They currently offer brunch and lunch; however, because they are so small they highly recommend making reservations instead of just showing up. Dont miss it its even surrounded by giant redwoods! Its pretty secluded and kinda secret (aka not on all the typical things to do in Big Sur posts), so I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Just letting you know so there are no surprises! Look out for them clustered in trees in the early morning, and flying around during the day. Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! Day Three: Monterey Morning Monterey is just a 10 minute drive from Carmel and a great area to explore for the day! It could take as little as 2 hours (if you dont stop at all), or 2 days if you make all the stops for the views, foods, and hikes. Fog usually disappears around 9 AM even though that sounds like a disappointing fact. I had a few places in mind I wanted to stop before we left, but I also thought it was fun to be spontaneous and stop whenever we saw something that interested us! Yes and No. 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! Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! 6. Youll know it by seeing cars lined up the hill up into the parking lot or various vehicles parked, waiting to get in. 3. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. They start getting crowded around 9 am, so plan to arrive before then. Nearest Cities: Monterey and Carmel to the north (40 minute drive), San Simeon and Cambria to the south (1.5 hour drive) Closest International Airports: San Jose International Airport (SJC) - 1.5 hour drive | Oakland International Airport (OAK) - 2 hour drive | San Francisco (SFO) - 2.5 hour drive Best Time to Visit: April through October, early fall is best I think you. I really thought this was a great aquarium and I loved seeing all of the conservation efforts they had put into place. It was the prime location for marine life spotting! 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. 1. Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! I discuss Nepenthe below as a must-visit stop on your Big Sur itinerary! Where did you drive from? It took my breath away. We pulled into this area where you can park and then pay to take a shuttle to the beach. 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. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! Not to mention, its adorable, so its a really fun place to stop for photos! (7/19/18), "as a resident of the Monterey Peninsula we do love our tourists, however, I'd like to remind those who visit - there are those that work and live in the area, and to please be courteous of our existence. The grounds are incredibly beautiful and this place is definitely worth a stop for the gorgeous grounds and architecture. One of our favorite spots here is the Pepper Palace where we buy dry rubs and sauces to make our legendary wings. Stay for sunset as the rock formations on the beach make for some epic scenery! Day 1: Big Sur Itinerary This Big Sur itinerary runs from north to south as we were leaving from Monterey. The parking near this bridge is somewhat limited. It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! Small and cozy and rustic and delicious. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! ), all while taking in the magnificent views! When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. I wanna go for sunset next time! The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. Here youll find multiple historic buildings including Californias First Theater, Colton Hall, the Stevenson House, and many more! And its large enough to split, for sure. After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing. Which means youll ultimately need to climb back up! Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! Now part of the Ventana Inn resort. Carmel Beach is definitely the best place to watch the sunset. Famous for its narrow cobblestone lanes, little cottages dressed in flowers and plants, and enchanting shops that sell tons of local goodies, Carmel is a . Visitors pressed for time often make the drive from. La Playa Carmel. So if youre visiting the area (or live in the city and dont have access to a car), a car rental will be a necessity! You will arrive at Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California. Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Nov 2021 and Nov 2020. 2022 text, 2021 Big Sur Drinking Fountain Image and Ghiradelli Cannery Row Image, 2020 Carmel . Highway 1 is one of the most scenic roads I have ever been on! . This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. Carmel-by-the-Sea. And just one reason its on every list of the most beautiful places in California. Winding turns. , Point Lobos looks absolutely stunning! It was so yummy! But if you are still hungry, I recommend picking which place had your favorite sample and eating there! You are able to do wine tastings inside or if you dont drink, there is also a full service restaurant as well. Since the road to Big Sur is finally open again (after months of closure due to horrific mudslides), nows the time to visit! My favorite part about it, however, was that it was literally right over the ocean. Hi Elena! Hi.. we are driving in from Santa Barbara and wanted to plan a Big Sur , Monterey trip where should we stop first where would u stay if u want to see Carmel too? Don't be me. Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. It was located in a building that looked like a castle. It was going on right when we arrived at the hotel. Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, what to do in Big Sur, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! We're currently planning a full trip to the Carmel/ Monterey/ Big Sur area but was wondering if our itinerary is to full? Call ahead to ask about the exact time that the bagpipe player will be playing, as times change throughout the year. Let me know how your travels go! I had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). 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. While the food and drinks are good, youre paying for the view. After checking out Cannery Row, we walked to Big Sur Adventuresabout 5 minutes away to rent bikes. It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. 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! While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). Psst: When people say theyre hiking to McWay Falls, theyre really just casually strolling down a paved path. I definitely recommend booking in advance. Arrive as early as possible on your first day so that you can maximize your time. In the months of October-February, you will also be in time to see the Monarch butterflies clustering at Monarch Grove Butterly Sanctuary. Begin your day with breakfast at From Scratch Restaurant in Carmel by-the-Sea. Phone: (831) 515-6403. A Carmel to Big Sur road trip can take anywhere from one hour to five, depending on how many stops . 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!). I totally agree, one of my favorite places to visit! The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. 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. The Big Sur River Inn is located about half way through the Big Sur viewpoints and a great spot to stop for lunch! The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with your itinerary. What Can I Do After My Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary? Tina Yen. 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 Afternoon This Inn was so cute and the place we got icecream was in an old blue bus! Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi I am Aubrie, thanks for stopping by! Youll 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 airport is small and easy to navigate. This waterfall cascades over the cliff and falls about 80 feet into the sandy cove below. We also think the service is really good, so you cant go wrong with this restaurant! You can drive all of these Big Sur road trip stops from either north to south (starting in Carmel) or south to north (starting in San Simeon) of course, but I prefer driving from NORTH to SOUTH. Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur The best place to stay if embarking upon a Big Sur day trip is Carmel or Monterey. Yes and No. 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. It is about a 20-minute drive from the Monterey area, but its named one of the Best Beach restaurants named by BBC Travel. Youll find plenty of sunny days over here! The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. Tour Details Departure: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, year-round. Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. If youre planning on hanging out on the beach, pack your swimsuit or a wetsuit to surf. Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so theres no risk of getting lost. The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. A girls gotta eat, am I right? Miles of misty coastline. 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. Once here, you can hike down to this spectacular crescent-shaped beach and relax. Carmel is a must for any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! There was even a point in our war history where Point Lobos was part of secret military operations, too! Seeing these trees was such a surreal experience! The Barbacoa Beef tacos are insanely delicious! 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. This adorable general store is on the way to all of the stops on the Big Sur day trip. 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. You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast! Looks like you had a wonderful time too. In his restaurant, youll see rows of pastries lining the front of his shop and cafe au lait to go, too! Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). It was a quick ride to Fishermans Wharf and we set up our bikes with a lock on a bike rack. Besides the gorgeous views, the houses in Carmel are also some to steal your breath away with their eccentricities and quaint vibes. Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! Hearst Castle The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. Alternately, it's possible to just take Highway 1 all the way, though this takes a long time, about a 4 hours and 30 minutes drive to Cambria. Not many out-of-towners know this, but. Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: big sur, california, central coast, pacific coast highway, Your email address will not be published. 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 Public school whose 1931 auditorium served as Carmel's primary artistic, civic . These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. Im going next year to visit a friend and we plan on road tripping so Im hoping Ill finally get to go! Eating fresh clam chowder is a must on any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! 3-day Big Sur itinerary. You managed to pack in so many must-see sights and unique experiences, all while keeping a great balance of relaxation and adventure. This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. We loved visiting the Whalers Cabin in Whalers Cove and thought the scenery was the most spectacular around Bluefish Cove. All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around! First things first, if youve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. When driving from Monterey to Big Sur, youll pass the small seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea. Mmm! So this tour fit the bill on all accounts! Its so nice to just be surrounded by nature and kinda forget about the rest of the world for a little while! This Monterey to Big Sur itinerary is planned so it is possible to start in San Francisco and experience the whole road trip itinerary without backtracking at all. You can always put your feet in if youd like! 4. Most people start this iconic road trip in L . 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. I am a huge fan of aquariums! I may email you with more in-depth questions as we plan. Youll get a really nice view of the beach. You can extend your road trip and continue driving south on the Pacific Coast Highway to see even more small California Coastal towns! And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. There are cute dogs all over the place! Not to be missed, youll need to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Can You Stop by Santa Cruz on the Way to Monterey? Theyve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if youre still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. It was quite busy at the time we arrived and we probably waited in line for 30 minutes-1 hour so make sure to add this in when planning your itinerary! Have a great rest of your day. Hungry? I have visited California many times through out my life. We were able to order build your own sandwiches that came with a drink and chips. 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. We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! Thank you! Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. (7/16/18), "Enjoy and let me know how it goes!" As you start your Big Sur road trip down from San Francisco (after exploring Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea prior), youre first official stop should be Point Lobos! Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. If youre a fan of seafood, Cafe Kevahs Egg Benedict has Dungeness crab and is delicious; the regular egg benedict is also a top pick. Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. 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! 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. Click here to skip back to the top. With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. Where does the Big Sur drive start? It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920. The ocean is a short walk away. A trailhead can be found from Monterey State Beach and from there heading south, it will take you to Fishermans Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I only have three more posts to go after this one. Thank you! The official name of the Carmel Mission is Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo. One of the best features of the hotel was the Happy Hour that happened every day from 4-6. Comment below. Most people are surprised at how little civilization is around here no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. Oh la la, Crepes! And get there early the tours only accommodate 40 people! 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. 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. We then stopped atPerkins Park spontaneously because of the unique Cyprus trees, the rocky shoreline and the purple flowers everywhere! 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. Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. at stops along the way. The clam chowder here is also amazing! 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). 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. Total Distance: 217 miles ; One-Way Driving Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes ; Route: San Francisco Half Moon Bay Santa Cruz Monterey Carmel-by-the-Sea Big Sur San Simeon ; The drive between San Francisco and San Simeon is more appealing than one might imagine. I absolutely loved the hotel I picked to stay in for one night, The Monterey Plaza Hotel. And yes, we always have a great time in Monterey! I absolutely fell in love. There is memorabilia from the movies all over! 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 We are surrounded by forest. 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. Check the missions website for daily hours and admission prices. Be sure to check the website as tours are not offered every day. 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. This was our last stop heading down Highway 1 before we turned around and made some stops on the way back to Carmel. Note that youll have to walk/hike about 100 steps or so to access the beach. Tours cost $15 per person. There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. If you happen to be visiting Big Sur between February and early April, you NEED to make a short pit stop at Calla Lily Valley! Basically, nature at its finest. While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. It is the perfect place to fill up on gas and get any last minute snacks. Use caution while driving as the road is rather windy and narrow! There are all types of shops including antique shops, fudge shops, oh and dont forget dog shops! When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. Now you can sit and relax in the car a bit as you head south to Big Sur.
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