Anaheim to Carmel and back

Question

Hi… I will have 3 1/2 days between jobs that start and end in Anaheim in early September. I’m really interested in finding fun and/or iconic places to photograph outside the immediate LA area. Wanted also to see how feasible it is to go all the way to Carmel and back during that window and still have time to shoot at a number of cool places. Any help or suggestions for places to stay are welcome!

Answer

Driving from Anaheim to Carmel and back in 3 ½ days is ambitious but doable if you prioritize a few key stops along the way. The direct drive from Anaheim to Carmel is roughly 6–7 hours one way, so to make the most of your time, you’ll want to plan your route strategically and possibly break the trip into an overnight stay.

Here’s a suggested approach:

Day 1 – Anaheim to Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo: Leave Anaheim in the morning and drive up the coast via US-101 or CA-1 for a scenic route. Consider stops for photography at:

Malibu beaches and cliffs
Santa Barbara waterfront and old missions
San Luis Obispo downtown and nearby Morro Bay for coastal shots

Overnight in either Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo to break up the drive and get some sunset shots.

Day 2 – San Luis Obispo to Carmel: Continue up CA-1/Pacific Coast Highway. Notable photography stops:

Big Sur coastline – Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach
Ragged Point and other dramatic cliffside viewpoints

Arrive in Carmel by mid to late afternoon. Explore Carmel town and beach for sunset photography. Overnight in Carmel or nearby Monterey.

Day 3 – Carmel/Monterey area: Spend the morning shooting iconic locations:

17-Mile Drive for ocean vistas and iconic cypress trees
Monterey Wharf and Cannery Row

Start heading back south in the afternoon. You can either drive straight back (6–7 hours) or stay overnight midway, e.g., in San Luis Obispo, if you want a more relaxed pace.

Day 4 – Return to Anaheim: Finish the drive back to Anaheim, stopping at any additional scenic spots you may have missed on the way north.

Alternative considerations:

Consider flying into Monterey/Salinas and renting a car for a shorter drive if feasible; it can save a lot of time.
Accommodations in Carmel or Monterey can be pricey in September, so book early.
Timing your Big Sur stops for sunrise or sunset will give the best light for photography, but keep an eye on travel times as the coastal roads are winding and can be slow.

Overall, with 3 ½ days, you can make a round trip from Anaheim to Carmel with photography stops, but an overnight stay along the route or in Carmel is highly recommended to avoid a rushed experience.

Anaheim to Carmel and back

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