Psst: If youre visiting in early spring, dont miss Calla Lily Valley right near Garrapata Beach (different location than the Bluff Trail). ), all while taking in the magnificent views! You would never imagine this town is in California, it feels like a fairy tale town in Germany. San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur. From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, its worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere. Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. Monterey State Historic Park. Luckily, I have a few more trips planned this fall so the And yes, theres so much history in this little area. 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. This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. And it is a full itinerary! Definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list. 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! There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! En route, you'll pitstop on the Monterey Peninsula before snaking along through the wilderness of Big Sur. 8. 2022 text, 2021 Big Sur Drinking Fountain Image and Ghiradelli Cannery Row Image, 2020 Carmel . In fact, they all have people outside of their cafes or restaurants giving out samples. 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. 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. 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. 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. The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. 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. They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. Can you swim in Big Sur? There are plenty of other beaches to hang around, so do your part and just stay where youre supposed to be. Majority of the famous viewpoints are on the coastal side, so it would be best if you drove north to south, that way you make right turns in/out of the viewpoints. 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! We then stopped atPerkins Park spontaneously because of the unique Cyprus trees, the rocky shoreline and the purple flowers everywhere! And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! They have ice cream, churros, and sundaes, which is the best option! As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts. Start off your morning by heading over to Paris Bakery in Monterey to get some breakfast. To eat here though, you definitely pay for the cliffside views. 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!). Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . The colors over the water were absolutely spectacular! . Since the trail has a turn out to Monterey State Beach, you can stake your spot and head out for a swim, a surf, or a picnic. While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! And plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus? Afternoon 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. After that, we walked past an island with hundreds of birds on it, which was so cool! Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! 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! Big Sur is one of my favorite places IN THE WORLD (hands down) and one of my favorite road trips from San Francisco. Mmm! There are all types of shops including antique shops, fudge shops, oh and dont forget dog shops! At the time of posting this article, the section of Hwy 1 south of McWay Falls was still closed due to mudslides from 2017. September 10, 2024 - September 15, 2024. I really thought this was a great aquarium and I loved seeing all of the conservation efforts they had put into place. 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! In the months of October-February, you will also be in time to see the Monarch butterflies clustering at Monarch Grove Butterly Sanctuary. Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. Both are definitely worth getting out for and photographing. AirBnB: Due to the higher-than-normal cost of accommodation in Big Sur, you may want to check out AirBnB for a less expensive option, many even with those ocean views were all swooning over (without the super hefty price tag). Top tip: pull off at a turnout from the bridges south end at sunset. I had never seen succulents that big before! Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! 3. Read Next: 25+ Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco. for current highway conditions before your drive. It was moved to get away from the military garrison. We won't recommend it if we didn't love it! all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. 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. I recommend anywhere from 1-3 days in Big Sur, kinda depending if you wanna go on a few hikes or just see the typical tourist Big Sur road trip stops. There is a small parking lot off the north end of Bixby Bridge where you can step out and take some iconic photos of it. Since it was already the middle of the day, there were no parking spots down by the beach. This area is one of my favorites in CA. The United States flag was first raised in Monterey in 1846 claiming California for the United States. You can definitely take away as needed to fit your travel style. Win-win! 6. 6. Park along the road right before the entrance to save on a $10 parking fee. 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. After we walked back from the aquarium to the hotel, we decided it would be fun to ride bikes over to Fishermans Wharf! (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! 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. When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. Arrive as early as possible on your first day so that you can maximize your time. Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! Heading to California and cant wait to check off all the stops on this Big Sur road trip itinerary? Youll know it by seeing cars lined up the hill up into the parking lot or various vehicles parked, waiting to get in. Big Sur is the 90 mile stretch of California coast, nestled between Monterey and San Luis Obispo that is as breathtakingly beautiful and unreal as a dream, with the waves of the Pacific ocean crashing along its rugged shores, simply begging for a visit. 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 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. 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. I feel oh so lucky to only live a few hours north, which means we typically make it to Big Sur at least once a year! They had the cutest beach cruisers with baskets and they also have electric bikes! It has an awesome art community, and its one of the most beautiful places in Californiatry the 17-mile scenic drive! The first stop in your Big Sur itinerary is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which is known as the crown jewel of all state parks in California, located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. If you want a taste of France in sweet Monterey, Paris Bakery is your go-to spot! It was nice to arrive at the hotel after a long day and just relax for a minute and eat some snacks! It was a quick ride to Fishermans Wharf and we set up our bikes with a lock on a bike rack. I discuss Nepenthe below as a must-visit stop on your Big Sur itinerary! 4 Golfers. I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! 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 Glad to hear it! 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. 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). There is so much nature and the small city feels to explore in Monterey and Big Sur! Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. End of Big Sur Itinerary Turnaround: On your way back, you can choose to pull off and snap a few pictures of the beautiful ocean down below. Drive out to Point Lobos Natural Reserve for some hiking and breathtaking views. 3 hours 20 minutes (150 miles) Difficulty level: Easy Now you can sit and relax in the car a bit as you head south to Big Sur. 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Have you been? Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego 1. Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. They start getting crowded around 9 am, so plan to arrive before then. Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. 3-day Big Sur itinerary. Three tips for the Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops. at stops along the way. Tina Yen. How to get here: When youre heading southbound (recommended), take the 2nd right after you see the Big Sur Station. The Lone Cypress is actually over 250 years old! The entire area is pricey, so expect to pay big city prices (~$15ish for a cocktail, ~$20-30ish for an entree). Quiet. You will arrive at Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California. Public school whose 1931 auditorium served as Carmel's primary artistic, civic . Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. This rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of California is just begging to be explored. So exactly where is big sur located? Today, he has a wholesale warehouse where he provides his delicious fresh-baked pastries to hotels and restaurants around the area. 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. 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. 5. Courtesy of La Playa Carmel / Expedia. Have you seen the photos?! Dont miss it its even surrounded by giant redwoods! When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. Nightly bagpipe performances have taken place every day since 1987 at Spanish Bay in Carmel. Some places I recommend going to in Carmel: Point Lobos was also definitely another highlight of this trip and should definitely be on your Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary. 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. The beach there was beautiful with views of the cliffs next to the ocean. 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). The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. I had seen pictures of Mcway Falls for many years and had always dreamed of seeing them with my own eyes. Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz. Be aware that the trail is sometimes blocked off due to erosion, and you may not be able to get that picture perfect view. Sea otters help kelp forests flourish by keeping the sea urchin population in check. Thx!! Seaside cliffs. Epic Golf Travel would love to be your resource for all your golf travel needs! This waterfall cascades over the cliff and falls about 80 feet into the sandy cove below. Drive over to Asilomar State Beach for some tide-pooling. Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. Yes! I cant recommend this place enough! 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) . It is definitely in a really romantic setting. Thanks for your support! Looks like you had a wonderful time too. This area is one of my favorite places in California to visit. This whole road trip looks so picturesque! Monterey is a quaint, small town with attractions such as Fishermans Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium. They were so colorful and unique! I love how comprehensive this is Monterery and Big Sur look like such BEAUTIFUL places ! I have visited California many times through out my life. Havent had enough of the great outdoors on your Big Sur road trip just yet? Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. Theres really no way around it. 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. Bring water and watch out for poison oak. I think we tried 7 different kinds of Clam Chowder and they literally all taste different because they have their own recipes and specialties. PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials. If youre not in a rush on your Big Sur road trip, why not make the extra stop? Aww, thank you so much! Morning Not as expensive as the other two, so check out Treebones if youd like to give your wallet a bit of a break! After a full morning of activity and then a satisfying afternoon meal, we were ready for a restful and low-key afternoon. Its about an hour north of Monterey, and its a great place to get lunch or do some shopping. READ MORE - Road trip from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe. It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. If this is your first time to the area dont rush it! This road trip takes just over 3 hours and is a must-do for a glimpse of California's coastal beauty.
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