Not many out-of-towners know this, but. 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! Monterey and Big Sur are two beautiful coastal areas in California with offerings of nature, small-town feels, and cool weather. Carmel Itineraries Monterey Peninsula Carmel Chamber of Commerce The only downside to visiting in the summertime is that July and August are the foggiest months. 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. 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. As you arrive, drive straight to the Sea Lion Point parking lot and you can start on the trail there, Cypress Grove Trail. This can be easily done as a weekend trip out from the Bay Area or as part of a wider trip tracing California's coastline. 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. This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south). They are a definite must on any Big Sur Itinerary. Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! Start your drive down the coast with snacks from Carmel Highlands General Store. Since it was already the middle of the day, there were no parking spots down by the beach. 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. Parking is open all along the street and a parking lot is also located on the south side of Cannery Row. Thank you! While youll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most! 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. The 45 minute drive can last all day as you delight in the views (and the cuisine!) When researching where to eat, I had Forge in the Forest recommend several times. Now you can sit and relax in the car a bit as you head south to Big Sur. California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara Day 1: Monterey. At the time of posting this article, the section of Hwy 1 south of McWay Falls was still closed due to mudslides from 2017. 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! 7 Best Stops on the San Francisco to Big Sur Road Trip - The World Was 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. Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. Big Sur is most popular between April and October, when the weather is at its nicest. We also really liked the friendly service and beautiful atrium. Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. Your attention to detail and organization truly made the trip come alive for me as I read about it. In his restaurant, youll see rows of pastries lining the front of his shop and cafe au lait to go, too! I love how comprehensive this is Monterery and Big Sur look like such BEAUTIFUL places ! Fishermans Wharf is full of cute candy shops and tons of Clam Chowder restaurants! Monterey is a quaint, small town with attractions such as Fishermans Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium. We chose the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. If youre not in a rush on your Big Sur road trip, why not make the extra stop? Like what you see? Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. 2 hr ago . Day 6: Santa Ynez Valley to Los Angeles. Itineraries: Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur In a nutshell, this drive is all about the jaw-dropping scenery of the Pacific Coast. California Coast Day 3: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, & Pismo I saw many of them while riding my bike on the Pacific Coastal Trail and just rode down a particular street if I saw any that looked really interesting! Day 2: Santa Cruz to Carmel. And theres a reason for it the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. This part of the bike trail was a lot busier. Details. Morning You can stop in Santa Cruz if youd like. Again, theres a toilet here! I heard a few state parks in Big Sur are open now! 2-Day Big Sur Itinerary: 25 Best Things To Do For An Epic Road Trip In 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. Theres a retro school bus selling ice cream right off the parking lot, which is perfect on a hot day. There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. En route, you'll pitstop on the Monterey Peninsula before snaking along through the wilderness of Big Sur. We would like to thank Big Sur Adventures for providing discounted tickets for us to experience their e-bike tour. Besides Abalonettis another one of our favorite restaurants in this area is Phils Fish Market & Eatery. There is memorabilia from the movies all over! There are so many scenic look outs to stop at so feel free to stop as much as you want along the way! When you are ready, continue on your drive towards Pfeiffer Beach. 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 If you want a taste of France in sweet Monterey, Paris Bakery is your go-to spot! Three types of whales frequent the Big Sur coastline: If youre visiting Big Sur in the winter months between October and December, youre in for a real treat tons of monarch butterflies! I recommend booking your whale-watching tickets in advance. Its about an hour north of Monterey, and its a great place to get lunch or do some shopping. Big Sur looks truly incredible. The official name of the Carmel Mission is Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo. What a wonderful place you get to call home. Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. Central Coast Region | @KnowLabs | Flipboard 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 . Located about two hours south of San Francisco and about five hours north of Los Angeles, this rugged coastline is famous for many things. Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. We ended up booking the Hideaway an adorable boutique hotel. Discover Monterey Bay & Big Sur | Road Scholar Miles of misty coastline. I saw sea otters, seals and dolphins! When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail is an 18-mile trail that runs from Pacific Grove up north to Castroville and alongside the old Southern Pacific Railway. Distance: 143 miles, 3 hours. Weve always been planning to do a road trip in this part of California, so will be bookmarking this. And if you venture a bit further south from the city before you hit Carmel, you can enjoy the splendours of the 17-mile-drive a coastal route that is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the entirety of the US. Again, thank you! Thank you for this helpful resource. I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! Pick-up from centrally located hotels between 7:30am - 8:30am Duration: 11 hours Transportation: Comfortable Motorcoach Includes: Complimentary pickup/dropoff from centrally located hotels Guide contents. This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! On arrival, our room wasnt quite ready so we had lunch at the hotels restaurant and I got clam chowder in a bread bowl! Thanks for stopping by! Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. Distance: Approximately 430 miles. McWay Falls You could spend 1-2 hours here and then continue on to Big Sur. It was located in a building that looked like a castle. We drove all the way south to the furthest location we wanted to see and then worked our way back north. March 3, 2023. Absolute paradise, albeit rather crowded at times. The drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Simeon is 2 hours and 20 minutes of curvy, cliff-side driving. The banana bread is great too, but now that weve had the almond croissant, I dont think well ever be getting anything else. The Whisky Club in Monterey hosts trivia on the first and third Thursday each . The Big Sur River Inn is located about half way through the Big Sur viewpoints and a great spot to stop for lunch! Located just a smidge south of Pfieffer beach is Big Sur Bakery, which is actually a 1930s ranch-style home. Although I can definitely see why its just as beautiful and even the same style! The airport is small and easy to navigate. There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. Psst: When people say theyre hiking to McWay Falls, theyre really just casually strolling down a paved path. 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. Epic Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary: Explore California's Pacific Coast Yes please! There are so many places in this area to pick for dinner. Its known for its pristine scenery, full of turquoise water, beautifully-designed bridges, rustic hiking trails, and more. Homewood Suites by Hilton in San Jose Four Points by Sheraton Hotels in San Jose Aloft Hotels in San Jose InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in San Jose Extended Stay America Hotels in San Jose Residence Inns in San Jose Choice Hotels in San Jose Best Western Hotels in San Jose Motel 6 Hotels in San Jose Fairfield Inns in San Jose Four Points by Sheraton Hotels Afternoon The people that worked there were friendly and gave us a map of the nearby trail and tips on places they recommended seeing. This was a great place to end the day in Carmel. End: Mammoth Lakes. We definitely have gone back multiple times and found new places to explore every time! Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 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! If you have time for more hiking and want to explore more of the Big Sur area on foot, check out this link for ideas. Being Big Surs largest beach, as long as the tide is low, youll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. And get there early the tours only accommodate 40 people! Then head over to the Carmel Mission. Its such a pretty area! Carmel is a quaint, coastal town in California, known for its fairytale-like cottages, top notch restaurants, and proximity to the beach. The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! Youll see a big yellow sign that says NARROW ROAD: NO RVs OR TRAILERS. Go down that road! For a special end to your day, drive over to the Spanish Inn to listen to the live bagpipe player, and sip a glass of wine as you watch the sunset. Begin your day with a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Caf Lumiere in Monterey. Options for Dinner on Your Monterey Itinerary, Added Excursions for Your Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary, Map of Places for Your Monterey and Big Sur Road Trip, Where to Stay on Your Monterey and Big Sur Road Trip, More Places to Eat on Your Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary, Phils Fish Market & Eatery in Moss Landing, What to Pack for Your Monterey and Big Sur Road Trip, FAQs About Your Monterey and Big Sur Itinerary. It is the perfect place to fill up on gas and get any last minute snacks. Note that parking costs $10 to enter the park, Gray Whales: December to February (migrating south to Mexico), and February to April (returning north; easier to spot as they are closer to the shore), Humpback Whales: late April to early December, With that being said, the hotels in Big Sur really are quite special, and if you can splurge for one night on your. Ive been to California several times but I still havent visited Big Sur or Monterey. Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. 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! Not happening. 9. The Perfect Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary, Wizarding World of Harry Potter | Perfect Itinerary, Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party | Top 10, Utah in the Winter | 11 Magical Things to Do, Best Things to do in Jacksonville Florida, 20 Top Things to do in Iceland- The Ultimate Bucket List, Things to do in Kauai | Perfect Itinerary, Things to do in Seoul, South Korea | Top 20, Baja Cantina & Grill- quirky inside and outside, Mission Ranch Restaurant- popular spot for Brunch. Pin it for later or share it! If you are into golfing, the 17 mile drive also has the world famous Pebble 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. You will arrive at Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California. Word spread and a large Chinese community settled in Point Lobos where today you can visit one of their homes turned museum, Whalers Cabin. One weekend is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur along Highway 1. 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 Bubba Gumps has such a fun atmosphere that seems to mesh perfectly with Monterrey! We booked in advance and it was about $31 a day before adding gas and insurance if you want. I am a huge fan of aquariums! They have a nice cafeteria there for lunch. A girls gotta eat, am I right? 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! Purple sand (yup!). I loved seeing the open sea, the jelly fish and the really adorable sea otters! 2023 CalQIC Annual Conference - Monterey County We decided the best way to get there was the scenic route! $8,790.00 USD per person. If youve had enough of driving on your road trip, you can park near Carmel beach and walk the scenic path. I had seen pictures of Mcway Falls for many years and had always dreamed of seeing them with my own eyes. Saving this guide for later! Its such a unique spot on the coastline, and its only a .25 mile hike to get there! How to Spend One Day in Big Sur: Day Trip Guide from the Bay Area 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. McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. 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. These 10 Hidden Gems Are California's Best-kept Secrets Then head to California Highway 1 to begin your Big Sur road trip! Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. This park also offers several other hikes depending on how long you would like to spend your afternoon here. 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. Small and cozy and rustic and delicious. Click here to skip back to the top. The hottest month in Monterey is September when high temperatures are around 67F and lows are 55F. And I do love my crab from Phils! Hearst Castle Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz. *Tidefall = a waterfall that drops directly into the ocean (I didnt know either). I was in awe the entire time. From here, you can make a decision on what youre feeling but here are some recommendations! Hi Shafinah! Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. 8 Best California Road Trips | Big Sur to Sierras - Leisure I had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! Montereys Fishermans Wharf is an iconic stop for your Monterey itinerary. 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!) Dont go during the rain or after its just rained as the road is all dirt and can get quite muddy at times. 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. 35 of the Best Road Trips and Weekend Getaways from San Francisco
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