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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
DAY01

Monterey Bay Aquarium → Carmel Beach

Overnight in Carmel Beach
  1. 10:00
    Monterey Bay Aquarium· start
  3. 13:00
    Cannery Row
  5. 15:00
    17-Mile Drive
  7. 17:30
    Carmel Beach· overnight
Food
  • Old Fisherman's Grotto · Get the clam chowder in a bread bowl; it's a Monterey staple for a reason.
  • Dametra Cafe · Greek food with a side of singing staff. The atmosphere is a total game-changer.
Costs
Monterey Aquarium Ticket
$60
17-Mile Drive Entry
$12
DAY02

Point Lobos State Reserve → Big Sur Village

Overnight in Big Sur Village
  1. 09:00
    Point Lobos State Reserve· start
  3. 12:30
    Garrapata
  5. 14:30
    Bixby Creek Bridge
  7. 16:30
    Big Sur Village· overnight
Campsite · Big Sur Village
Campsite details not verified yet
Food
  • Big Sur Bakery · The ginger scones are legendary. Grab some for the road.
  • The Sur House · High-end dining with a view that will blow your mind. Pricey but worth it.
Costs
Point Lobos Parking
$10
Gas
$50
DAY03

Pfeiffer Big Sur → McWay Falls

Overnight in McWay Falls
  1. 09:30
    Pfeiffer Big Sur· start
  3. 12:00
    Pfeiffer Beach
  5. 14:30
    Nepenthe
  7. 16:30
    McWay Falls· overnight
Food
  • Nepenthe · Order the Ambrosia Burger. The view from the terrace is world-class.
  • Coast Big Sur · Art gallery meets cafe. Great soft serve and rooftop seating.
Costs
Pfeiffer Beach Fee
$15
DAY04

Sand Dollar Beach → Moonstone Beach

Overnight in Moonstone Beach
  1. 10:00
    Sand Dollar Beach· start
  3. 13:00
    Elephant Seal Rookery
  5. 15:00
    Hearst Castle
  7. 17:30
    Moonstone Beach· overnight
Food
  • Sebastian's General Store · Killer burgers right near the Hearst Ranch winery tasting room.
  • Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill · Fresh seafood with a view of the boardwalk. Very relaxing.
Costs
Hearst Castle Tour
$30
Accommodation in Cambria
$200
DAY05

Cayucos Pier → San Luis Obispo

  1. 10:00
    Cayucos Pier· start
  3. 12:00
    Morro Rock
  5. 15:00
    Bubblegum Alley
  7. 17:00
    San Luis Obispo
Food
  • Brown Butter Cookie Company · In Cayucos. You MUST get the original sea salt cookie. Life-changing.
  • Firestone Grill · The Tri-Tip sandwich is a local legend in San Luis Obispo.
Costs
Lunch & Snacks
$40