Day Itinerary
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.
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.
Translated by
0.8 mi
20 min
10:0030 min
Carmel Mission Basilica
After breakfast, take a walk from downtown Carmel, California, to the beautifully restored Mission. It's about nine blocks south from your hotel. Officially known as Misión de San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, most people simply call it the Carmel Mission.
Built in 1797, the basilica is worth seeing. However, be aware that it might not be accessible if there's a wedding or mass in progress. If that's the case, you can still stroll the grounds and take some photos outside.
Built in 1797, the basilica is worth seeing. However, be aware that it might not be accessible if there's a wedding or mass in progress. If that's the case, you can still stroll the grounds and take some photos outside.
Translated by
9.9 mi
15 min
10:451 hr 30 min
Garrapata Beach
Spend an hour or so on the gorgeous beach, easily accessible via scenic paths adorned with wildflowers that bloom in spring and summer. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, exploring the small caves and hidden coves nestled within the rocky cliffs.
It's also a perfect photo spot, and you can easily lose track of time simply watching the waves crashing against the rugged shoreline.
It's also a perfect photo spot, and you can easily lose track of time simply watching the waves crashing against the rugged shoreline.
Translated by
16.9 mi
30 min
12:451 hr 30 min
Homestead Restaurant
Before embarking on a hike at nearby Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, fuel up on carbs at the Big Sur Lodge. Their Homestead restaurant offers fantastic clam chowder, and the chicken tender basket is a solid choice as well. For the full experience, lounge in an Adirondack chair by the river.
Translated by
10.1 mi
20 min
14:452 hrs
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
The region around Big Sur boasts thousands of acres of open space waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to see the highlights without the crowds is to spend some time at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The park spans from the oceanfront to ridges at 3,000 feet in elevation.
For today's purposes, a hike along the Waterfall Overlook Trail is enough to get a sense of the massive scale of the place. Make sure to check local weather forecasts and road conditions before your visit.
For today's purposes, a hike along the Waterfall Overlook Trail is enough to get a sense of the massive scale of the place. Make sure to check local weather forecasts and road conditions before your visit.
Translated by
6.2 mi
15 min
17:151 hr 30 min
Deetjen's Restaurant
Before heading home, stop by Deetjen's Big Sur Inn. Its restaurant has a rich history dating back to 1939 when Barbara Blake, a widowed Englishwoman, fell in love with the beauty of Big Sur. With experience in running country inns and resources to invest during the Depression, she leased the barn and added a wing, creating the charming Fireplace and Family Rooms. Maintaining the traditional English decor and adding a gorgeous old redwood bar, the restaurant's serene atmosphere has remained largely unchanged for over seventy years. Today, guests can enjoy hearty home-cooked dinners in one of the four romantic candlelit rooms.
Please note that they highly recommend making reservations for dinner well in advance.
Please note that they highly recommend making reservations for dinner well in advance.
Translated by