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 can park at an overlook for great photos of the beach if you do not wish to spend time at the beach. If you live further away you will need to fly to one of Californias major cities. The Big Sur journey from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Simeon is 90 miles long. We are Dhara and Kishore. Thank you! Destinations North America South America Europe Oceania Asia World Map Planning Move Abroad Save Money Lifestyle Eco Travel . Although I can definitely see why its just as beautiful and even the same style! 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). Boasting two heated pools and a Japanese hot tubs, Ventana Big Sur offers spacious rooms and suites. Recommended hiking pants; hiking shorts; hiking skort, hiking dress, hiking leggings. The trail from the parking lot to the beach (or the bluffs), runs parallel to Big Sur River and you can see the mouth of the river as it enters the ocean. That said, you should definitely make as many stops as possible along the way, as there is plenty to explore along the way. Hi! Touring a historic light station. Yes and No. San Francisco is the closest major city, but Los Angeles is another option as well. Drive from Napa to Big Sur - Big Sur Forum - Tripadvisor If you visit in spring, youll be treated to incredible wildflowers all along these trails. The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! You betcha your night will be an unforgettable escape. We suggest doing all three trails! Weve seen folks scramble over and around the boulders to get to the base of the falls, but weve been content to view the cascade from the endpoint of the trail. I now call the U.S. home but you can usually find me wandering the globe with a camera in hand. Your email address will not be published. Definitely dont miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. Look out for them clustered in trees in the early morning, and flying around during the day. With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. How long does it take to drive Big Sur, CA? Next up on this Big Sur road trip itinerary the Point Sur Lighthouse! Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/4th of the time it would take to drive. The McWay Falls Overlook Trail is a good place to be on the lookout for California condors. Theyve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas. The day fee per car is valid for the other Big Sur state parks until sunset, so save the ticket on your dashboard! On this itinerary, you will have time for one hike. If you need to replenish your food supply, Big Sur Deli and General Store opens early in the day and is on the way to Nepenthe Restaurant. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! Note that youll have to walk/hike about 100 steps or so to access the beach. Big Sur is most well known as California's most scenic drive. Pfeiffer Beach is the last sightseeing stop for day one of your Big Sur road trip. The waterfall tumbles 120 feet down the cliff face, and is most powerful in the spring. The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery has a boardwalk trail from which to gape at the masses of seals that cover the beach. Again, theres a toilet here! If you have just one day, or part of a day, dont despair, because you can pick from the many sights to craft your itinerary for the time you can spend here. In every way, shape, and form. I'm planning on seeing the big sur over a day whilst travelling from monterey to stay at the Cambria/Pismo beach area (still undecided) Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, connects the towns of Carmel-By-The-Sea and San Simeon across a 90 mile stretch of gorgeous, undeveloped coastline with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Becca March 15, 2023 - 6:17 am. Planning to explore more of the Golden State? Also consider renting a low clearance vehicle for greater stability on the winding and narrow California Highway 1. Most people are surprised at how little civilization is around here no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. Road Trip From Los Angeles to Big Sur - LazyTrips We have described the Big Sur drive north to south in this article, but it works in reverse as well. We recommend putting aside 2 to 3 days for . A few weeks each winter, a natural phenomenon perfectly lines up sunset through Keyhole Arch, resulting in a magnificent light show (and a photographers dream!) Carmel-by-the-Sea is about a 2-hour drive from San Francisco, and you will find lots of accommodation and dining options in the village. The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach. FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available. Plus there are some roads where you cant take an RV, such as the road to Pfeiffer Beach. This part of the California coast stays pretty mild all year, so you can definitely visit Big Sur year-round. Win-win! The entire area is pricey, so expect to pay big city prices (~$15ish for a cocktail, ~$20-30ish for an entree). Here are my picks and notes, either personally tested by me, or recommended by fellow travelers: Be prepared to spend some big money for dining out in Big Sur. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 12 Stunning Spots on Carmel to Big Sur Road Trip - Dotted Globe The drive from to Big Sur from San Francisco is about 2.5 hours, making it a great day trip option. From hikes to waterfalls and beaches, there is a lot to discover here! So opt for something lightweight like a fleece or pullover. Tidepooling is another popular activity. Reply. My go-to snacks. Day two highlights include hikes in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Limekiln State Park, and photo ops at several beautiful Big Sur waterfalls! Youll also be able to witness sea lions and harbor seals frolicking around on nearby rocks any time of year listen and youll hear them no problem! Planning a trip in July with our three boys and this was super helpful. If you enjoy drinking coffee then its best to bring along a reusable mug or tumbler. Its also worth checking out the Soberanes Point Trails, which you can connect onto from the Park Bluff Trail for a longer hike. Tranquil. Pack some casual and/or nicer outfits if you plan to eat out at restaurants. Recommended Train to Los Angeles, fly to Monterey Take the train from Santa Ana to Los Angeles Looking for more California content? When driving, have Google Maps or Maps.Me handy. The parking lot is large and yes, youll need to pay $10 (a common theme to use the beaches/parks in/near Big Sur). As you drive south from Garrapata Beach, the views continue to be beautiful, and you can make quick stops at Notleys Landing and Rocky Creek Bridge for photos before you arrive at Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most popular stops on the Big Sur Coast drive. Just a few of the things Big Sur is well-known for. Cambria, just a few miles south of San Simeon, is a great place to have dinner and spend the night. Note that the marine layer may obscure views through much of the summer, and even at other times of the year. You dropped this post at the most perfect time my husband and I were in Big Sur this last weekend (4/1-4/4) and were able to reference this awesome itinerary for all the must see spots. Californias epic Big Sur coastline begs to be explored on a road trip. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lovers Point Park, Pavels Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! Continue down the Pacific Coast Highway to McWay Falls, but be sure to stop at the Big Sur Taphouse on your way. Wandering through redwood groves. There's few places in the world that are as beautiful as the area from Carmel to Big Sur. The easiest way to get to Big Sur is by flying into San Francisco. Its important to note that many businesses have shorter opening hours during the off-peak season. Its so nice to just be surrounded by nature and kinda forget about the rest of the world for a little while! We also have a guide on all the best hiking shoes, so dont forget to check that out when shopping for new hiking boots! Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. Other than booking a massage, the only way to enjoy the hot springs is to book a slot during the night public bathing times between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. ), you will need about 3 to 4 hours at Point Lobos State Park. Next, drive for another 55 minutes then stop in San Luis Obispo and stay for 3 hours. Book a stay here! Andrew Molera State Park has a long flat sandy beach that is perfect for walking. Not many out-of-towners know this, but. And theres a reason for it the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! From the southernmost parking lot, take the short Bird Island Trail to a coastal overlook and a small white sand beach in China Cove. Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains. Where Does Big Sur Start and End? Recommended cap; bucket hat; wide brim hat. 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! Flying non-stop from San Jose to Big Sur You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. Of courseeee this is when its most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. Nepenthe is another option nearby for dinner. Back in your car, drive the final scenic stretch of the route into San Simeon to complete your Big Sur road trip. Discover our articles on California towns and cities, national and state parks, beaches and other natural areas, and cultural and historic landmarks. Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so its best to visit Bixby in the early AM! Dress in layers, with a light warm jacket. And the record stands at 28 hours . all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway. It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! If you are up for the challenge, you can choose the Ridge Trail, which runs parallel to the beach and the bluffs trails, at a higher elevation. Its known for its pristine scenery, full of turquoise water, beautifully-designed bridges, rustic hiking trails, and more. Oct. 20, 2022. She hopes to share her love of the Golden State with you, and help you find your own exciting experiences here.