big sur 5d

This 5-day loop hits the absolute best of the California coast, from the rugged cliffs of Big Sur to the quirky charm of Cambria and the wine hills of Paso Robles.

5days
18stops
Day 1: Day 1 · Monterey & Carmel Vibes
4 stops
Monterey Bay Aquarium
10:00
Cannery Row
13:00
17-Mile Drive
15:00
Carmel-by-the-Sea
18:00
Day 2: Day 2 · The Big Sur Icons
4 stops
Point Lobos
09:00
Bixby Creek Bridge
11:30
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
14:00
Pfeiffer Beach
16:30
Day 3: Day 3 · Waterfalls & Wild Seals
4 stops
McWay Falls
10:00
Sand Dollar Beach
13:00
Elephant Seal Vista Point
15:30
San Simeon
17:30
Day 4: Day 4 · Castles & Coastal Charm
3 stops
Hearst Castle
09:30
Moonstone Beach
13:30
Cambria Village
15:30
Day 5: Day 5 · Wine Country & Pinnacles
3 stops
Paso Robles Wine Country
10:00
Pinnacles National Park
13:30
Return to Monterey
17:30

big sur 5d

This 5-day loop hits the absolute best of the California coast, from the rugged cliffs of Big Sur to the quirky charm of Cambria and the wine hills of Paso Robles.

  1. Day 1 · Monterey & Carmel Vibes

    Ease into the coast with world-class sea life and the fancy side of the Pacific.

    • Monterey Bay Aquarium

      The jellyfish exhibit is hypnotic. Don't skip the sea otters!

    • Cannery Row

      Walk the historic street. A bit touristy, but the history is cool.

    • 17-Mile Drive

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

    • Carmel-by-the-Sea

      No street addresses here! Just cute cottages and hidden courtyards.

  2. Day 2 · The Big Sur Icons

    This is the postcard day. Charge your camera, the views are insane.

    • Point Lobos

      The 'crown jewel' of state parks. Sea Lion Point trail is easy and epic.

    • Bixby Creek Bridge

      The most iconic bridge in CA. Park on the north side for the best angle.

    • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

      Walk among the redwoods. It's a nice break from the coastal wind.

    • Pfeiffer Beach

      Look for the purple sand! The Keyhole Arch is magic at sunset.

  3. Day 3 · Waterfalls & Wild Seals

    Remote, rugged, and wild. Keep an eye out for condors and whales.

    • McWay Falls

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

    • Sand Dollar Beach

      The largest stretch of sand in Big Sur. Great for a long walk.

    • Elephant Seal Vista Point

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

    • San Simeon

      Quiet spot to crash before the castle tomorrow.

  4. Day 4 · Castles & Coastal Charm

    From a billionaire's mansion to a quirky beach town. Very chill day.

    • Hearst Castle

      Zebras in the fields and a gold-leaf pool. Hearst was extra.

    • Moonstone Beach

      Hunt for moonstones and sea glass along the boardwalk.

    • Cambria Village

      Super cute shops. Check out the Nitt Witt Ridge if you like weird art.

  5. Day 5 · Wine Country & Pinnacles

    Heading back north via the valley. Wine, caves, and condors.

    • Paso Robles Wine Country

      Stop at a vineyard. Daou has the best views in the valley.

    • Pinnacles National Park

      Hike the Balconies Cave trail. Bring a flashlight!

    • Return to Monterey

      Back to where it started. Grab one last seafood dinner.