7 Days in Big Sur & Carmel, California
Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of cliff and redwood where the mountains meet the Pacific. Base in the artsy village of Carmel, then spend days hiking waterfalls, eating at world-class restaurants, and driving one of Earth's most gorgeous roads.
What to expect
- Drive Pacific Coast Highway 1 past Bixby Bridge and Pfeiffer Creek waterfalls.
- Hike McWay Falls Trail (8 miles) to a turquoise waterfall on a private beach.
- Kayak through Pelican Point Sea Lion Reserve to see sea otters and elephant seals.
- Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants: The Cottage, l'Escargot, or Vesuvio.
- Walk tide pools at Jade Cove searching for rare nephrite jade.
- Camp under redwoods at Julia Burns State Park or Andrew Molera's riverside meadows.
Day by day
Arrive in Carmel; check in to hillside inn or cottage.
Walk Carmel-by-the-Sea's white-sand beach and browse galleries on Ocean Avenue.
Dinner at The Cottage (farm-to-table) or romantic picnic at sunset.
Drive 50min north on PCH 1; stop at Bixby Bridge for photos and short clifftop walk.
Hike Pfeiffer Falls Trail (2 miles) to a 60ft waterfall in redwood forest; swim in pool.
Return to Carmel; spa treatment or wine bar at Mission Ranch.
Early hike McWay Falls Trail (8 miles round-trip); arrive by 9am to beat crowds.
Drive to Jade Cove; scramble tide pools and search for translucent jade in shallow water.
Sunset dinner at Vesuvio or outdoor seating at Big Sur Roadhouse.
Book sunrise kayak tour from Monterey (45min drive) to Pelican Point Sea Lion Reserve.
Return to Carmel; rest or explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (seals, cypress, coves).
Early dinner at L'Escargot; nightcap at Barmel cocktail bar.
Hike Ewoldsen Trail (5 miles, steep) through redwoods and chaparral to ocean vista.
Visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park; walk River Trail along native redwood groves.
Picnic dinner with wine from Carmel wine merchants; watch sunset from Highlands Trail.
Hike Andrew Molera State Park's meadow loop (3 miles) to pristine Molera Beach.
Paddle kayaks in Carmel River lagoon or beach-comb for sea glass.
Farewell dinner at Angelica's Café or l'Escargot (book ahead).
Leisurely breakfast at Café Carmel; last gallery visit and souvenir shopping.
Cliff-edge walk to Cypress Point Lookout (15 miles south); depart late or stay extra night.
Depart or extend stay.
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