The Perfect 3-Day Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur Itinerary

Want to see the best parts of California’s Pacific Coast Highway in 3 days? Instead of rushing through Highway 1 from north to south, here’s a 3-day itinerary for exploring Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur.

It can be challenging to plan out the logistics of where to stay and what to do on each day, so my goal is to help you spend 3 days fruitfully.

Initially, we planned this itinerary for our friends who were visiting from abroad so that they could see Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur. It turned out to be so much fun, so I know that this is the perfect way for you to see some of California’s best beach towns and scenic coastal drives.

For each day in this itinerary, you’ll find my suggestions on things to do and where to eat. In addition, I also share some tips on where to park and other considerations to help you prepare for the trip.

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Overview of our Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Itinerary

Monterey and 17-Mile Drive (Day 1)

• World-class aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, scenic stops along 17-Mile Drive

Big Sur road trip stops (Day 2)

• McWay Falls, Partington Cove, scenic picnics, Garrapata State Park sunset

Point Lobos and Carmel (Day 3)

• Cypress Grove Trail, China Cove, dining in Carmel, sunset at the beach

Where to stay – Monterey vs Carmel

Since Monterey and Carmel are located just beside each other, it can be a tough decision between these two towns.

Note: You can also find accommodations in Big Sur but they are a bit more out of the way.

Best hotels in Monterey and Pacific Grove

• Pros: More affordable and more options in Monterey
• Cons: Only the touristy parts of Monterey are interesting, while Pacific Grove can be pricey

For this itinerary, I recommend staying in Monterey as it’s generally cheaper there and it’s just an easy 15-minutes to Carmel. Since you’ll be outside exploring for most of the day, the hotel itself might not matter much. If you’re specifically looking for a coastal view with amazing dining nearby, consider one of the B&Bs in Pacific Grove.

Best hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea

• Pros: Close to restaurants and shops since Carmel is very walkable, charming vibe throughout the town
• Cons: Generally more expensive than Monterey

However, location-wise Carmel is more charming than Monterey and provides closer access to Big Sur. One of the advantages of booking a stay in Carmel is that you can head back to rest before watching the sunset, instead of having to find a cafe to stop at. It is also extremely walkable so you’ll have plenty to do even after a whole day of driving.

Day 1: Monterey and 17-Mile Drive

Our road trip from Monterey to Carmel to Big Sur goes from north to south. Day 1 will be spent in Monterey as we have our first taste of the gorgeous California coast.

Starting the road trip at Monterey

If you’re visiting from outside California, you’ll want to fly in to either SFO (San Francisco ) or SJC (San Jose) airport. San Jose is about 25 miles closer to Monterey, but some international airlines only fly to San Francisco.

It takes about 1.5 hours to get to Monterey from SJC, or about 2 hours from SFO.

• If you’d like to pass by Santa Cruz, you can take Highway 17 (cuts through the mountains) and then drive southwards via Highway 1.
• Alternatively, simply take Highway 101 southwards which will eventually meet Highway 1 near the coast.

Make sure you rent a car in advance to lock in the best prices. I usually use RentalCars to shop around because they list many options on their platform. You can also check out my article about California car rental tips so that you’ll be prepared for a worry-free road trip.

Check car rental prices below ⬇️

Whale watching in Monterey

One of the best activities to do in Monterey is whale watching, because the submarine canyon sits just a couple of miles off the coast.

The best time to see whales is between December to May, and typically these would be Gray Whales, Sperm Whales, Orcas and Killer Whales at this time. If you’re visiting in summer and fall (May to November), you might even get to see the Blue Whale!

• Winter to early spring: Gray Whales
• Summer: Humpback Whales
• Summer to fall: Blue Whales
• All year: Orcas

Here are some of the top tours you can find in Monterey. If you don’t want to think too much after arriving in Monterey, going on a tour helps to ease your mind about handling additional logistics on the first day.

Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, Monterey Aquarium

The Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular tourist attraction with a vibrant waterfront area full of shops and restaurants. It might be a good time for those with a sweet tooth to stock up on salt water taffy.

Next, visit Cannery Row, a historic street that was once booming during Monterey’s sardine-packing era. Over time, these old structures have been converted to house restaurants, art galleries, and other upscale boutique shops.

If you have more time, consider visiting the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. The exhibits take you beneath the waves to admire this amazing underwater habitat. It has the world’s first kelp forest and you can look forward to the huge jellyfish displays.

Pacific Grove and Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary

Moving onto the edge of the Monterey Bay Peninsula, we have Pacific Grove which has a ton of nice houses and Victorian-style buildings. If you’re looking to have a picnic or just take a walk, consider hanging out at Lovers Point Park. In addition, Asilomar Beach is open to the public and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean here.

If you’re visiting in late fall or winter, I recommend visiting the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary to see the overwintering butterflies. This is one of the 3 best places to view Monarch butterflies in California, and you can learn about their fascinating migratory patterns too.

17-Mile Drive scenic stops

Running short on time? Then skip everything above and just check out the 17-Mile Drive. Entrance fees are $11.25 per vehicle, but if you were to walk or cycle in you don’t need to pay.

It starts from Pacific Grove and ends just before Carmel-by-the-Sea at Pebble Beach. I recommend coming here at sunset because everything just looks so much more magical during golden hour.

Our route goes from north to south, but you can also go the other direction if you prefer. There are many different stops along the 17-Mile Drive, though my favorite ones are nearer the Pacific Grove side. Here are some of them:

• Moss Beach
• Point Joe Vista Point
• China Rock Vista Point
• Bird Rock Vista Point
• Fanshell Beach

One of the popular stops here is the Lone Cypress. It’s named after the over 250-year-old Cypress tree and sits atop a rocky stump in the middle of the waves. With the sunset just behind it, you’ll see its silhouette against the ocean. No wonder it’s one of the most photographed trees in North America.

• Starting point: “Pacific Grove Gate” on Google Maps

Dinner and groceries

If all that adventuring as gotten you craving for seafood, Passionfish is a must-try restaurant located in Pacific Grove. You might need to make a reservation here because it’s really popular. Alternatively, head down to Carmel-by-the-Sea to check out the food scene.

Nearer to Monterey, you can find more affordable dining options including Rosine’s, Fieldwork Brewing Company, and even Chipotle.

Since we’ll be going to Big Sur the next day, let’s stock up on some food for a picnic lunch. It gets quite expensive to eat out in Big Sur, so picnic lunches are a great alternative. You’re also almost guaranteed a good view during your meal, so why not? There are also very few amenities within Big Sur, so make sure to bring enough water for the day too.

Day 2: Big Sur road trip stops

Big Sur is a huge coastal region on the central California coast between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon. In my opinion, the best parts of any Big Sur road trip are concentrated in the northern region. That’s exactly where we’re going on Day 2!

As you make your way down Highway 1 along Big Sur, you’ll pass by many scenic stops and historic bridges including Bixby Creek Bridge. You can definitely go with the flow here, so I’ll just highlight some of the places I think are worth spending a longer time at.

Breakfast at Big Sur Bakery

To make the best use of our time in Big Sur, we’ll make a stop at a cozy cafe here for breakfast.

Big Sur Bakery has delicious pastries and other baked goodies that are so tempting even though it’s a little pricey. They also have coffee to go along with your breakfast.

It’s tucked away on a slight incline and hidden under the trees, away from the road noise. Make sure to get there early because the breakfast items tend to run out by late morning.

There are both indoor and outdoor seating areas, but if it gets too busy you can just grab your breakfast to go. You can even head to Pfeiffer Beach early and chill there with your breakfast.

• Parking: Along the slope before Big Sur Bakery – coordinates (36.236138, -121.769100)

Pfeiffer Beach

Next, let’s take a short 10-minute drive down to Pfeiffer Beach for an easy walk. It is known to have purple sand due to washed down manganese particles after rain. In addition, it is a popular spot for photography especially in winter when the sunset shines through the Keyhole Arch Rock.

To get here, you’ll have to look out for Sycamore Canyon Road which is not very obvious while you’re driving towards it. It takes you downhill through a bumpy road for 2 miles. At the end of it there will be a small parking lot for Pfeiffer Beach.

In my experience, you need to go to Pfeiffer Beach really early in the morning especially during peak summer periods and weekends. If the parking gets filled up, rangers might put up a sign blocking cars from entering or turn you away at the entrance. Alternatively, you can park elsewhere and walk in if you’re up for it.

• Parking: “Parking | Pfeiffer Beach” on Google Maps

McWay Falls

If going to Pfeiffer Beach doesn’t work out, let’s move on to McWay Falls to admire the iconic Big Sur landmark. McWay Falls is a 80-foot tall waterfall that cascades directly onto the beach, and sometimes even into the sea at high tide.

As a fun fact – McWay Falls is one of the only two waterfalls in California that directly empties into the ocean. The other one is Alamere Falls in Point Reyes National Seashore.

There’s currently no way to get to the beach safely, and in fact it’s illegal to do so. Hence, the best way to enjoy this view is via the McWay Falls Overlook Trail. Although it will look best here during golden hour, it’s more practical to fit this in as a mid-day activity for this part of the itinerary.

To get to the parking area, navigate to McWay Waterfall Trailhead and look out for the sign on a rock wall that says “McWay Canyon Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park”. Parking costs $10 per car for day use, though you can park along the roadside for free and walk in too.

• Parking: “McWay Waterfall Trailhead” on Google Maps

Partington Cove hike

If you love a little bit of adventure, I think you’ll enjoy this easy 1.1-mile round trip hike to Partington Cove. It actually involves walking downhill into the Partington Canyon, and splits up into 3 different side quests. This AllTrails map gives you an idea of what I’m talking about.

The first fork goes straight into the trees and ends promptly as it meets Partington Creek. Here you’ll see a mini waterfall, which obviously pales in comparison to McWay Falls so let’s turn back and explore the next path.

The second fork is goes through the rocky cliff through a tunnel and opens up to a trail that runs along the side of Partington Cove. Once again, the seawater is turquoise in color it amazes me every time. As you walk all the way to the end, you’ll find a bench and the remnants of an old dock that was once played a role in timber shipments.

Finally, the third fork leads you all the way down to a rocky and pebble-filled cove. Remember to keep a safe distance from the waves as they can get big sometimes, and the terrain makes it difficult to move away quickly.

• Parking: Roadside parking near “Partington Cove Trailhead” on Google Maps

Lunch options in Big Sur

Nepenthe: This gets recommended all the time because of the iconic ocean views from the restaurant. If you don’t mind splurging a bit, check out Nepenthe where you can dine on the edge of the cliff. Reservations are recommended, and you can check this live weather view to know what kind of view to expect.

Coast Big Sur: Believe it or not, Coast Big Sur is actually housed in a converted water tank and features both an art gallery and a cafe. It’s most well known for its unique appearance and rooftop seating that overlooks the ocean. They’ve got healthy bowls, sandwiches, ice cream, tea and coffee, though they’re also on the pricey side as far as cafes go.

Big Sur Deli: This is a no frills grocery store in Big Sur where you can grab a sandwich from the fridge to go. If you’re on a budget and did not bring any food from Monterey, you can check out this option.

Bring your own lunch: My favorite way to have lunch in Big Sur is to have pita with a chicken salad at a turnout of my choosing. It’s nice to just sit at the back of your car to eat while enjoying the view, and is quite fun if you’re doing this with friends.

Henry Miller Memorial Library

This cultural stop is dedicated to the famous author, Henry Miller, who was well known for his controversial works. You can browse the outdoor art, books available for purchase, and even watch some live events. It has a quiet and artistic ambience which I did not expect.

Garrapata State Park

Finally, as we wind down for the day, I recommend a visit to Garrapata State Park where you can hike on short trails that take you along the coastal bluff. My favorite one is the trail to Soberanes Point and Whale Point, where you get to see the road and the sea at the same time.

From here, you’ll get a panoramic view of the landscape and watch as the golden sun rays hit the sides of the bluff. It’s an amazing spot for sunset and we even saw a couple getting engaged here!

Nearby, you might also get to see tons of flowers at the Calla Lily Valley, especially from spring onwards. This gorgeous and relaxing state park marks the end of our Big Sur day trip from Carmel, and it’s time to head back for dinner.

• Parking: Roadside parking near “Soberanes Point Trails Trailhead” and “Soberanes Point Trails: Gate 8” on Google Maps

Day 3: Point Lobos and Carmel

The combination of Point Lobos and Carmel-by-the-Sea in close proximity allows you to enjoy both a charming beach town while still being close to the rugged coastal landscape. Here’s how I suggest spending your last day exploring these places.

Point Lobos hikes and viewpoints

Rise and shine! Grab a coffee at your nearby cafe, such as Captain + Stoker in Monterey, and we’ll head straight to Point Lobos State Natural Preserve. We’ll need to have an early start (ideally before 9am) so that we won’t be scrambling for parking.

If you’re up for a longer hike, the Point Lobos Loop Trail takes you along the perimeter of Point Lobos so you’ll visit a variety of major viewpoints and history-rich coves. Going in an anti-clockwise direction on the loop, my favorites are Whaler’s Cabin, Cypress Grove Trail, Sea Lion Point, and China Cove. Realistically, it takes between 3 to 4 hours to complete because you’ll be stopping for photos often.

For a shorter hike, you can drive all the way in to any part of Point Lobos you like (after paying the entrance fee) and take a short walk from there. If there’s one hike you should definitely go for, that’s the famous Cypress Grove Trail (1 mile, approximately 30 minutes). Here, you’ll be partially shaded by the trees as you admire the crashing waves at Middle Cove and Pinnacle Cove.

• Parking: Free outside the entrance on the roadside – coordinates (36.514398, -121.937630), or various paid parking inside Point Lobos

Lunch at Carmel

It’s time for a rewarding lunch at Carmel-by-the-Sea. If you can, try to make reservations at your chosen restaurant ahead of time so you won’t have to waste time waiting around.

My number 1 recommendation is La Bicyclette, a French-Italian restaurant that has amazing pasta, baked dishes, and pizza. There’s something creative about the way they put their menu together, and I look forward to trying their seasonal items each time I visit.

For something more casual like brunch, check out Stationaery or Carmel Belle. There are also plenty of upscale dining options including Casanova, a romantic restaurant known for its Mediterranean dishes.

Exploring secret alleys and cool courtyards

With a full belly, you’ll now have renewed energy to explore as many secret alleys and courtyards in Carmel. There’s a whole list of courtyards and alleyways to check out on the official Carmel page.

As you walk around town you’ll inevitably come across the beautiful architecture, especially while walking down Ocean Avenue. Without revealing too many of them, the popular ones you see on social media all the time are:

• Secret Garden Passageway
• Der Ling Lane Passageway
• Tuck Box Courtyard
• Court of the Golden Bough

In addition, you can also go wine tasting, visiting the Carmel Mission Basilica, and more. Check out my article for more ideas on things to do in Carmel.

• Parking: Roadside parking – Carmel is extremely walkable so you don’t have to keep moving your car around.

Sunset at Carmel Beach

Grab some baked goods at Carmel Bakery, coffee at Carmel Valley Coffee Roasters, or some chocolates from The Xocolatl Garden, before heading down to Carmel Beach for sunset.

We were pleasantly surprised to see a man playing the bagpipes at the beach, at just the right time that made the experience even more magical. There will be many people enjoying the white sandy beach and playing the waves too, so just find a spot on the sandy slope to sit back and enjoy the pristine scenery.

On your left you’ll see Carmel Beach stretching out for almost a mile, and on your right is the Pebble Beach golf course at the end of the 17-Mile Drive.

Let’s hope the sky is clear and not foggy when you get there. With that, we’ve come to the end of our Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur road trip itinerary as you make the drive back.

Additional tips for visiting Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur

When planning your road trip itinerary to visit Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur, consider these additional tips to make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free. California’s coast can be full of surprises, so here’s how you can be prepared.

Is the drive from Carmel to Big Sur scary?

The drive from Carmel to Big Sur is not scary (at least to me, a driving newbie).

It is incredibly scenic as you drive up the coastal bluffs starting from Carmel Highlands, though objectively there are some parts that are narrow and winding. The cliffs are steep and you’ll have to take it slow on sharp turns.

As long as you go at the advised speed limit and not get pressured by other cars to go fast, you’ll probably find that driving from Carmel to Big Sur is not scary.

Lastly, even though the view is amazing, keep your eyes on the road and don’t get distracted. Wait till you can safely stop at a turnout, which are plenty along this route.

Check for road closures

Big Sur is well known to have road closures especially right after winter storms. Landslides are common here, and in 2024, a part of the coastal road even broke off. As a result, they had to close access to most of Big Sur for a couple of months.

July 2024 update: You still cannot drive through from Lucia to Vincent Creek Bridge, though it’s estimated to be fixed by Fall 2024. However, this itinerary doesn’t require you to do so since the main attractions are north of that closure.

Visit the Caltrans for up-to-date information on road conditions and closures. You can check Google Maps or Waze for real-time updates too. This site also provides updates on road reopening.

Aside from Big Sur’s roads, I don’t expect road closures to be an issue for getting to Monterey and Carmel.

Weather considerations

The weather plays a big role in the experience you have on California’s coast. In particular, winter in Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur is usually mild, but rain and storms are common. At other times of the year, it’s normal to see fog in the early morning and late evening.

Lastly, I find California’s sun to be really intense especially in summer. It might not feel that warm, but the sun’s UV rays can be strong even on overcast days. Make sure to protect yourself by wearing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and maybe a sun hoodie as you go outdoors.

Which is the closest airport?

Although the closest airport to Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), there might be limited flights there depending on where you’re coming from.

Hence, it’s more likely that you’ll be flying here via either San Jose International Airport (SJC) or San Francisco International Airport (SFO) which are 75 miles and 100 miles away respectively.

Recap of our Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur road trip

I’ve created a custom Google Maps with each day’s route so that you can refer back to this itinerary easily. Click on the image below to access the map.

Conclusion

After going on a road trip like this, don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the California coast. With moving sunsets and wild waves crashing on rugged cliffs, it’s definitely worthwhile to spend 3 days exploring Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur.

Hopefully this itinerary gave you a good idea of how to maximise your time driving along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, and I hope you find some of your own hidden gems! Let me know if you found anything cool – would love to check it out as well.

Perhaps after this coastal road trip you can head over to Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, or maybe even combine it with a big California road trip all around the state.