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big sur 5d

This 5-day loop takes you through the most dramatic coastline in the lower 48. We're talking cliffside drives, hidden purple sand beaches, and literal castles. It's the ultimate California road trip vibe.

5days
18stops
DAY01

San Francisco → Monterey

Overnight in Monterey
  1. 09:00
    San Francisco· start
  3. 11:30
    Santa Cruz Boardwalk
  5. 14:00
    Monterey Bay Aquarium
  7. 18:00
    Monterey· overnight
Food
  • Phil's Fish Market · Famous Cioppino in Moss Landing. It's messy, loud, and totally worth the wait.
  • Old Fisherman's Grotto · Get the clam chowder in a bread bowl. It's a Monterey classic for a reason.
Costs
Aquarium Tickets
$60
Monterey Hotel
$250
DAY02

Monterey → Big Sur Village

Overnight in Big Sur Village
  1. 08:30
    Monterey· start
  3. 09:00
    Point Lobos
  5. 11:30
    Garrapata
  7. 13:00
    Bixby Creek Bridge
  9. 16:00
    Big Sur Village· overnight
Food
  • Big Sur Bakery · Rustic vibes and incredible pastries. The ginger scones are a game-changer.
  • Nepenthe · Lunch with the best view in the world. Order the Ambrosia Burger.
Costs
State Park Fee
$10
Big Sur Lodge
$350
DAY03

Pfeiffer Big Sur SP → Big Sur Village

Overnight in Big Sur Village
  1. 09:00
    Pfeiffer Big Sur SP· start
  3. 12:00
    Pfeiffer Beach
  5. 15:00
    McWay Falls
  7. 18:00
    Big Sur Village· overnight
Food
  • Coast Big Sur · Art gallery meets cafe. Great rooftop for a quiet coffee.
  • Deetjen's Restaurant · Super cozy, candlelit dinner in a historic redwood cabin.
Costs
Pfeiffer Beach Fee
$15
DAY04

Big Sur → Cambria

Overnight in Cambria
  1. 09:00
    Big Sur· start
  3. 10:30
    Sand Dollar Beach
  5. 13:00
    Elephant Seal Vista
  7. 15:00
    Hearst Castle
  9. 18:00
    Cambria· overnight
Food
  • Sebastian's General Store · Great burgers right near the Hearst Ranch winery.
  • Linn's Fruit Bin · You MUST try the Olallieberry pie. It's a local obsession.
Costs
Hearst Castle Tour
$30
Cambria Hotel
$200
DAY05

Cambria → San Francisco

  1. 09:00
    Cambria· start
  3. 10:30
    Paso Robles
  5. 14:30
    San Jose
  7. 17:00
    San Francisco
Food
  • Kitchenette · Killer breakfast burritos in Templeton to start the day right.
  • Negranti Creamery · Sheep's milk ice cream. Trust me, it's incredibly creamy.
Costs
Wine Tasting
$40
Gas
$70