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

Where to Stay for this 3-Day Itinerary

I recommend staying in Carmel or Monterey. There are tons of hotel options in these towns, and they serve as great home bases. 

You could choose to stay in multiple places during this trip (such as spending two nights in Monterey or Carmel, and then one night at a hotel in Big Sur). That said, given how close these destinations are to each other, it’s not really necessary. For ease, I’d recommend just staying in one place for this trip!

How to Spend 3 Days in Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey

Here’s how to spend 3 days in Big Sur, Monterey, and Carmel-by-the Sea! Note that these days are interchangeable, so you can switch around this itinerary to best fit your needs. Just make sure all attractions are open on the days you plan on visiting. 

Day 1: Point Lobos and Carmel-by-the-Sea

On the first day of this trip, you’ll spend your time checking out some of the best things to do in Carmel. 

Before heading out to Point Lobos (the first stop of the day!), you can grab breakfast near your accommodations. If you’re in Monterey, I recommend Red House Cafe (in Pacific Grove). If you’re in Carmel, I recommend Stationæry or Rise and Roam. 

Do an Easy Hike at Point Lobos 

Start off your day by exploring beautiful Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Known as the crown jewel of the California State Parks system, this coastal reserve has a gorgeous, unspoiled landscape, and is home to varied marine and land wildlife. It is $10 per vehicle to enter the reserve. 

While you’re there, I recommend starting with a hike at the Cypress Grove Trail (0.9 miles), and connecting it to the Sea Lion Point Trail (0.4 miles). After that, you can hike via the South Shore Trail (which goes along the coast) down to the trailhead for Bird Island Trail (0.8 miles) – the trail you take to see the iconic China Cove. Alternatively, you can drive and re-park by the trailhead to save some time.

If you choose to hike the whole route outlined above, it will be right around 3.5-miles long (including the way back to get to your car near Cypress Grove).

Prefer a guided experience? Book a 2-hour guided nature walk through Point Lobos. A knowledgeable guide will take you to the best spots for seeing wildlife and enjoying the natural beauty of the reserve. 

Explore Ocean Avenue and Stop for Lunch

After visiting Point Lobos, drive into Carmel-by-the-Sea to spend some time exploring Ocean Avenue. This street (more specifically, the area between Junipero and Monte Verde Streets) is the heart of Carmel’s shopping and dining scene, with numerous boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants to check out. 

This is also where you’ll see Carmel’s whimsical mix of fairytale-inspired, cottage-style architecture on full display. Spend your time strolling down the various side streets and finding the different picture-perfect courtyards and passageways.  

This area is also the perfect spot to grab lunch. I recommend checking out Stationæry or Rise and Roam (whichever you didn’t already visit for breakfast!), or Dametra Cafe. 

Walk Down Scenic Road and Relax at Carmel Beach

After lunch, you’ll want to make your way down to the coast. You can either walk to the beach (it is about half a mile away – just note it’s a bit of an uphill walk on the way back into town!) or drive and park near the water. 

Once you’re there, take a stroll down the walking path that goes along Scenic Road. It starts at 8th Avenue and ends right by Martin Way. 

This cypress tree-lined path offers picturesque views of the coast. There are also multiple staircases that you can take down to Carmel Beach, a stunning and spacious white sand beach. Even if the weather is cooler, it’s a nice spot to relax and take in the view!

While you’re on the path, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Clinton Walker House. Architecture fans can also walk or drive by the Butterfly House (located about a third of a mile past the Clinton Walker House), which was designed by Francis W. Wynkoop. 

Stop for a Glass of Wine at a Local Tasting Room or Winery

If you have time before dinner, I recommend exploring the local wine scene. One option is to drive towards Carmel Valley to visit the picturesque Folktale Winery (pictured below). Note that this winery is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It’s also popular, so be sure to make a reservation.  

Alternatively, you can stay in town and check out a tasting room. There are more than 15 wine bars in Carmel, with a few options including De Tierra Vineyards, Blair Estate, Scheid Vineyards, and Galante Vineyards.

Enjoy Dinner in Carmel

End your day in Carmel-by-the-Sea with dinner in town. Carmel is known for its dining scene, so there are a lot of amazing options to choose from. La Bicyclette is one of the most popular restaurants in Carmel – it’s smart to make a reservation in advance! Two other options that I love are Toro Sushi and Cultura Comida y Bebida. 

Day 2: Big Sur 

On the second day of your trip, you’ll spend the entire day in Big Sur. I recommend getting out early to make sure you get to see as much of the region as possible – plan to get to the first stop no later than 9am!

Before you go, read through my travel guide for Big Sur. I cover helpful tips and key information you should know for your visit!

If you’d prefer not to drive yourself for this day trip, consider booking this highly-rated private charter to Big Sur. It’s suitable for up to six people. They’ll pick you up from your accommodation in the Monterey or Carmel area, and will take you wherever you’d like to go in the area. 

Be sure to grab breakfast before you go, as there aren’t any restaurants in the northernmost section of Big Sur. Carmel Belle is an excellent casual option in Carmel (and it’s just a quick detour if you’re driving down from Monterey). 

Do an Easy Coastal Hike at Garrapata State Park 

Start with a low-key hike in Garrapata State Park. I recommend doing the Soberanes Point Trail – an easy 1.6-mile loop trail that takes hikers along the coastal cliffs in the park. It also leads up to Whale Peak, where you’ll get amazing views of the coast and the Santa Lucia Mountains. 

Parking is available on Highway 1. You can park near Gate 8 or Whale Peak (the trail is accessible near both spots). 

Stop at the Bixby Bridge and Great Sur Vista Viewpoints

Next, you’ll stop at two of the most iconic Big Sur viewpoints on the Pacific Coast Highway. Drive about six miles down the road and stop at Castle Rock Viewpoint. This is the viewpoint where you can see Bixby Bridge, a famous concrete bridge (the tallest of its kind!) that dates back to the 1930s.

Jump back in the car and drive another two miles to the Great Sur Vista Point. This is one of my favorite spots in Big Sur – you get incredible views of the Little Sur River Beach and the entire coastline. 

Take a Lunch Break

While you’re in Big Sur, I highly recommend getting lunch at Nepenthe (pictured below). The casual eatery is located high above the coast, offering some of the best views of the area. Note that it is popular (and they don’t take reservations), so you may need to wait a moment for your table. 

If the wait is too long, there’s another outdoor cafe called Cafe Kevah that’s on the Nepenthe property. Alternatively, you can visit Big Sur Taphouse, which is just up the road from Nepenthe. 

Explore the Redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

After lunch, backtrack just a couple miles up the road to visit Pfeiffer Big Sur. There are a few things to do in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, so you can choose what works best for your interests. 

If you want to keep things low key, you can visit the Redwood Deck, where you can get up close to some of the largest redwood trees in the area. Alternatively, you can do another hike through the forested state park. Two great options are Buzzards Roost to Liewald (1.7 miles, rated easy) and the Pfeiffer Falls Trail (1.6 miles, rated moderate). 

When you enter this state park, you’ll pay a day use fee at the entrance kiosk. This day use pass can be used for the McWay Falls parking lot (the next stop) – just be sure to display it on your dashboard!

Visit McWay Falls

McWay Falls (located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park) is easily one of the best attractions in Big Sur – and a must-visit during your day trip! You’ll park in the lot east of Highway 1. This is where the trailhead for the very short (under half a mile) McWay Falls Trail is located. You’ll go underneath the highway through a short tunnel, and then out to the viewpoint.  

Choose Your Adventure: Hike at Partington Cove or Relax at Pfeiffer Beach

End your visit to Big Sur by either going on another hike or chilling at one of the most famous beaches in the area. 

Your first option is to hike the Partington Cove Trail, which is just over a mile long. This trail takes you down to a rocky beach, and also leads over to the picturesque Partington Cove. Parking is available on the PCH, right by the trailhead.

Your second option is to hang out at Pfeiffer Beach. This picture-perfect beach is known for its huge rock formations, and is an amazing spot to catch the sunset!

Two things to note about this beach. First, it’s not under the California State Parks system, which means you’ll need to pay a separate day use fee. Second, the road to get down to the beach does get narrow at times – be wary of cars driving in the opposite direction! 

Day 3: Monterey and the 17-Mile Drive

End your trip with a day in Monterey. Before you start exploring, I recommend grabbing breakfast at First Awakenings, which is within walking distance of the first stop of the day. 

Walk the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail

Kick off your Monterey day trip with a stroll along the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, joining the path right by the aquarium. This recreational trail (which is open to both bikers and walkers) takes you right along the scenic coast and into the picturesque Pacific Grove neighborhood (which is known for its Victorian-style homes). 

You can walk as little or as much of this scenic trail as you’d like. I’d recommend making your way up to Lovers Point Park (which is about a mile from the aquarium) before turning around. 

Explore the Famous Monterey Bay Aquarium 

Next, you’ll make your way to Monterey Bay Aquarium – known as one of the best aquariums in the world! The expansive oceanside aquarium (which is a leader in ocean conservation and research) focuses on marine life in the Monterey Bay and the greater Central Coast, and is home to over 200 exhibits. 

Perhaps one of the most famous (and popular) exhibits is the otter exhibit. It’s definitely worth going there during feeding time – just know it gets busy!

Note that it’s recommended you buy tickets in advance online. 

Alternative Itinerary Option: The aquarium is amazing, but another activity option (that also brings you up close to sea life!) is booking a half-day whale watching tour. An experienced guide will share their knowledge of the animals in the area, and you’ll get a chance to spot gray, humpback, and blue whales, as well as dolphins and sea lions. 

Stroll Through Cannery Row and Grab Lunch

Once you’ve fully explored the aquarium, stroll down Cannery Row – a colorful waterfront street that was once a center for sardine canning. Today, it is home to a mix of shops and restaurants. There are also some picturesque spots to take in the view of the ocean.

I recommend grabbing lunch in this area. I particularly love El Cantaro (pictured below), a casual vegan Mexican restaurant. Another great option is Wave Street Cafe. 

Check Out Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Next, make your way over to Old Fisherman’s Wharf, which dates back to 1845. Today, the colorful wharf is home to restaurants and shops, and is the perfect spot to take in the view of the coast and see some marine life (including sea lions, otters, and harbor seals!). 

If you are down to get more steps in, the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail goes down to the wharf – the walk from Wave Street Cafe to the wharf is just under a mile long. If you’ve had enough walking for the day, you can just get back in your car and park at the lot near the wharf!

Explore the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach

End your getaway to Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur on a high note. The 17-Mile Drive (which is located in the gated Pebble Beach community, right between Pacific Grove and Carmel) is a scenic road that takes visitors along the coast and through peaceful forests filled with Monterey cypress and pine trees. 

Some of the stops that I recommend checking out include Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point, Lone Cypress Lookout (one of the most famous spots on the drive!), and Cypress Point Lookout. My 17-Mile Drive guide goes into more details on top stops and information you should know for your visit!

For a more active experience, book an electric bike tour of the 17-Mile Drive. A knowledgeable guide will take you through the area, stopping at some of the most iconic spots.