There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! Definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list. On the other hand, Big Sur is full of naturebeaches, hiking trails, and beautiful cliffside views. I love how comprehensive this is Monterery and Big Sur look like such BEAUTIFUL places ! Then head over to the Carmel Mission. Thanks for stopping by! I always love getting cheese plates! Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. I had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary For Families Monterey is definitely one of my favorite places in CA! Makes me miss San Francisco! Winding turns. Yes! 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. . I absolutely loved the houses in Pacific Grove. Thank you! Grab Life by the Moments Itineraries Highlights Itinerary Outdoors Itinerary Family Itinerary Girlfriend Getaway Itinerary Golf Itinerary Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Not to be missed, youll need to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Big Falls Trail near the south end of the range is a . Drive over to Asilomar State Beach for some tide-pooling. 10. We were going to get lunch, but decided to wait until Carmel since we ate so many samples! 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. Carmel is one of the most charming and quintessential towns I have ever been to. Hi MacKenzie! After that, we walked past an island with hundreds of birds on it, which was so cool! Ten interesting facts we learned on OurEDventure: Can You Stop by Santa Cruz on the Way to Monterey? We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! McWay Falls Woooo its finally time to get this Big Sur road trip itinerary under way! . Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail is an 18-mile trail that runs from Pacific Grove up north to Castroville and alongside the old Southern Pacific Railway. I cant recommend this place enough! Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego BIG SUR ADVENTURES. Evening Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. Right outside of Carmel is Carmel Mission Basilica, dating clear back to the 1700s. The rest of the year is considered cool temperature, but Monterey does boast of 300 days of sunshine. 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. 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. 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. Weekend Big Sur itinerary. Fog usually disappears around 9 AM even though that sounds like a disappointing fact. Both are definitely worth getting out for and photographing. Big Sur Hotel Guide: Best Luxury Hotels in Big Sur, California | Observer It was the prime location for marine life spotting! The location is so perfect in between Cannery Row and Fishermans Wharf and just a ten minute walk to the aquarium. Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. . 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. They have a nice cafeteria there for lunch. Happy planning! Make sure to have these essentials on your list: The best time to visit Monterey and Big Sur is in the fall during the months of September to November or in the spring during the months of April to May. There are so many places in this area to pick for dinner. 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. Youll find a parking lot on the east side of the road with an underground tunnel for walking over to the trail. Theyre my two favorite spots in Point Lobos, and you wont find clearer waters. Then head over to the American Tin Cannery Outlets and meet up with Big Sur Adventures for an e-bike tour of the coast. It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! The Post Ranch Inn is a Big Sur icon; the 100-acre property first opened in 1992, and in the years since, has cemented its spot as one of the top luxury hotels in . Alternatively, you can take a bus. 3-day Big Sur itinerary. Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? Central Coast Region | @KnowLabs | Flipboard Constructed in 1931, and standing over 250 feet high, many people consider this bridge to be the gateway to Big Sur. That is a lot to fit into 2-days. Big Sur Carmel Carmel Valley Castroville Marina Monterey Moss Landing Pacific Grove Pebble Beach Salinas Seaside . Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. 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. Price: $25-100. It's $10.50 entrance per car to see the iconic views. Another thing I loved about Carmel Beach was how dog friendly it was. The hottest month in Monterey is September when high temperatures are around 67F and lows are 55F. 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. Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. Oh la la, Crepes! 10 BIG Mistakes to Avoid Before Traveling to the Big Sur! We had to hurry back right after so we could get our bike rentals back in time! The Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary Big Sur Weekend Road Trip Itinerary - Getaway Compass There are so many scenic look outs to stop at so feel free to stop as much as you want along the way! Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. The actual name of the mission is Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo. You could spend all day in this area headed from winery to winery. Jackie Jegat, the owner and founder, moved from his home in France to open his own restaurant on the California Coast when he was about 30 years old. While the tours are quite long at three hours, the history and information is so interesting you wont even notice the hours passing by. The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! California's Springtime Road Trip: Exploring 10 Of The State's Best No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. . Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur 3 Day Itinerary Day 1: Arrival Hotel check-in: Hofsas House Brophy's Tavern Mulligan Public House Dinner at Little Napoli Day 2: Monterey and Big Sur Highway One Drive in Big Sur Monterey, CA 17 Mile Drive Carmel Beach Dinner: Hog's Breath Inn Day 3: Carmel by the Sea Breakfast: The Tuck Box Carmel Belle Book now from $9.99! In those early days, abalone harvesting became very popular when the Chinese realized the lucrative business of harvesting fish and started commercializing seafood. DEETJENS BIG SUR INN - 261 Photos & 199 Reviews - Yelp 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 Most people start this iconic road trip in L . I discuss Nepenthe below as a must-visit stop on your Big Sur itinerary! Not as expensive as the other two, so check out Treebones if youd like to give your wallet a bit of a break! Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). Just letting you know so there are no surprises! Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. There will also be many spots to pull over and take some beautiful pictures on the drive. They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! Unfortunately, when I was there, you could only go on part of the trail and since it is only a small pathway where you can see the falls, it was pretty crowded. Its a cute town, and there is a long sandy beach. 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. Again, theres a toilet here! Three days would be even better so you can really relax and take your time. Yes, yes, and yes! There was a trail for bikes all along the beach and it was a really beautiful place to end for sunset. These are the items on our list that we are possibly looking to hit: Highway 1 Mcway Falls Bixby. To discover all these buildings, be like the yellow brick road and follow the Path of Historys yellow tiles on the sidewalk. Explore Big Sur. There are cute dogs all over the place! We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. Look out for them clustered in trees in the early morning, and flying around during the day. Begin your day with breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant in 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. It was a quick ride to Fishermans Wharf and we set up our bikes with a lock on a bike rack. If seeing a whale is on your bucket list, Fishermans Wharf is where you need to be. Yes and No. A Carmel to Big Sur road trip can take anywhere from one hour to five, depending on how many stops . 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. And yes, we always have a great time in Monterey! 14 Best Road Trips in Northern California - LazyTrips Be sure to check the website as tours are not offered every day. Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. 35 of the Best Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from San Francisco Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. Yes please! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The eatery has indoor and outdoor seating, but if you would like to sit on the beach and enjoy the waves while you eat, bring a blanket or some lawn chairs with you as you get beach access from the restaurant. The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. How to Spend One Day in Big Sur: Day Trip Guide from the Bay Area This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. This is definitely a place I would like to spend more time at if I head back to this area. In every way, shape, and form. 8 Best California Road Trips | Big Sur to Sierras - Leisure End: Mammoth Lakes. 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! While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! For the photographers heart, the iconic Keyhole Arch makes for a stunning sunset spot in Central California during the golden hour! If you and your group aren't ready to slow down yet, take this time to explore the shops on Fisherman's Wharf or Cannery Row. Have you seen the photos?! Pfeiffer beach is best known for its amazing rock structures, sunsets and sometimes there is even purple sand! Win-win! Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . When is the Best Time to Visit Monterey and Big Sur? The American Tin Cannery Suite 122 125 Ocean view Blvd Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-747-1677 _____ 17 Mile Drive 2106 Sunset Drive Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-717-4912 _____ Pedego Electric Bikes 143 Crossroads Blvd, Carmel, CA 831-293-7063. The beach there was beautiful with views of the cliffs next to the ocean. I repeat, the almond croissant is orgasmic. for current highway conditions before your drive. Hi Kate! Its known for its pristine scenery, full of turquoise water, beautifully-designed bridges, rustic hiking trails, and more. Like what you see? 2. Girls Trip: Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur 3 Day Itinerary :p. Have you ever seen a beach with purple sand?! Here youll find multiple historic buildings including Californias First Theater, Colton Hall, the Stevenson House, and many more! The Ultimate Guide to Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary with 13 Stops Day Two Looks like such an awesome road trip. 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. Fun for young and old, exploring the rocky coastline in search of creatures is a must-do. GROUP PEBBLE BEACH GOLF TRIP PROPOSAL - Epic Golf Travel Stay for sunset as the rock formations on the beach make for some epic scenery! Most the attractions mentioned in this article are closed due to covid19. I recommend the shrimp mac and cheese! 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!) Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! Bring water and watch out for poison oak. Named as one of the top 10 travel bloggers on Instagram by Kayak and short listed as the best travel influencer by FlightCentre. I saw sea otters, seals and dolphins! Some staple orders for us here are the steak and shrimp scampi, gnocchi with two sauces, and the grilled salmon filet. 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. We were able to order build your own sandwiches that came with a drink and chips. In fact, I thought about being a Marine Biologist for awhile. Its so nice to just be surrounded by nature and kinda forget about the rest of the world for a little while! Yes, definitely! Whether you are looking for a shopping trip, family getaway or romantic getaway we have just the travel itinerary for you! Bubba Gumps specializes in seafood- specifically shrimp and if you have ever seen Forest Gump- this place will be really fun for you! 6. (Keep this in mind if you are headed off to the airport so that you give yourself plenty of time.). This will probably whet your appetite for more, so dont miss the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium as well. You'll likely hit Carmel-By-The-Sea first, which is where you should bed down; the famed L'Auberge Carmel offers old-world luxury. This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. A PCH Road Trip to Monterey and Big Sur | Cond Nast Traveler It is still totally worth it to see this beautiful place. and not many tourists know about it just yet! It was located in a building that looked like a castle. 3 Day Carmel + Big Sur Getaway Itinerary THE NORMAL TRAVELER Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria. Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. The entire 6-mile loop takes approximately three hours, but guests can enjoy as much or as little as they like as all trails intersect at various points and all paths are clearly marked. 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. 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). 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). There is a $10 honor system daily charge, so bring some cash. California road trip: Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe - Tripadvisor I absolutely fell in love. Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. Call ahead to ask about the exact time that the bagpipe player will be playing, as times change throughout the year. They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! There are definitely so many good spots for pictures that you cant get enough of! There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! Thankfully theres hot chocolate, tea, and/or coffee waiting for you. 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. My photographer heart would absolutely some of those vistas. Bring a blanket and some snacks and plan to stay for awhile. 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. First things first, if youve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. Thank you for sharing! 2-Day Big Sur Itinerary: 25 Best Things To Do For An Epic Road Trip In 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical I definitely recommend booking in advance. BIG SUR ROAD TRIP ITINERARY: The Ultimate Guide to Beautiful Big Sur Aubrie is a Utah based blogger/content creator. 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. Big Sur guide. 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. . Evening I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Nightly bagpipe performances have taken place every day since 1987 at Spanish Bay in Carmel. Then the trail led down to this amazing white sandy beach with no one else around. Keep that in mind when you head out on your road trip. Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary: Plan the Perfect - Her Wanderful World The clam chowder here is also amazing! The Perfect Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary - Globetrotting Ginger One weekend is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur along Highway 1. (If you come between April-June, there are purple flowers all over the place in this area and Pacific Grove!). You can book a tour right on the wharf, but its possible that tickets might sell out. Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. You betcha your night will be an unforgettable escape. Purple sand (yup!). Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. 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. What a wonderful place you get to call home. 3. And Im jealous of you already. They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. Epic Golf Travel would love to be your resource for all your golf travel needs! And its large enough to split, for sure. Big Sur is one of my favorite places IN THE WORLD (hands down) and one of my favorite road trips from San Francisco. To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! Day 1 6pm After a thrilling drive along historic Highway One, you've arrived at the Big Sur Campground and Cabins for an authentically rustic Big Sur stay. The Pacific Coast Highway is the longest state route in California. Day Three With that being said, Im planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. Specializing in travel, lifestyle and fashion. A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . 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. 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.

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