The west coast of California is completely stunning to go to! Full of epic drives, seaside cities and parks that stretch for miles; it’s the sort of place that’s excellent to discover. That is very true when fascinated with driving and recognizing all one of the best locations on a Massive Sur Highway Journey in California.
So to make issues simpler on your journey, I needed to share all one of the best locations on a Massive Sur Roadtrip in California that we cherished. With the likes of; one of the best seashores in California, cities like Monterey or as a part of a wider California highway journey; it’s the sort of place that’ll go away you spoilt for alternative.
Belief me, the Massive Sur is a route that you simply gained’t wanna miss as you drive the west coast United States.
Have a look, beneath, at one of the best locations on a Massive Sur Roadtrip in California to discover. You’ll have essentially the most unbelievable time exploring California.
1.) Carmel By The Sea
Nestled on the shoreline of the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel By The Sea is a beautiful little metropolis that’s properly price visiting when beginning or ending your Massive Sur Roadtrip in California.
Not solely does have some unbelievable, fairy-tale-like homes within the centre of town, it additionally has a surprising seashore! Carmel Seaside is inside simple attain of Scenic Highway and nice to go to on a phenomenal sunny Californian day. That being mentioned, if seashores aren’t your factor, take a while to discover the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum which dates again to the 1700s and is completely gorgeous.
Should you’re fancying a stroll, head on the, close by, Moss Cove path that results in the Granite Level path. From right here, you’ll be able to observe the Whaler’s Cove that’s not solely attractive however comparatively simple to ramble.
Afterwards, head to the completely cosy, Dametra Cafe for his or her yummy (freshly-made) pasta. It’s so good.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Monterey
2.) Garrapata State Park
Round 10-12 miles south of Carmel By The Sea, Garrapata State Park is well among the finest locations on a Massive Sur Highway Journey in California you need to go to. It’s attractive right here.
As you drive down the Cabrillo Freeway, make sure to cease off at Soberanes Level for some unbelievable views over the Pacific. That being mentioned, should you’re fancying heading inland then pop onto the Soberanes Canyon Path that’s completely peaceable. Simply take into account that it may well get just a little busier on the weekends.
That being mentioned, should you’re one thing of a seashore bum, then head straight right down to Garrapata Seaside that’s just a little additional down the coast. There’s parking inside simple attain of Garrapata Creek Bridge; making it a very simple cease for a couple of hours of chill time.
Learn extra: Greatest seashores in California
3.) Partington Cove
Simply missed when looking for one of the best locations on a Massive Sur Highway Journey, Partington Cove is a beautiful little spot that’s a stone’s throw from Julia Pfeiffer Burns Vista Point (an important spot for views, by the way in which.).
Park up and observe the actually quick stroll alongside the Partington Cove Trail, heading by way of the pedestrian tunnel to the cove itself. After you’ve arrived, you’ll be greeted by some fairly epic views, that are completely gorgeous round sundown. In truth, I’d say this is without doubt one of the finest sundown spots should you favor a quieter little bay.
Learn extra: Greatest Nationwide Parks in California to go to
4.) Salmon Creek Falls
Fancy a comparatively accessible hike? Then the Salmon Creek Trail is a superb and reasonably simple hike to hitch. Not solely that, you’ll be handled to views of the unbelievable Salmon Creek Falls.
Now, there’s restricted parking close to the trailhead and may get busy in peak occasions or throughout the weekend. That being mentioned, should you can’t discover a spot, park up close to the Buckeye Trailhead as there’s typically just a little more room right here.
It’s among the finest locations on a Massive Sur Highway Journey in California that’s comparatively accessible and completely stunning.
Learn extra: Greatest locations on the West Coast USA to go to
5.) San Carpoforo Creek Seaside
Round a 10-15 minute drive from Salmon Creek Falls, San Carpoforo Creek Seaside is one other little gem that’s picture-perfect and nearly forgotten by most exploring one of the best locations on a Massive Sur Highway Journey in California.
Now, though you gained’t spend too lengthy visiting the seashore; it’s nonetheless completely price a cease, even for a quick 30-minute stroll. Although once more, similar to Salmon Creek Falls; parking might be restricted and there’s not a lot you are able to do if the areas are already full.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in California to go to
6.) Elephant Seal Vista Level
Not too removed from Piedras Blancas Gentle Station, Elephant Seal Vista Point has an statement deck that’s simply one of the vital well-known spots to see seals in all of California. It’s really unbelievable to go to and so superb to see all of the seals of their pure habitat.
Should you’re fortunate, and also you arrive round birthing season (between December-March), you may even get to see a seal beginning on the seashore itself.
As all the time, be aware of the marine wildlife and be a accountable customer. In any case, nobody desires to disturb the habitat of the elephant seals.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to see on a California highway journey
7.) Monterey
Simply shy of Carmel By The Sea, Monterey is a beautiful metropolis! Better of all, it’s among the finest locations on a Massive Sur Highway Journey in California to go to at first (or finish) of your highway journey.
As soon as right here, make sure to try the historic Cannery Row, discover Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf and go to the Monterey Museum of Artwork. For a comparatively small metropolis; it’s packed filled with issues to do.
Oh, and make sure to head into First Awakenings for his or her unbelievable, fluffy and buttery, pancakes. It’s the right spot for brunch.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Monterey
8.) Level Lobos State Pure Protect
simply shy of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Level Lobos State Pure Protect can be one of many first (or final) spots you go to when driving the Massive Sur.
Not solely is the shoreline completely breathtaking, however you’ll additionally get to see the seals that decision this space dwelling. It’s a picture-perfect spot and properly price meandering the shoreline across the protect.
If you wish to get nearer to nature, you need to attempt scuba diving at Whaler’s Cove or take the 6-mile path by way of the Cypress groves.
One factor to notice is there’s a cost for parking, so concentrate on this earlier than coming into; particularly should you’re not planning on staying very lengthy.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in San Francisco to go to
9.) Bixby Creek Bridge
Though dwelling to a number of picturesque bridges and vistas, one in every of my favourites needs to be Bixby Creek Bridge. Recognise it? Effectively, should you noticed the TV sequence, Massive Little Lies, you’ll definitely keep in mind it.
Although, that’s not its solely declare to fame; Bixby Creek Bridge might be one of many extra recognisable spots for views throughout the Pacific.
Should you’ve obtained time, take within the views from the north and south features of the bridge itself. Relying on the time of the day (and the sunshine), you’ll get some completely spectacular and fairly contrasting views.
Nonetheless, to this present day, one in every of my favorite views of the bridge is from Castle Rock Viewpoint. You’ll adore it.
Learn extra: Greatest hikes in California
10.) Level Sur State Park and Lighthouse
Whether or not you’re up for only a temporary cease or down for an entire afternoon, Level Sur State Park and Lighthouse is a spot you need to cease at. It’s among the finest locations on a Massive Sur Highway Journey in California that’s simply north of Andrew Molera State Park.
Rested on historic volcanic rock, this historic lighthouse from the 1800s has seen shipwrecks and even stopped many from colliding with the rugged Californian shore.
Fancying a stroll? Hope again within the automotive (for a couple of minutes) and head to Andrew Molera Seaside. This vast and expansive seashore is completely stunning and normally actually quiet.
11.) Pfeiffer Seaside
Most likely one in every of my favorite spots to go to in California, Pfeiffer Beach, is second-to-none!
Although, make sure to hold your eyes peeled when discovering the seashore. Should you’re driving south, down Freeway 1, look out for Sycamore Canyon Rd, which is able to lead you to this stunning gem of a spot.
Now, though there’s nonetheless a 2-mile drive earlier than you attain the precise seashore and the parking area, the journey can be price it. Belief me!
As soon as right here, you’ll see the gorgeous rock formations (like Keyhole Arch) and the attractive seashore the place you’ll be able to chill and benefit from the shoreline. Simply make sure to take loads of snacks, drinks and SPF. There’s little or no when it comes to facilities right here.
Should you’ve obtained time, pop into the Henry Miller Memorial Library to take a look at the superb books and historical past of the place. It’s such a inventive little spot and properly price taking a gander as you move.
After a day on the seashore and library, head over to Nepenthe to have some healthful American dishes paired with some scrumptious Californian wines (for the non-driver, in fact). Their diver scallops are so scrumptious.
12.) Garrapata State Park & Seaside
You’ll come throughout Garrapata State Park first in case you are going south from the north. With a dramatic view of the surroundings, that is the right spot on your breathtaking pictures. After some image taking, go to Garrapate State Seaside which is simply 2.8 miles removed from this park.
The Garrapate State Seaside is accessible to individuals, permitting vacationers and locals to stroll on its sandy seashore or sunbathe. One of many perks of visiting the Garrapate State Park & Seaside is that these places are free for all!
Oh, and don’t overlook to cease off at Soberanes Point for the unbelievable views over the shoreline. Additionally, should you’re fancying a ramble, make sure to be part of the Soberanes Level Path and loops across the space and simply off State Route 1.
Learn extra: Greatest seashores in California
13.) McWay Falls
McWay Falls might be among the finest locations on a Massive Sur Highway Journey in California to go to. In truth, I’d go so far as saying it’s one in every of California’s most well-known spots to see.
Now, despite the fact that you gained’t be allowed to go to the seashore or falls themselves, the superb view from above is completely unbelievable.
You’ll get some unbelievable views should you ramble alongside the McWay Falls Path and is completely picturesque on a beautiful sunny day. Additionally, don’t overlook, you’ll discover some parking close by; right here.
Learn extra: Greatest hikes in California
14.) Limekiln State Park
One other excellent stopping level is the gorgeous huge, Limekiln State Park.
Right here, you’ll be capable to observe some unbelievable trails, just like the Mill Creek Path but additionally see Limekiln Falls that’s simply shy of Hare Canyon Creek.
One factor to notice, even on a sunny day, Limekiln State Park can get fairly chilly. That is very true should you’re climbing among the trails within the space (as many are shaded by cover bushes).
Learn extra: Greatest locations in California to go to
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