1 / 5

big sur 3d

Big Sur is all about the drive. 145km of winding highway, every pullout worth stopping. This first day builds from the weird (elephant seals) to the iconic (McWay Falls) with plenty of breathing room.

3days
16stops
DAY01

San Simeon → Big Sur Village

Overnight in Big Sur Village
  1. 09:00
    San Simeon· start
  3. 10:30
    Hearst Castle
  5. 13:00
    Ragged Point
  7. 15:00
    Limekiln
  9. 17:30
    McWay Falls
  11. 19:00
    Big Sur Village· overnight
Food
  • Sebastian's General Store · Tri-tip sandwich in a 1800s stagecoach stop. Grab it to go, eat at the picnic tables watching waves.
  • Big Sur Bakery · Wood-fired everything. The chocolate chip cookie is legendary for a reason.
Costs
Accommodation (Big Sur area)
$180-350
Gas
$45
DAY02

Pfeiffer Beach → Esalen Hot Springs

Overnight in Esalen Hot Springs
  1. 08:30
    Pfeiffer Beach· start
  3. 11:00
    Pfeiffer Big Sur
  5. 14:00
    Partington Cove
  7. 16:00
    Julia Pfeiffer Burns
  9. 19:00
    Esalen Hot Springs· overnight
Food
  • Nepenthe · Ambrosia burger + million-dollar view. Pricey but the terrace is the real show.
  • Deetjen's Big Sur Inn · Cozy Norwegian-style restaurant. Get the granola at breakfast, pot roast at dinner.
Costs
Accommodation (same)
$180-350
Gas
$25
DAY03

Bixby Creek Bridge → Carmel Beach

  1. 08:00
    Bixby Creek Bridge· start
  3. 09:30
    Garrapata
  5. 12:00
    Point Lobos
  7. 15:00
    Carmel-by-the-Sea
  9. 17:30
    Carmel Beach
Food
  • Rocky Point Restaurant · Last cliffside meal before civilization. Bloody Mary + fish tacos, historic roadhouse vibes.
  • Dametra Cafe · Carmel's best Mediterranean. Owner might break into song — embrace the cheese.
Costs
Accommodation (Carmel/Monterey)
$150-400
Gas
$20
Heads Up
  • Download offline maps — cell service dies past Ragged Point
  • Fill up in San Simeon or Carmel; Big Sur gas is $7+/gal