Perfect Monterey to Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary
Are you planning a road trip to Big Sur from Monterey? You’ve come to the right article.
California’s Highway 1 is considered one of the most scenic highways in America, that stretches all the way north of San Francisco, to the south of Los Angeles. The Big Sur portion of the highway is arguably the most scenic, with a beautiful blend of redwood forests, rugged cliffs, and ocean vistas.
If you want to drive through Big Sur, Monterey or Carmel are the perfect starting point, as they’re only a 30 minute drive, and offer lots of fun activities on their own.
This article will cover exactly where to stay, what to do, and some important tips for driving along Highway 1, from Monterey to Big Sur.
Ready to plan an epic Big Sur road trip? Let’s dive in!
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Driving From Monterey to Big Sur
Monterey is only 30 to 45 minutes north of Big Sur, along Highway 1. In Monterey, you can stay by the water near Old Fisherman’s Wharf/Cannery Row, or in the charming seaside village of Carmel-by-the-sea.
These cities are within a 10 minute drive of another, so you can easily spend a day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, savor clam chowder at Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and catch the sunset at Carmel Beach.
I stayed at a hotel in Monterey, and was surprised with just how close it was to Big Sur. It was only a 30 minute drive to Big Sur’s Bixby Bridge, and around 40 minutes from Big Sur’s campgrounds.
I recommend spending at least 2 days in Monterey and Big Sur, so you have one full day to explore each. There’s dozens of interesting places in Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur, so it’s perfect for a weekend getaway.
Best Highway 1 Stops From Monterey To Big Sur
Here are some of the best Highway 1 stops you won’t want to miss on a road trip through Big Sur.
Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Head to Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey Bay to stroll around, spot sea lions, and savor clam chowder by the water.
Old Fisherman’s Wharf is nestled in the heart of Monterey Bay, and dotted with seafood restaurants, gift shops, and candy stores.

You can stop by Old Fisherman’s Grotto to try their famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, or go on a whale-watching boat tour from the marina.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
No trip to Monterey Bay would be complete without visiting the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.
This is a top-notch aquarium with over 200 exhibits, and multiple levels, so it can easily take up half of your day. It’s home to everything from leopard sharks to sea otters, and has the largest jellyfish collection in the United States.
Fun Fact: Monterey Bay was the first aquarium to be fully mapped on Google Maps street view!
17 Mile Drive

To enjoy beautiful ocean vistas, drive the famous 17 mile drive, starting on the northern tip of the Monterey Peninsula.
This famous drive winds along the coast, through the gated community of Pebble Beach, to scenic vistas including the Lone Cypress Tree, Spanish Bay, Bird Rock, and more.

It costs $12/vehicle to enter the gated community, and they provide you with a map of the viewpoints at the entrance station.
Carmel Beach

Head to Carmel Beach to relax, go for a long walk on the beach, or go shopping in the downtown plaza.
Carmel Beach is a gorgeous white sand beach, with easy free parking, that’s within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
The shops have a unique storybook style architecture, and the downtown area looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a must-see stop on the way to Big Sur from Monterey. It’s a California state park, located off of highway 1, with amazing coastal hiking trails.
I spent 2 hours at this park, and hiked the Cypress Grove, Sea Lion Point, and Bird Island Trail. These were all relatively short (less than a mile) trails, with unbelievably beautiful views of the ocean.


If you only have time for one stop, this is definitely the place to go. Entrance to the park costs $10/vehicle.
Garrapata Beach/Calla Lily Valley
If you’re looking for a coastal hike that’s completely free, hike down to Garrapata Beach in Garrapata State Park. This is a 1 mile round trip hike, down to a peaceful sandy beach, and a field of Calla Lily flowers by the river.
It’s one of the first stops you’ll make driving through Big Sur, and you may not have cell service. I recommend downloading the offline Alltrails map so you can easily find the flower fields without service.
Beyond Garrapata Beach, Garrapata State Park has a variety of excellent trails, from canyon to blufftop trails. There’s no entry fee, and porta potties by the trailheads.
Bixby Creek Bridge

As you begin driving through Big Sur, stop by the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge for one of the best photo opportunities.
This is a towering 280 ft tall bridge, with a spectacular view of the rugged coastline and ocean. It’s completely free to visit, and has an easy pullout for parking before you cross the bridge.

Big Sur’s other popular bridge is the Rocky Creek Bridge, which you’ll cross around 5 minutes before getting to the Bixby Bridge. It was under construction when I visited, but it’s another worthwhile stop to add to your itinerary.

Pfeiffer Beach

Take a short detour off the highway to visit Big Sur’s famous purple sand beach. Pfeiffer Beach is a serene beach nestled in the forest, that’s famous for its keyhole sea arch rock formation, and pinkish purple sand.



It gets its purple sand from manganese rocks that erode from the surrounding cliffs, and the shore may be more or less purple, depending on the weather.
I visited midday during winter so I nearly had the beach to myself, and it was super quiet and peaceful. If you want to set up a picnic on the beach or are wondering where to watch the sunset, this is the place to go.

Parking at the beach costs $12/vehicle, and it’s best to arrive at least an hour before sunset for easy parking.
Nepenthe Restaurant
To enjoy lunch with a view, stop by Nepenthe. This restaurant’s perched high up in the forest on the cliffs of Big Sur, and has outdoor seating with an unbeatable view.
It’s worth stopping by for the view alone, and they have a large gift shop where you can shop for souvenirs.
Mcway Falls and Partington Cove
For a short and scenic hike, visit Partington Cove and Mcway Falls. These are two easy hikes in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and completely free to visit as long as you park on the street.

Partington Cove is a steep downhill hike to a quiet cove with benches, and Mcway Falls is a short walk to a coastal waterfall that flows out of the cliffs into the ocean.


When I drove through Big Sur, these ended up being my last stops, since there was a Highway 1 closure a few miles past Mcway Falls. But, these are both great stops to stretch your legs and take a break from driving before hitting the road!
Other places to see in Big Sur
Big Sur stretches 71 miles along the coast, and with Highway 1 closures, you may not be able to drive the full length of the highway.
When I visited, there was a Highway 1 closure around 40 miles south of Monterey, so I wasn’t able to drive to the southern section of Big Sur.
Here are some other great Highway 1 stops that I didn’t get the chance to visit:
- Andrew Molera State Park: Undeveloped state park with coastal and blufftop hiking trails in the north section of Big Sur
- Hearst Castle: Historic 1919 house and museum on a hilltop in San Simeon that offers guided tours, located in south Big Sur (check for road closures)
- Limekiln State Park: A state park tucked in the redwood forests with easy hiking trails and historic sites in south Big Sur (check for road closures)
- Morro Bay State Park: State park on a coastal wetland with hiking trails, a cafe, marina, and golf course in south Big Sur (check for road closures)
- Elephant Seal Vista Point: An elephant seal viewing area off of Hwy 1 in San Luis Obispo in south Big Sur (check for road closures)
Where To Stay In Monterey and Big Sur
The best places to stay for a Big Sur road trip are Big Sur, Monterey, or Carmel. Big Sur has campgrounds and cozy lodge hotels in the forest, but there aren’t as many restaurant options.

If you prefer staying by the water, Monterey and Carmel have equally great hotel options, and are within a 10 minute drive of another.
Carmel-by-the-sea has a charming small seaside village vibe, and cute boutique hotels within walking distance to the beach.

Monterey is a more lively seaside city, with bayfront hotels and a marina dotted with seafood restaurants.

Carmel is the ideal place to stay for a romantic trip, whereas Monterey is ideal if you want to be within walking distance to the aquarium.
Here are some of the best hotels to consider staying at:
Top Places To Stay In Monterey/Carmel
- Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa: Bayfront Monterey hotel on a private beach, with a gym and spa, within walking distance to the aquarium
- Victorian Inn Hotel: Boutique Monterey hotel with free breakfast within walking distance to the aquarium
- Carmel Bay View Inn: Carmel hotel with free breakfast within walking distance to the beach and downtown
- The Quail Lodge: Charming Carmel hotel with an outdoor pool, tennis courts, gym, and golf courses
Top Places To Stay In Big Sur
- Big Sur Campgrounds and Cabins: Cozy forest cabins with coffee makers and outdoor picnic areas (no cell service), near grocery stores in northern Big Sur
- Big Sur River Inn: Lodge cabin hotel with free wifi and an onsite restaurant, near grocery stores in northern Big Sur
- Ragged Point Inn: Oceanfront hotel with wifi, and an onsite restaurant, near Hearst Castle and San Simeon in southern Big Sur (check their website for road closures)
Monterey and Big Sur Attractions Map
Summary
Big Sur is one of the most beautiful areas of California, with a mix of steep rugged cliffs and dense redwood forests.
If you’re driving through Big Sur from north to south, Monterey or Carmel are the best places to stay. They’re less than an hour’s drive from Big Sur’s bridge, campgrounds, and popular sites like Pfeiffer Beach and Mcway Falls.
Plus, they have great restaurants, hotels, and fun places to visit on their own. For more ideas on what to do in these charming seaside cities, check out our list of the best things to do in Monterey and Carmel.
Big Sur FAQS
How far is Monterey from Big Sur?
Monterey is around 30 to 45 minutes north of Big Sur. It’s around a 30 minute drive from Big Sur’s Bixby Bridge, and 45 min-1 hour to Big Sur’s campgrounds and hotels.
Keep in mind that Big Sur stretches 71 miles along the coast, so Monterey is only close to the northern section of Big Sur.
How many days do you need in Big Sur?
I recommend spending at least one full day in Big Sur, to see the iconic vistas, hike, and have plenty of time to stop along Highway 1 for pictures.
Throughout the drive, there’s scenic vistas at nearly every corner, and easy pull offs for parking so you can take in the views.
Is it better to stay in Big Sur or Monterey?
If you want to be by the water and have more restaurant options, it’s best to stay in Monterey.
But if you prefer camping or staying in a cozy forest lodge, and don’t mind not having cell service outside of your hotel, Big Sur is the place to go.
Can you camp overnight in Big Sur?
Yes, Big Sur has a variety of campgrounds, with Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park being the most popular. It has 189 RV and tent sites, and costs $50/night for a standard campsite.
Keep in mind that it’s the most popular, so you’ll want to reserve far in advance. You can reserve your campsite here at Reserve California. For a complete list of campsites, view this Big Sur camping guide.
How do you check if Highway 1 is open?
To check for current Highway 1 road closures that effect Big Sur, check Big Sur’s website or Big Sur State Park’s Facebook Page.
If you’re traveling to Big Sur from Los Angeles (south to north), Ragged Point Inn’s website is a good resource for checking closures affecting the southern portion of the highway.
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