big sur carmel, monterey itinerary

Wrap Up Your Perfect Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary, link to Her Wanderful World's Instagram account, link to Her Wanderful World's Facebook account, link to Her Wanderful World's Pinterest account, link to Her Wanderful World's Twitter account, Teaching English Abroad Everything You Need to Know, California Coast Roadtrip | San Fran all the way to San Diego, Check the website for openings and reservations, 17 Fun Things to do in Santa Rosa, California, 20 Incredible Things to do in Petaluma, CA, 17 Charming Things to do in Cambria, California, 17 Best Coastal Sunset Spots in Central California. If this is your first time to the area dont rush it! Epic Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary: Explore California's Pacific Coast Mmm! Eating fresh clam chowder is a must on any Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary! 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. The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! Havent had enough of the great outdoors on your Big Sur road trip just yet? The 72-mile portion that runs through Big Sur is an official American National Scenic Byway. Still dreaming of heading back and doing this Monterey , Carmel and Big Sur itinerary again sometime soon! Not many out-of-towners know this, but. This is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Monterey . You can walk, jog, or bike on this trail. . The Ultimate Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. 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. Courtesy of La Playa Carmel / Expedia. While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! And Im jealous of you already. After leaving the park, there was quite a bit of traffic to get back to Carmel. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. I would love to go there one day, Hi Jade! There were various cheeses, crackers, fruit and little sandwiches. Be sure and check out the view from both sides of the street, but be careful when crossing. Hi Sydney! After we walked back from the aquarium to the hotel, we decided it would be fun to ride bikes over to Fishermans Wharf! If we get there earlier, we get saltwater taffy and enjoy them on our hikes/beach time. In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months. Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California This was one of my favorite stops on this trip. We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). Be sure to checkout some of my blog posts which include information about travel, fashion, lifestyle and photography. Central Coast Region | @KnowLabs | Flipboard Can You Stop by Santa Cruz on the Way to Monterey? Her Wanderful World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. ), all while taking in the magnificent views! Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. 2. Expect a daytime high around 64F in March, and nighttime lows around 47F. 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 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 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! Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail & State Beach, 7. This beach is known to be the most consistent wave producer for surfers, so if you are one of these talented people, bring your surfboard and have at it! This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. I feel the need to say this since youll be getting back in the car to continue on the 1: if youre the driver, please be responsible and limit yourself to one drink at most. 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. Weve just started looking for ideas for travel this year. Looking for more California content? Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). It is our home state, so hopefully we can do it soon." From here, you can make a decision on what youre feeling but here are some recommendations! There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. Hi Kate! The ambience at this place was amazing. Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! 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. The Whisky Club in Monterey hosts trivia on the first and third Thursday each . I saw sea otters, seals and dolphins! The rest of the year is considered cool temperature, but Monterey does boast of 300 days of sunshine. It was going on right when we arrived at the hotel. En route, you'll pitstop on the Monterey Peninsula before snaking along through the wilderness of Big Sur. Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel. from $900. One of our first stops was atLovers Point Beach. Tina Yen's travel guide for Big Sur with 47 favorite places to visit. There is a lot to discover and experience on this route, with breathtaking coastal views, lovely beach towns, and . 5. Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! Small and cozy and rustic and delicious. The location is so perfect in between Cannery Row and Fishermans Wharf and just a ten minute walk to the aquarium. The 20 Best Day Trips From San Francisco (Without a Car) Afternoon Monterey State Historic Park. After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. Continue driving south on Hwy 1 towards your next stop in this Big Sur itinerary: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which is not to be confused with Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. As part of a longer visit we hoped to drive up to Cambria from Anaheim on 21 April, stay overnight then. The American Tin Cannery Suite 122 125 Ocean view Blvd Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-747-1677 _____ 17 Mile Drive 2106 Sunset Drive Pacific Grove, CA 93950 831-717-4912 _____ Pedego Electric Bikes 143 Crossroads Blvd, Carmel, CA 831-293-7063. Big Sur is the 90 mile stretch of California coast, nestled between Monterey and San Luis Obispo that is as breathtakingly beautiful and unreal as a dream, with the waves of the Pacific ocean crashing along its rugged shores, simply begging for a visit. Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. Be aware that the trail is sometimes blocked off due to erosion, and you may not be able to get that picture perfect view. Cannery Row also has some cute candy shops, arcades and even an indoor mini golf arena! After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. Heading to California and cant wait to check off all the stops on this Big Sur road trip itinerary? 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. which is a favorite local hotspot and should not be missed when planning your Big Sur itinerary. Hi MacKenzie! Tina Yen. When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! 9. I cant recommend this place enough! Now part of the Ventana Inn resort. San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea and Big Sur. 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. Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning Next up on your Monterey itinerary is Cannery Row, a waterfront area with old buildings filled with shopping, restaurants, and fun activities such as escape rooms, arcades, and the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. We're currently planning a full trip to the Carmel/ Monterey/ Big Sur area but was wondering if our itinerary is to full? 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! And if theres still orchids and wildflowers out, youll think youre in Hawaii. 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. Fun fact: Bixby Bridge was built 5 years before the road was paved to connect Carmel to San Luis Obispo! 15 Amazing Cheap Vacation Spots in California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Hi Elena! Its about an hour north of Monterey, and its a great place to get lunch or do some shopping. Youll have an amazing time when you visit! Big Sur looks truly incredible. Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! We also really liked the friendly service and beautiful atrium. Which means youll ultimately need to climb back up! Phils Fish Market & Eatery sounds so fun too! Again, thank you! at stops along the way. 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. Bixby Bridge was one of my favorite stops on my Big Sur Itinerary! It ends near San Simeon. We are surrounded by forest. Oh la la, Crepes! Public school whose 1931 auditorium served as Carmel's primary artistic, civic . Dont fret if you dont drink, they have tons of snacks you can eat as well! You wont miss it, promise, as its just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. A great option for lunch in Big Sur is Nepenthe and Cafe Kevah. Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. This romantic drive is one of the best cross country road trip routes that couples must take together! You will definitely get beautiful views here! Drive about 2 miles to get to the ticket booth and have cash with you to pay for the $12 entry fee. It was located in a building that looked like a castle. Answer 11 of 11: Hello I'm hoping for some advice. We are visiting California from the UK in April, a rescheduled trip after we had to cancel in May 2020. Three days would be even better so you can really relax and take your time. Best things to See: Iconic Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point, McWay Falls, Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach. Monterey Itineraries | Things to Do in Monterey | Monterey County CVB 3-Day Dog Friendly Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur Itinerary Cannery Row is filled with boutiques, restaurants and waterfront hotels. They also have bikes you can rent as well. In nearby Monterey, uncrowded beaches like Del Monte Beach . Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Big Sur Road Trip - Includes ALL the Best Viewpoints! I heard from a local that even though Carmel is small, there is always something new to discover and I can definitely believe it. At the time of posting this article, the section of Hwy 1 south of McWay Falls was still closed due to mudslides from 2017. Bring your binoculars for wildlife viewing! 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. Guide contents. From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. (7/15/18), "It's such a kid-friendly area, and I just heard that the entire Hwy 1 is now opened." This state park is absolutely beautiful and is full of wildlife everywhere! There is a small parking area located on the east side of the highway. Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. I repeat, the almond croissant is orgasmic. Day 1: Monterey. 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. The clam chowder here is also amazing! There were cute adorable dogs everywhere. Specializing in travel, lifestyle and fashion. These are the items on our list that we are possibly looking to hit: Highway 1 Mcway Falls Bixby. Monterey Carmel Big Sur Pebble Beach Private Charter by Luxury Vehicle 6 hrs~ 6 hours Hotel pickup offered. Bring water and watch out for poison oak. Where did you drive from? Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur - 3 Days | kimkim This whole road trip looks so picturesque! I was really excited to go here because I hadnt seen redwood trees since I was a little kid. On the opposite side of the road, there is a dirt road known as Old Coast Road. Tours cost $15 per person. The Best California Road Trips & Itineraries | Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur to Santa Barbara California: Places to Visit North America California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara FIRST POSTED: 4th June 2019 | LAST UPDATED: 7th August 2020 9 minute read Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. Hi, Im Jess. 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. You could spend 1-2 hours here and then continue on to Big Sur. Yes, definitely! Loading. Oh, and the bakery has public restrooms available, which is always good to know on a road trip without much service! No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! like a Big Sur Monterey California Coast McWay Falls One Day Tour from San Jose.. Alternatively, you can take the Monterey-Salinas Transit Line 22 from Carmel or Monterey, which will take you all the way to Nepenthe Restaurant when heading south. We also went on the Cyprus Grove Trail and we loved that one too. Then head to California Highway 1 to begin your Big Sur road trip! 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. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! View of Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA Vacation Rental Private vacation home Click here to skip back to the top. Have you seen the photos?! They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well. Youll find a parking lot on the east side of the road with an underground tunnel for walking over to the trail. Big Sur Hotel Guide: Best Luxury Hotels in Big Sur, California | Observer Distance: Approximately 430 miles. 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! . Carmel is one of the most charming and quintessential towns I have ever been to. We enjoyed a little downtime at our hotel. 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. While youre hiking, youll want to have closed-toe shoes with a good grip to keep yourself safe, literally speaking from experience. And so is Nepenthe! 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. Like what you see? Although I can definitely see why its just as beautiful and even the same style! I had never seen succulents that big before! For a delicious Mediterranean style dinner, head over to Dametra Caf. 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!). Many people dont actually realize this, but Big Sur is not an actual city/town for that matter. 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 Within its 12 towns, there's so much to discover in . We rode past Point Pinos Lighthouse and ended up on a trail to Asilomar State Beach. Theres a retro school bus selling ice cream right off the parking lot, which is perfect on a hot day. Bring a blanket and some snacks and plan to stay for awhile. The region is 90 miles long and begins south of Monterey and Santa Cruz. To see ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Big Sur trip itinerary planning site. It could be difficult to drive a large vehicle or RV through this area as it is one lane and very narrow. Ive been to California several times but I still havent visited Big Sur or Monterey. Another thing I loved about Carmel Beach was how dog friendly it was. 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. The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. Hang out on Fishermans Wharf a little longer after dinner and grab a dessert at the Monterey Bay Creamery (right next door to Abalonettis). 4 Golfers. California History Books for Kids. It has an awesome art community, and its one of the most beautiful places in Californiatry the 17-mile scenic drive! 5. Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. 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! Girls Trip: Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur 3 Day Itinerary Thanks for the inspiration to put it on the top of my travel list." This stop is a definite must on your Big Sur Itinerary. Yes, yes, and yes! . The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary for Carmel & Monterey - I Wander Next up on this Big Sur road trip itinerary the Point Sur Lighthouse! When driving from Monterey to Big Sur, youll pass the small seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea. Finding it can be a challenge in itself because the turn is not marked. . Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. Once you get to Pacific Grove, everything is accessible by foot or bike. I know it is a chain, but I had never eaten there before and thought it would be fun to try it out! 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. One of the greatest attractions to this park is McWay Falls, one of two tidefalls* in California. Renting a Car : Note that you'll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. 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. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. Pacific Grove is a small area right on the edge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary about a 10-minute drive from Fishermans Wharf. Of courseeee this is when its most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. Theyve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if youre still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cocktails with a view? They provide the best deals for car rentals in California! You could drive the famous 17-mile Pebble Beach drive en route. Day Two Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. This area is one of my favorites in CA. Why is Big Sur famous? Theyve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas.

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