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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
20stops
Day 1: Monterey → Moss Landing → Monterey Bay sunset
3 stops
Monterey
15:00
Moss Landing
18:30
Monterey Bay sunset
19:45
Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea → … → Pfeiffer Beach
5 stops
Carmel-by-the-Sea
08:30
Point Lobos
10:00
Bixby Creek Bridge
13:30
McWay Falls
15:30
Pfeiffer Beach
17:00
Day 3: Limekiln → Limekiln Beach → Pfeiffer Big Sur
3 stops
Limekiln
09:00
Limekiln Beach
12:30
Pfeiffer Big Sur
15:00
Day 4: Partington Cove → Esalen Institute → San Simeon
3 stops
Partington Cove
13:00
Esalen Institute
20:00
San Simeon
22:00
Day 5: Hearst Castle → Piedras Blancas → San Luis Obispo
3 stops
Hearst Castle
09:30
Piedras Blancas
13:30
San Luis Obispo
17:30
Day 6: Paso Robles → Carmel Valley → Monterey
3 stops
Paso Robles
10:30
Carmel Valley
14:00
Monterey
16:30
Heads Up
- 1. Esalen books 2+ weeks ahead
- 2. Big Sur has no cell service—download maps
- 3. Pfeiffer Beach $15 cash parking