Visiting Big Sur has been on my bucket list for quite some time, so I was excited to finally make it down Highway 1 to Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur on a recent trip. The thirty miles of coastline from Monterey to Big Sur is absolutely stunning with cliffside overlooks of the Pacific Ocean around every corner. Northern California experiences what are called ‘Indian Summers’ so the weather is most appealing from late June to October. The temperatures when we visited in early June were still in the 50s and low 60s– make sure to read the weather beforehand and pack appropriately.
Transportation:
We flew into the San Jose Airport, which is one of the closest commercial airports to this area. Other airports include SFO and Monterey Regional Airport [you can connect from San Jose or SFO to this airport]. Upon arrival to San Jose Airport it is still about an hour drive down to Monterey and Carmel. Renting a car is the best option, and you can find cheap rentals from companies like Sixt. We got a Jeep Grand Cherokee for this trip, since we knew we would be driving along windy roads.
Where to Stay:
Big Sur itself doesn’t have a ton of lodging options. In fact in the research I did prior to arrival, the main options were basic camping in a tent or two expensive 5 star resorts: Ventana and Post Ranch Inn. Neither seemed like a fit for this particular trip, so we opted instead to stay in Carmel/Carmel Highlands which is an easy 30-40 minute drive from Big Sur. Carmel is a very cute beach town, with a quaint vibe that almost feels European at times. The houses here are so quaint and you will find dozens of ‘inns’ that host tourists, as well as many affordable options on Air Bnb. We actually stayed at Sandpiper Inn for part of our trip, which was an adults-only inn that was steps from the beach and served a free daily breakfast.
Hyatt Carmel Highlands: Our first hotel was the Hyatt Carmel Highlands. I generally try to avoid staying in mainstream hotels like Hyatt and prefer to give my business to smaller boutique or privately owned properties but this particular Hyatt has a super prime location. It was in Carmel Highlands, which is on the way to Big Sur. It also has ocean-view rooms that are elevated on a hillside.
Cost: $330/Night for an Oceanside Room
Post Ranch Inn: This would be my dream place to stay in Big Sur. The 5-Star resort regularly hosts celebrities like: George Clooney, Bob Saget, and Drew Barrymore. Security is very tight here, as we tried to sneak in for a drink and were denied both times. However you can make a reservation in advance for their restaurant to check out the breaktaking views.
Cost: $1,250/night
Ventana Glamping: If the goal of your trip is to be one with nature, you may opt for the glamping experience at Ventana in Big Sur. Stay in the midst of the Redwoods in a safari-style canvas tent complete with all of the modern luxuries including: heated floors, marble vanities and enclosed showers. Activities include guided hikes, meditation classes and Tai Che.
Cost: $600/night
Hotel Carmel: This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Carmel near restaurants, shopping and [best of all perhaps] the beach! The rooms have cute modern, minimalist decors the hotel is adjoined by Borphey’s Tavern: a restaurant and sports bar.
Hikes:
Mcway Falls: This is a very short hike [less than a mile] down to the coast to see the McWay Waterfall. The full trail was closed when we were there, so the hike was even shorter [about a .2 mile walk]. The falls however are absolutely stunning and this therefore is one of the most popular trails.
Buzzard’s Roost Tail: A moderate hike with 4.8 miles of roundtrip trail along through the redwoods and along the coastline. Some stunning viewpoints!
Point Lobos State Reserve: This trail is located closer to Carmel Highlands, and is one of the most popular parks in the area. There are several trails here that range in length. Explore the wildlife, plants and geology native to the region.
Beaches:
Del Monte Beach: This popular beach in Monterey is where many of the coastal scenes from Big Little Lies were filmed. It is a gorgeous beach with a boardwalk, sand dunes and picnic areas.
Carmel Beach: This quaint beach attracts tourists and locals alike. I loved how many people brought their dogs to this beach. You can surf in certain areas too!
Sand Dollar Beach: Just past Big Sur, down Highway 1 is Sand Dollar Beach. It is famous as the largest unbroken swathe of sand along the Big Sur coast. Here you can hunt for Jade and other rocks.
Other Things to do:
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Visit the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium for a chance to see, touch a feel marine life. The Deep Sea tank houses 29+ species in a 1.2 million gallon tank, which is a pretty incredible site. We also enjoyed viewing several species of jellyfish, penguins, and otters!
Bixby Bridge: You will definitely drive past the Bixby Bridge, so make sure to take in the views here and snap a photo. This was my favorite overlook, and if you watch Big Little Lies you’ve seen this bridge on your TV screen. It’s breathtaking!
Golf Pebble Beach: Any golf pros reading? You will want to visit Pebble Beach, and if you are experienced, lucky and have the means to pay [$550] you can take a stab at the course yourself. Golfers looking to play the course must be staying at one of the Pebble Beach properties. Each June, the US Open is hosted at Pebble Beach and on our visit they had already set up the stands and tents for the tournament.
Restaurants:
Nepenthe: This restaurant has one of the best views of Big Sur. Guests come here to soak in the view on the large patio, which hosts ping pong and other games while you wait for your table. You will wait, as this place is very, very popular [but worth it]. The food is fairly basic, but nonetheless delicious: offering salads, sandwiches, french fries and coleslaw.
Sierra Mar: The restaurant inside Post Ranch Inn also offers incredible views, but make sure you have a reservation to be let into the property. Security is tight here, and they only let in serious diners who are going for the multicourse experience. This is sure to be a memorable dining experience.
The Sur House: This restaurant is inside the Ventana Resort, at the top of a very steep hill. You will feel like you are floating in the clouds on their patio deck. For dinner, they offer a four course tasting menu or you can order dishes al la carte.
La Bicyclette: This Italian spot in downtown Carmel is famous for their pizza. It a favorite of locals and tourists alike and offers a cozy environment with an amazing wine list.
Dametra Cafe: Dametra was rated the number one restaurant in Carmel and was one of the most flavorful meals that we had on our vacation. The restaurant is on the main street of Carmel and very unassuming. They serve meditteranean favorites: hummus, greek salads, lamb and pastas. Meditteranean Restaurant was opened by the same team and has the exact same menu, so you can dine there as well if Dametra has a waitlist.
Aubergine at L’Auberge Carmel: Aubergine is the only Michelin Star restaurant in Carmel, and their Chef Justin Cogley has made his way through Austin. I first tried his cooking at the Fairmont Austin for the Bocuse d’Or fundraising dinner. The tasting menu is $185/person and there is an option to add a wine pairing for $155. Perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion and indulge, while on vacation.
Passionfish: This was the only restaurant we tried in Monterey, and it was delicious. The menu is comprised mostly of seafood, and not a single diner skipped on dessert. The Lemon Panna Cotta is a fan favorite.
