Planning Your Perfect Day Trip from San Francisco to Big Sur
During my four years in the Bay Area, I often went on day trips to Big Sur because, well, it was amazing! Being a Colorado girl, this stretch of coastline was just something out of the ordinary to me. It was my favorite weekend drive, which included various stops and activities such as hikes, restaurants, and scenic overlooks. My jaw always dropped when I saw the rugged cliffs and overlooks and the massive redwood forests. So pack some snacks, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready for a great day along the best coastline you’ll ever see!
In this post, you’ll find a planned-out step-by-step Big Sur road trip itinerary. Keep in mind this itinerary is about 3 hours drive time one way so plan accordingly.
1. Start in San Francisco
The day trip starts in San Franciso where you will Take Highway 1 South, enjoying scenic views along the Pacific coastline. You’ll want to get an early start to avoid traffic and make the most of daylight.
San Francisco has multiple entry points to Highway 1, so the specific route you take may depend on your location within the city. Using a navigation app or GPS can also be helpful to ensure you take the most efficient route based on your starting point.
Highway 1 is the most scenic route and will give you the best ocean views of the Pacific.
2. Stop for Breakfast in Monterey
A great first stop, which is about 2 hours from San Francisco, is Monterey Bay. Walking along Cannery Row and checking out the sea lions in the bay is always a lot of fun. There are lots of great spots to get some breakfast before you head up the coast.
Click here for the Top Breakfast Spot Recommendations
3. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium
If you allow enough time, a quick stop at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is worth a visit. The aquarium is a world-renowned marine science facility located on Cannery Row. My favorite part of this aquarium is that it’s right on the bay, where you can see the natural marine life habitat.
4. Head to the Nearby 17-Mile Drive
The 17-mile Drive is a must-do on your day trip from San Francisco to Big Sur. The drive is spectacular and one of my favorite drives in California. It winds along the coastline in the Monterey Peninsula, passing through the famous Pebble Beach community and Pacific Grove. Along this drive, you will see stunning coastal views, rocky shorelines, iconic landmarks, and prestigious golf courses.
The 17-mile Drive starts and ends at two entrance gates: the Pacific Grove Gate and the Pebble Beach Gate and there is an $11.75 entrance fee per vehicle.
5. Grab Lunch at Carmel-by-the-Sea
A very worthwhile stop on your day trip from San Francisco to Big Sur is to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea one of the most charming small towns in California. Just about 12 minutes after leaving the 17-Mile Drive and still along the Monterey Peninsula, you’ll arrive here. This cute town boasts picturesque streets and excellent dining options. Consider stopping for lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Click here for a List of Restaurants at Carmel-by-the-Sea
6. Garrapata State Park
Another great stop near Carmel along Highway 1 as you make your way up to Big Sur is Garrapata State Park. This scenic and rugged coastal park is located about 6.7 miles south of Carmel and north of Big Sur and has amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. One of the notable attractions within Garrapata State Park is the Calla Lily Valley, which typically blooms in the spring, usually from April to June. During this time, the park’s hillsides come alive with vibrant white calla lilies, creating a breathtaking display against the coastal backdrop. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and photography.
7. Explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
The next place to visit in the afternoon, and right near Carmel-by-the-Sea (about 4 miles), is Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Point Lobos is a special place with lots of sea animals and tide pools. You can see whales in the winter and sea lions all year round. The area has beautiful views, and you can walk by the ocean or just explore around and see the amazing rocky coast with unique Monterey cypress trees. If you like water activities, you can try kayaking or scuba diving in the big kelp forests with lots of different sea creatures.
Click here for more information
8. Drive Across the Bixby Bridge
Once you leave the Monterey Peninsula, you’ll be starting up the Big Sur coastline, and one of the first iconic landmarks you’ll come across is the Bixby Bridge. This is one of the most stunning bridges along the Pacific Coast Highway. The bridge was built in 1932, and its design is quite impressive. This is a great time to stop and take some amazing photos of your day trip!
9. Visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see McWay Falls
This stop can be easily incorporated into your day trip from San Franciso to Big Sur and you can make it a pretty quick stop. Access to McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is straightforward, requiring a brief hike from the parking area. Follow the signs and information boards from the parking area to the main trailhead. The trail leads to an official vista point offering a view of McWay Falls as it cascades over a cliff onto a lovely beach, creating a breathtaking scene. The McWay Falls area is well-regarded for its excellent photo opportunities, with the vista point providing a classic shot of the waterfall against the backdrop of the ocean.
Note that there is a $10 entrance fee to park.
10. Check Out Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is known for its unique purple sand and renowned rock formations. It stands as one of the Central Coast’s favored beaches and is particularly famous for the striking Keyhole Rock. Given the rugged landscape along the Big Sur coast, Pfeiffer Beach serves as one of the limited ocean access points in the region.
Locating the entrance to Sycamore Canyon Road can be difficult as it’s unmarked, it’s a paved but single-lane access road stretching 2.2 miles. Upon reaching Pfeiffer Beach, there is a parking area where you can park your vehicle. Additionally, there is a $15 day-use fee for parking.
11. Explore Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is worth a stop. It’s an intriguing state park known for its ancient coastal redwood trees, which are both giant and stunning. I’m always awestruck when I see the California redwood trees, especially surrounded by the rocky cliffs of Big Sur. The park features a network of hiking trails that cater to various skill levels, including popular trails such as the Pfeiffer Falls Trail—a short hike leading to a picturesque waterfall—and the Valley View Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Big Sur River and the surrounding landscapes. Additionally, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has a visitor center providing information about the park’s natural and cultural history. It’s a great place to learn more about the flora, fauna, and geology of the region.
11. Have Dinner in Big Sur
Big Sur offers a variety of dining experiences that offer outdoor seating and provide great views of the sunset along the California coastline.
Click here for a list of restaurants that provide outdoor seating
12. Heading Back to San Francisco
After your perfect Big Sur day trip it’s time to head back. Plan for about 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours for your return trip back to San Francisco. Check your map for the best route to take based on traffic.
