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big sur 7d

This 7-day loop takes you through the heart of California's Central Coast, from the misty cliffs of Big Sur to the sun-drenched vineyards of Paso Robles. It's the ultimate mix of rugged nature and high-end chill.

7days
21stops
DAY01

SFO Airport → Monterey Bay

Overnight in Monterey Bay
  1. 09:00
    SFO Airport· start
  3. 10:30
    Half Moon Bay
  5. 13:00
    Santa Cruz Boardwalk
  7. 16:30
    Monterey Bay· overnight
Food
  • Sam's Chowder House · Famous lobster rolls with a killer view of the Pacific.
  • Old Fisherman's Grotto · Classic Monterey vibes. Get the clam chowder in a bread bowl.
Costs
Gas
$40
Monterey Hotel
$250
DAY02

Monterey Bay Aquarium → Carmel-by-the-Sea

Overnight in Carmel-by-the-Sea
  1. 10:00
    Monterey Bay Aquarium· start
  3. 14:00
    17-Mile Drive
  5. 16:30
    Carmel-by-the-Sea· overnight
Food
  • Alvarado Street Brewery · Great craft beers and elevated pub grub in downtown Monterey.
  • La Bicyclette · Charming French bistro in Carmel. The wood-fired pizzas are a game-changer.
Costs
Aquarium Tickets
$60
17-Mile Drive Fee
$11
DAY03

Point Lobos → Pfeiffer Big Sur

Overnight in Pfeiffer Big Sur
  1. 09:00
    Point Lobos· start
  3. 11:30
    Bixby Creek Bridge
  5. 14:00
    Pfeiffer Big Sur· overnight
Food
  • Big Sur Bakery · Rustic vibes and incredible ginger scones. Perfect breakfast stop.
  • Nepenthe · The view is the main course. Get the Ambrosia Burger.
Costs
State Park Fee
$10
Big Sur Lodge
$350
DAY04

Pfeiffer Beach → Sand Dollar Beach

Overnight in Sand Dollar Beach
  1. 10:00
    Pfeiffer Beach· start
  3. 13:30
    McWay Falls
  5. 16:00
    Sand Dollar Beach· overnight
Food
  • Coast Big Sur · Art gallery meets cafe. Great rooftop for a light lunch.
  • Deetjen's Restaurant · Historic, candlelit, and super cozy. Feels like old-world Big Sur.
Costs
Parking Fees
$20
DAY05

Elephant Seal Vista → Moonstone Beach

Overnight in Moonstone Beach
  1. 10:00
    Elephant Seal Vista· start
  3. 13:00
    Hearst Castle
  5. 16:30
    Moonstone Beach· overnight
Food
  • Sebastian's General Store · Great burgers made with Hearst Ranch beef.
  • Robin's Restaurant · Eclectic garden dining in Cambria. The salmon bisque is a must.
Costs
Hearst Castle Tour
$30
Cambria Hotel
$220
DAY06

Daou Vineyards → Sensorio

Overnight in Sensorio
  1. 11:30
    Daou Vineyards· start
  3. 14:30
    Tin City
  5. 19:00
    Sensorio· overnight
Food
  • Fish Gaucho · Modern Mexican and a massive tequila list in downtown Paso.
  • Tin City · Industrial park filled with craft wineries, cider, and ice cream.
Costs
Wine Tasting
$40
Sensorio Tickets
$45
DAY07

Paso Robles → SFO Airport

  1. 09:00
    Paso Robles· start
  3. 12:00
    Gilroy
  5. 15:00
    SFO Airport
Food
  • The Garlic Shoppe · Stop in Gilroy for garlic ice cream if you're brave.
Costs
Gas
$50