14 Very Best Places On A Big Sur Road Trip In California

The west coast of California is completely lovely to go to! Crammed with epic drives, seaside cities and parks that stretch for miles; it’s the type of place that’s good to discover. That is very true when fascinated with driving and recognizing all one of the best locations on a Massive Sur Street Journey in California.

So to make issues simpler to your journey, I wished to share all one of the best locations on a Massive Sur Roadtrip in California that we liked. With the likes of; the best beaches in California, cities like Monterey or as a part of a wider California road trip; it’s the type of place that’ll depart you spoilt for alternative.

Belief me, the Massive Sur is a route that you simply received’t wanna miss as you drive the west coast United States.

Have a look, beneath, at one of the best locations on a Massive Sur Roadtrip in California to discover. You’ll have probably the most unimaginable time exploring California.

1.) Carmel By The Sea

Nestled on the shoreline of the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel By The Sea is a beautiful little metropolis that’s effectively price visiting when beginning or ending your Massive Sur Roadtrip in California.

Not solely does have some unimaginable, fairy-tale-like homes within the centre of the town, it additionally has a shocking seashore! Carmel Seaside is inside simple attain of Scenic Street and nice to go to on a phenomenal sunny Californian day. That being stated, if seashores aren’t your factor, take a while to discover the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum which dates again to the 1700s and is completely beautiful.

When you’re fancying a stroll, head on the, close by, Moss Cove path that results in the Granite Level path. From right here, you possibly can comply with the Whaler’s Cove that’s not solely beautiful however comparatively simple to ramble.

Afterwards, head to the completely cosy, Dametra Cafe for his or her yummy (freshly-made) pasta. It’s so good.

2.) Garrapata State Park

Round 10-12 miles south of Carmel By The Sea, Garrapata State Park is definitely among the finest locations on a Massive Sur Street Journey in California you need to go to. It’s beautiful right here.

As you drive down the Cabrillo Freeway, you should definitely cease off at Soberanes Level for some unimaginable views over the Pacific. That being stated, if you happen to’re fancying heading inland then pop onto the Soberanes Canyon Path that’s completely peaceable. Simply contemplate that it might probably get just a little busier on the weekends.

That being stated, if you happen to’re one thing of a seashore bum, then head straight all the way down to Garrapata Seaside that’s just a little additional down the coast. There’s parking inside simple attain of Garrapata Creek Bridge; making it an easy cease for a number of hours of chill time.

3.) Partington Cove

Simply missed when trying to find one of the best locations on a Massive Sur Street Journey, Partington Cove is a beautiful little spot that’s a stone’s throw from Julia Pfeiffer Burns Vista Point (a fantastic spot for views, by the best way.).

Park up and comply with the actually brief stroll alongside the Partington Cove Trail, heading by the pedestrian tunnel to the cove itself. After you’ve arrived, you’ll be greeted by some fairly epic views, that are completely beautiful round sundown. The truth is, I’d say this is likely one of the greatest sundown spots if you happen to favor a quieter little bay.

4.) Salmon Creek Falls

Fancy a comparatively accessible hike? Then the Salmon Creek Trail is a good and reasonably simple hike to hitch. Not solely that, you’ll be handled to views of the unimaginable Salmon Creek Falls.

Now, there’s restricted parking close to the trailhead and might get busy in peak instances or in the course of the weekend. That being stated, if you happen to can’t discover a spot, park up close to the Buckeye Trailhead as there’s generally just a little more room right here.

It’s among the finest locations on a Massive Sur Street Journey in California that’s comparatively accessible and completely lovely.

5.) San Carpoforo Creek Seaside

Round a 10-15 minute drive from Salmon Creek Falls, San Carpoforo Creek Seaside is one other little gem that’s picture-perfect and nearly forgotten by most exploring one of the best locations on a Massive Sur Street Journey in California.

Now, though you received’t spend too lengthy visiting the seashore; it’s nonetheless completely price a cease, even for a short 30-minute stroll. Although once more, similar to Salmon Creek Falls; parking may be restricted and there’s not a lot you are able to do if the areas are already full.

6.) Elephant Seal Vista Level

Not too removed from Piedras Blancas Gentle Station, Elephant Seal Vista Point has an remark deck that’s simply some of the well-known spots to see seals in all of California. It’s really unimaginable to go to and so wonderful to see all of the seals of their pure habitat.

When you’re fortunate, and also you arrive round birthing season (between December-March), you may even get to see a seal delivery on the seashore itself.

As all the time, be aware of the marine wildlife and be a accountable customer. In spite of everything, nobody desires to disturb the habitat of the elephant seals.

7.) Monterey

Simply shy of Carmel By The Sea, Monterey is a stunning metropolis! Better of all, it’s among the finest locations on a Massive Sur Street Journey in California to go to in the beginning (or finish) of your highway journey.

As soon as right here, you should definitely take a look at the historic Cannery Row, discover Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf and go to the Monterey Museum of Artwork. For a comparatively small metropolis; it’s packed filled with issues to do.

Oh, and you should definitely head into First Awakenings for his or her unimaginable, fluffy and buttery, pancakes. It’s the proper spot for brunch.

8.) Level Lobos State Pure Protect

simply shy of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Level Lobos State Pure Protect will likely be one of many first (or final) spots you go to when driving the Massive Sur.

Not solely is the shoreline completely breathtaking, however you’ll additionally get to see the seals that decision this space residence. It’s a picture-perfect spot and effectively price meandering the shoreline across the protect.

If you wish to get nearer to nature, you need to strive scuba diving at Whaler’s Cove or take the 6-mile path by the Cypress groves.

One factor to notice is there’s a cost for parking, so pay attention to this earlier than getting into; particularly if you happen to’re not planning on staying very lengthy.

9.) Bixby Creek Bridge

Though residence to a number of picturesque bridges and vistas, one among my favourites needs to be Bixby Creek Bridge. Recognise it? Nicely, if you happen to noticed the TV collection, Massive Little Lies, you’ll definitely bear in mind it.

Although, that’s not its solely declare to fame; Bixby Creek Bridge might be one of many extra recognisable spots for views throughout the Pacific.

When you’ve obtained time, take within the views from the north and south points of the bridge itself. Relying on the time of the day (and the sunshine), you’ll get some completely spectacular and fairly contrasting views.

Nonetheless, to at the present time, one among my favorite views of the bridge is from Castle Rock Viewpoint. You’ll find it irresistible.

Read more: Best hikes in California

10.) Level Sur State Park and Lighthouse

Whether or not you’re up for only a temporary cease or down for a complete afternoon, Level Sur State Park and Lighthouse is a spot you need to cease at. It’s among the finest locations on a Massive Sur Street Journey in California that’s simply north of Andrew Molera State Park.

Rested on historical volcanic rock, this historic lighthouse from the 1800s has seen shipwrecks and even stopped many from colliding with the rugged Californian shore.

Fancying a stroll? Hope again within the automotive (for a couple of minutes) and head to Andrew Molera Seaside. This huge and expansive seashore is completely lovely and normally actually quiet.

11.) Pfeiffer Seaside

In all probability one among my favorite spots to go to in California, Pfeiffer Beach, is second-to-none!

Although, you should definitely preserve your eyes peeled when discovering the seashore. When you’re driving south, down Freeway 1, look out for Sycamore Canyon Rd, which is able to lead you to this lovely gem of a spot.

Now, though there may be nonetheless a 2-mile drive earlier than you attain the precise seashore and the parking area, the journey will likely be price it. Belief me!

As soon as right here, you’ll see the attractive rock formations (like Keyhole Arch) and the beautiful seashore the place you possibly can chill and benefit from the shoreline. Simply you should definitely take loads of snacks, drinks and SPF. There’s little or no by way of facilities right here.

When you’ve obtained time, pop into the Henry Miller Memorial Library to take a look at the wonderful books and historical past of the place. It’s such a inventive little spot and effectively price taking a gander as you cross.

After a day on the seashore and library, head over to Nepenthe to have some healthful American dishes paired with some scrumptious Californian wines (for the non-driver, in fact). Their diver scallops are so scrumptious.

12.) Garrapata State Park & Seaside

You’ll come throughout Garrapata State Park first in case you are going south from the north. With a dramatic view of the surroundings, that is the proper spot to your breathtaking pictures. After some image taking, go to Garrapate State Seaside which is simply 2.8 miles removed from this park.

The Garrapate State Seaside is accessible to individuals, permitting vacationers and locals to stroll on its sandy seashore or sunbathe. One of many perks of visiting the Garrapate State Park & Seaside is that these places are free for all!

Oh, and don’t overlook to cease off at Soberanes Point for the unimaginable views over the shoreline. Additionally, if you happen to’re fancying a ramble, you should definitely be part of the Soberanes Level Path and loops across the space and simply off State Route 1.

13.) McWay Falls

McWay Falls might be among the finest locations on a Massive Sur Street Journey in California to go to. The truth is, I’d go so far as saying it’s one among California’s most well-known spots to see.

Now, regardless that you received’t be allowed to go to the seashore or falls themselves, the wonderful view from above is completely unimaginable.

You’ll get some unimaginable views if you happen to ramble alongside the McWay Falls Path and is completely picturesque on a beautiful sunny day. Additionally, don’t overlook, you’ll discover some parking close by; right here.

Read more: Best hikes in California

14.) Limekiln State Park

One other good stopping level is the gorgeous huge, Limekiln State Park.

Right here, you’ll be capable of comply with some unimaginable trails, just like the Mill Creek Path but in addition see Limekiln Falls that’s simply shy of Hare Canyon Creek.

One factor to notice, even on a sunny day, Limekiln State Park can get fairly chilly. That is very true if you happen to’re mountain climbing a number of the trails within the space (as many are shaded by cover bushes).