7 Days in Carmel Valley & Big Sur, California
A luxe escape combining Carmel's world-class restaurants and art scene with Big Sur's untamed wilderness. Hike clifftop trails, soak in hot springs, and watch sunsets over the Pacific from some of America's most exclusive lodges and viewpoints.
What to expect
- Bixby Creek Bridge: iconic 260-foot span suspended over rocky coves
- McWay Falls in Julia Burn State Park: 80-foot waterfall onto a private beach
- Pfeiffer Beach with purple sand; Cone Peak trails for 360° ocean views
- Carmel's white-sand beach, galleries, and Michelin-starred restaurants
- Hot springs and spa treatments in luxury clifftop resorts
Day by day
Arrive in Carmel; check into a luxury hotel or ocean-view cottage.
Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea: white-sand beach, galleries, and the pier.
Fine dining at The Aubergine or Quail Lodge; sunset walk on the beach.
Scenic drive south on CA-1; stop at Bixby Bridge and Pfeiffer Beach.
Hike to McWay Falls (easy 2-mile trail); pristine cove with waterfall.
Return to Carmel for sunset cocktails and dinner overlooking Carmel Bay.
Hike Point Lobos Reserve's Cypress Grove Trail; pine trees and sea otters.
Return to Carmel for wine tasting at a local vineyard or gallery hopping.
Casual dinner at The Cottage Restaurant or upscale fare at Vesuvio.
Drive back to Big Sur; visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park's inland redwoods.
Hike Cone Peak Trail (steep, rewarding) or soak at natural hot springs.
Sunset dinner at Big Sur Roadhouse or fine dining at Post Ranch Inn.
Scenic drive with stops at Rocky Creek Bridge and Arch Creek Bridge.
Whale-watching boat tour (seasonal) or beach walk at remote coves.
Return to Carmel; spa treatment and dinner at Stella.
Art gallery tours and local museum; explore Mission Carmel.
Cooking class, wine tasting, or farmers' market visit.
Tasting menu dinner at L'Escargot or casual upscale fare.
Sunrise beach walk or yoga session with ocean views.
Last-minute shopping or gallery visit before departure.
Depart Carmel for home or onward California travel.
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