big sur carmel, monterey itinerary

We are surrounded by forest. We also went on the Cyprus Grove Trail and we loved that one too. 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! 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. 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. 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 was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. Your Weekend in Big Sur Itinerary: How to Nail a Big Sur Road Trip This was our last stop heading down Highway 1 before we turned around and made some stops on the way back to Carmel. After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. Ventana Inn & Spa: Youll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. Specialties: World-famous Breakfast served Daily 8:00am-noon; Dinner Friday-Tuesday starting at 5:30pm. Where we stayed: 35 of the Best Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from San Francisco Arrive as early as possible on your first day so that you can maximize your time. Weve always been planning to do a road trip in this part of California, so will be bookmarking this. This is definitely a place I would like to spend more time at if I head back to this area. A 75-room Big Sur boutique hotel just yards from the beach in a restored mansion built in 1905, La Playa Carmel was first constructed by artist Christian Jorgensen as a gift for his wife and had the first swimming pool in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Yes, you can leave from San Francisco to head south down the Central Coast on Highway 101. Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls from San Jose Price: $25-100. We decided to stop by Folktale Winery and Vineyards because it seriously looked like something from a fairy tale! When researching where to eat, I had Forge in the Forest recommend several times. Basically, nature at its finest. Theres no real starting point. Our itineraries will help get you on your way to a memorable Monterey County experience. The Lone Cypress on the 17-mile drive is one of the most photographed trees in the world. Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning While youre planning your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary, check out these useful road trip gifts to have the best experience on the road! Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. After that, we walked past an island with hundreds of birds on it, which was so cool! And I do love my crab from Phils! One weekend is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur along Highway 1. La Playa Carmel. To eat here though, you definitely pay for the cliffside views. Treebones Resort: Looking for something a bit different? The official name of the Carmel Mission is Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo. Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . 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! 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. I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. Woooo its finally time to get this Big Sur road trip itinerary under way! My favorite part about it, however, was that it was literally right over the ocean. It was moved to get away from the military garrison. For a delicious Mediterranean style dinner, head over to Dametra Caf. The town is truly tiny at only one square mile, but it is absolutely packed with amazing things. 6. Looking for sand dollars might result in a disappointment, but youll easily find muscles, crabs, sea anemone, and kelp beds while exploring the nearby rocks during low tide. Bedroom3; Baths2; Property typePrivate Vacation Home; Max Sleeps6; Love golf Pebble Beach golf courses are among some of the best in the world; Carmel-by-the-Sea renowned for its art galleries, many restaurants & sandy white beaches; Big Sur has campsites, high-cliff beaches, superb hiking trails & world-class views on the Pacific Ocean, and Monterey is known for the famous . And trust me, theres enough things to do in Big Sur to fill an entire weekend and then some. We would like to thank Big Sur Adventures for providing discounted tickets for us to experience their e-bike tour. There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! Explore Big Sur. Want the scenic route? They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! Seaside cliffs. This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). Named as one of the top 10 travel bloggers on Instagram by Kayak and short listed as the best travel influencer by FlightCentre. Day Three: Monterey Morning Monterey is just a 10 minute drive from Carmel and a great area to explore for the day! Luckily, I have a few more trips planned this fall so the This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing. Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip 3 Day Itinerary Take some time for a walk along the beach as its known to have purple sand! If youre planning on hanging out on the beach, pack your swimsuit or a wetsuit to surf. The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. Winding turns. One of my favorite parts of the park was all of the beautiful walking paths with wildflowers everywhere. And theres a reason for it the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. This Inn was so cute and the place we got icecream was in an old blue bus! I think we tried 7 different kinds of Clam Chowder and they literally all taste different because they have their own recipes and specialties. This area is gorgeous where you can easily spend a couple of hours hanging out. Happy planning! Another thing I loved about Carmel Beach was how dog friendly it was. Hi, Im Jess. Free shipping for many products! If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. I too hope that tourists can make the kind of choices that will benefit everyone." Youll want an all-wheel drive for best mobility, but if all youve got is a regular sedan, go slow and you should be a-okay! They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! This website is very helpful and gives a description of each stop so you can decide where you want to stop before you even get there. Thank you! After a full morning of activity and then a satisfying afternoon meal, we were ready for a restful and low-key afternoon. Thanks for the inspiration to put it on the top of my travel list." We won't recommend it if we didn't love it! We will be coming here mid-May and will definitely use your advice. If you didnt have time to pack a snack or breakfast, plan a stop at Big Sur Bakery before u-turning into the Pfeiffer Beach turn-off. I got my ticket for the aquarium here. 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. This waterfall cascades over the cliff and falls about 80 feet into the sandy cove below. Day One Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Where did you drive from? I saw sea otters, seals and dolphins! Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary For Families Head back north and drive into the quaint little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most people are surprised at how little civilization is around here no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. 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. Treebones Resort features seven ocean view tent campsites, along with 16 yurts with great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin! I have visited California many times through out my life. Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). Pacific Grove is a small area right on the edge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary about a 10-minute drive from Fishermans Wharf. Big Sur Itinerary - Best View Points! Drive over to Asilomar State Beach for some tide-pooling. Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning What is there to see between Monterey and Big Sur? We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! Havent had enough of the great outdoors on your Big Sur road trip just yet? 3. Bring a blanket and a cooler with your favorite sandwich to enjoy, which we wish we had done. That is a lot to fit into 2-days. 8. Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary If you've 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. Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. Explore my other California guides here! Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Perfect ending to your Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway day trip! Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles. This was a great place to end the day in Carmel. Quiet. 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. Not to mention, its adorable, so its a really fun place to stop for photos! 17 Mile Drive: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of Pebble Beach's Historical The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Cannery Row is filled with boutiques, restaurants and waterfront hotels. Stay and Play in Monterey. If you are driving up from the south, everything will just be in reverse order. With an early head start to your day, you will have plenty of parking spaces to choose from if you stop for lunch here. Dont miss it its even surrounded by giant redwoods! It was a quick ride to Fishermans Wharf and we set up our bikes with a lock on a bike rack. 8 Epic San Francisco Road Trips to Plan Right Now After Mcway Falls, we headed to Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park). Depending on how hungry you are, appetizers are also available at the outside bar and inside the lounge. Then head to California Highway 1 to begin your Big Sur road trip! So this tour fit the bill on all accounts! Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. The Best Luxury Hotels in Big Sur - Culture Trip It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. Morning Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur In a nutshell, this drive is all about the jaw-dropping scenery of the Pacific Coast. These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara A Carmel to Big Sur road trip can take anywhere from one hour to five, depending on how many stops . I had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. I personally love #doingallthethings at the beginning of my trips and then slowing down as I stay longer, but you can puzzle this Monterey and Big Sur itinerary out to best fit your weekend and travel style. I discuss Nepenthe below as a must-visit stop on your Big Sur itinerary! While the tours are quite long at three hours, the history and information is so interesting you wont even notice the hours passing by. Theyve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas. 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. They are a definite must on any Big Sur Itinerary. 10 BIG Mistakes to Avoid Before Traveling to the Big Sur! Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! Again, thank you! You managed to pack in so many must-see sights and unique experiences, all while keeping a great balance of relaxation and adventure. When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. You could spend all day in this area headed from winery to winery. Carmel is a must for any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! There were cute adorable dogs everywhere. How to Spend One Day in Big Sur: Day Trip Guide from the Bay Area 5. The region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. It is an active parish and school, so be aware that special events such as mass or funerals may be taking place. Moon Monterey & Carmel - Stuart Thornton 2019-01-08 Quirky beach towns, deliciously fresh seafood, and dramatic hikes and drives: discover what the locals love with Moon Monterey & Carmel. I absolutely fell in love. I was looking for an itinerary for this area for a roadtrip and landed on your blog. Let me know how your travels go! Yes please! We rode past Point Pinos Lighthouse and ended up on a trail to Asilomar State Beach. Oh, and the bakery has public restrooms available, which is always good to know on a road trip without much service! (10/12/18), "Thank you Kelsey for your words of advise. There are also cute murals all over town and makes for a perfect pit stop before heading back home! I definitely recommend booking in advance. Traveling by car from Carmel to Big Sur takes an hour. I'll be sharing a relaxed pace three-day itinerary, with overnight stops in both Monterey and Santa Barbara. Hi Desiree! Channel Islands National Park Majority of the famous viewpoints are on the coastal side, so it would be best if you drove north to south, that way you make right turns in/out of the viewpoints. 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. 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. California Coast Day 3: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, & Pismo Montereys Fishermans Wharf is an iconic stop for your Monterey itinerary. 4.. Can You Start from San Francisco to Big Sur on the Road Trip Itinerary? Aubrie is a Utah based blogger/content creator. We so enjoyed our time on our Monterey and Big Sur road trip. Point Lobos has a long history, dating all the way back to the mid-1800s, and hosted many groups including the Ohlone Native Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spaniards. I repeat, the almond croissant is orgasmic. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! 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! I was really excited to go here because I hadnt seen redwood trees since I was a little kid. And plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus? 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. And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so theres no risk of getting lost. Visiting between the months of November to March? Ill receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which Ill totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. 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. 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. Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. Like what you see? They have a nice cafeteria there for lunch. Have you been? Carmel is one of the most charming and quintessential towns I have ever been to. Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. Monterey is definitely one of my favorite places in CA! Why is Big Sur famous? We ate a quick breakfast at the hotel (one of the other perks of staying there) and then headed to the 5th Avenue Deli. These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. Thank you for such a great recounting of your trip. The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary for Carmel & Monterey - I Wander There are also hiking trails you can check out here, too, and if youre wanting a more rugged experience, camp out at the park. The banana bread is great too, but now that weve had the almond croissant, I dont think well ever be getting anything else. I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips. Weekend Big Sur itinerary. 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary. Big Sur is the farthest distance of the San Francisco day trips on our list (2.5 hours away from the city). You could easily spend a few hours admiring the keyhole and rock formations on the beach. (See that next!). 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. Limekiln State Park may be juuust what youre looking for. At an early hour, you might be too early for Nepenthe the restaurant upstairs, but Cafe Kevah down below has a delicious selection for brunch. It was so yummy! This romantic drive is one of the best cross country road trip routes that couples must take together! . I hope your travel planning takes you here soon! 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. 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. Bring your binoculars for wildlife viewing! But it's absolutely still worth visiting! Just letting you know so there are no surprises! There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. Wow this place looks so similar to Malibu I swear!! We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*.

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