14 Activities
California Dreamin': A Road Trip to Big Sur From San Francisco
Starts from
San Francisco
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
14
Duration
2 days
Length
159 mi
Guide details
Starts from
San Francisco
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
2 days
Length
159 mi
- Natural Attractions
Christina Mueller
Travel Expert
- Experience the winding roads of San Francisco, California.
- Stroll the uptown streets of Carmel, California, with fairy tale cottages.
- Hike into the forests along the stunning coast of Big Sur.
Translated by
There's nothing more "California Dreamin'" than a road trip along the coast, and this one truly delivers. It has everything – quaint towns, laid-back villages, beautiful hiking trails, and even a California mission. Your head will soon be spinning from all the stunning scenery and amazing things to eat.
Having a car is the best way to experience the winding roads and breathtaking views that seem to pop from every corner on a drive along the coast to Big Sur. And don't miss a stroll through downtown Carmel with its fairy tale cottages, before you hike into the forests along Big Sur's stunning coast.
Having a car is the best way to experience the winding roads and breathtaking views that seem to pop from every corner on a drive along the coast to Big Sur. And don't miss a stroll through downtown Carmel with its fairy tale cottages, before you hike into the forests along Big Sur's stunning coast.
Translated by
Categories
- Natural Attractions
There's nothing more "California Dreamin'" than a road trip along the coast, and this one truly delivers. It has everything – quaint towns, laid-back villages, beautiful hiking trails, and even a California mission. Your head will soon be spinning from all the stunning scenery and amazing things to eat.
Having a car is the best way to experience the winding roads and breathtaking views that seem to pop from every corner on a drive along the coast to Big Sur. And don't miss a stroll through downtown Carmel with its fairy tale cottages, before you hike into the forests along Big Sur's stunning coast.
Having a car is the best way to experience the winding roads and breathtaking views that seem to pop from every corner on a drive along the coast to Big Sur. And don't miss a stroll through downtown Carmel with its fairy tale cottages, before you hike into the forests along Big Sur's stunning coast.
Translated by
Christina Mueller
Travel Expert
- Experience the winding roads of San Francisco, California.
- Stroll the uptown streets of Carmel, California, with fairy tale cottages.
- Hike into the forests along the stunning coast of Big Sur.
Translated by
Travel itinerary
9 Activities
Day 1
115 mi0.5 mi
Headed to Big Sur From San Francisco
The drive to Big Sur, made famous in the 1960s when Jack Kerouac wrote about it in his 1962 work “Big Sur,” is one of California's iconic drives. To really see the area, take 280 South to 17 South, which connects with Highway One in Santa Cruz, California. From here, the road winds around Monterey Bay and through Carmel, California, before you hit the jaw-dropping turns that inspired Kerouac.
5 Activities
Day 2
43 mi0.8 mi
Homeward Bound: Taking in the Beauty of Big Sur
Today's route focuses on the fantastic natural beauty of Big Sur, California, with a quick side trip to the Carmel Mission.
If time is tight, consider heading home on Highway 101 instead. While it's less scenic, you won't be slowed by the tourist caravans that can sometimes bog down Highway One along California's scenic coastline.