Big Sur
January 20 - 22 (3D2N): As part of my visit to Los Angeles this year, I decided to tackle the road trip of driving from LA to SF and visit many interesting sights along the way. One of the highlights when taking the scenic route (Pacific Coast Highway 1) was driving through Big Sur. I’ve consulted many travel blogs and compiled an itinerary that will allow you to hit all the main attractions in Big Sur over a 3-day road trip from LA to SFO.
Day 1
Noon departure from Los Angeles
Drive to Santa Barbara (~1.5 hr)
Walk along State Street
Drive to San Luis Obispo (~1.5 hr)
Dinner @ Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill
Check-in @ San Luis Creek Lodge
Day 2
Walk around the town of San Luis Obispo:
Walk along San Luis Obispo Creek
Cayucos:
Brown Butter Cookie Co. (generous samples to try)
Cayucos Pier
Nitt Witt Ridge @ Cambria ($10 tour admission; go for a photo outside the house if you are short on time)
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery @ San Simeon
Big Sur:
McWay Falls ($10 parking or free on the side of the road; hike is easy and ~10mins RT)
Stop along various viewpoints
Lunch @ Ventana Inn & Spa (or Post Ranch Inn but must reserve ahead)
Pfeiffer beach (closed to tourist when we were there)
Carmel-by-the-sea:
Drive through Scenic Road for some beautiful houses
Walk along shops on Ocean Ave. (stop by Burns Cowboy Shop for some cool cowboy boots)
Sunset by Carmel River State Beach
Wine tasting @ Caraccioli Cellars ($20 tasting for 6)
Monterey:
Beer & jenga @ Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill
Dinner @ Full Moon Mandarin Cuisine
Check-in @ Stage Coach Lodge
Day 3
Drive to San Francisco Airport (~2.5 hrs)
Noon flight back to NYC
Other points of interest & food
Point Lobos ($10 per vehicle)
Carmel-by-the-Sea:
Monterey:
Point Pinos Lighthouse ($4 per adult; closed Tues/Wed; opens 1-4pm)
Ramen @ Toribashi
