big sur carmel, monterey itinerary

Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. If you want a taste of France in sweet Monterey, Paris Bakery is your go-to spot! I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. As always, all opinions expressed are our own. After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. McWay Falls McWay Falls is likely the most iconic and most-photographed spot in Big Sur. Channel Islands National Park If you're going to drive all of the Big Sur coastline in a day, coming from the Bay Area, you'll want to be prepared for at least 5 hours of driving each way, a total of 10 hours on the road. 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! Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. 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! Big Sur is one of my favorite places IN THE WORLD (hands down) and one of my favorite road trips from San Francisco. I too hope that tourists can make the kind of choices that will benefit everyone." This trail was amazing and we saw a cove with the most turquoise blue waters and baby sea lions down below. There is so much you can do and see while you are in Carmel. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Thank you for sharing! In fact, they all have people outside of their cafes or restaurants giving out samples. When driving from Monterey to Big Sur, youll pass the small seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea. Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary Carmel-by-the-Sea Start your Big Sur Road Trip in the charming small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Now you can sit and relax in the car a bit as you head south to Big Sur. There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). I was there for a penguin feeding and that was really fun! 8. Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! I am a huge fan of aquariums! There is a small parking area located on the east side of the highway. Again, theres a toilet here! Most people start this iconic road trip in L . READ NEXT: 25+ Best Road Trips from San Francisco. Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. Public school whose 1931 auditorium served as Carmel's primary artistic, civic . Seaside cliffs. . Whats your favorite local spot? Planning a trip to Carmel/Big Sur? Help with Itinerary? - Monterey 10 BIG Mistakes to Avoid Before Traveling to the Big Sur! Girls Trip: Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur 3 Day Itinerary Its beautiful coastline views! Its a cute town, and there is a long sandy beach. In the months of October-February, you will also be in time to see the Monarch butterflies clustering at Monarch Grove Butterly Sanctuary. A Carmel to Big Sur road trip can take anywhere from one hour to five, depending on how many stops . The parking near this bridge is somewhat limited. Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Small and cozy and rustic and delicious. I hope youll have the same great time while visiting! 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. Hi Christina! We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. 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! 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. California CA Big Sur Carmel Monterey Coastline Postcard Old Vintage Theyve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas. Free shipping for many products! for current highway conditions before your drive. September 10, 2024 - September 15, 2024. Begin your day with breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel by-the-Sea. 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. If you are driving up from the south, everything will just be in reverse order. 2. I would love to go there one day, Hi Jade! There are plenty of other beaches to hang around, so do your part and just stay where youre supposed to be. Wow this place looks so similar to Malibu I swear!! Pacific Coast Highway. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! at stops along the way. Eating fresh clam chowder is a must on any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! I was in awe the entire time. The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! (7/15/18), "It's such a kid-friendly area, and I just heard that the entire Hwy 1 is now opened." Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! Answer 11 of 11: Hello I'm hoping for some advice. The town is truly tiny at only one square mile, but it is absolutely packed with amazing things. And get there early the tours only accommodate 40 people! Here are my picks and notes, either personally tested by me, or recommended by fellow travelers: Be prepared to spend some big money for dining out in Big Sur. Bring a blanket and a cooler with your favorite sandwich to enjoy, which we wish we had done. Your Weekend in Big Sur Itinerary: How to Nail a Big Sur Road Trip This sample itinerary aims to show how you can cover the two towns of Monterey or Carmel in as little as 2 days. Arrive as early as possible on your first day so that you can maximize your time. all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. Youll have an amazing time when you visit! And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. Traffic is really bad, please use public transport or other forms to reduce as much as possible. " If you are planning a road trip to the coast of California, this Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is a perfect option for you, and its so convenient as they are about 30 minutes apart from one another. 3-day Big Sur itinerary. The location of the Carmel Mission isn't the original spot. Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. 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. 3. Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. There are a lot of incredible eateries in Carmel. On one side, youll see the quaint houses up close and on the other side, youll have a clear view of the iconic Carmel beach down below. Looking for more California content? A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to a beautiful waterfall crashing directly into the Pacific Oceans emerald water. Bring water and watch out for poison oak. Visiting between the months of November to March? Monterey is definitely one of my favorite places in CA! How to Spend One Day in Big Sur: Day Trip Guide from the Bay Area The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. Then the trail led down to this amazing white sandy beach with no one else around. GROUP PEBBLE BEACH GOLF TRIP PROPOSAL - Epic Golf Travel Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! This was our last stop heading down Highway 1 before we turned around and made some stops on the way back to Carmel. Thanks for stopping by! 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for sharing. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, their menu will satisfy every palette. Winding turns. Note that youll have to walk/hike about 100 steps or so to access the beach. Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. I had seen pictures of Mcway Falls for many years and had always dreamed of seeing them with my own eyes. 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. We so enjoyed our time on our Monterey and Big Sur road trip. Just note that the Monterey-Salinas Transit Lines stop running during . The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular favorite as well! We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. Big Sur Itinerary - Day 2: 1. If youre looking to take a much longer trip down the PCH, check out all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway yes, all 75 of them! We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. Cannery Row is filled with boutiques, restaurants and waterfront hotels. Here youll find multiple historic buildings including Californias First Theater, Colton Hall, the Stevenson House, and many more! 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. (See that next!). 2023 CalQIC Annual Conference - Monterey County 1. Note:If you have time, Pfeiffer Beach, which is very close to this state park is worth a visit. Afternoon Looks like you had a wonderful time too. Thanks for your support! 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!). 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. Check the website for openings and reservations. To eat here though, you definitely pay for the cliffside views. Of courseeee this is when its most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. By this time, youll likely be hungry, so stop in at the Big Sur Roadhouse for their famous avo toast, or other wraps or sandwiches. Dont go during the rain or after its just rained as the road is all dirt and can get quite muddy at times. You managed to pack in so many must-see sights and unique experiences, all while keeping a great balance of relaxation and adventure. Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. April trip - itinerary change? - Big Sur Message Board - Tripadvisor There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! If you arent pressed for time I recommend spending the night in Carmel-by-the-Sea or at least exploring it for a few hours. Thanks for all the recommendations. They also have bikes you can rent as well. 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. Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. Most the attractions mentioned in this article are closed due to covid19. 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 drive was nice and pretty straight forward and just took a little over an hour and a half. If youre not in a rush on your Big Sur road trip, why not make the extra stop? Not happening. Big Sur Land Trust's Race for Open Space - seemonterey.com Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. 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! There is a scenic 17-mile drive you can pay to drive and see iconic spots such as the Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point. Start with the short film about Junipero Serra to learn about the history of this mission and also the start of all the California missions. Finding it can be a challenge in itself because the turn is not marked. 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. Specializing in travel, lifestyle and fashion. 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. Ive already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. The hottest month in Monterey is September when high temperatures are around 67F and lows are 55F. Harbor seals can dive 300 feet and stay underwater for up to 28 minutes! We were able to order build your own sandwiches that came with a drink and chips. This Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is incredibly helpful. Our guide Johnathon was knowledgeable about the area telling us interesting facts along the route. The actual name of the mission is Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo. Like what you see? Cannery Row also has some cute candy shops, arcades and even an indoor mini golf arena! The only downside to visiting in the summertime is that July and August are the foggiest months. I recommend booking your whale-watching tickets in advance. Hi Sydney! It was so yummy! 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. In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . I can now say that I absolutely loved that area and will definitely be coming back! Big Sur Hotel Guide: Best Luxury Hotels in Big Sur, California | Observer Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (7 pm on Saturdays) daily at the Pacific Grove shops. Day 4: Big Sur to Paso Robles or Cambria. When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! Hi Elena! It took my breath away. Saving this guide for later! I got my ticket for the aquarium here. 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. Cannery Row is near where we dropped off our bikes so we just walked right over! California road trip: Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe - Tripadvisor If youre from outta town, and by that not within driving distance, youll need to get yourself to SFO (San Francisco) first. Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! Big Falls Trail near the south end of the range is a . Johnathon was easy-going and the time we spent with Big Sur Adventures was the highlight of our weekend. This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! Pacific Grove is a small area right on the edge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary about a 10-minute drive from Fishermans Wharf. Carmel Valley is full of vineyards and wineries. I really enjoyed Spanish Bay Beach, Fanshell Beach overlook, Cypress Point Lookout and the Lone Cypress. Glad to hear it! The Best Big Sur Itinerary for an Epic Weekend Trip This place is absolutely perfect for lunch! If you have never seen redwood trees another great stop is Pfieffer Big Sur state Park , mentioned by the previous poster. Carmel-by-the-Sea is probably one of the quaintest seaside towns in the world, which makes it a good starting point for your Big Sur road trip. There isnt an entrance fee, but they do ask for a $2 donation. The path to get to the lookout for the falls is very short and flat. Yes! With that being said, Im planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. The official name of the Carmel Mission is Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo. This is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Monterey . There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. The clam chowder here is also amazing! If this is your first time to the area dont rush it! Tina Yen. We pulled into this area where you can park and then pay to take a shuttle to the beach. The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. 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. 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. If we get there earlier, we get saltwater taffy and enjoy them on our hikes/beach time.

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