big sur 5d

This 5-day crawl down Highway 1 hits every iconic cliffside view and hidden beach between Monterey and San Luis Obispo. It's the ultimate slow-burn road trip.

5days
20stops
Day 1: Day 1 · Monterey Magic
4 stops
Monterey Bay Aquarium
10:00
Cannery Row
13:00
17-Mile Drive
15:00
Carmel Beach
17:30
Day 2: Day 2 · The Crown Jewel
4 stops
Point Lobos State Reserve
09:00
Garrapata State Park
12:30
Bixby Creek Bridge
14:30
Big Sur Village
16:30
Day 3: Day 3 · Deep Big Sur
4 stops
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
09:30
Pfeiffer Beach
12:00
Nepenthe
14:30
McWay Falls
16:30
Day 4: Day 4 · The Southern Stretch
4 stops
Sand Dollar Beach
10:00
Elephant Seal Rookery
13:00
Hearst Castle
15:00
Moonstone Beach
17:30
Day 5: Day 5 · Coastal Chill
4 stops
Cayucos Pier
10:00
Morro Rock
12:00
Bubblegum Alley
15:00
San Luis Obispo
17:00

big sur 5d

This 5-day crawl down Highway 1 hits every iconic cliffside view and hidden beach between Monterey and San Luis Obispo. It's the ultimate slow-burn road trip.

  1. Day 1 · Monterey Magic

    Ease into the coastal vibes with world-class sea life and the famous 17-Mile Drive.

    • Monterey Bay Aquarium

      The jellyfish exhibit is a vibe. Don't miss the open sea tank.

    • Cannery Row

      Walk the historic street. Skip the tourist traps, focus on the views.

    • 17-Mile Drive

      The Lone Cypress is THE photo. Totally worth the entry fee.

    • Carmel Beach

      White sand and dog-friendly. Perfect for a sunset stroll.

  2. Day 2 · The Crown Jewel

    This is the 'wow' day. Rugged cliffs, turquoise water, and that famous bridge.

    • Point Lobos State Reserve

      Walk the Cypress Grove trail. The water looks like the Caribbean.

    • Garrapata State Park

      Wild, windy, and empty. Great for getting away from the crowds.

    • Bixby Creek Bridge

      The Big Little Lies bridge. Park on the north side for the best angle.

    • Big Sur Village

      Check into your lodge and soak in the redwood vibes.

  3. Day 3 · Deep Big Sur

    Get off the main road to find hidden beaches and towering trees.

    • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

      Walk the Valley View trail for a mix of redwoods and ocean vistas.

    • Pfeiffer Beach

      Look for the purple sand and the Keyhole Arch. Pure magic.

    • Nepenthe

      The ultimate chill spot. Grab a drink and stare at the coast.

    • McWay Falls

      A waterfall that drops onto the beach. You can't go down, but the view is 10/10.

  4. Day 4 · The Southern Stretch

    Leaving the high cliffs for rolling hills, elephant seals, and a literal castle.

    • Sand Dollar Beach

      The largest sandy beach in Big Sur. Great for a morning walk.

    • Elephant Seal Rookery

      Hundreds of seals lounging around. It's loud, smelly, and awesome.

    • Hearst Castle

      William Randolph Hearst's crazy mansion. The Neptune Pool is insane.

    • Moonstone Beach

      Walk the boardwalk and look for moonstones in the tide pools.

  5. Day 5 · Coastal Chill

    Wrapping up with a giant rock in the ocean and a cool college town vibe.

    • Cayucos Pier

      Classic California pier. Grab cookies nearby and enjoy the breeze.

    • Morro Rock

      A 576-foot volcanic plug. You can't climb it, but you can walk around it.

    • Bubblegum Alley

      Gross but iconic. Add your own piece if you're brave.

    • San Luis Obispo

      End of the road. Grab a beer downtown and toast to a great trip.