Monterey & Big Sur long weekend - sanity check please

Question

My wife and I (active mid 50s) will be in Monterey Fri 20 Jun – Tue 24 Jun before a work meeting in Napa. We enjoy short hikes, wildlife, photography, and casual, reasonably priced local food.

Draft plan

• Fri 20 Jun: Land SFO 1 pm ➜ drive to Spindrift Inn. Late day walk at Asilomar + Sunset Drive; dinner at Passionfish (Pacific Grove).

• Sat: Sunrise run down Hwy 1: sunrise at Bixby Bridge, Garrapata Bluff walk, Pfeiffer Falls. Lunch at Nepenthe (11am arrival), turn around at Paul’s Slide closure.

• Sun: Morning at Pinnacles NP (condor spotting), afternoon whale watch out of Moss Landing (tight schedule to get to there by 1:15pm), dinner at Phil’s Fish Market.

• Mon: Early Point Lobos, 17 Mile Drive e bike tour, Monterey Bay Aquarium (3 pm slot; close at 5pm).

• Tue: Monterey State Historic Park stroll, then drive to Napa.

Questions

1. Any pacing issues or road delays I should expect other than monitoring Caltrans for closure south of Lucia, which is not expected to open soon?

2. Favorite casual dining spots along this route (Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey)?

3. Must see stops we’re missing?

Thanks in advance for your local insight!

Answer

Your Monterey & Big Sur itinerary looks ambitious but very doable, with a few minor adjustments to ensure pacing and enjoyment. Here’s a detailed sanity check and some suggestions:

1. Pacing & Road Considerations

Most of your drives along Highway 1 are scenic but can be slow due to winding roads, traffic, and occasional construction. Key points:

Bixby Bridge to Pfeiffer Falls (Garrapata area) in the morning: leaving early for sunrise is perfect. The morning light will also reduce tourist traffic.
Big Sur closures: South of Lucia is still closed, so your turnaround at Paul’s Slide is wise. Expect minor delays if roadworks or single-lane closures are in effect.
Pinnacles NP + Moss Landing whale watch on Sunday: The plan is tight. Pinnacles is ~2 hours from Monterey; driving to Moss Landing for a 1:15 pm whale watch may not leave much flexibility for stops. Consider moving Pinnacles to a separate day if possible, or switching whale watch to another day.
17-Mile Drive and Monterey Bay Aquarium on Monday: the timing is reasonable, but 17-Mile Drive can take longer if stopping frequently for photos; e-bike tours are a great way to save energy.

2. Favorite Casual Dining Spots

Big Sur: Nepenthe (already on your list), Big Sur Bakery for pastries and lunch, Sierra Mar for views (more upscale, optional).
Carmel: Carmel Belle (casual, local ingredients), La Bicyclette (wood-fired pizzas), Forge in the Forest (light, casual).
Monterey/Pacific Grove: Passionfish (already listed, excellent seafood), Phil’s Fish Market (informal, great for takeout or casual dining), First Awakenings (breakfast/brunch), Crema (coffee & light bites).

3. Must-See or Optional Stops You’re Missing

McWay Falls (Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park): iconic waterfall into the ocean, short easy viewpoint walk.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: you have it early Monday, which is good. Try the Cypress Grove and Sea Lion Point trails.
Garrapata Beach: quick stop for coastal photography near your planned Pfeiffer Falls hike.
Monarch Grove (Pacific Grove, seasonal mid-Oct–Feb): not applicable in June, but good to know for future trips.
Elkhorn Slough (near Moss Landing): short kayak or wildlife viewing for otters, herons, and sea birds if time allows before or after whale watch.

Additional Tips

Start early each day to maximize light and minimize crowds.
Check daily weather and fog conditions along Big Sur; morning often has clearer views.
Bring snacks and water for longer drives, as services in Big Sur are limited.
Reserve whale watching tickets in advance, as they can sell out in June.

Overall, your itinerary is well-structured. The main caution is Sunday’s Pinnacles + Moss Landing timing. Otherwise, you’ll enjoy excellent photo opportunities, wildlife, and food along the way.