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big sur 5d

5days
17stops
DAY01

17-Mile Drive → Point Lobos

Overnight in Point Lobos
  1. 14:00
    17-Mile Drive· start
  3. 14:30
    Pebble Beach
  5. 17:30
    Point Lobos· overnight
Food
  • Casanova Restaurant · Cozy Carmel institution, get the escargot and sit in the Napoleon booth
  • Dametra Cafe · Mediterranean spot where they sing opera, totally worth the wait
  • Tuck Box · Storybook cottage cafe, grab scones for tomorrow's drive
Costs
17-Mile Drive fee
$11.75
Accommodation (Carmel)
$250-450
DAY02

Bixby Creek Bridge → Pfeiffer Beach

Overnight in Pfeiffer Beach
  1. 09:00
    Bixby Creek Bridge· start
  3. 11:00
    Pfeiffer Big Sur
  5. 14:00
    McWay Falls
  7. 17:00
    Pfeiffer Beach· overnight
Food
  • Nepenthe · Famous for Ambrosia burger and that terrace view — go early or wait forever
  • Big Sur Bakery · Wood-fired everything, get the morning bun if they have it
  • Ventana Big Sur · Fancy option, but the sushi at The Sur House hits different
Costs
Gas (premium, remote)
$80-120
Julia Pfeiffer parking
$10
DAY03

Pfeiffer Falls → Esalen Institute

Overnight in Esalen Institute
  1. 08:30
    Pfeiffer Falls· start
  3. 12:00
    Ventana Campground Trails
  5. 19:00
    Esalen Institute· overnight
Food
  • Deetjen's Big Sur Inn · Historic Norwegian cabin vibes, breakfast only, get the granola
  • Fernwood Resort · Roadhouse burgers and live music on weekends
  • Esalen Kitchen · If you're doing the hot springs, the farm-to-table dinner is included
Costs
Esalen night bathing
$35-45
Ventana trail parking
$Free
DAY04

Julia Pfeiffer Burns → Moonstone Beach

Overnight in Moonstone Beach
  1. 09:00
    Julia Pfeiffer Burns· start
  3. 13:00
    Piedras Blancas
  5. 15:30
    Hearst Castle
  7. 18:30
    Moonstone Beach· overnight
Food
  • Sebastian's General Store · San Simeon historic spot, tri-tip sandwich and local wine
  • Hearst Castle Cafe · Overpriced but convenient, eat before or after tour
  • Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill · Cambria's best sunset dinner, get the cioppino
Costs
Hearst Castle tour
$30
Accommodation (Cambria)
$180-320
DAY05

Morro Bay Kayak → Pismo Beach

  1. 09:00
    Morro Bay Kayak· start
  3. 12:00
    Morro Rock
  5. 14:30
    Pismo Beach
Food
  • Tognazzini's Dockside · Morro Bay waterfront, get the clam chowder in bread bowl
  • Galley Seafood Grill · Local spot, grilled oysters and garlic bread
  • Blue Sky Bistro · On the sand at Pismo, breakfast burrito to-go
Costs
Kayak rental
$45-65
Morro Rock parking
$Free