The Ultimate California Highway 1 Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur

The First Station: Monterey

 Monterey Bay Aquarium 

Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940-1085

Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the USA's best aquariums. It's home to sea otters, penguins, sharks, jellies and thousands of other marine animals and plants. Its mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must see for anyone who cares about the oceans and the creatures who live in them - and even for those who don't care but have an open mind to learning something new about planet Earth. 

 17-Mile Drive 

Address: Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, Monterey, CA 93953

Seals bask on the beach and pelicans perch on rocky cliffs along this famous drive that passes through many popular spots. You'd better miss The Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach when you take the 17-mile drive. Pebble Beach is a paradise for golfers. And Pebble Beach Lodge offers various food, you can have lunch or dinner here, even you can stay here for 1 - 2 days. 

Hotels in Monterey

Lone Oak Lodge: Clean, comfortable, quiet, and chill.  The hotel has a very generous parking lot, you get to park right in front of your room.

Address: 2221 Fremont St, Near Della Vina Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940-5499

The Second Station: Carmel

Carmel is a great place for a romantic or family getaway. Walk along the seaside to view charming and natural scenery, visit Carmel Mission to explore Christian/Catholic history and culture. And you'd better miss to stroll through downtown Carmel. Downtown Carmel's Ocean Avenue is lined with shops and charming art galleries to browse through. And you can even bring your dog - Carmel’s hotels, restaurants and galleries are remarkably Fido-friendly.

Hotels in Carmel 

Colonial Terrace Inn by the Sea: Quiet, beach access, cozy, good breakfast, peaceful atmosphere. Location to the beach and downtown is great, and the staff is very friendly.

Address: 13th and San Antonio, Carmel, CA

The Third Station: Big Sur

 Bixby Bridge 

Bixby Bridge is a beautiful wooden bridge and an iconic landmark of  Big Sur. You can take beautiful pictures of it.  Climbing down the hill you can enclose the pictures of the bridge with mountains. You can even photograph the magnificent ocean. A nest of puffin birds can be seen down on the beach.

 Point Sur State Historic Park 

There is a state park with Spectacular views of the cliffs and the ocean. You can walk up the hill to the historic area including the Point Sur Lighthouse. which sits dramatically a top a gigantic 361 foot (110m) high volcanic rock overlooking the sea. 

 Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park 

This is a beautiful place for a picnic and a hike. On the east side of the highway is a very nice day camp area with picnic tables and restrooms. On the ocean side of the Highway there is a nice trail for views and hiking. If you take trail going south you will find a beautiful little two campsites area. You can carry in your camping supplies and spend the night if you like. And the beautiful McWay Falls located within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (access to the waterfall by foot is often prohibited).

Hotels in Big Sur

Post Ranch Inn: The bottom line is Big Sur is a beautiful place to experience and Post ranch is exclusive and quiet and allows you to take in beautiful views of the pacific. We highly encourage you to give it a try for your special occasion.

Address: 47900 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920-9576

Restaurants in Big Sur

There are 10 best restaurants on the cliffs in Big Sur. It's certainly an unforgettable experience to have a unique dinner with sunset by the sea. 

Sierra Mar: High atop the cliffs, offering breathtaking views is Sierra Mar restaurant at Post Ranch Inn. You can see amazing coastal views while you dine at Sierra Mar.

Big Sur Roadhouse: It's Local Cuisine. Cutest spot ever, beautiful outdoor area, colorful and quaint yet rustic and modern. Food was absolutely incredible. 

Drive along California Central Coast Highway One to explore paradise during your vacations. Hope you guys have a great time!!

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