had the cutest beach cruisers with baskets and they also have electric bikes! Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! Highway 1 is one of the most scenic roads I have ever been on! 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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. Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. Check out this packing guide of my favorite items to pack on my trips, however, listed below is a tailored guide for a Monterey and Big Sur itinerary. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. I absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. Basically, nature at its finest. Afternoon 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. Let's talk travel, teaching abroad, and travel blogging.I also love sharing about my love for Asian dramas and #allthethings to create memorable experiences! Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! And if theres still orchids and wildflowers out, youll think youre in Hawaii. I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. From here, you can make a decision on what youre feeling but here are some recommendations! I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! There are definitely so many good spots for pictures that you cant get enough of! McWay Falls McWay Falls is likely the most iconic and most-photographed spot in Big Sur. This place is absolutely perfect for lunch! Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! The location of the Carmel Mission isn't the original spot. (10/13/18). Pfeiffer beach is best known for its amazing rock structures, sunsets and sometimes there is even purple sand! Pin it for later or share it! There is so much nature and the small city feels to explore in Monterey and Big Sur! I had never seen succulents that big before! My photographer heart would absolutely some of those vistas. . Be sure to check the website as tours are not offered every day. Don't be me. And it is a full itinerary! The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! It needs our tourism more than ever, after suffering near economic catastrophe when. This whole road trip looks so picturesque! This image is from Big Sur, a California State Park . Three tips for the Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops. Hi Linnea! Thank you for sharing! 10. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego Where we stayed: For more information, check out my travel resources page. Hi Rosie! Thank you! Evening If youre planning on hanging out on the beach, pack your swimsuit or a wetsuit to surf. If youre not in a rush on your Big Sur road trip, why not make the extra stop? This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! First things first, if youve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. And if you venture a bit further south from the city before you hit Carmel, you can enjoy the splendours of the 17-mile-drive a coastal route that is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the entirety of the US. Start off your morning by heading over to Paris Bakery in Monterey to get some breakfast. Day Three From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. 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. Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. Makes me miss San Francisco! Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. 1. If you are driving up from the south, everything will just be in reverse order. If you have a map, you can plan out some of the places you want to stop before you head out! Tina Yen. It was so yummy! They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. 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. The marketplace is a certified farmers market so youll find local bakeries, craft vendors, and organic produce. Since it was already the middle of the day, there were no parking spots down by the beach. Youll have an amazing time when you visit! McWay Falls 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. Then walk across the street and indulge in a local favorite, Revival Ice Cream. Her Wanderful World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary Stop 1: Carmel-by-the-Sea Stop 2: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve Stop 3: Garrapata State Park Stop 4: Kasler Point Stop 5: Rocky Creek Bridge Stop 6: Bixby Creek Bridge Stop 7: Andrew Molera State Park Stop 8: Pfeiffer Beach Stop 9: McWay Falls Stop 10: Limekiln State Park Stop 11: Sand Dollar Beach Theyre my two favorite spots in Point Lobos, and you wont find clearer waters. Most people are surprised at how little civilization is around here no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. Looks like such an awesome road trip. We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. Carmel Beach is definitely the best place to watch the sunset. If you start at Big Sur, put your location in as San Simeon and then drive north from there. In those early days, abalone harvesting became very popular when the Chinese realized the lucrative business of harvesting fish and started commercializing seafood. Be sure to take along a sweater as the trails are shaded and can be very cool the entire time, which makes for a spectacular break on a super hot day! We loved visiting the Whalers Cabin in Whalers Cove and thought the scenery was the most spectacular around Bluefish Cove. Today, he has a wholesale warehouse where he provides his delicious fresh-baked pastries to hotels and restaurants around the area. 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! The Big Sur River Inn is located about half way through the Big Sur viewpoints and a great spot to stop for lunch! Mmm! House dating to 1867 of one of the first American families to homestead the Big Sur coast, with a New England-style saltbox wing built in 1877. 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. You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! There are even more trails to explore such as the South Shore Trail, Cypress Grove Loop Trail, Pine Ridge Trail, and Lace Lichen Trail. We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. And trust me, theres enough things to do in Big Sur to fill an entire weekend and then some. In the months of October-February, you will also be in time to see the Monarch butterflies clustering at Monarch Grove Butterly Sanctuary. Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Dont miss it its even surrounded by giant redwoods! Day One When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. Do note there is no beach or ocean access, and its actually forbidden to go down there. 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. 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. If you squint really hard, youll see the falls between the rocks going directly into the ocean in the photo below. Monterey Carmel Big Sur Pebble Beach Private Charter by Luxury Vehicle 6 hrs~ 6 hours Hotel pickup offered. Click here to skip back to the top. We were able to order build your own sandwiches that came with a drink and chips. Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. Yes, you can leave from San Francisco to head south down the Central Coast on Highway 101. In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. We so enjoyed our time on our Monterey and Big Sur road trip. The menus pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! Distance: Approximately 430 miles. After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. Explore Big Sur. Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! Since you are now past the influx of traffic, you wont be in a rush to get into any of the popular sites. One weekend is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur along Highway 1. Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. Woooo its finally time to get this Big Sur road trip itinerary under way! . I absolutely fell in love. Hi Sydney! Big Sur is one of my favorite places IN THE WORLD (hands down) and one of my favorite road trips from San Francisco. 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. Why is Big Sur famous? Answer 11 of 32: Hi all! Top tip: pull off at a turnout from the bridges south end at sunset. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! Theres no real starting point. We also went on the Cyprus Grove Trail and we loved that one 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. The perfect amount of time to see Monterey and Big Sur is 2-3 days. Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials. Then we'd be driving from Mc Way Falls back up to Monterey and then down to Arroyo Grande where we're staying Wednesday night. With that being said, Im planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. And theres a reason for it the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). I guess we'll have to plan another trip." Inside you'll nd: Flexible, strategic itineraries including long weekends in Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz, and a three-day road trip from Big Sur to This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. ), all while taking in the magnificent views! Thats so cool youre a teacher! Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. I got my ticket for the aquarium here. Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. They were so colorful and unique! You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast! If this is your first time to the area dont rush it! (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). 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.