This itinerary assumes you have already spent at least a day connecting with Big Sur’s main attractions, suggested by our Big Sur Day Trip. So now that you’ve sampled the region’s exceptional qualities, you know that it offers unlimited opportunities to connect with nature and rejuvenate mind and spirit. Now you can stop at places that require more time to explore. You could possibly spend a half or full day at each of the locations listed below, so we’ve separated itineraries into those north of Big Sur “town,” and the southern section, starting with Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Slow down, focus on one park at a time, and stay extra days if you want to see more rather than pack everything into a tight schedule.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA
Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur Coast & Highlands Inn, A Hyatt Residence Club, Highlands Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA
Point Sur State Historic Park, California 1, Monterey, CA, USA
Andrew Molera State Park, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Garrapata State Park, California 1, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA
Hurricane Point, California, USA
Rocky Point, California, USA
Big Sur River Inn, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Pacific's Edge, Highlands Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA
Big Sur Lodge, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Ventana Campground, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Sierra Mar, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
The Sur House, California 1, Big Sur, CA, USA
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Big Sur & Highway 1
Eat breakfast in Carmel or Monterey before heading down Highway 1 to Big Sur, and stop at Point Lobos to hike before continuing south for lunch. Other hiking options on the way to Big Sur include Garrapata and Andrew Molera state parks. Or reserve a time to tour the famous lighthouse at Point Sur State Historic Park. Don’t miss the scenic lookouts at Rocky Point and Hurricane Point along the way.
You might want to bring along picnic provisions from Monterey or Carmel as well, if you plan to hike a lot. And remember to bring lots of water to stay hydrated.
Best Places for Lunch in Big Sur & Highway 1
After hiking at Point Lobos, stop off at the nearby Pacific’s Edge restaurant at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands, or continue down Highway 1 to Big Sur River Inn for lunch, and dangle your feet in the river to cool them off. If you’re not too tired, continue down Highway 1 to Big Sur Roadhouse, Big Sur Deli, Big Sur Bakery, Big Sur Smokehouse, Nepenthe, or COAST Big Sur.
Big Sur River Inn
You’ll know you’ve entered the main 5-mile stretch of Big Sur “town” when you see the Big Sur River Inn amid a collection of shops and other services. Stop here for lunch or a snack, and if you must, connect to WiFi. Also order a slice of the legendary apple pie — they’ve been serving it for decades. Mile marker 49.
Pacific's Edge
After hiking at Point Lobos, stop off at Pacific’s Edge restaurant at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands for lunch (or dinner) for killer views of the Big Sur coastline. The menu centers around fresh, local ingredients and offers everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to cioppino.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Big Sur & Highway 1
Spend the afternoon hiking around Point Sur and/or Andrew Molera state parks before your arrival in the “town” of Big Sur.
Point Sur State Historic Park
Ships traveling along the coast in the late 1800s faced incredible perils, with treacherous rocks and reefs at every turn. In 1889 a lightstation atop a volcanic plug at Point Sur began to shine a powerful beam to help those ever-grateful captains navigate. The light has been shining ever since.
Andrew Molera State Park
This sprawling park at the northern end of Big Sur — the largest on the Big Sur coast — was once a ranch belonging to Andrew Molera, the guy who encouraged farmers to plant artichokes in the early 1920s near Castroville, now dubbed the Artichoke Capital of the World. About 15 miles of hiking trails, from easy to moderately difficult, wind through the park’s exceptionally diverse terrain.
Best Places for Dinner in Big Sur & Highway 1
If you are planning to spend the night in Big Sur, consider dining at Big Sur River Inn (see lunch above) or Homestead Restaurant (mid-range, see below), or splurge at the sophisticated Sierra Mar or The Sur House. If you are driving back north, plan to stop at Pacific’s Edge at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands for dinner (see above lunch suggestions). The sunset in the hotel’s appropriately named Sunset Lounge is usually awesome.
Big Sur River Inn
Best Places to Stay in Big Sur & Highway 1
Bonus Pro Tips
Before you go:
• Highway 1 is sometimes closed for road repairs, so you can’t always drive all the way down to San Luis Obispo County. Best to check on Highway conditions before you make plans.
• Download a list of mile markers so you know where you are and what’s up next along the road. GPS doesn’t work in most places!
• Read about sustainable practices to protect and preserve Big Sur.
