LA to Big Sur - 3 day itinerary

Question

Hi,

I just booked a last minute 2 week trip to California for end of June (flight land/departs from San Diego) for a family of 4, incl 2 tweens). Tentative plan is 4 days in San Diego, 4 days in LA, then 3 days in Big Sur/Monterey and then back to San Diego for 1 day.

Looking for feedback for the Big Sur/Monterey itinerary:

SUNDAY

-Drive from LA to Hearst Castle

-San Simeon for elephant seals

-Drive to Monterey and check into hotel

MONDAY

-Day trip to Big Sur and visit McWay Falls, Pfeiffer beach, Bixby Bridge, Garrapata State Park)

-Dinner in Monterey

TUESDAY

-Check out of hotel

-early start to Pinnacles Natl Park and visit Bear Gulch Cave Trail, etc

-drive down to San Diego

-check in to hotel in San Diego

How realistic is the itinerary? Anything else I should include? The primary reason I'm doing Big Sur/Monterey was for the PCH drive and stopping at scenic views. Open to any feedback/suggestions. Thank you!

Answer

Your Big Sur/Monterey itinerary looks fantastic, and it's great that you’re focusing on the scenic beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)! Here’s a more detailed breakdown of your plans, along with some suggestions and considerations to help ensure a smooth trip:

SUNDAY:

- Drive from LA to Hearst Castle: The drive from LA to Hearst Castle is about 4-5 hours, depending on traffic. It’s a beautiful stretch of the coast, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the views along the way. Hearst Castle is a must-see, with its history and impressive architecture. You can plan for about 2-3 hours for the tour. If your family enjoys history and architecture, this will be a highlight.

- San Simeon for Elephant Seals: After Hearst Castle, a visit to the elephant seal rookery in San Simeon is a great addition. It’s a short stop (about 30 minutes to 1 hour) to view the seals, especially if you go during the early afternoon when they’re often most active. It’s a fun, easy walk to the viewing platform, and the kids will love it.

- Drive to Monterey: After San Simeon, the drive to Monterey is about 2 hours along the scenic coastline. You’ll be driving through beautiful parts of the Central Coast, so it’s a great time to enjoy the PCH views. Once you get to Monterey, you’ll likely want to check in and unwind. You could spend the evening exploring Cannery Row or the downtown area, but be mindful of the time to rest for the next day.

MONDAY:

- Day trip to Big Sur: This will be a full day of scenic stops, and it’s definitely doable. Big Sur’s coastline is stunning, and the drive along the PCH offers many opportunities for short stops, so be sure to take it slow and enjoy the views. Here’s a suggested breakdown of the stops:

McWay Falls: A must-see! The short walk to the viewpoint offers a great view of the waterfall cascading into the ocean. Spend about 30 minutes to an hour here.
Pfeiffer Beach: This beach is famous for its rock formations and purple sand. It’s a great stop for photos and a quick walk. Be aware that parking can fill up quickly, especially in the summer months.
Bixby Creek Bridge: A photo op not to be missed! It’s one of the most iconic spots on the PCH. A quick stop to take in the views and snap some photos is perfect.
Garrapata State Park: If you’re looking for a short walk, Garrapata has easy trails with sweeping coastal views. You could take a quick 30-minute stroll here to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.

- Dinner in Monterey: After your day in Big Sur, head back to Monterey for dinner. The Cannery Row area has great dining options, many with ocean views. For a family-friendly meal, try places like Fisherman's Wharf or The Fish Hopper.

TUESDAY:

- Pinnacles National Park: This part of the trip is a bit of a drive, but if your family is up for it, Pinnacles is an incredible park to visit. The drive from Monterey to Pinnacles takes about 1.5 hours. Bear Gulch Cave Trail is a great option for families as it’s short (about 1-2 miles) and relatively easy, with cool cave formations and lots of wildlife along the way. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can choose a shorter walk like the Bear Gulch Reservoir Trail, which offers scenic views without being strenuous.

- Drive to San Diego: After your visit to Pinnacles, you’ll be looking at a 6-7 hour drive to San Diego, so make sure to factor in time for breaks. You could take the 101 or 5 Freeway south, both offering interesting stops along the way. Since you’ll be driving for a long stretch, plan to leave Pinnacles early enough to give yourself a bit of time to check in to your hotel in San Diego before your flight.

Additional Considerations: - With kids, especially tweens, keeping the pace moderate is key. You’re covering a lot of ground, but the beautiful stops will keep things interesting. If you find the drive from Monterey to Big Sur feels rushed, you could add another night in Monterey or in Big Sur itself for a slower pace. - Consider adding some time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a charming town just south of Monterey. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll or a family-friendly meal if you have extra time. - If you're visiting during peak tourist season (June), be prepared for crowds at some of the popular spots like McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, and the Bixby Creek Bridge.

In Summary: Your itinerary looks very doable, but be prepared for some long driving stretches. Your focus on the scenic drive and making stops along the way will definitely give your family a taste of California's stunning coast. Adding flexibility to your schedule (especially with the long drive to San Diego) will help ensure everyone stays relaxed and enjoys the journey!

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