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.

7days
Day 1: Day 1 · Arrive & Carmel Charm
0 stops
Day 2: Day 2 · 17-Mile & Pebble Beach
0 stops
Day 3: Day 3 · Point Lobos & Garrapata
0 stops
Day 4: Day 4 · Bixby Bridge & Big Sur Core
0 stops
Day 5: Day 5 · McWay Falls & Pfeiffer Beach
0 stops
Day 6: Day 6 · Deep South & Sand Dollar
0 stops
Day 7: Day 7 · North Coast Exit
0 stops
Heads Up
  1. Highway 1 closures happen — check Caltrans before departure
  2. Esalen hot springs require advance reservations
  3. No cell service south of Big Sur village — download offline maps

big sur 7d

Big Sur is the California road trip that ruins other coastlines for you. Seven days lets you actually stop instead of just driving through — tide pools at Point Lobos, the purple sand at Pfeiffer, McWay Falls dropping into the Pacific. You'll eat overpriced burgers at Nepenthe and not care because the view is that good.

  1. Day 1 · Arrive & Carmel Charm

    Beach town vibes, wine tasting, and fairy-tale cottages.

  2. Day 2 · 17-Mile & Pebble Beach

    Famous drive, iconic lone tree, world-class golf views.

  3. Day 3 · Point Lobos & Garrapata

    Sea lions, tide pools, and your first real Big Sur hiking.

  4. Day 4 · Bixby Bridge & Big Sur Core

    THE photo everyone takes, then escape the crowds at Nepenthe.

  5. Day 5 · McWay Falls & Pfeiffer Beach

    The bucket-list shot — 80ft falls dropping straight to sand.

  6. Day 6 · Deep South & Sand Dollar

    Fewer tourists, more wilderness, optional hot springs.

  7. Day 7 · North Coast Exit

    One last Highway 1 cruise, maybe whale watching in Monterey.