Let's explore the coastal towns of Carmel by the Sea, Monterey and take in the beautiful views of Big Sur. Carmel will be your home base during this four day trip. The town is walkable, dog friendly, and full of delightful shops and delicious bites! This trip is a mix of scenic drives and light to moderate walking. Enjoy a long weekend exploring the towns and sights of the California coast!
After your comfortable flight into San Jose, you'll pick up your rental car and drive to Carmel by the Sea. You'll checkin at your hotel and explore the surrounding area and grab dinner.
Pick up your rental car (based on the information you receive before your trip) and start your drive to Carmel by the Sea.
If your flight gets you in to town early, stop at the Visitor Center to meet a friendly local who will give you lots of tips on restuarants and attractions. The Visitor Center is part of a cute outdoor mall that is a great for quick stroll.
If you arrive in time for dinner, this place is delicious! Enjoy a lovely meal inside or outside if the weather permits.
Start your first morning in Carmel by grabbing breakfast and taking a walk along the beautiful Californian beach. Take a scenic drive through 17 Mile Drive followed by exploring Carmel by foot. End your day with dinner and relaxing.
Stop at Stationæry for breakfast (they open at 8am). Why not take your coffee to go and walk to the beach to enjoy the morning waves?
Enjoy a walk on the beach this morning. There is nothing quite like a California beach. It is a dog friendly beach so don't be surprised to see lots of wagging tails! Head back to your hotel to pick up your car and get ready for a scenic drive along 17 Mile Drive.
This drive is full of stunning coastal views, beautiful forests, and golf courses. Give yourself at least an hour and a half to complete the drive. Have up this digital map to guide you through each of the 17 points of interest. There are lots of pull outs and small lots to park your car along the way so you can get out and explore on foot.
As of 2026 admission is $12.50 per vehicle. The gate fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, excluding Pebble Beach Market. The 17-Mile Drive gates are open from sunrise to sunset. Motorcycles are prohibited.
Head back to your hotel, park the car and get ready to explore Carmel! Did you know that high heels are technically banned in Carmel due to the uneven sidewalks? The law is not enforced but I do recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the walking!
Carmel is known for its whismical arhitecture. Do a self guided tour (https://www.carmelcalifornia.com/carmel-fairytale-cottages/) of the fairy cottages in Carmel. Start at Hansel and Gretals then move to Pink Cottage, then Ober Cottage then head down Ocean Avenue to see the majority of the cottages that are now shops.
Explore the shops and alleyways between 5th and 7th along Ocean Avenue. While you pop in and out of shops, participate in the Carmel Wine Walk. Visit this website and follow the directions to redeem freebies and discounts at the many tasting rooms in Carmel.
If you are up for a walk, stroll down to Carmel Mission Basilica to visit a church from the late 1700s. You can pay an entrance fee to tour the grounds and museum, however it is also nice to just see it from the outside.
Continue walking to view some beautiful architecture and coastal views along Carmel Point. Pull up this website for a walking guide of the area. Included in the itinerary are three of the main stops (the Clinton Walker House, Butterfly House and Driftwood Cottage)
Stop two on the Carmel Point walk.
Stop three on the Carmel Point walk. After the Carmel Point walk, head back to your hotel to rest for a bit and get ready for dinner.
Enjoy dinner at this European fare resturant. Also consider Casanova (European fare that was once ferquented by Van Gogh) or Aubergine (upscale New American food) for dinner.
Explore a portion of Big Sur. Your end point is McWay Falls then you'll drive back the same way along highway 1. Included today are must see stopping points however if you see a vista point that interests you, pull off safely and enjoy the views! A hike is planned so make sure you have a pair of shoes with good tread. Nepenthe is the planned stop for lunch however if you'd like to bring a picnic on a beautiful day, you can definitely turn one of the stopping points into a lovely lunch location.
Pop into this award winning bakery to grab some pastries and coffees to fuel your day in Big Sur!
Pull off into the parking area to enjoy views of the Bixby Bridge.
Pull off into the parking area to take in the sweeping views.
Are you ready for a hike? Park in day lot #2 and walk to the Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View trailhead. Climb a moderate to strenuous 200 feet through a Redwood and Oak woodland to a fork in the trail. Take the left fork and climb another 300 feet to the Valley View Overlook where you will be rewarded with a tremendous view of the Big Sur River Valley, Pt. Sur and Andrew Molera State Park. Take the right fork for a hike through a redwood forest, across a recently-repaired footbridge that crosses a tributary creek, to view Pfeiffer Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that cascades over moss-covered granite cliffs. Always check to make sure the trailheads are open as they do close due to weather.
In 2026, a day use pass costs $10 per car.
As of 2026 this trailhead is closed for repair so check and see if it is open. When open it is a short paved trail to view the waterfall and classic view of Big Sur. You'll need a day pass to park and you can use the same one from Pfeiffer Falls.
Stop here for a relaxing lunch and beautiful views. See if you can grab seats near the windows so you can checkout the beautiful coastal views.
Head back to Carmel to rest in your hotel for a while. Keep the car parked and walk to dinner at this excellent Mexican restaurant.
For your last day of vacation, make a stop in the nearby town of Monterey. The aquarium there is great and can be busy so make sure to buy tickets ahead of time if you know you want to spend at least two hours there. Please adjust today's program to fit your departure time.
Enjoy one last cafe in Carmel with this counter service breakfast spot. Pack your bags and get ready to go home. But before you go home, stop in Monterey to catch sight of some adorable sea otters!
The aquarium is beautiful inside and out, with expansive exhibits. Check out the puffins, sea nettles, hammerhead sharks, sea angels, and of course, make sure you watch the otters play! As of 2026 entrance fee is $65 for adults.
Explore the shops along Cannery Row and grab any last minute souvenirs!
Grab a bite to eat before you drive to the airport.
Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Hopefully you feel rested and rejuvenated after your trip. Have a safe flight home!
Let's explore the coastal towns of Carmel by the Sea, Monterey and take in the beautiful views of Big Sur. Carmel will be your home base during this four day trip. The town is walkable, dog friendly, and full of delightful shops and delicious bites! This trip is a mix of scenic drives and light to moderate walking. Enjoy a long weekend exploring the towns and sights of the California coast!
After your comfortable flight into San Jose, you'll pick up your rental car and drive to Carmel by the Sea. You'll checkin at your hotel and explore the surrounding area and grab dinner.
Pick up your rental car (based on the information you receive before your trip) and start your drive to Carmel by the Sea.
If your flight gets you in to town early, stop at the Visitor Center to meet a friendly local who will give you lots of tips on restuarants and attractions. The Visitor Center is part of a cute outdoor mall that is a great for quick stroll.
If you arrive in time for dinner, this place is delicious! Enjoy a lovely meal inside or outside if the weather permits.
Start your first morning in Carmel by grabbing breakfast and taking a walk along the beautiful Californian beach. Take a scenic drive through 17 Mile Drive followed by exploring Carmel by foot. End your day with dinner and relaxing.
Stop at Stationæry for breakfast (they open at 8am). Why not take your coffee to go and walk to the beach to enjoy the morning waves?
Enjoy a walk on the beach this morning. There is nothing quite like a California beach. It is a dog friendly beach so don't be surprised to see lots of wagging tails! Head back to your hotel to pick up your car and get ready for a scenic drive along 17 Mile Drive.
This drive is full of stunning coastal views, beautiful forests, and golf courses. Give yourself at least an hour and a half to complete the drive. Have up this digital map to guide you through each of the 17 points of interest. There are lots of pull outs and small lots to park your car along the way so you can get out and explore on foot.
As of 2026 admission is $12.50 per vehicle. The gate fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, excluding Pebble Beach Market. The 17-Mile Drive gates are open from sunrise to sunset. Motorcycles are prohibited.
Head back to your hotel, park the car and get ready to explore Carmel! Did you know that high heels are technically banned in Carmel due to the uneven sidewalks? The law is not enforced but I do recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the walking!
Carmel is known for its whismical arhitecture. Do a self guided tour (https://www.carmelcalifornia.com/carmel-fairytale-cottages/) of the fairy cottages in Carmel. Start at Hansel and Gretals then move to Pink Cottage, then Ober Cottage then head down Ocean Avenue to see the majority of the cottages that are now shops.
Explore the shops and alleyways between 5th and 7th along Ocean Avenue. While you pop in and out of shops, participate in the Carmel Wine Walk. Visit this website and follow the directions to redeem freebies and discounts at the many tasting rooms in Carmel.
If you are up for a walk, stroll down to Carmel Mission Basilica to visit a church from the late 1700s. You can pay an entrance fee to tour the grounds and museum, however it is also nice to just see it from the outside.
Continue walking to view some beautiful architecture and coastal views along Carmel Point. Pull up this website for a walking guide of the area. Included in the itinerary are three of the main stops (the Clinton Walker House, Butterfly House and Driftwood Cottage)
Stop two on the Carmel Point walk.
Stop three on the Carmel Point walk. After the Carmel Point walk, head back to your hotel to rest for a bit and get ready for dinner.
Enjoy dinner at this European fare resturant. Also consider Casanova (European fare that was once ferquented by Van Gogh) or Aubergine (upscale New American food) for dinner.
Explore a portion of Big Sur. Your end point is McWay Falls then you'll drive back the same way along highway 1. Included today are must see stopping points however if you see a vista point that interests you, pull off safely and enjoy the views! A hike is planned so make sure you have a pair of shoes with good tread. Nepenthe is the planned stop for lunch however if you'd like to bring a picnic on a beautiful day, you can definitely turn one of the stopping points into a lovely lunch location.
Pop into this award winning bakery to grab some pastries and coffees to fuel your day in Big Sur!
Pull off into the parking area to enjoy views of the Bixby Bridge.
Pull off into the parking area to take in the sweeping views.
Are you ready for a hike? Park in day lot #2 and walk to the Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View trailhead. Climb a moderate to strenuous 200 feet through a Redwood and Oak woodland to a fork in the trail. Take the left fork and climb another 300 feet to the Valley View Overlook where you will be rewarded with a tremendous view of the Big Sur River Valley, Pt. Sur and Andrew Molera State Park. Take the right fork for a hike through a redwood forest, across a recently-repaired footbridge that crosses a tributary creek, to view Pfeiffer Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that cascades over moss-covered granite cliffs. Always check to make sure the trailheads are open as they do close due to weather.
In 2026, a day use pass costs $10 per car.
As of 2026 this trailhead is closed for repair so check and see if it is open. When open it is a short paved trail to view the waterfall and classic view of Big Sur. You'll need a day pass to park and you can use the same one from Pfeiffer Falls.
Stop here for a relaxing lunch and beautiful views. See if you can grab seats near the windows so you can checkout the beautiful coastal views.
Head back to Carmel to rest in your hotel for a while. Keep the car parked and walk to dinner at this excellent Mexican restaurant.
For your last day of vacation, make a stop in the nearby town of Monterey. The aquarium there is great and can be busy so make sure to buy tickets ahead of time if you know you want to spend at least two hours there. Please adjust today's program to fit your departure time.
Enjoy one last cafe in Carmel with this counter service breakfast spot. Pack your bags and get ready to go home. But before you go home, stop in Monterey to catch sight of some adorable sea otters!
The aquarium is beautiful inside and out, with expansive exhibits. Check out the puffins, sea nettles, hammerhead sharks, sea angels, and of course, make sure you watch the otters play! As of 2026 entrance fee is $65 for adults.
Explore the shops along Cannery Row and grab any last minute souvenirs!
Grab a bite to eat before you drive to the airport.
Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Hopefully you feel rested and rejuvenated after your trip. Have a safe flight home!
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itinerary by Christina
Let's explore the coastal towns of Carmel by the Sea, Monterey and take in the beautiful views of Big Sur. Carmel will be your home base during this four day trip. The town is walkable, dog friendly, and full of delightful shops and delicious bites! This trip is a mix of scenic drives and light to moderate walking. Enjoy a long weekend exploring the towns and sights of the California coast!
After your comfortable flight into San Jose, you'll pick up your rental car and drive to Carmel by the Sea. You'll checkin at your hotel and explore the surrounding area and grab dinner.
Pick up your rental car (based on the information you receive before your trip) and start your drive to Carmel by the Sea.
If your flight gets you in to town early, stop at the Visitor Center to meet a friendly local who will give you lots of tips on restuarants and attractions. The Visitor Center is part of a cute outdoor mall that is a great for quick stroll.
If you arrive in time for dinner, this place is delicious! Enjoy a lovely meal inside or outside if the weather permits.
Start your first morning in Carmel by grabbing breakfast and taking a walk along the beautiful Californian beach. Take a scenic drive through 17 Mile Drive followed by exploring Carmel by foot. End your day with dinner and relaxing.
Stop at Stationæry for breakfast (they open at 8am). Why not take your coffee to go and walk to the beach to enjoy the morning waves?
Enjoy a walk on the beach this morning. There is nothing quite like a California beach. It is a dog friendly beach so don't be surprised to see lots of wagging tails! Head back to your hotel to pick up your car and get ready for a scenic drive along 17 Mile Drive.
This drive is full of stunning coastal views, beautiful forests, and golf courses. Give yourself at least an hour and a half to complete the drive. Have up this digital map to guide you through each of the 17 points of interest. There are lots of pull outs and small lots to park your car along the way so you can get out and explore on foot.
As of 2026 admission is $12.50 per vehicle. The gate fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, excluding Pebble Beach Market. The 17-Mile Drive gates are open from sunrise to sunset. Motorcycles are prohibited.
Head back to your hotel, park the car and get ready to explore Carmel! Did you know that high heels are technically banned in Carmel due to the uneven sidewalks? The law is not enforced but I do recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the walking!
Carmel is known for its whismical arhitecture. Do a self guided tour (https://www.carmelcalifornia.com/carmel-fairytale-cottages/) of the fairy cottages in Carmel. Start at Hansel and Gretals then move to Pink Cottage, then Ober Cottage then head down Ocean Avenue to see the majority of the cottages that are now shops.
Explore the shops and alleyways between 5th and 7th along Ocean Avenue. While you pop in and out of shops, participate in the Carmel Wine Walk. Visit this website and follow the directions to redeem freebies and discounts at the many tasting rooms in Carmel.
If you are up for a walk, stroll down to Carmel Mission Basilica to visit a church from the late 1700s. You can pay an entrance fee to tour the grounds and museum, however it is also nice to just see it from the outside.
Continue walking to view some beautiful architecture and coastal views along Carmel Point. Pull up this website for a walking guide of the area. Included in the itinerary are three of the main stops (the Clinton Walker House, Butterfly House and Driftwood Cottage)
Stop two on the Carmel Point walk.
Stop three on the Carmel Point walk. After the Carmel Point walk, head back to your hotel to rest for a bit and get ready for dinner.
Enjoy dinner at this European fare resturant. Also consider Casanova (European fare that was once ferquented by Van Gogh) or Aubergine (upscale New American food) for dinner.
Explore a portion of Big Sur. Your end point is McWay Falls then you'll drive back the same way along highway 1. Included today are must see stopping points however if you see a vista point that interests you, pull off safely and enjoy the views! A hike is planned so make sure you have a pair of shoes with good tread. Nepenthe is the planned stop for lunch however if you'd like to bring a picnic on a beautiful day, you can definitely turn one of the stopping points into a lovely lunch location.
Pop into this award winning bakery to grab some pastries and coffees to fuel your day in Big Sur!
Pull off into the parking area to enjoy views of the Bixby Bridge.
Pull off into the parking area to take in the sweeping views.
Are you ready for a hike? Park in day lot #2 and walk to the Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View trailhead. Climb a moderate to strenuous 200 feet through a Redwood and Oak woodland to a fork in the trail. Take the left fork and climb another 300 feet to the Valley View Overlook where you will be rewarded with a tremendous view of the Big Sur River Valley, Pt. Sur and Andrew Molera State Park. Take the right fork for a hike through a redwood forest, across a recently-repaired footbridge that crosses a tributary creek, to view Pfeiffer Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that cascades over moss-covered granite cliffs. Always check to make sure the trailheads are open as they do close due to weather.
In 2026, a day use pass costs $10 per car.
As of 2026 this trailhead is closed for repair so check and see if it is open. When open it is a short paved trail to view the waterfall and classic view of Big Sur. You'll need a day pass to park and you can use the same one from Pfeiffer Falls.
Stop here for a relaxing lunch and beautiful views. See if you can grab seats near the windows so you can checkout the beautiful coastal views.
Head back to Carmel to rest in your hotel for a while. Keep the car parked and walk to dinner at this excellent Mexican restaurant.
For your last day of vacation, make a stop in the nearby town of Monterey. The aquarium there is great and can be busy so make sure to buy tickets ahead of time if you know you want to spend at least two hours there. Please adjust today's program to fit your departure time.
Enjoy one last cafe in Carmel with this counter service breakfast spot. Pack your bags and get ready to go home. But before you go home, stop in Monterey to catch sight of some adorable sea otters!
The aquarium is beautiful inside and out, with expansive exhibits. Check out the puffins, sea nettles, hammerhead sharks, sea angels, and of course, make sure you watch the otters play! As of 2026 entrance fee is $65 for adults.
Explore the shops along Cannery Row and grab any last minute souvenirs!
Grab a bite to eat before you drive to the airport.
Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Hopefully you feel rested and rejuvenated after your trip. Have a safe flight home!
Let's explore the coastal towns of Carmel by the Sea, Monterey and take in the beautiful views of Big Sur. Carmel will be your home base during this four day trip. The town is walkable, dog friendly, and full of delightful shops and delicious bites! This trip is a mix of scenic drives and light to moderate walking. Enjoy a long weekend exploring the towns and sights of the California coast!
After your comfortable flight into San Jose, you'll pick up your rental car and drive to Carmel by the Sea. You'll checkin at your hotel and explore the surrounding area and grab dinner.
Pick up your rental car (based on the information you receive before your trip) and start your drive to Carmel by the Sea.
If your flight gets you in to town early, stop at the Visitor Center to meet a friendly local who will give you lots of tips on restuarants and attractions. The Visitor Center is part of a cute outdoor mall that is a great for quick stroll.
If you arrive in time for dinner, this place is delicious! Enjoy a lovely meal inside or outside if the weather permits.
Start your first morning in Carmel by grabbing breakfast and taking a walk along the beautiful Californian beach. Take a scenic drive through 17 Mile Drive followed by exploring Carmel by foot. End your day with dinner and relaxing.
Stop at Stationæry for breakfast (they open at 8am). Why not take your coffee to go and walk to the beach to enjoy the morning waves?
Enjoy a walk on the beach this morning. There is nothing quite like a California beach. It is a dog friendly beach so don't be surprised to see lots of wagging tails! Head back to your hotel to pick up your car and get ready for a scenic drive along 17 Mile Drive.
This drive is full of stunning coastal views, beautiful forests, and golf courses. Give yourself at least an hour and a half to complete the drive. Have up this digital map to guide you through each of the 17 points of interest. There are lots of pull outs and small lots to park your car along the way so you can get out and explore on foot.
As of 2026 admission is $12.50 per vehicle. The gate fee is reimbursed with a purchase of $35 or more at all Pebble Beach Resorts restaurants, excluding Pebble Beach Market. The 17-Mile Drive gates are open from sunrise to sunset. Motorcycles are prohibited.
Head back to your hotel, park the car and get ready to explore Carmel! Did you know that high heels are technically banned in Carmel due to the uneven sidewalks? The law is not enforced but I do recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the walking!
Carmel is known for its whismical arhitecture. Do a self guided tour (https://www.carmelcalifornia.com/carmel-fairytale-cottages/) of the fairy cottages in Carmel. Start at Hansel and Gretals then move to Pink Cottage, then Ober Cottage then head down Ocean Avenue to see the majority of the cottages that are now shops.
Explore the shops and alleyways between 5th and 7th along Ocean Avenue. While you pop in and out of shops, participate in the Carmel Wine Walk. Visit this website and follow the directions to redeem freebies and discounts at the many tasting rooms in Carmel.
If you are up for a walk, stroll down to Carmel Mission Basilica to visit a church from the late 1700s. You can pay an entrance fee to tour the grounds and museum, however it is also nice to just see it from the outside.
Continue walking to view some beautiful architecture and coastal views along Carmel Point. Pull up this website for a walking guide of the area. Included in the itinerary are three of the main stops (the Clinton Walker House, Butterfly House and Driftwood Cottage)
Stop two on the Carmel Point walk.
Stop three on the Carmel Point walk. After the Carmel Point walk, head back to your hotel to rest for a bit and get ready for dinner.
Enjoy dinner at this European fare resturant. Also consider Casanova (European fare that was once ferquented by Van Gogh) or Aubergine (upscale New American food) for dinner.
Explore a portion of Big Sur. Your end point is McWay Falls then you'll drive back the same way along highway 1. Included today are must see stopping points however if you see a vista point that interests you, pull off safely and enjoy the views! A hike is planned so make sure you have a pair of shoes with good tread. Nepenthe is the planned stop for lunch however if you'd like to bring a picnic on a beautiful day, you can definitely turn one of the stopping points into a lovely lunch location.
Pop into this award winning bakery to grab some pastries and coffees to fuel your day in Big Sur!
Pull off into the parking area to enjoy views of the Bixby Bridge.
Pull off into the parking area to take in the sweeping views.
Are you ready for a hike? Park in day lot #2 and walk to the Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View trailhead. Climb a moderate to strenuous 200 feet through a Redwood and Oak woodland to a fork in the trail. Take the left fork and climb another 300 feet to the Valley View Overlook where you will be rewarded with a tremendous view of the Big Sur River Valley, Pt. Sur and Andrew Molera State Park. Take the right fork for a hike through a redwood forest, across a recently-repaired footbridge that crosses a tributary creek, to view Pfeiffer Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that cascades over moss-covered granite cliffs. Always check to make sure the trailheads are open as they do close due to weather.
In 2026, a day use pass costs $10 per car.
As of 2026 this trailhead is closed for repair so check and see if it is open. When open it is a short paved trail to view the waterfall and classic view of Big Sur. You'll need a day pass to park and you can use the same one from Pfeiffer Falls.
Stop here for a relaxing lunch and beautiful views. See if you can grab seats near the windows so you can checkout the beautiful coastal views.
Head back to Carmel to rest in your hotel for a while. Keep the car parked and walk to dinner at this excellent Mexican restaurant.
For your last day of vacation, make a stop in the nearby town of Monterey. The aquarium there is great and can be busy so make sure to buy tickets ahead of time if you know you want to spend at least two hours there. Please adjust today's program to fit your departure time.
Enjoy one last cafe in Carmel with this counter service breakfast spot. Pack your bags and get ready to go home. But before you go home, stop in Monterey to catch sight of some adorable sea otters!
The aquarium is beautiful inside and out, with expansive exhibits. Check out the puffins, sea nettles, hammerhead sharks, sea angels, and of course, make sure you watch the otters play! As of 2026 entrance fee is $65 for adults.
Explore the shops along Cannery Row and grab any last minute souvenirs!
Grab a bite to eat before you drive to the airport.
Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Hopefully you feel rested and rejuvenated after your trip. Have a safe flight home!
