Scenic day drive

Question

Hello. We were able to add an additional day on a trip this week. Will have a rental Jetta or something similar and would like to see what’s recommended for a day trip from the Monterey area - flying out of Sacramento the next day. Mainly looking for a drive or a simple walk as we won’t have any hiking clothes with us. Thanks!

Answer

For a scenic day drive from the Monterey area without proper hiking clothes, you have several options that focus on beautiful drives, easy walks, and iconic viewpoints. Since your flight is out of Sacramento the next day, you’ll want to plan something that’s feasible in a single day while allowing for a relaxing pace.

Here are some recommended routes and stops:

17-Mile Drive & Carmel-by-the-Sea: This is a classic scenic drive along the Monterey Peninsula. You can easily do the route in 2–3 hours with short stops for photos and brief walks. Highlights include the Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach golf course, and scenic ocean vistas. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming town to explore with quaint shops and cafés.
Bixby Bridge and Big Sur Coastline: Driving south along Highway 1 toward Big Sur offers breathtaking coastal views. While you may not have hiking gear, there are many short pull-offs and viewpoints such as Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls (easy walk from the parking lot), and Pfeiffer Beach (a short stroll to see the purple sand and iconic rock formations).
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Just south of Carmel, this park is ideal for easy walks along paved or well-maintained trails. You can enjoy dramatic ocean cliffs, sea lions, and tide pools without hiking gear.

If you prefer a route heading inland toward Sacramento, you can enjoy scenic drives through the Salinas Valley or Sierra foothills, although it won’t be as coastal and iconic as the Monterey Peninsula options. These routes offer rolling hills, vineyards, and charming small towns to stop for food and photos.

Salinas Valley Route: Take Highway 68 east to Salinas and connect to Highway 101 north. This route passes farms, vineyards, and the Gabilan Mountains. Stops can include Paso Robles wineries if you want a brief tasting and easy strolls.
Sierra Foothills Drive: If time permits, consider detouring toward the Sierra foothills before heading to Sacramento. Small towns like Jackson or Amador County towns provide historic Gold Rush-era architecture and scenic country roads perfect for a relaxed drive.

Tips for your day:

Start early to maximize daylight and enjoy the coast or inland scenery.
Pack snacks and water as some areas along Highway 1 have limited services.
Check current road conditions, especially along Big Sur and Highway 1, as landslides or closures can occur.
Allow extra time for your drive north to Sacramento after the day trip, ensuring you reach your departure point stress-free.

With these options, you can have a memorable scenic day with minimal walking while capturing some of California’s most iconic landscapes before your flight the next day.

Scenic day drive

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