Carmel to Big Sur: 19 Best Stops You Don’t Want to Miss

Are you going on a road trip from Carmel to Big Sur?

Then you’ve come to the right place, as we have explored this gorgeous stretch of Highway 1 and the surrounding State Parks. 

We scoured the continent’s edge so that you do not miss out on a single attraction or viewpoint on your trip down the coast.

Driving from Carmel to Big Sur is one of the most scenic roads on the Pacific Coast Highway, and there are countless beautiful sites and stops along the way that you will not want to miss.

Follow this guide for the top must-see destinations and for practical tips, and get ready to enjoy your Carmel to Big Sur road trip. 

How far is Big Sur from Carmel?

The distance from Carmel to Big Sur is 25.9 miles which takes about 41 minutes of driving without stops under normal traffic conditions.

Carmel to Big Sur Drive

While this road trip is not the longest, it will leave you with plenty of time to enjoy all the stunning waterfalls and beaches along the way.

The trip starts in Carmel, which is one of the most charming towns on Highway 1 and continues down the coast through the breathtaking jagged cliffs and forests of Big Sur. 

We made sure to scour this incredible stretch of California in search of the best stops along the Pacific Coast Highway for a family road trip or a perfect romantic getaway.

With so many amazing attractions and breathtaking views, you will have to select the perfect options that fit your schedule and itinerary. 

Carmel by the Sea to Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary

Carmel-by-the-Sea

The trip starts in the charming coastal town of Carmel, with its adorable downtown full of boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Grab a cup of coffee, explore the fairytale like Tudor style cottages, and get lost in the beautiful alleyways with surprises around every corner.

During our first visit to this coastal town, we got so wrapped up exploring the town we almost forgot that Carmel Beach was right down the street.

For wine lovers, a visit to Carmel by the Sea will be incomplete without visiting at least one of the downtown tasting rooms.

You can follow up a day of relaxation by taking a walk along the Carmel Beach Walk all the way to Carmel River State Beach to watch the sunset over the Pacific. 

1. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

• Type of Stop: Short hike
• Cost: $10 per vehicle day use fee

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is one of the most beautiful stretches of the California coast, with emerald-colored waves crashing into the jagged cliffs covered with windblown cypress groves.

This area is also a Marine Reserve and is the year-round home of otters, seals, and sea lions that can be spotted playing and eating in the coves. 

Bring your binoculars, and you might spot grey whales making their long migration along the coast.

You can hike the trails that run along the peninsula, taking time to stop at all the viewpoints along the way. 

You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring this state park, and you can stay longer and check out the tidepools during low tide at Weston Beach.

Make sure to hike to the southern portion of the park or grab a spot at the Bird Island Trail parking lot so you do not miss out on seeing the kelp sway in the waves at China Cove.

2. China Lookout

• Type of Stop: Viewpoint
• Cost: Free

China Lookout is a hidden gem often overlooked by many travelers heading down the Pacific Coast Highway. 

With fewer visitors, you won’t have a problem finding parking, and you might even get a private moment to enjoy the views of the rocky coast.

The lookout is just a short hike from the pull-out making this a quick stop along your way down the coast.

The views looking south at Garrapata State Park and Soberanes Point are gorgeous, and the crashing turquoise waves are worth the stop alone.

Also, there is a great vantage point in the same area for Shoal Cavern, a cave that was naturally carved out of the rocks by rough seas.

3. Soberanes Point

• Type of Stop: Viewpoint
• Cost: Free

Located in Garrapata State Park, Soberanes Point is one of the best stops on this coastal drive to Big Sur.

The viewpoint is on a peninsula with trails that snake around the bluffs, offering views of the rocky coves below.

You can make it a short stop to check out the jagged coastline or take a short hike up the Whale Peak Trail to check out the viewpoint. 

For a more challenging and rewarding trek, take the Soberanes Canyon Trail up to the peak for dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean.

The hike to the top is only 1.4 miles with an elevation gain of 492 feet, but there is the option to continue up the hill to Doud Peak, which offers dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean.

We also decided to head north of the peninsula on the trails, where we came across a wooden bridge that passes over a small waterfall.

If you visit during the spring and early summer, be prepared to be treated to the wildflower blooms that make the cliffs explode with color.

4. Notley’s Landing Vista Point

• Type of Stop: Viewpoint
• Cost: Free

Notley’s Landing Vista Point is one of the best places to stop in Big Sur, even if it’s just to take in the sprawling views looking south along the coast with the Rocky Creek Bridge in the background.

For the best views, a side road off Highway 1 leads to a wedding facility, where you can take the trails out to the point.

If you’re road tripping during the Spring, you should stop to take in the green hills covered with wildflowers.

This gorgeous section of the coast is a popular spot for couples taking engagement and wedding photos for a reason, as the panoramic views are some of the best on the coast. 

This is a quick stop to enjoy the view and take photos before continuing your trip down the coast.

5. Rocky Creek Bridge

• Type of Stop: Viewpoint
• Cost: Free

Just a mile north of Bixby Creek Bridge is Rocky Creek Bridge, another open-spandrel arch bridge that is less crowded yet still offers stunning coastal views.

This arch span bridge was built in 1932 and is one of the most photographed attractions in Big Sur.

Parking is limited, with a small turnout parking space on the right side of the road before the bridge if you are traveling from Carmel. 

You may be tempted to try to find a trail down to the sandy beach below the bridge, but it is unfortunately only accessible by sea.

Still, this is a great place to stop if you want to get out of the car to stretch your legs and take some photos.

6. Bixby Creek Bridge

• Type of Stop: Viewpoint
• Cost: Free

No drive to Big Sur from Carmel is complete without stopping and taking a photo of the famous Bixby Creek Bridge.

If you want to take that signature photo of the bridge, drive through and make your way toward the Bixby Creek Viewpoint on the left side of the road.

This is one of the most popular Big Sur viewpoints, so expect to find a crowd.

The parking space here is small, so you might have to find a spot on the side of the Coast Road across Highway 1 from the parking area.

Also, if the viewpoint near the bridge is too crowded, you can continue driving along Coast Road to the Bixby Bridge Vista Point for a different perspective.

7. Hurricane Point View

• Type of Stop: Viewpoint
• Cost: Free

Hurricane Point View offers the best vantage points for viewing the Big Sur coastline because it is one of the highest points on Hwy 1.

Pull up to the viewpoint for some unobstructed views of the coast from the Point Sur Lighthouse to the south and all the way to Carmel in the north.

You can even see Bixby Bridge and Castle Rock from here.

This is also a fantastic spot to sit on the rocks and watch the sunset but be warned that this spot can be brutally windy at times.

8. Pfeiffer Falls

• Type of Stop: Short hike
• Cost: $10 per vehicle day use fee

Pfeiffer Falls is located inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, with the nearest parking at the Big Sur Lodge.

Access to the falls involves a nice family-friendly 2-mile out-and-back hike you can take to stretch your legs and get a little workout.

The well-maintained trail is shaded by redwood trees and oak, which can be a refreshing site after all the sand, seas, and mountains you’ve been driving through.

At the end of the trail is the 60-foot Pfeiffer Falls which can be a bit underwhelming after seeing McWay Falls.

However, this is still a beautiful hike among the redwoods if you want to stop and get some fresh air.

For an extra adventure, you can also hike the Pine Ridge Trail to the Sykes Hot Springs, where you can go for a soak to relax your muscles.

9. Pfeiffer Beach

• Type of Stop: Beach stop
• Cost: $12 per vehicle day use fee

Famous for its purple sand, Pfeiffer Beach is one of the best stops on your drive to Big Sur from Carmel.

You will have to detour a few miles off Highway 1 to get here, but it’s worth the extra time to enjoy some time watching the waves crash on the jagged rocks and sea caves.

Turn right on Sycamore Canyon Road and continue on this narrow road until you find the Pfeiffer Beach Parking Lot, where you’ll pay the $12 per vehicle fee in cash.

From here, you’ll take a short walk to the beach, where you will find Keyhole Arch, which is one of Big Sur’s stunning rock formations.

This is a photographer’s dream spot to capture photos of the Keyhole Arch as the light peaks through during sunset.

It’s best to visit during low tide, as the beach is difficult to access during high tide, so make sure to check the tide schedule. 

10. Nepenthe 

• Type of Stop: Food/drink stop
• Cost: starts at $13.50

There is no shortage of spectacular ocean views during the drive from Carmel to Big Sur, and this restaurant perched on a cliffside is no exception.

Nepenthe is one of two restaurants on the property that offer great food and stunning views from the continent’s edge.

There are few dining options on this stretch of the Big Sur coast, so having multiple options in one location is ideal for a lunch stop.

You can choose to eat in Nepenthe, which is the main restaurant, or go for a casual meal at Café Kevah and enjoy their patio with a view.

Make sure to try their famous Ambrosia Burger, and you might end up ordering another one for the road.

Weekends are busy, and the food can be pricey, but the views are worth it.

11. COAST Big Sur

• Type of Stop: Food/drink stop
• Cost: $4 – $19

COAST Big Sur offers a perfect opportunity to take a break from driving with a charming cafe and an art gallery made of converted water tanks.

The cafe offers a small menu of artisan bread, sourdough pizzas, veggie bowls, and salads made of locally sourced and organic ingredients.

This is also a popular stop for their soft serve ice cream with unique flavors like vanilla with bay laurel and swirled tangerine quat with citrus custard.

The best part is that they have a rooftop deck to enjoy your treats with sweeping ocean views.

Since the cafe is just off Highway 1, you can grab a coffee to-go and maybe get some cookies for the road. 

12. Partington Cove

• Type of Stop: Short hike
• Cost: none

Partington Cove offers a chance to get off the road to hit the trails and explore the rocky coastline. 

The short trail splits into three with options ranging from a hike down to the cove to a forested stretch of Partington Creek. 

The branch of the trail that heads out to the tip of the peninsula includes a tunnel supported with wooden beams.

There is also an option to take the 6.1-mile Tanbark Trail loop, which snakes its way amongst the redwoods and pops out of the forest with spectacular views of the Big Sur coastline.

The parking is very limited, which is inconvenient, but this comes with the added benefit of the viewpoint not getting too crowded. 

You can sit and take in views of waves crashing toward rocks and cliffs, and you may get lucky and see some sea otters.

13. McWay Falls

• Type of Stop: Short hike
• Cost: $10 per vehicle day use fee

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has some great hiking trails, but what it is probably best known for is the McWay Falls.

This highly photogenic waterfall drops over an 80-foot from the cypress-covered rocky cliffs and crashes right onto the beach.  

Take advantage of this opportunity to see one of only seven waterfalls of this type in North America. 

Now you can’t hike to the falls or the sandy beach below it, but you can take the 0.6-mile out-and-back McWay Falls Overlook Trail to the lookout point.

The lookout does get its fair share of visitors, and you might have to elbow your way in a bit to get the best photo angle of the falls, but it’s worth it.

Also, parking inside the park is $10 per vehicle (cash), but if you find an empty spot along Hwy 1, you can park for free. 

This is one of the best places to stop in Big Sur that you shouldn’t miss.

14. Big Creek Bridge

• Type of Stop: Viewpoint
• Cost: none

Big Creek Bridge may not get as much attention as Bixby Creek Bridge does, but this open-spandrel concrete arch bridge can be just as picturesque and less crowded.

With very similar designs, some have accidentally stopped at this bridge thinking it was Bixby Bridge, though the mistake is often not regretted.

There is a beautiful cove beach below the bridge, but it is off-limits to the general public.

However, if you want to pull over and take some photos of the bridge and the cove below, you can find pull-out parking spaces at both ends of the bridge.

15. Big Creek Cove Vista Point

• Type of Stop: Viewpoint
• Cost: none

The Big Creek Cove Vista Point is a small observation deck right off the side of Highway 1. 

It can get crowded with other travelers sometimes, but if you’re lucky to find a spot in its small parking lot, this is an awesome stop to enjoy sweeping ocean views and a peek at the Big Creek Bridge.

You can stop here for a bit to stretch your legs, breathe in some fresh air, and maybe snap a few photos (we suggest going ‘Panoramic’ on this one) before driving on.    

Other things to do in Big Sur

16. Point Sur State Historic Park

The Point Sur Historic Park is home to the Point Sur Lighthouse, a light station that has remained operational since 1889.

The half-mile walk to the lighthouse on top of a 361-foot volcanic rock is fairly easy, but there are a few big flights of stairs towards the end. 

Three-hour walking tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 am on a first-come, first-served basis, so be early and be ready since the tour usually takes 3 hours.

17. Sand Dollar Beach

Sand Dollar Beach is a popular Big Sur summer destination located about half an hour south of McWay Falls.

While you most likely won’t find a sand dollar, you will find one of the nicest beaches in Big Sur.

If you brave the trek down to the beach on the big flight of stairs, you will be rewarded with a wide sandy beach with gorgeous views of large rock formations in the water.

18. Limekiln State Park

Limekiln State Park is an ideal destination for a road trip where you can visit the beach, enjoy scenic coastal views, and go hiking in a redwood forest.

If you opt for a hike, you will be treated to the remnants from the 19th century (four lime kilns) and a trek through the towering redwoods, which ends at a beautiful waterfall.

This is a great opportunity to set up camp for the night if you feel like roughing it.

19. Elephant Seal Vista Point

Though you may find elephant seals here all year round, the best time to see them would be during their most active seasons in January, late April, and late October.

Hike this trail that snakes along the coastal bluffs, and you will eventually find your way to the vista point, where you can observe the seals in their natural habitat.

Take this time to learn more about these incredible sea mammals while enjoying the beautiful coastline.

Drive from Carmel to Big Sur: Helpful Tips

• Make sure to fill up your tank before you leave

There is only one gas station between Carmel and Big Sur, and you will be trapped between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the ocean on the other side. 

Since you’ll probably make a few stops along the way, you might as well fill up on gas to avoid unnecessary fuel emergencies.

For electric vehicle drivers, there is a Tesla Charging station in the parking lot of the Alila Ventana Big Sur resort.

• If you are prone to car sickness, take some Dramamine

The stretch of Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel is narrow, long, and winding. 

If you or anyone in your party is prone to getting car sick, make sure to take some Dramamine before your Big Sur scenic drive and have some extra packed just in case.

• Download the offline maps

There is no cell service, and if there is, it’s spotty at best. 

The road is pretty straightforward, but if you are making any stops or hiking any trails, you will need access to offline maps to help navigate the area and avoid missing your stops.

• Get a California State Park Pass

A $10 to $15 per vehicle day use fee may be cheap, but when visiting many parks, that cost piles up. 

So, if you plan to visit at least 12 state parks throughout the year, purchasing a Golden Poppy Annual Pass would be more practical, which gives you access to dozens of parks across the state. 

Some stops in this Big Sur itinerary are covered under the Golden Poppy Annual Pass.

• Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP
• Pfeiffer Big Sur SP
• Point Lobos SNR

What is the best time of the year to visit Big Sur?

Late Summer to early Fall is the best time to visit Big Sur, CA.

You will have more chances of having a warm sunny day with clear coastal views this time of the year.

Summers can be riddled with fog, lowering visibility and making the drive more dangerous and challenging, while winter can be cold and windy.

The weather at the coast is very unpredictable, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Monterey to Carmel to Big Sur

If you want to take a longer road trip, you can start in Monterey and add these extra attractions to your itinerary.

The drive from Monterey to Big Sur is only a couple of miles difference from Carmel, and you can take advantage of all the fun things to do in the area.

From touristy areas with many shops and breweries to a world-class aquarium, this extra section you can add to your California road trip will surely be a lot of fun.

17-mile Drive

The 17-mile Drive is on everyone’s list of top things to do when driving through the Pacific Coast Highway.

The drive through this exclusive stretch of road offers visitors unique coastal views, along with access and views of the Pebble Beach golf course.

You will have to pay $11.25 at the gate entrance before starting your 17-mile adventure, where they will provide you with a map with 17 scenic stops you can take along the way.

Ensure you do not miss the 250-year-old Lone Cypress tree, an absolute landmark on this drive.

Asilomar State Beach

Asilomar State Beach is a beautiful mile-long strip of sandy beach located in Monterey Bay. 

This beach has a nice boardwalk that follows along the coast and offers amazing views of its many coves.

One of the best things to do here is to check out the vibrant tidepools but be aware that you are not allowed to take anything and make sure to watch out for sneaker waves.

It’s also a great place to hang out and have a picnic while watching the sunset.

Lovers Point Park

Lovers Point Park is not just for lovers, as it offers a chance to explore the rocky coastline and tidepools while watching for seals and otters playing in the water.

The park has a grassy lawn area and two small beaches where you can get out the kayak or SUP to paddle around the kelp forests.

There are also a few restaurants overlooking the water and coffee shops, so you can get something warm to sip if it’s a cold foggy day.

Cannery Row

This charming street that was once a bustling fish packing center has become one of California’s top tourist destinations and a popular vacation spot.

Its old factories and other buildings now house boutique hotels, stores, and restaurants that not only liven up the place but highlight many of the characteristics of this idyllic coastal town.

Cannery Row is a historic destination offering some great accommodations options with ocean views from the rooms.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium offers an opportunity for visitors to get up close and experience sea life in a way that is normally unavailable unless you are a diver.

From massive jellyfish to adorable sea otters, the facility and its marine biologists are tasked with caring for over 800 species.

This aquarium is an important leader in educating the public and providing guidance through research about the sustainability of our oceans.

This is one of the best things to do in Monterey if you are visiting with the family, as it will guarantee hours of fun for all.

Old Fisherman’s Wharf

This tourist destination used to serve as the main hub for the fishing industry but has been transformed for the general public.

This is a good thing since the Old Wharf has become a destination for eating a seafood feast at one of the many restaurants that line the Pier.

Sit down to a bowl of clam chowder, or put on a bib and start cracking some locally caught Dungeness crab.

If you are up to exploring the open ocean, the Old Fishermans Wharf is also a departure point for whale-watching tours.

Alvarado Street Brewery

This craft brewery, founded by a father-son duo, offers inventive and unique brews served at several locations from Monterey to Carmel.

The team dabbles in anything from hazy IPAs to fruity sour ales and consistently delivers quality beers that unite the community.

Their locations also serve some delicious pub grub, from delicious burgers to crispy fish & chips.

Big Sur to Carmel

Use this guide to help you select the perfect stops along the way, even if you are going to be driving from Big Sur to Carmel in the opposite direction. 

Simply pick out the attractions you want to visit and add them in reverse order to your itinerary. 

This also applies if you will be retracing your steps on the way back on your Big Sur to Carmel road trip, which means you can divide up the stops to make going both directions a fun adventure.

Carmel to Big Sur Drive Map

Click this Interactive Map to see the best stops.

How to Get to Big Sur

While there are no airports in Big Sur, you can fly into Monterey Regional Airport, which is only 31 miles away and about a 40-minute drive without stops. 

• From San Francisco: The 146-mile scenic drive to Big Sur from San Francisco will take about 2.5 to 3 hours.
• From Los Angeles: The drive from LA to Big Sur is about 6-8 hours, covering 315 miles.

FAQs: Carmel Valley to Big Sur 

How far is Carmel from Big Sur?

Carmel is 6 miles from the start of the Big Sur region, which starts just south of the Carmel Highlands. 

To get to the heart of the Big Sur Coastline, the drive is around 25 miles and is a 35-minute drive with no stops along the way.

What is there to see between Carmel and Big Sur?

There are lots of great attractions and destinations between Carmel and Big Sur, ranging from Coastal Redwood forests to waterfalls that crash right onto the beach.

You have state parks and natural reserves with hiking trails that cover several miles of beautiful inland and coastal routes, dozens of pull-offs with sweeping ocean views, concrete bridges that span rocky cliffs, and much more. 

Is Big Sur worth visiting?

Yes, Big Sur is a destination-worthy stretch of the California coast, offering dramatic views of the rugged shoreline and forests full of Giant Redwoods.

Big Sur offers a huge range of opportunities to explore nature, from hikes in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to views of McWay Falls crashing onto the beach. 

With multiple state parks and countless stunning viewpoints, Big Sur is one of the top outdoor destinations in California.

Where is Big Sur located?

Big Sur is located on the California central coast on a 90-mile strip of land between the Santa Lucia Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean.

This massive stretch of the California coast starts just south of the Carmel Highlands and ends in the south near Ragged Point, which is 23 miles from the town of Cambria.

Wrap-Up: Driving from Carmel to Big Sur

Driving from Carmel to Big Sur is such a scenic experience and is one of the best California road trips you must experience.

Now that you have a list of the best places to stop on your trip down Highway 1, all you have to do is book a hotel room in Carmel by the Sea and pack your bags for this trip of a lifetime.