big sur 7d
This is the quintessential California road trip. You'll hit the misty, rugged cliffs of Big Sur, the high-society charm of Carmel, and the laid-back wine vibes of Paso Robles. It's a perfect loop for nature lovers and foodies alike.
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- McWay Falls
- Hearst Castle
- Sensorio Field of Light
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
Day 1 · Coastal Cruise to Monterey
Easy drive down the coast with plenty of salt air and surf vibes.
SFO Airport
Pick up your rental car and head south immediately.
Half Moon Bay
Quick leg stretch at the bluffs. Great for photos.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Grab a snack and watch the vintage wooden coaster.
Monterey Bay
Check into your hotel and walk to Cannery Row.
Day 2 · Sea Otters & Scenic Drives
A mix of world-class marine life and the most famous 17 miles in America.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Don't miss the kelp forest feeding. It's mesmerizing.
17-Mile Drive
Iconic coastal route. Stop at the Lone Cypress for the shot.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Fairytale cottages and no street addresses. Super charming.
Day 3 · The Big Sur Gateway
This is THE photo day. Charge your camera for the Bixby Bridge.
Point Lobos
The 'crown jewel' of state parks. Look for sea lions.
Bixby Creek Bridge
The most Instagrammed bridge in CA. Park on the north side.
Pfeiffer Big Sur
Walk among the giants in the redwood groves.
Day 4 · Purple Sand & Waterfalls
Deep dive into the most iconic spots of the central coast.
Pfeiffer Beach
Famous for purple sand and the Keyhole Arch rock formation.
McWay Falls
A waterfall that drops directly onto the beach. Pure magic.
Sand Dollar Beach
The largest stretch of sand in Big Sur. Great for sunset.
Day 5 · Castles & Elephant Seals
Transitioning from wild cliffs to opulent history and wildlife.
Elephant Seal Vista
Hundreds of seals lounging on the beach. Smelly but cool!
Hearst Castle
William Randolph Hearst's crazy hilltop estate. Pure luxury.
Moonstone Beach
Walk the boardwalk and look for moonstones in the sand.
Day 6 · Wine & Light Shows
Heading inland for world-class wine and a massive light installation.
Daou Vineyards
The best views in Paso Robles. Great Cabernet.
Tin City
Hip spot to try multiple local producers in one walk.
Sensorio
Bruce Munro's Field of Light. 58,000 glowing stems. Unreal.
Day 7 · The Fast Track Back
Transit day, take it easy and enjoy the rolling hills of the 101.
Paso Robles
Grab a coffee and hit the road north.
Gilroy
The garlic capital of the world. You'll smell it before you see it.
SFO Airport
Drop off the car and catch your flight home.
- Check Caltrans for Highway 1 closures
- Book Hearst Castle and Aquarium weeks ahead
- Pack layers—the coast gets chilly even in summer