big sur 7d

This 7-day loop takes you through the heart of California's Central Coast, from the misty cliffs of Big Sur to the sun-drenched vineyards of Paso Robles. It's the ultimate mix of rugged nature and high-end chill.

7days
22stops
Day 1: Day 1 · Coastal Cruise to Monterey
4 stops
SFO Airport
09:00
Half Moon Bay
10:30
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
13:00
Monterey Bay
16:30
Day 2: Day 2 · Sea Otters & Scenic Drives
3 stops
Monterey Bay Aquarium
10:00
17-Mile Drive
14:00
Carmel-by-the-Sea
16:30
Day 3: Day 3 · The Big Sur Gateway
3 stops
Point Lobos
09:00
Bixby Creek Bridge
11:30
Pfeiffer Big Sur
14:00
Day 4: Day 4 · Purple Sand & Waterfalls
3 stops
Pfeiffer Beach
10:00
McWay Falls
13:30
Sand Dollar Beach
16:00
Day 5: Day 5 · Castles & Elephant Seals
3 stops
Elephant Seal Vista
10:00
Hearst Castle
13:00
Moonstone Beach
16:30
Day 6: Day 6 · Wine & Light Shows
3 stops
Daou Vineyards
11:30
Tin City
14:30
Sensorio
19:00
Day 7: Day 7 · The Fast Track Back
3 stops
Paso Robles
09:00
Gilroy
12:00
SFO Airport
15:00

big sur 7d

This 7-day loop takes you through the heart of California's Central Coast, from the misty cliffs of Big Sur to the sun-drenched vineyards of Paso Robles. It's the ultimate mix of rugged nature and high-end chill.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.