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big sur 7d

7days
25stops
DAY01

San Francisco → Santa Cruz

Overnight in Santa Cruz
  1. 13:00
    San Francisco· start
  3. 14:30
    Swanton Berry Farm
  5. 16:00
    Santa Cruz· overnight
Food
  • Swanton Berry Farm · Organic strawberry shortcake at the farm stand, totally worth the detour
  • The Crepe Place · Funky Santa Cruz spot with crepes and live music vibes
  • Marianne's Ice Cream · Local legend since 1947, try the 10-20 (vanilla+chocolate+cookie dough)
Costs
Accommodation
$180
Gas
$45
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. 17:00
    Carmel-by-the-Sea· overnight
Food
  • Phil's Fish Market · Moss Landing cioppino that'll ruin you for all other seafood
  • Casanova Restaurant · Candlelit Carmel institution, request the Van Gogh table
  • Cottage of Sweets · Tiny English candy shop, grab fudge for the road
Costs
Accommodation
$220
Monterey Bay Aquarium
$60
DAY03

Point Lobos → Pfeiffer Beach

Overnight in Pfeiffer Beach
  1. 08:30
    Point Lobos· start
  3. 12:00
    Rocky Point
  5. 14:00
    Bixby Creek Bridge
  7. 15:30
    McWay Falls
  9. 17:00
    Pfeiffer Beach· overnight
Food
  • Rocky Point Restaurant · Cliffside lunch with views that'll make you forget your food
  • Nepenthe · Iconic Big Sur sunset spot, famous Ambrosia burger
  • Deetjen's Big Sur Inn · Historic inn restaurant, cozy fireplace dinners
Costs
Accommodation
$280
Gas
$35
DAY04

Pfeiffer Big Sur → Esalen Hot Springs

Overnight in Esalen Hot Springs
  1. 09:00
    Pfeiffer Big Sur· start
  3. 13:00
    Henry Miller Library
  5. 17:00
    Esalen Hot Springs· overnight
Food
  • Big Sur Bakery · Wood-fired everything, get there before 11am or it's gone
  • Sierra Mar · Post Ranch Inn's cliffside tasting menu, splurge night
  • Henry Miller Library · Garden cafe with live music, totally chill afternoon
Costs
Accommodation
$280
Esalen Hot Springs
$35
DAY05

Andrew Molera → Hearst Castle

Overnight in Hearst Castle
  1. 08:00
    Andrew Molera· start
  3. 11:00
    Ragged Point
  5. 13:00
    Elephant Seal Rookery
  7. 15:00
    Hearst Castle· overnight
Food
  • Ragged Point Inn · Last food for 50 miles, decent burger with insane cliff views
  • Sebastian's General Store · San Simeon historic spot, tri-tip sandwich and local wine
  • Hearst Castle Visitor Center Cafe · Basic but convenient, eat before your tour time
Costs
Accommodation
$160
Hearst Castle tour
$35
DAY06

Cayucos → Morro Bay

Overnight in Morro Bay
  1. 10:00
    Cayucos· start
  3. 12:00
    Edna Valley
  5. 16:00
    Morro Bay· overnight
Food
  • Taco Temple · Morro Bay fish tacos that locals guard like a secret
  • Kynsi Winery · Edna Valley pinot noir, laid-back tasting room
  • Dorn's Original Breakers Cafe · Old-school seafood with Morro Rock views
Costs
Accommodation
$140
Wine tasting
$45
DAY07

Pismo Beach → Funk Zone

  1. 09:00
    Pismo Beach· start
  3. 11:00
    Solvang
  5. 14:00
    Santa Barbara
  7. 17:00
    Funk Zone
Food
  • La Super-Rica Taqueria · Julia Child's favorite taco spot, expect a line, totally worth it
  • The Lark · Funk Zone gem, shared plates, great cocktails
  • McConnell's Fine Ice Creams · Santa Barbara original, sea salt caramel and strawberries
Costs
Accommodation
$200
Return car/gas
$65