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big sur 5d
Big Sur is California's greatest hits reel: redwoods, sea stacks, fog-draped cliffs, and hot springs. This 5-day loop gives you the full Highway 1 experience without rushing the good stuff. You'll drive south deep into the wilderness, then cut inland through wine country for a soft landing back north.
6days
19stops
DAY01
Monterey → Monterey Bay sunset
Overnight in Monterey Bay sunset
- 15:00Monterey· start
- 18:30Moss Landing
- 19:45Monterey Bay sunset· overnight
Food
- Phil's Fish Market · Cioppino is the move—sourdough bowl, sit on the patio
- Carmel Coffee House · Grab beans for tomorrow, cute courtyard
Costs
- Rental car + gas
- $60
- Monterey hotel
- $180
DAY02
Carmel-by-the-Sea → Pfeiffer Beach
Overnight in Pfeiffer Beach
- 08:30Carmel-by-the-Sea· start
- 10:00Point Lobos
- 13:30Bixby Creek Bridge
- 15:30McWay Falls
- 17:00Pfeiffer Beach· overnight
Food
- Big Sur Bakery · Lunch stop—wood-fired pastries, sit in the garden
- Nepenthe · Famous for the view, burger is solid, pricey but memorable
Costs
- Point Lobos entry
- $10
- Big Sur lodge
- $220
DAY03
Limekiln → Pfeiffer Big Sur
Overnight in Pfeiffer Big Sur
- 09:00Limekiln· start
- 12:30Limekiln Beach
- 15:00Pfeiffer Big Sur· overnight
Food
- Big Sur Deli · Sandwiches to go, eat at Limekiln picnic tables
- Deetjen's Big Sur Inn · Cozy dinner—reservations recommended, historic roadhouse vibe
Costs
- Limekiln entry
- $10
- Big Sur lodge
- $220
DAY04
Partington Cove → San Simeon
Overnight in San Simeon
- 13:00Partington Cove· start
- 20:00Esalen Institute
- 22:00San Simeon· overnight
Food
- Big Sur Roadhouse · Breakfast burrito, strong coffee, hit the road after
- Sebastian's General Store · San Simeon historic spot, tri-tip sandwich, local wine
Costs
- Esalen night bath
- $45
- San Simeon motel
- $150
DAY05
Hearst Castle → San Luis Obispo
Overnight in San Luis Obispo
- 09:30Hearst Castle· start
- 13:30Piedras Blancas
- 17:30San Luis Obispo· overnight
Food
- Sebastian's Cafe · If you skipped it yesterday, get the tri-tip now
- Madonna Inn Copper Cafe · Pink champagne cake, embrace the kitsch
Costs
- Hearst Castle tour
- $30
- Madonna Inn
- $200
DAY06
Paso Robles → Monterey
- 10:30Paso Robles· start
- 14:00Carmel Valley
- 16:30Monterey
Food
- Tablas Creek Vineyard · Rhone varietals, organic estate. Book tasting online.
- The Pass · Carmel Valley lunch—burger, patio, then wind through oaks
Costs
- Wine tasting
- $40
- Gas to Monterey
- $25
Heads Up
- Esalen books 2+ weeks ahead
- Big Sur has no cell service—download maps
- Pfeiffer Beach $15 cash parking