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

The Bixby Bridge only cost $200,000 to construct. Besides Abalonettis another one of our favorite restaurants in this area is Phils Fish Market & Eatery. Like what you see? 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. I was looking for an itinerary for this area for a roadtrip and landed on your blog. Big sur is definitely on my bucket list of places to travel to. Carmel Valley is full of vineyards and wineries. This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? Not many out-of-towners know this, but coastal fog is another downside of a Big sur road trip during summertime; it can hang around as late as midday! Our guide Johnathon was knowledgeable about the area telling us interesting facts along the route. One of the best features of the hotel was the Happy Hour that happened every day from 4-6. Here youll find multiple historic buildings including Californias First Theater, Colton Hall, the Stevenson House, and many more! With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. You could spend all day in this area headed from winery to winery. 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 are a lot of incredible eateries in Carmel. Comment below. Top tip: pull off at a turnout from the bridges south end at sunset. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! 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. It is our home state, so hopefully we can do it soon." We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Yes please! Drive over to Asilomar State Beach for some tide-pooling. Evening 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. 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. Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. 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. 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. This shop was really cute and had lots of yummy treats and great customer service. Where does the Big Sur drive start? After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. There is plenty to see and do in Monterey County outside of meeting room walls. The parking near this bridge is somewhat limited. I would love to go back! They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. You managed to pack in so many must-see sights and unique experiences, all while keeping a great balance of relaxation and adventure. It is highly recommended that a car or truck with high clearance would be better to drive through it. Begin your day with a savory or sweet crepe at the highly rated Crepes of Brittany in Monterey. Youll also be able to witness sea lions and harbor seals frolicking around on nearby rocks any time of year listen and youll hear them no problem! Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays) daily at the Pacific Grove shops. Tranquil. 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 . Thankfully theres hot chocolate, tea, and/or coffee waiting for you. The Pacific Coast Highway is the longest state route in California. We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). Book lover? Then walk through the main entrance, purchase a $2 map and head out on your hike. :p. Have you ever seen a beach with purple sand?! Hi Christina! This rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of California is just begging to be explored. Hi, Im Jess. 3. When researching where to eat, I had Forge in the Forest recommend several times. The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. 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. How to get here: When youre heading southbound (recommended), take the 2nd right after you see the Big Sur Station. This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. Have dinner at Lallapalooza on Alvarado Street. Bring a blanket and some snacks and plan to stay for awhile. The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! This romantic drive is one of the best cross country road trip routes that couples must take together! Havent had enough of the great outdoors on your Big Sur road trip just yet? This whole road trip looks so picturesque! General tips. Now you can sit and relax in the car a bit as you head south to Big Sur. And plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus? Each room actually had binoculars making it even easier to locate the animals! Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. It was moved to get away from the military garrison. Yes and No. Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. Perfect ending to your Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway day trip! This mountain range, just inland from the not-so-hidden gem that is Big Sur, runs from below Monterey and Carmel down to about San Luis Obispo. Thank you for sharing! And theres a reason for it the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. Phone: (831) 515-6403. It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. We were going to get lunch, but decided to wait until Carmel since we ate so many samples! Check the website for openings and reservations. Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! Yes and No. The hottest month in Monterey is September when high temperatures are around 67F and lows are 55F. The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. At the time of posting this article, the section of Hwy 1 south of McWay Falls was still closed due to mudslides from 2017. 5. There is so much to see, this is only the tip of it! There is so much you can do and see while you are in Carmel. Their island-inspired menu has plenty to choose from including burgers, tacos, fish and chicken platters. 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. Morning Monterey State Historic Park. 3. Day 5: Paso Robles/Cambria to Santa Ynez Valley. These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. 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! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. We rode past Point Pinos Lighthouse and ended up on a trail to Asilomar State Beach. I saw many of them while riding my bike on the Pacific Coastal Trail and just rode down a particular street if I saw any that looked really interesting! . Explore Big Sur. Cannery Row also has some cute candy shops, arcades and even an indoor mini golf arena! As always, all opinions expressed are our own. Carmel-by-the-Sea. What Can I Do After My Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary? San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur. I really enjoyed Spanish Bay Beach, Fanshell Beach overlook, Cypress Point Lookout and the Lone Cypress. This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. 3 hours 20 minutes (150 miles) Difficulty level: Easy Big Sur road trip itinerary: You could do Big Sur in a day or the entire California coast in 2-3 days if you really wanted to, but it will be much more enjoyable if you do it slowly! There was a trail for bikes all along the beach and it was a really beautiful place to end for sunset. Highway 1 is one of the most scenic roads I have ever been on! McWay Falls Of courseeee this is when its most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. Theyre my two favorite spots in Point Lobos, and you wont find clearer waters. Tina Yen's travel guide for Big Sur with 47 favorite places to visit. 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. 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. Three tips for the Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops. Pfeiffer beach is best known for its amazing rock structures, sunsets and sometimes there is even purple sand! There are BARRELS of salt water taffy with flavors ranging from caramel apple to blueberry cheesecake its incredible! Unfortunately, we had just missed the last shuttle and the next one wasnt leaving for quite awhile. Whether it's sipping your way through Carmel Valley's boutique wine tasting rooms or hopping on an unforgettable whale watching excursion, Monterey County provides meeting attendees with a variety of extracurricular activities. It took my breath away. And I do love my crab from Phils! 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. We won't recommend it if we didn't love it! Day Three Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. Guide contents. How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. There are warm fires all over the place and lights hanging in the trees. I guess we'll have to plan another trip." You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast! We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! Where did you drive from? Thanks for your support! 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 We ended up booking the Hideaway an adorable boutique hotel. Thank you! I absolutely loved the houses in Pacific Grove. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. 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. En route, you'll pitstop on the Monterey Peninsula before snaking along through the wilderness of Big Sur. 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. Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim. Highway 1 is a one lane highway that winds along the coast. Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. The location was great and we were able to walk all over town. Another thing I loved about Carmel Beach was how dog friendly it was. Which means youll ultimately need to climb back up! Will need to make a trip out to Big Sur .