This shop was really cute and had lots of yummy treats and great customer service. You can read all about how this area came to be here. Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. Recommended accommodation options in Monterey and Carmel that wont break the bank: With that being said, the hotels in Big Sur really are quite special, and if you can splurge for one night on your California Coast road trip, these are the best places to do it: Post Ranch Inn: Offering 3 pools, one being an infinity hot tub, you can spend the bulk of your time here overlooking the stunning California coastline. After we walked back from the aquarium to the hotel, we decided it would be fun to ride bikes over to Fishermans Wharf! If the weathers lousy (as in thick fog drastically impeding the views), I honestly wouldnt bother with Nepenthe. Best Things to do in Big Sur Day Trip | Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip 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! South Iceland - 7 Places Your Family Will Love! Keep that in mind when you head out on your road trip. Big Sur is a beautiful coastal area located 140 miles south of San Francisco. Oh la la, Crepes! Big Sur Road Trip: Best Stops on a Scenic California Coast Adventure! Glad to hear it! Thats so cool youre a teacher! Yes, its a gorgeous area! Pfeiffer Beach will be the second turnout, There are many more options for Monterey ranging from the, If youd like to stay in Big Sur, there is the, Blanket or lawn chairs for hanging out at the beach, Bike if youd like to explore Monterey by bike. There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. . Walking on the wharf doesnt take any more than 30 minutes if you just want to do a walk-through, but youd be missing out! Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning Big Sur Hotel Guide: Best Luxury Hotels in Big Sur, California | Observer Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. You can also head to the water where you might be able to spot some marine life. 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. Not to mention, its adorable, so its a really fun place to stop for photos! 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. 10. Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4','ezslot_26',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4-0');A beautiful state park, Garrapata State Park has views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Soberanes Canyon. Carmel is a small, beautiful, and charming seaside town tucked between Big Sur and Monterey on the central coast of California. We enjoyed a little downtime at our hotel. Okay, so we just discovered this spot off the side of the highway on our last visit to Big Sur, and I cannot believe I never noticed it before! 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. 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. This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! 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. Ive been to California several times but I still havent visited Big Sur or Monterey. Montereys Fishermans Wharf is an iconic stop for your Monterey itinerary. This was a great place to end the day in Carmel. Makes me miss San Francisco! For the photographers heart, the iconic Keyhole Arch makes for a stunning sunset spot in Central California during the golden hour! Limekiln State Park may be juuust what youre looking for. Girls Trip: Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur 3 Day Itinerary for current highway conditions before your drive. Cocktails with a view? 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. When booking your Monterey to Big Sur car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. What a wonderful place you get to call home. Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Thanks for your support! 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! 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. There is plenty to see and do in Monterey County outside of meeting room walls. Check the website for openings and reservations. You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined. Tina Yen. As you drive up to this area, the ocean turns to the most pretty turquoise color! 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 . The people that worked there were friendly and gave us a map of the nearby trail and tips on places they recommended seeing. 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. We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! How many days do you need in Monterey and Big Sur? 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. Big Sur Carmel Carmel Valley Castroville Marina Monterey Moss Landing Pacific Grove Pebble Beach Salinas Seaside . Whether you want to go fast, slow, solo, or with others, this year's Race for Open Space has something for you. This area is gorgeous where you can easily spend a couple of hours hanging out. Book now from $9.99! Distance: Approximately 430 miles. Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. When is the Best Time to Visit Monterey and Big Sur? Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. Known as one of Big Surs largest and most accessible beaches and the last stop on your Big Sur itinerary is Sand Dollar Beach, located about 30 minutes south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. 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. 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. 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. You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast! 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. Your email address will not be published. One of my favorite parts of the park was all of the beautiful walking paths with wildflowers everywhere. Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! Cannery Row is near where we dropped off our bikes so we just walked right over! 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. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! I was looking for an itinerary for this area for a roadtrip and landed on your blog. . Where we stayed: Sure, its the most expensive pastry Ive ever bought (at a whopping $8.50), but my husband and I both felt it was worth the hefty price tag. Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. Day 2. If you are into golfing, the 17 mile drive also has the world famous Pebble Beach! I had remembered going to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was a kid so I was excited to go back. Located just a smidge south of Pfieffer beach is Big Sur Bakery, which is actually a 1930s ranch-style home. Another favorite thing we like to do here is to stop at the first shop on the right (also didnt pay attention to its name), grab a little red basket, and have a go at the saltwater taffy. Pin it for later or share it! The entire area is pricey, so expect to pay big city prices (~$15ish for a cocktail, ~$20-30ish for an entree). This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. A girls gotta eat, am I right? The Perfect Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary - Globetrotting Ginger 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). I would advise sharing a sundae with your BFF as the portions are huge, but its delicious nonetheless. I repeat, the almond croissant is orgasmic. The 45 minute drive can last all day as you delight in the views (and the cuisine!) 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). Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! California Coast Day 3: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, & Pismo Then walk through the main entrance, purchase a $2 map and head out on your hike. La Playa Carmel. 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 Central Coast Region | @KnowLabs | Flipboard 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. I definitely need to add that this is one of the most dog friendly places I have ever been. After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld. Not having lunch at the Big Sur River Inn. 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! 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. As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts. Big Sur Land Trust's Race for Open Space - seemonterey.com Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. However, if you are here early, the pictures are still pretty amazing and youll miss the 9-10 AM traffic congestion so thats a win! Pacific Grove is a small area right on the edge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary about a 10-minute drive from Fishermans Wharf. Youll find a parking lot on the east side of the road with an underground tunnel for walking over to the trail. , Point Lobos looks absolutely stunning! Harbor seals can dive 300 feet and stay underwater for up to 28 minutes! You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. I havent been to Malibu yet, but if they look the same then Im down to see more gorgeous views! A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to a beautiful waterfall crashing directly into the Pacific Oceans emerald water. I got my ticket for the aquarium here. It is the perfect place to fill up on gas and get any last minute snacks. Win-win! Evening They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . Thank you! 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. BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA: LOGISTICS. You can book a tour right on the wharf, but its possible that tickets might sell out. Theres no real starting point. Be sure to check the website as tours are not offered every day. Be sure to take along a sweater as the trails are shaded and can be very cool the entire time, which makes for a spectacular break on a super hot day! There are so many scenic look outs to stop at so feel free to stop as much as you want along the way! When visiting, youll want to hike the Soberanes Canyon Trailas its restored and in great condition. Hi Sydney! Each room also boasts a private deck with those magicnicant coastline views, a wood-burning fireplace to get cozy during the chilly nights, and an indoor spa tub. While youre planning your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary, check out these useful road trip gifts to have the best experience on the road! It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. Thanks for stopping by! 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. I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. Free shipping for many products! Ten interesting facts we learned on OurEDventure: There are souvenir shops, where I bought a super cute Monterey boat picture frame, theres a clam chowder stand, a cafe spot that I love and forget its name, and my favorite the Monterey Bay Creamery where theres a huge cow statue selling ice cream. 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. Theres a retro school bus selling ice cream right off the parking lot, which is perfect on a hot day. Big Sur's vast wilderness and breathtaking views of the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline connects the northern half -- Carmel, Monterey and Santa Cruz -- with the rolling hills and vineyards of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Cambria and Hearst Castle of the southern half -- Part of the Best West Road Trip itinerary - Goin' Coastal in the Central Coast Region of California. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. (See that next!). 4 Golfers. The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. If youve had enough of driving on your road trip, you can park near Carmel beach and walk the scenic path. Ive already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! As you arrive, drive straight to the Sea Lion Point parking lot and you can start on the trail there, Cypress Grove Trail. Its beautiful coastline views! Big Sur Road Trip - Includes ALL the Best Viewpoints! I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! Youll get a really nice view of the beach. Note that youll have to walk/hike about 100 steps or so to access the beach. It is our home state, so hopefully we can do it soon." And it is a full itinerary! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Despite all ocean views and beaches, theres not many safe spots for swimming. The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. Fog usually disappears around 9 AM even though that sounds like a disappointing fact. (Keep this in mind if you are headed off to the airport so that you give yourself plenty of time.). Big Sur/Monterey Itinerary for July 4 - Big Sur Forum - Tripadvisor We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe. Hi MacKenzie! The road is not paved. It was a quick ride to Fishermans Wharf and we set up our bikes with a lock on a bike rack. Morning 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. Want the scenic route? Day 1. Hi Linnea! The Big Sur River Inn is located about half way through the Big Sur viewpoints and a great spot to stop for lunch! Psst: If youre visiting in early spring, dont miss Calla Lily Valley right near Garrapata Beach (different location than the Bluff Trail). And plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus?
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