big sur 7d

Big Sur is California's most dramatic coastline — 90 miles of cliffs, redwoods, and winding Highway 1. This 7-day trip starts slow in Carmel, builds through the iconic central coast, and finishes with hidden beaches and McWay Falls. You'll drive about 350km total, all scenic.

DAY01

    Food
    • Dametra Cafe · Mediterranean spot with live belly dancing, get the lamb shank
    • Casanova Restaurant · Romantic French-Italian in a converted cottage, famous mussels
    • Carmel Bakery · Morning pastries since 1899, grab a sticky bun
    Costs
    Accommodation
    $250
    Car rental
    $60
    DAY02

      Food
      • The Bench at Pebble Beach · Firepit terrace overlooking the 18th hole, pricey but the view
      • Stillwater Bar & Grill · Local seafood with harbor views, try the cioppino
      • Carmel Belle · Casual farm-to-table, great rotisserie chicken
      Costs
      17-Mile Drive fee
      $12
      Gas
      $25
      DAY03

        Food
        • Rocky Point Restaurant · Cliffside spot between Carmel and Big Sur, Bloody Marys with a view
        • Point Lobos picnic · Pack supplies from Carmel — no food inside the reserve
        • Big Sur Roadhouse · Rustic dinner spot, wood-fired pizzas and local wine
        Costs
        Point Lobos entry
        $10
        Accommodation
        $280
        DAY04

          Food
          • Nepenthe · Ambrosia burger + terrace views, totally worth the splurge
          • Big Sur Bakery · Baked goods in a cabin, get there before 10am
          • Ventana Big Sur (The Sur House) · Fancy dinner with coast views, make reservations
          Costs
          Nepenthe lunch
          $45
          Gas
          $30
          DAY05

            Food
            • Deetjen's Big Sur Inn · Historic Norwegian cabin restaurant, cozy breakfast
            • Treebones Resort · Sushi on the cliff, weird and wonderful, sunset timing
            • Gorda Springs · Last gas station for 40 miles, surprisingly good fish tacos
            Costs
            Pfeiffer Beach entry
            $15
            Treebones sushi
            $55
            DAY06

              Food
              • Lucia Lodge · Cliffside cafe, simple burgers, million-dollar view
              • Esalen dinner (if staying) · Organic farm-to-table, included with hot springs booking
              • Back to Big Sur Bakery · Stock up for the drive north tomorrow
              Costs
              Esalen night bath
              $45
              Gas
              $35
              DAY07

                Food
                • Monterey Fish House · Locals' favorite, cioppino and sand dabs, casual
                • Old Fisherman's Grotto · Touristy but solid clam chowder bread bowls
                • Alvarado Street Brewery · Craft beers, good final meal before airport
                Costs
                Monterey Bay Aquarium
                $50
                Airport parking/return
                $40
                Heads Up
                • Highway 1 closures happen — check Caltrans before departure
                • Esalen hot springs require advance reservations
                • No cell service south of Big Sur village — download offline maps