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
22stops
Day 1: Day 1 · Coastal Cruise to Monterey
4 stops
San Francisco
09:00
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
11:30
Monterey Bay Aquarium
14:00
Monterey
18:00
Day 2: Day 2 · The Big Sur Gateway
5 stops
Monterey
08:30
Point Lobos
09:00
Garrapata State Park
11:30
Bixby Creek Bridge
13:00
Big Sur Village
16:00
Day 3: Day 3 · Redwoods & Purple Sand
4 stops
Pfeiffer Big Sur SP
09:00
Pfeiffer Beach
12:00
McWay Falls
15:00
Big Sur Village
18:00
Day 4: Day 4 · Castles & Sea Elephants
5 stops
Big Sur
09:00
Sand Dollar Beach
10:30
Elephant Seal Vista
13:00
Hearst Castle
15:00
Cambria
18:00
Day 5: Day 5 · Wine & The Loop Back
4 stops
Cambria
09:00
Paso Robles
10:30
San Jose
14:30
San Francisco
17:00

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.

  1. Day 1 · Coastal Cruise to Monterey

    Easy drive down the coast with killer ocean views and world-class sea life.

    • San Francisco

      Grab a coffee and hit the road early to beat the 101 traffic.

    • Santa Cruz Boardwalk

      Quick leg stretch. Ride the Giant Dipper if you're feeling nostalgic.

    • Monterey Bay Aquarium

      The kelp forest is mesmerizing. Don't skip the sea otters.

    • Monterey

      Check in and walk Cannery Row for dinner and drinks.

  2. Day 2 · The Big Sur Gateway

    This is THE photo day. Charge your camera, the Bixby Bridge awaits.

    • Monterey

      Fuel up the car; gas gets crazy expensive once you hit Big Sur.

    • Point Lobos

      Walk the Cypress Grove Trail. Look for whales and sea lions.

    • Garrapata State Park

      Short hike to the bluff. The Calla Lily Valley is magic in spring.

    • Bixby Creek Bridge

      The iconic shot. Park on the north side for the best angle.

    • Big Sur Village

      Check into your lodge and soak in the redwood forest vibes.

  3. Day 3 · Redwoods & Purple Sand

    Slow down and explore the hidden gems. No rush, just nature.

    • Pfeiffer Big Sur SP

      Walk among the giants. The Valley View trail is a solid workout.

    • Pfeiffer Beach

      Check out the purple sand and the Keyhole Arch. Super windy!

    • McWay Falls

      The waterfall that drops onto the beach. Pure postcard material.

    • Big Sur Village

      Back to base. Enjoy a campfire under the stars.

  4. Day 4 · Castles & Sea Elephants

    Leaving the redwoods for the rugged south coast and a literal castle.

    • Big Sur

      Say goodbye to the redwoods and head south.

    • Sand Dollar Beach

      The largest stretch of sand in Big Sur. Great for beachcombing.

    • Elephant Seal Vista

      Hundreds of massive seals lounging. Smelly but fascinating.

    • Hearst Castle

      Opulence on a hill. The Neptune Pool is mind-blowing.

    • Cambria

      Charming village vibes. Walk Moonstone Beach at sunset.

  5. Day 5 · Wine & The Loop Back

    Swap the coast for rolling vineyards before heading back to the city.

    • Cambria

      Last look at the ocean before heading inland.

    • Paso Robles

      Quick tasting or just grab some local olive oil.

    • San Jose

      Good spot for a late lunch or a coffee break.

    • San Francisco

      Back in the city. Trip complete!