The Ultimate 3-Day Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary: Breathtaking Views, Local Eats & Hidden Gems
- Lindsay & Justin
- Aug 7
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 14
Welcome to the ultimate 3-Day Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary – your gateway to experiencing one of America's most spectacular coastal drives without the hours of research and planning. As meticulous travelers, we've eliminated the guesswork so you can focus on creating memories along California's breathtaking coastline.
Big Sur stretches 90 miles along California's central coast, where the Santa Lucia Mountains dramatically meet the Pacific Ocean. Home to the tallest coastal mountains in the contiguous United States, this region boasts jaw-dropping cliffs, pristine beaches with purple sand, and ancient redwood forests all accessible via the iconic Pacific Coast Highway.
In this comprehensive 3-day Big Sur road trip itinerary, you'll discover how to time your visits to avoid crowds at popular spots like McWay Falls, where to find the best locally-sourced ambrosia burgers, and which hidden turnouts offer the most spectacular views that most tourists miss. From sustainable travel tips to budget-friendly accommodation options, we've crafted this guide for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences without breaking the bank.
Table of Contents: 3-Day Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary
Essential Tips Before You Go
🌪️ Weather Conditions: Check NOAA's official forecast for Big Sur before departing:
🚧 Road Status: The Pacific Coast Highway can experience closures due to landslides and maintenance. Visit the CalTrans website for real-time information
🌫️ Fog Advisory: Unlike most tourist destinations, Big Sur's coastal fog requires different timing strategies. Skip the early morning viewpoints and instead plan your scenic stops between late morning (10am) and mid-afternoon (3pm) when fog typically dissipates. This counter-intuitive approach will reward you with clearer views and better photo opportunities along your California road trip.
📲 Cell Service: Be prepared for limited to no cell service throughout most of Big Sur. Download offline maps, save screenshots of directions, and inform someone of your itinerary before setting out on your adventure.
Day 1: Southern Big Sur - Gateway to Coastal Wonder
Where to Stay
For our Big Sur road trip, we chose to stay in Monterey as our first-day basecamp. Budget travelers will love Ramada by Wyndham Monterey ($175-200/night or free with a Wyndham Rewards card), which offers clean rooms and free parking. For mid-range options, we recommend Hilton Garden Inn Monterey ($275-350/night) with close proximity to downtown Monterey. Both locations provide perfect launching points for exploring the northern section of the Pacific Coast Highway.
Morning Activities
We kicked off our day with breakfast at the Old Monterey Café, where the homemade corned beef hash and fluffy pancakes fueled us for the adventures ahead. After breakfast, we headed straight to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (a must!). We spotted sea lions lounging on rocks, playful otters floating on their backs, and countless bird species among the windswept cypress trees. Getting there early was key - by 10am the parking lots were full, forcing latecomers to park along HW1 and hike into the park (we have pinned this location in our California Google Map).
🥾 We walked the entire Point Lobos Loop and we'd highly recommend doing the same! The scenery had us questioning how this is not a National Park.
Afternoon Adventures
After Point Lobos, we wandered through downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, stopping at local boutiques and art galleries tucked into fairy-tale cottages. Next, we took the scenic drive from Pescadero Point to Point Pinos Lighthouse via Sunset Dr and 17-Mile Dr, where we pulled over multiple times to capture the dramatic coastline views. With a few hours to spare, we'd recommend visiting Monterey Bay Aquarium - absolutely one of the best California road trip attractions for families with its incredible jellyfish exhibits and open-sea viewing deck.
Evening Experiences
As the sun began to set, we relaxed with craft beers at Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Tap Depot right on the water - their west coast IPAs paired perfectly with ocean views. Before dinner, we strolled over to Sister City Park to watch seals and sea lions barking and playing along the rocky shoreline, then continued to Old Fisherman's Wharf for some people-watching. For dinner, we chose Nacho Bizness for amazing fish tacos, though Alvarado Street Brewing is equally delicious with their wood-fired pizzas. We capped off our first day of Big Sur things to do with scoops from Revival Ice Cream, where their honey lavender flavor became an instant favorite.
Day 2: Central Big Sur - Iconic Landmarks & Natural Wonders
Where to Stay
For our second night on the Big Sur road trip, we camped at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in Wayland Site 114. We absolutely loved this spot as our campsite was situated right along the Big Sur River Gorge, giving us easy access to cooling off after hiking. If camping isn't your thing, the Big Sur Lodge at the park entrance offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities while still keeping you close to nature. Both options provide the perfect basecamp for exploring Central Big Sur's iconic landmarks.
Morning Activities
We started our day early at Garrapata State Park, accessing the trail from Gate 8 (we have pinned this location in our California Google Map). While most tourists simply pull over for quick photos, we hiked the Whale Peak Trail to Soberanes Point and had the whole place to ourselves! This was honestly the highlight of our Big Sur things to do. The coastal views were spectacular, and hiking down to Painter's Point rewarded us with dramatic cliff perspectives. Afterward, we headed to Garrapata Beach where we were completely alone with the stunning shoreline. We even spotted whales breaching offshore when we visited in October!
Afternoon Adventures
After lunch, we drove to Bixby Creek Bridge, but instead of stopping at the main viewpoint with all the crowds, we continued to Hurricane Point Vista Point for equally impressive but much less crowded views of this Pacific Coast Highway icon (don't worry, we have pinned this ideal spot in our California Google Map). Next, we recommend hiking the popular trail at Andrew Molera State Park, which offers a perfect mix of coastal bluffs and meadow scenery on your California road trip. The loop trail takes about 3.5 hours with plenty of stops for photos, and you'll likely encountered very few other hikers on a weekday afternoon. Alternatively, you can just hike to this secluded and protected swimming beach which is only 1 mile form the parking lot.
Evening Experiences
As the day wound down, we headed to Pfeiffer Beach to watch sunset at the famous Keyhole Arch. Finding this beach was tricky - the unmarked turnoff is 1.5 miles south of Big Sur Taphouse on Sycamore Canyon Road (we have pinned this location in our California Google Map). The $10 entrance fee was absolutely worth it for the unique purple-tinged sand and dramatic rock formations (if you already bought a day-use State Park Pass at Andrew Molera, it will work here as well!). We noticed the purple sand was most vibrant after recent rainfall and near the north end of the beach. The keyhole arch looked most spectacular around 4pm when sunlight streamed through it. After the beach, we enjoyed dinner at Big Sur Taphouse where meal prices ranged from $20-30, but the portions were generous enough to share.
Day 3: Northern Big Sur - Waterfalls & Coastal Trails
Where to Stay
For our third night in Big Sur, we continued to camp at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park where we had perfect access to the Big Sur River Gorge for cooling off after our daily adventures. The proximity to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park made it an ideal basecamp for exploring the southern section of our Big Sur road trip. Having everything set up already meant we could maximize our time exploring rather than packing and unpacking.
Morning Activities
We started our day at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park taking the short Overlook Trail to McWay Falls viewpoint. When we first arrived, we were disappointed to find the entire falls blocked by fog, but after waiting patiently for about 15 minutes, the fog completely lifted revealing the stunning 80-foot waterfall plunging onto the beach. Our best tip for planning this stop on your California road trip is to visit between late morning and mid-afternoon when fog is typically minimal.
After seeing McWay Falls, we highly recommend exploring the Ewoldsen Trail which starts from the same parking lot but takes you into stunning redwood groves instead of coastal views. This trail offers one of the most diverse hiking experiences in Big Sur, with minimal crowds for the first mile where you're likely to spot deer grazing peacefully among ancient trees. According to locals, this is considered the best day hike in Big Sur as you'll experience riparian redwood forest, chaparral, and grassland with expansive ocean views all in one trail.
Before leaving the park, we made sure to stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point where we read the informative plaques about whale migration patterns along the Big Sur coastline. The information helped us better appreciate the incredible marine ecosystem visible from these dramatic cliffs.
Afternoon Adventures
Next on our Big Sur things to do list should be the Partington Cove Trail. This steep but rewarding hike takes you over a wooden bridge and through a historic tunnel to a protected cove. For a lovely quick side trip, take the path left of the wildlife sign before crossing the bridge to access a peaceful river. Be mindful that waves can be particularly strong in this area, so exercise caution and keep a safe distance from the water's edge.
For a mid-afternoon break, we recommend visiting Nepenthe, but skip the expensive restaurant and head to the first-come-first-serve Café Kevah on the lower level (closes at 3pm). This money-saving hack gives you the exact same million-dollar views of the Big Sur Coastline while paying café prices for beverages and baked goods instead of full restaurant prices.
Nepenthe is famous for their “Ambrosia burger," made with ground steak and a special Ambrosia sauce served on a French roll. If you have your heart set on this, you will need to make reservations at the main Nepenthe Restaurant (not available at Cafe Kevah)
Evening Experiences
We returned to Pfeiffer State Park for our final evening and completed the short but spectacular Pfeiffer Falls Trail before sunset. The trail led us through magnificent redwoods to a 60-foot waterfall that created the perfect peaceful ending to our 3-day Big Sur road trip. Back at our campsite, we relaxed by the river, reflecting on all the incredible coastal landscapes we'd experienced over the past three days while planning which spots we'd want to revisit on our next California road trip adventure.
Practical Information
🌤️ Best time to visit: We traveled Big Sur in early October and found the perfect balance of sunny days and minimal fog. The whales were breaching along the Pacific Coast Highway and monarch butterflies beginning to migrate. We also encountered far fewer crowds than summer visitors. Weekdays were noticeably quieter than weekends.
🚗 Transportation tips: We averaged 22 MPG in our Dodge Caravan Campervan on our California road trip by driving at steady speeds. For EV drivers, we discovered charging stations around Loma Vista. We kept our tank above half-full since gas stations are limited and pricier in Big Sur.
💰 Budgeting guide: We packed breakfast items and picnic lunches which saved us nearly $50 per day compared to eating out for every meal on our Big Sur road trip. Many of the best Big Sur things to do are free or low-cost state parks where a single $10 pass got us into multiple parks on the same day.
🌱 Sustainable travel practices: We brought reusable water bottles and a collapsible cooler to minimize single-use plastics. When hiking, we stayed on marked trails to protect the delicate coastal ecosystem and packed out all our trash. The local rangers told us erosion from off-trail hiking is one of Big Sur's biggest challenges. Please NEVER feed any wildlife (no matter how small) while hiking on the trails.
❤️ Couple's tips: We found Pfeiffer Beach at sunset to be the most romantic spot for couples along the Pacific Coast Highway. Justin surprised me with wine and cheese at the north end where we had total privacy. Plan ahead for romantic accommodations as the best places book 6+ months in advance.
FAQ: Your Big Sur Road Trip Questions Answered
What's the best time of year for a Big Sur road trip?
Late May and early October offers the perfect balance of sunny days, minimal fog, wildlife, and fewer crowds than summer months. Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends, giving you more space to enjoy the spectacular coastal views.
Is three days enough time to see Big Sur?
Three days is sufficient to experience Big Sur's highlights including Point Lobos, Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach. You can realistically fit in several iconic landmarks, a few short hikes, and memorable dining experiences while still having time to appreciate the scenery.
Where should we stay in Big Sur on a budget?
For camping, we loved staying at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in Wayland Site 114. If camping isn't your thing, the Big Sur Lodge at the park entrance offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities while still keeping you close to nature. Both options provide the perfect basecamp for exploring Central Big Sur's iconic landmarks. For any accommodations in Big Sur, especially during summer season, book 4-6 months ahead to secure the best rates.
What food and drinks is Big Sur known for?
Big Sur features locally-sourced cuisine like fresh-caught halibut and foraged chanterelle mushroom risotto. Don't miss trying local craft beers showcasing Monterey and Santa Cruz breweries, or signature cocktails like the "Highway One" made with local gin at Nepenthe.
Are there any road closures or permits needed for Big Sur?
Most state parks in Big Sur require a $10 day-use fee that allows access to multiple parks on the same day. For specific attractions like Point Sur Lighthouse, 3-hour guided tours run only on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and cost $15 per person, requiring advance planning. The Pacific Coast Highway can experience closures due to landslides and maintenance. Visit the CalTrans website for real-time information.
What should couples not miss in Big Sur?
Pfeiffer Beach at sunset is described as the most romantic spot in Big Sur, especially the north end which offers privacy perfect for a wine and cheese picnic. For memorable couple photos, McWay Falls viewpoint is best visited late morning to avoid the dense morning fog that covers visibility of the falls.
Our 3-day Big Sur road trip perfectly balances iconic landmarks like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls with authentic local experiences such as witnessing the seals in Monterey and locally-sourced cuisine. We've designed this itinerary to showcase the breathtaking coastal views while respecting both your budget and the environment.
From the rugged cliffs at Point Lobos to the purple sands of Pfeiffer Beach, every stop along this stretch of California's Pacific Coast Highway offers unforgettable natural beauty. By following our timing suggestions, you'll avoid crowds at popular spots while our practical tips help you maximize your experience without breaking the bank.
Ready to start planning your own Big Sur adventure? Grab our California Google Map for all of our recommendations pinned on a map. And don't forget to follow our journey on Instagram @Noms.Brews.Views where we share real-time updates, hidden gems, and answer your travel questions directly!
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