The coastline from Carmel to Big Sur makes up one of North America’s most stunning stretches of coastline. After spending a year in wanderlust over this area, I just returned from spending five fantastic days on a California road trip visiting Carmel by the Sea, Monterey, and Big Sur. I still cannot stop thinking about how beautiful it is.

This Monterey, Big Sur, and Carmel by the Sea itinerary includes the top highlights for a trip along the California central coast.

You will see some of the most gorgeous scenery in the United States.

The itinerary begins with a drive south to take in the magnificent coastline of Big Sur. Then, you will spend time visiting Carmel by the Sea, an artist colony with storybook cottages and high-end shopping. Finally, the trip will end with a visit to Monterey to watch whales, see Cannery Row, and visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Along the way, I’ll recommend great places to stay and eat and points of interest not to miss.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway from San Francisco to Carmel by the Sea or you’re on a family vacation, this Carmel to Big Sur itinerary will check all the boxes.

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Getting To Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur

The nearest airport to Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur is the Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). MRY is located 10 miles east of downtown Monterey and is serviced by major airlines, including United, American, Alaska, and Allegiant.

You can also fly into San Francisco or San Jose. The drive takes between two to two and a half hours to reach Carmel and Monterey. The drive along Highway 1 is scenic but can also be traffic-prone.

You will want to have a car when visiting Carmel by the Sea and exploring the Big Sur coastline to explore at your own pace. Major rental car companies are available at all the airports. I frequently use Hotwire to book my rental cars at a huge discount.

I rented this BMW through Hotwire for $330 for the week. Keep in mind that gas is expensive in California, so budget accordingly.

Overall the area is very drivable, and having your own vehicle makes it easy to visit the highlights along the coast from Carmel to Big Sur. Just be ready for the famous Highway 1 twists and turns as you enjoy the ocean views!

Explore Big Sur

Start your first full day of your Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur itinerary bright and early. After a hearty breakfast, explore Big Sur, and then spend time visiting Carmel by the Sea.

Breakfast at Carmel Highlands

Enjoy being in this majestic area by beginning the first morning of your trip with breakfast and a spectacular view of the ocean at Pacific’s Edge restaurant in the Carmel Highlands.

Part of the Hyatt hotel chain, this restaurant sits on a cliff with both indoor and outdoor seating. The food is pricey but delicious. You cannot beat the view!

If it is a foggy morning, save this restaurant for another day because you won’t want to miss that view.

Instead, try From Scratch in The Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel Valley for an equally amazing breakfast. The Carmel Valley Roasting Co. and Lafayette Bakery are both in this shopping center as well if you want to pick up a warm coffee and delicious pastries for an on-the-go option.

Drive to Big Sur from Carmel

Next, begin your drive along Big Sur.

Big Sur is a spectacular stretch of coastline located along scenic Highway 1 between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon. Known for its dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, waterfalls, beaches, and hiking trails, Big Sur offers countless things to see and do.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Make your first stop at the Point Lobos State Park, just a short ten-minute drive from Carmel. Admission into the park is $10 per car.

The reserve has gorgeous coastal landscapes inside Point Lobos, with hidden coves and forests to discover. There are amazing, easy-to-moderate oceanfront hiking trails to admire the beautiful cypress groves and coastal landscapes.

You could spend an entire afternoon here enjoying the trails and scenic views. The sounds of the waves crashing on the rocks are mesmerizing.

Don’t wait too long to arrive here, or you risk not being allowed entrance. The park is popular, and once capacity is reached, you must park on the street and walk in.

In the afternoon, continue your drive along Big Sur from Carmel.

As you drive, there are clear areas to pull off the Pacific Coast Highway to enjoy hikes and scenic overlooks.

Garrapata State Park

One of my favorite stops along Big Sur is the Garrapata State Park. It’s a six-minute drive from Point Lobos, just past Malpaso Creek Beach.

The Garrapata State Park sign is not very large, so you may drive right past if you are not attentive. The only designated parking is a parking strip right off the road.

A circular gravel walking path winds along the water’s edge with spectacular water views mixed in with flowered fields and rocks. As with most of this area, its beauty is difficult to portray in words.

The hike is short; you can complete it in thirty minutes, but it is worth your time.

Bixby Bridge

The next stop leads you to Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed places along Highway 1. The bridge was built in 1932 and is featured in the credits of HBO’s Big Little Lies with Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman.

The pull-off sneaks up on you when you drive to Big Sur from Carmel. This spot is popular, though, so you will most likely know you are there when you see all the cars parked on the side of the highway.

You can either park in the pull-off by the road or pull into a small lot. Be careful in this area.

Other Big Sur Attractions

In all transparency, we turned around after the Bixby Bridge.

It was getting late, and we were not familiar with the drive enough to drive at night. Plus, signs had indicated part of Highway 1 was closed due to a rockslide, so we erred on the side of caution.

If you have more time, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park was recommended to us by other hikers in Point Lobos. It has two popular attractions, which include a secluded beach with purple sand and McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that flows directly onto the beach.

I was bummed we also missed out on visiting Nepenthe, a popular restaurant perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. I guess it’s another reason to return!

Finish off day one of your Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur itinerary with an early dinner in Carmel by the Sea before heading back to your hotel.

Explore Carmel and the 17-Mile Drive

Carmel has three distinct areas that are all within a short distance of each other – Carmel Valley, Carmel Highlands, and Carmel by the Sea.

You will find high-end resorts among rolling hills in Carmel Valley, along with wine tasting rooms and restaurants in the Carmel Valley Village.

Carmel Highlands runs along the Pacific Ocean with sprawling homes and oceanfront accommodations.

Finally, Carmel by the Sea is a charming village with shops, restaurants, and inns.

Breakfast at Carmel Mission Ranch

Enjoy another outstanding breakfast today. Overlook the ocean and grazing sheep while dining at Clint Eastwood’s Carmel Mission Ranch Restaurant. Not only will you enjoy gorgeous views of the Pacific, but the food here is fantastic, especially the California omelet.

Carmel Mission Basilica is close by. Stop here when you leave the restaurant and take in the amazing architecture and history of this building. It’s California’s first stone and brick mission dating back to 1771.

Next, enjoy a day in Carmel by the Sea.

Visiting Carmel By The Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an upscale but casual village known for its stunning natural scenery, picturesque cottages, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s as welcoming to humans as it is to their pets.

When visiting Carmel by the Sea, park along one of the streets off Ocean Avenue and set out on foot. Carmel by the Sea is very walkable.

The Carmel by the Sea Visitor Center is in Carmel Plaza at the northern end of Ocean Avenue. Stop in for a map, directions, and other information.

The first thing you will notice is the whimsical architecture of the shops. It’s like walking through a storybook fairytale setting with cobblestone passageways, curved chimneys, and greenery filling the scene.

Explore the Carmel art throughout the village and enjoy stepping into the many art galleries.

Go window shopping along Ocean Avenue, where you will find many high-end boutiques. There are also a few souvenir-type shops but expect to pay around $30 or more for t-shirts.

After wandering through the over forty hidden passageways and courtyards to find the cutest shops, coffee houses, and small nooks, walk down Ocean Ave. toward Carmel Beach.

Carmel Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in California, with sugar-soft white sand. End your day with a beautiful sunset walk along the water.

Places to Eat When Visiting Carmel by the Sea

You won’t find fast food restaurants or chain retail shops in Carmel by the Sea. Not having these types of stores helps to maintain its charm.

There are so many fantastic dining options for all budgets to indulge in an amazing meal while visiting Carmel by the Sea.

Highlights include Aubergine at L’Auberge, La Bicyclette for classic European country cuisine, and The Tuck Box, a restaurant in Carmel since the 1930s for sandwiches, salads, and afternoon tea.

The list could go on and on to include spots like Carmel Bakery, Carmel’s oldest-running retail business, to enjoy pastries and coffee to Tommy’s Wok for some of the best pork pot stickers I’ve ever eaten.

With its storybook cottages, top-notch cuisine, natural beauty, and relaxed sophistication, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a delight to explore.

17-Mile Drive

One of the highlights in the Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur area is the drive along the coastline in and around the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.

This 17-mile scenic coastal drive along the famous route through Pebble Beach is spectacular. Stop at lookout points along the cliffs and see famous golf courses, mansions, and iconic sights like the Lone Cypress tree, the inspiration for Pebble Beach’s famed logo.

There are several entrances to the 17-mile drive, but you will use the entrance closest to Carmel by the Sea.

You will need to stop at the Welcome Gate to pay an entrance fee, which is around $12. The fee will get credited back to you if you dine at one of the Pebble Beach Resort restaurants. Make sure you hold onto your receipt.

The attendant will give you a map of the seventeen stops along the drive and send you on your way. The 17-mile drive is clearly marked both on the road and with signs.

You are in for a treat as you spend the next few hours witnessing amazing ocean views and countryside.

Your drive ends with a stop at the Pebble Beach Resort.

Pebble Beach Golf Links, situated along the stunning coastline of California’s Monterey Peninsula, is renowned as one of the world’s most picturesque and iconic golf courses.

Surprisingly, you can walk around the resort area, visit the Pebble Beach Visitor’s Center, go shopping, and even watch golfers finish at the 18th hole.

Its breathtaking ocean views, challenging layout, and rich history, including hosting multiple U.S. Opens and other prestigious tournaments, make it a bucket-list destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Dinner by the Golf Course

Finish your evening by having dinner at the Inn at Spanish Bay, one of Pebble Beach’s many resorts. Arrange your schedule so that you can arrive near sunset for one of the most amazing experiences.

Every evening, as the sun sets, a bagpiper strolls along the golf course, signaling its closure in adherence to the Scottish tradition.

Request a table outdoors near the firepits for a delightful conclusion to your night.

Listening to the bagpiper play as the sun sets is truly a magnificent way to wrap up the evening.

A Monterey Itinerary

When you plan your Carmel to Big Sur trip, add a day for Monterey. Known for its beautiful coastline, historic old town, and world-class aquarium, you won’t want to miss seeing this town.

The sunrise on Monterey Bay is phenomenal. If you are an early riser, you won’t want to miss it.

Monterey Bay is home to some of the best whale watching in the United States. I highly recommend taking a whale-watching tour.

Before boarding your whale-watching boat, have breakfast at nearby Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle, explore Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and check out the sea lions.

After your whale-watching tour, have lunch on the pier, browse Cannery Row, and visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium to see the marine life up close.

Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Old Fisherman’s Wharf is where the Monterey whale watching tours board. I highly recommend taking a whale-watching tour out of Monterey. It is absolutely unbelievable to see these magnificent creatures up close.

You can also wander along the historic wooden pier and watch the fishing boats come and go.

Many souvenir shops line the pier if you want to pick up some touristy gifts.

Stop for a bite at one of the many dining spots serving fresh seafood like these scrumptious meals and drinks at The Crab House.

Finally, be on the lookout for the sea lions that play and bark in the water below the pier. You will definitely hear them.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of Monterey’s main attractions is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This massive aquarium is one of the largest in the world and features over 35,000 animals and 620 species.

Walk through aviaries, touch pools, the kelp forest, and get up close to sea otters, sharks, and other marine life.

Don’t miss feeding times to see divers hand-feed fish and learn about the animals.

Cannery Row

Take a stroll down this lively oceanfront street made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name.

Spend the evening strolling the street lined with restaurants, shops, wine-tasting rooms, and boutique hotels housed in former canneries.

Visit Nearby Pacific Grove

When you leave Cannery Row and the Aquarium, take advantage of one of the most beautiful coastal recreation trails connecting the Aquarium to nearby Pacific Grove attractions.

The Coastal Trail is a paved path along the Pacific Ocean with incredible views.

The path links to the 17-mile drive that you can explore on electric bikes, a popular way to see the area.

As you make your way along the trail, stop at California’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse in Pacific Grove, the Point Pinos Lighthouse. The lighthouse dates back to 1855.

The lighthouse has limited hours open to the public, but if you are lucky enough to visit when it is open, you can climb to the top for panoramic views over the Pacific.

The surrounding Point Pinos Nature Preserve also has scenic trails through the dunes.

Pacific Grove Butterfly Sanctuary

Another excellent stop near the recreation trail is the Pacific Grove Butterfly Sanctuary.

Nestled along the way, this enchanting spot offers a unique opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of thousands of monarch butterflies in their natural habitat. The monarchs gather here beginning in each October as they migrate south for the winter.

Stroll through the tranquil grove as you admire the clusters of the vibrant colors of these delicate creatures. You will often find volunteers with binoculars that you can use, but when I went, binoculars weren’t needed. It’s such a peaceful and mesmerizing experience.

Dinner Along Alvarado Street

End your evening in Monterey at one of the many restaurants along Alvarado Street. The area is lively and bright, with stringed lights adorning the street.

Consider Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill, Cibo Ristorante Italiano, or the Esteban Restaurant at Casa Munras.

We also ate at Osteria al Mare on Cannery Row, which is fantastic Italian and seafood.

Places to Stay in Carmel and Big Sur

A wide variety of lodging options, from quaint inns to lavish oceanfront resorts, are available when visiting Carmel by the Sea.

Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur are near each other, so you can stay in one and venture out on day trips for your trip’s entirety. I have stayed in Carmel Valley and Monterey, and both areas are convenient to see California’s central coast.

Where you stay will depend largely on your budget. Expect to pay much more in Carmel and Big Sur than in Monterey.

Here are some top lodging options to consider for your Carmel to Big Sur getaway:

More Recommended Carmel by the Sea Lodging

• La Playa Carmel – La Playa is a popular resort in Carmel. It’s within walking distance of some of Carmel’s best restaurants. In addition, a stay here includes a complimentary breakfast buffet in the mornings as well as complimentary wine tasting and cookies in the afternoons.
• Normandy Inn & Cottages – Situated just steps from Carmel Beach and along the iconic Ocean Avenue, this charming inn offers cozy accommodations with a touch of coastal elegance.
• Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave – Guests are treated to a complimentary Continental Champagne Breakfast with Rise + Roam Bakery pastries, homemade cookies, and bedside chocolates. The hotel also offers house bicycles for exploration and hosts curated Social Happy Hours featuring regional wines, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and local artisan programming.

More Recommended Monterey Lodging

• Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – This hotel offers breathtaking views of the bay and luxurious accommodations perfect for a relaxing getaway. With its prime location near Cannery Row and exceptional spa services, it provides a serene and indulgent experience for guests exploring the beauty of Monterey.
• Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay – The Portola Hotel is in a fantastic location and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and most Monterey attractions. Ask for a room with a harbor view.

Monterey definitely has more accommodations, but if I had the money to spend on a more expensive hotel, I would choose one in Carmel rather than Monterey.

To me, Monterey was touristy, whereas Carmel to Big Sur felt more like a vacation.

Best Time for Visiting Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, and Monterey

The Central California Coast offers year-round appeal, each season providing unique highlights.

In spring, the crowds are smaller, and hotel rates are lower. The weather is mild, and wildflowers are in bloom. The whale-watching season also extends into spring.

Beach weather makes summer peak season. Book lodging well in advance. Keep in mind coastal fog is common in summer. The pace can be slower in the quaint coastal towns.

Warm sunny days and cooler nights make fall a wonderful time to visit. The summer crowds have left, but the whale-watching season continues into November. Fall foliage arrives later than in other parts of the country.

You may continue to see whales in Monterey Bay in winter. Rates are lower but some restaurants and hotels reduce hours or close for the season. Storm watching can be dramatic along the coast.

Spring and fall shoulder seasons may provide the best blend of great weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices along the Central California Coast.

Sample Five-Day Carmel to Big Sur Itinerary

To experience the magic of this region for yourself, use the sample 5-day itinerary in this guide to plan your own Central Coast road trip adventure.

Conclusion

California’s Central Coast is a stunningly beautiful area with charming small towns, dramatic coastlines, and plenty of great activities, making it a perfect getaway destination.

Enjoy the laidback vibes and upscale offerings when visiting Carmel-by-the-Sea. Explore historic attractions and sample fresh seafood in Monterey County. Take in the magnificent scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway in Big Sur.

With quaint inns, nice weather year-round, and world-class culinary and outdoor experiences, a Carmel to Big Sur trip delivers an unforgettable California escape.

You can’t go wrong with so much to see and do in Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur. With this ultimate guide, you’ll discover plenty of highlights and hidden gems.

Enjoy unlocking the beauty and wonders of California’s captivating Central Coast!