I love a Big Sur road trip because its doable for a short or extended weekend and you can do it at your own pace. Since covid has impacted a lot of our international travels, we’re looking forward to a local Big Sur trip next month. Read on for how we did Big Sur last year.
Day 1: Leave SF
We left San Francisco early morning with an end destination of Solvang. We decided to do the long stretch from SF to Solvang and then make a stop at Carmel on our way back. Without stopping, the trip is about six hours. We did most of our scenic stops on the way to Solvang since the weather was amazing that day. Plus you never know what it’ll be like on the way back, which worked out in our favor cause it was a little gloomier on our drive back.
Stop 1. China Lookout
We randomly pulled over to this spot after passing Carmel. Its soooo picturesque and the water looks amazing. It’s such a deep crystal blue that Tom and I really wished we could jump in. This was my favorite scenic stop the entire trip so would highly recommend this stop if you get the chance.
Stop 2. Bixby Bridge
The famous Bixby Bridge. Especially after watching Big Little Lies, I was excited to drive past this bridge again. It’s hard to miss, the views are great, and its an easy stop to pull over and get to. If anybody knows how to safely get down to that beach, please share 🙂
Stop 3. Wild Flowers
This beautiful field of bright pink wildflowers caught our eye (along with dozens of others). We found it right before the Seal Rookery and got out for a stop. There’s random bare patches in the field so that you don’t crush the flowers if you want to sit for a photo (just be careful!)
Stop 4. Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
These guys live the life. You can see the seals swim in and out and roll around the beach.
Stop 5. Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is such a cute little beach town. If you’re here, Splash Cafe is famously knows for its clam chowder. Its sooo good. We didn’t get it this time cause the line was too long so we grabbed a drink and appetizer at Woolys Bar and Grill and watched the sunset.
Day 2-3: Solvang
Solvang is a small but charming quaint Danish town. We’ve briefly passed by before but never really got to fully explore. It’s a bit of a quiet town and there’s not really a night time bar scene. However, if you’re looking for something a little more low key but still fun, it’s definitely worth a stop or a nice weekend getaway.
Where We Stayed: Wine Valley Inn
I loved our stay at this place. It’s moderately priced and the look makes you feel like youre really in Denmark. Plus its located right in the center close to all the shops and restaurants so you can walk anywhere. We didnt have to drive at all during our weekend here.
What to Do: Wine Tasting
We spent Day 2 of our trip wine tasting. There’s so many local tasting rooms in Solvang and since theyre all so close, you can easily knock out a few. The hotel gave us vouchers for tastings, including 2 for 1 deals which we used to help pick our tastings as we wandered the street. We started with lunch at Succulent, then moved on to Feliz Noche, Lucas and Lewellen and Casa Cassara. These were all within walking distance of each and from our hotel. Make sure you budget some time between wine tasting and dinner, cause youll definitely want one.
Where to Eat: Mortensen's Danish Bakery
This place is an institution here. It’s also a great place for an inbetween pick me up to absorb all the wine tasting youll be doing.
Where to Eat: First & Oak Restaurant
This was our fancy dinner on Day 2 of our trip and it was pretty darn good. It’s a meal on the pricier side and they offer a prefix menu which we tried.
10. Where to Eat: Paula's Pancake House
We had breakfast here our last morning on Day 3 and it was pretty busy the entire time. Everything taste homemade and its reasonably priced. While you’re waiting in line, pop next door at the Solvang Brewing Company to grab a bloody mary or mimosa.
Day 3: Leave Solvang (noon)
Stop 1. Ostrichland
As you head out of Solvang just after lunch, stop by Ostrichland to feed these creatures. It’s about a five minute drive the opposite direction of heading back to Norcal, but the experience is pretty amusing and its inexpensive ($5 admission, $1 for food). Be sure to check out the emus (i swear they look like velociraptors). Just be really careful and follow their instructions so you don’t lose any fingers!
Stop 2. Ragged Point Inn Resort
Ragged Point is a great stop for a bathroom break or to stretch your legs (even camping for that matter). As you walk around the area, you can get a great view of the ocean.
Stop 3. COAST Big Sur
Another good stop for a coffee break
Stop 4. Nepenthe
This was my favorite meal the entire trip! There is an awesome view, the atmophere is great, and the food is really good. I thought this place would be over rated but it really lives up to its hype, and Im so glad we decided to just stop by. There will most likely be a line to have the outdoor seating in the back (the view is amazing!), but you can grab a drink at the bar and walk around.
Day 4: Carmel
Where We Stayed: Clarion Collection Carmel
We stayed at the Clarion cause at the time, it was the lowest priced (which at the time was still $120/night) and the location was so central. You could walk to the main street in Carmel and the beach. It’s not the nicest but if youre looking for something more budget friendly, this place works. We stayed here for two nights.
What to Do: Beach, Galleries, Shopping
Carmel is great for shopping, dining, and visiting art galleries. If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend the Thomas Kinkade Gallery. Said I didnt snap photos of it, but it’s like entering a fairytale garden.
The weather was a bit gloomy that day, but packing a picnic at the beach would have been on our list had the weather been better. There’s also some amazing houses in Carmel that just walking along the street and oogling at them was entertaining (one can hope right?).
What to Eat: AW Shucks Oyster Bar
It’s cool sitting at the bar at AW Shuck and watching the guys behind the counter prep your oysters.
What to Eat: Via Napoli
Vino Napoli was our favorite spot for happy hour (gotta get the arrancini balls).
Day 5: Monterey
Monterey is only about 10-15 minutes away from Carmel. We spent our last day here after checking out of our hotel in Carmel. You can walk around Fisherman’s Wharf or Cannery Row.
What to Do: Monterey Bay Aquarium
This was on our list to do but we ended up feeling lazy and decided to come back and give this a go another time.
Where to Eat: Fish Hopper
We popped in here for a snack and drink. The clam chowder was good but their bloody mary comes loaded with a mini crab cake sandwich and oyster! The mini burger wasnt the best, but nonetheless its a pretty entertaining drink. Plus you can have a view overlooking the water.
