Positioned on the Pacific Coast of Central California, Massive Sur is an exquisite vacation spot stretching 90 miles alongside California Freeway 1. It might be brief however a Massive Sur street journey packs an enormous punch stuffed with unbelievable surroundings, a number of state parks, culinary delights, and delightful seaside communities.
It’s no surprise the Massive Sur Street Journey is commonly rated as the most effective street journeys on the earth. With sea stacks and waterfalls, climbing trails, and ocean cliffs, this is among the most stunning locations we’ve been to in the US. It’s price spending greater than only a day driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco alongside this route. Take your time to see the sights and remember to keep the night time.
Massive Sur Street Journey Itinerary
We’ve put collectively a Massive Sur Street Journey itinerary highlighting all the high viewpoints on California Freeway 1, prompt resorts, and high sights. The Massive Sur drive may simply be accomplished as a day journey from San Francisco, however there’s a lot to see, that we advocate spending at the very least 4 days driving alongside this stretch of the Pacific Coast Freeway 1.
Massive Sur is supposed to be taken slowly, so benefit from the journey, pullover when you may, or observe a backroad to wherever it goes. Get pleasure from!
Notice: Parks in Massive Sur are consistently altering with openings and closures. Keep updated on the California Authorities Web site right here. Freeway 1 additionally typically has closures so remember to observe this Web site throughout your Massive Sur itinerary for updates on any issues.
Easy methods to Get to Massive Sur
To Get to Massive Sur from San Francisco, observe US 101 to 85 South after which merge onto 17 South till you come to freeway 1. You’ll then observe Freeway 1 all the best way to Monterey the place you’ll start your drive alongside the Massive Sur shoreline of the Pacific Coast Freeway.
Our Massive Sur Street Journey itinerary follows a route from north to south, however it may be driving south to north from L.A. The official Massive Sur drive begins in Carmel by Sea persevering with south to San Simeon. If you wish to exploring every thing alongside California Freeway 1 you may learn our Full California Street Journey information right here: The Final California Street Journey Itinerary
The 2 closest airports to Carmel by the Sea are San Francisco and San Jose Airport (they’re solely half-hour aside, so it doesn’t matter which on you fly into however San Jose is the closes). We advocate flying into San Francisco and spending a number of days within the metropolis you can begin your street journey by driving throughout the Golden Gate Bridge! Learn our information at 72 Hours in San Francisco – A Native’s Information to the Metropolis
We picked up our rental automotive on the airport and had the liberty to discover town by automotive earlier than shifting on to Massive Sur. You’ll be able to’t actually get to Massive Sur in the event you don’t drive. There are some excursions and day journeys however in the event you don’t have your personal automotive, we extremely advocate renting a automotive to expertise Massive Sur to the fullest. Evaluate rental automotive costs at RentalCars.com for quotes on vehicles.
Massive Sur Street Journey – Factors of Curiosity
After you have made your option to Carmel, we advise making a base both right here or in Monterey. Carmel is just some minute’s drive from Monterey and there are many issues to do in each communities.
We’ve whole posts devoted to all of the issues to do in Monterey and Carmel however let’s break down a number of issues to see in each communities to start out the street journey off proper. If you wish to learn extra about them, you are able to do so at Issues to do in Carmel by the Sea, California, and 20 Nice Issues to do in Monterey, California
1. Monterey
Monterey is a vacation spot in its personal proper and is a improbable place to go to in California. I believe the highest attract Monterey is the Monterey Bay Aquarium which is devoted to analysis and conservation to protect wildlife within the waters offshore. It has interactive shows and an open sea exhibit displaying a whole bunch of species of marine life. It’s positioned on Cannery Row which is a historic avenue stuffed with purchasing and eating places.
When strolling alongside Cannery Row, you’re feeling as in the event you stepped again in time right into a John Steinbeck novel. This has stored the texture of when it was the sardine capital of the world. We additionally advocate getting on the water, you may go whale watching, kayaking and see the resident sea lions and sea otters. Learn extra: 20 Nice Issues to do in Monterey, California
2. Carmel by the Sea
The primary official cease on our Massive Sur street journey itinerary is Carmel by the Sea. It’s a stunning seaside group that is among the most unique communities in the US. Clint Eastwood was the mayor of this stunning seaside city and there are many issues to do in Carmel to maintain you occupied for a day or two. Carmel really does really feel like a storybook with fairy story cottages, artwork galleries, and beautiful ocean views.
We stayed at The Hideaway which had beautiful rooms and was positioned only a half a mile from the seaside. It was centrally positioned in downtown Carmel so we may stroll to eating places at night time making it an excellent base for the north portion of your Massive Sur street journey. TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
3. 17 Mile Drive
There’s a street journey inside a street journey right here the place you may take a detour to see 17-Mile Drive. We rented an e-bike to see this drive. It was a good way to keep away from visitors and to have the ability to cease in any respect the well-known viewpoints together with the Ghost Tree and the Lone Cypress.
This stretch of street goes by the unique group of Pebble Seashore the place there are world-class golf programs, loads of seashores, and scenic views. Learn all about our time right here: 17 Mile Drive – What to See on the Scenic Drive of Pebble Seashore
4. Level Lobos State Park
The primary designated cease on the Massive Sur street journey is the Level Lobos State Park which is positioned simply outdoors Carmel by the Sea. This is among the most picturesque stops alongside the Massive Sur street journey positioned within the north finish of the drive. There are climbing trails main out to scenic views, and it’s a scuba diving mecca for individuals desirous to discover the underwater sea kelp forests. However Level Lobos State Pure Reserve can be a fowl lovers’ paradise. Price: $10 per car.
Whale Watching and Historical past
Be sure to take a look at Whalers Cove to be taught concerning the 1800s whaling and abalone enterprise. Whales migrate by this route of the Pacific Ocean and it was as soon as a big whaling space. It’s darkish sure, however vital to study all historical past. This small cabin was as soon as dwelling to Chinese language Fishermen and has now been transformed right into a museum.
To go to Level Lobos State Park there’s a $10 charge per car. You’ll discover that you just’ll be paying $10 quite a bit on the Massive Sur street journey as there’s a $10 charge per car to enter State Parks. In case you plan on visiting quite a lot of the parks, we advocate a State Park Go.
5. Garrapata State Park
One other one of many many California state parks positioned alongside this drive outdoors of an city middle is Garrapata State Park. This was certainly one of our favourite stops and it is among the greatest free issues to do in Massive Sur. With climbing trails main out to sea cliffs, Garrapata State Park affords stunning views of rock formations off the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
Positioned in Northern Massive Sur, you’ll discover the pull-off between mile markers 17 and 18. Once we had been there hardly anybody else was strolling the climbing trails. We felt like we had extraordinary views all to ourselves.
Notice: Most of Garrapata State Park stays closed because the 2016 Soberanes Hearth however the first 1.25 miles of the path is open. Price: Free
6. Bixby Creek Bridge
The Bixby Creek Bridge (usually simply known as Bixby Bridge) is essentially the most well-known of sights alongside our Massive Sur Street journey and is a spot that you need to not miss pulling over to snap some photographs. It’s been featured in numerous movies and most lately, The Bixby Bridge was entrance and middle within the sequence Massive Little Lies. On the opening of every episode, the Bixby Creek Bridge is featured.
The Bixby Bridge is a scenic cease alongside the Massive Sur shoreline with pull-offs on both facet. It is among the most photographed spots within the space and with good motive. The bridge stands 260 toes above a deep canyon and was inbuilt 1932. It really is a feat of engineering and is price making a cease to absorb the beautiful views up the coast.
- There isn’t a charge to park on the Bixby Bridge, however parking is proscribed. We went at dawn and no person else was there. We stopped once more at sundown and in mid day and located it tough to search out parking.
7. Andrew Molera State Park
In case you are on the lookout for an extended sandy seaside in your Massive Sur drive, Andrew Molera is an efficient cease. Additionally it is the most important of the numerous State Parks alongside this street journey so be ready to stroll. For a enjoyable journey, take the seaside path strolling alongside a 1-mile lengthy route (1.6km) to the seaside the place you’ll should wade by the waters of the Massive Sur River. When the water is excessive, the park places up seasonal footbridges.
8. Level Sur lighthouse
Persevering with north, make your option to Level Sur Lighthouse, a part of the California State Park system. What was as soon as an vital beacon of navigation for ships touring by the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean of the Central California Coast, can right this moment be seen on a guided strolling tour. Courting again to 1889, it affords stunning views from its coveted perch.
9. Massive Sur River Inn & Restaurant
One among our favourite stops on our Massive Sur street journey was the Massive Sur River Inn and Restaurant. Positioned on the Massive Sur River, visitors can calm down on the Adirondak Chairs (or as residents of Ontario, Canada wish to name them – Muskoka Chairs) and benefit from the peace and solitude.
This inn was the primary restaurant and lodge within the space and is a must-stop. Courting again to 1888, the property was initially owned by early homesteader Jay Pheneger after which bought to Michael and Barbara Pfeiffer. (I informed you the Pheiffer’s bought round).
Massive Sur River Inn & Restaurant is simply 2 miles away from Andrew Molera State Park makes for an excellent base to take pleasure in this State Park.
Be sure to peruse the memorabilia hanging on the partitions of the restaurant. It’s additionally an excellent place to refill on the fuel station, decide some meals on the common retailer and seize and ice cream on the ice cream truck. This can be a staple within the space and an excellent place for lunch in your Massive Sur drive or to select up some snacks for the street on the Common Retailer. Don’t overlook to seize an ice cream there as effectively. It’s to die for.
10. The Massive Sur Roadhouse
The Massive Sur Roadhouse was an excellent cease for lunch with meals produced from native components and a farm-to-table menu. The meals was improbable, however we additionally cherished the relaxed environment. Positive, the wealthy and well-known frequent this spot, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel snooty or unwelcoming. Actually, it nonetheless has that hippie vibe that made it so particular within the first place.
11. Pfeiffer Seashore
One among our favourite locations to go to in Massive Sur was Pfeiffer Seashore. Positioned simply south of Massive Sur Station, Pfeiffer Seashore was a bit tough to search out, however fortunately, Viktor Elizarof wrote an excellent Pictures Information right here to assist us discover it!
Easy methods to get to Pfeiffer Seashore: Take the cut-off at Sycamore Canyon Street and drive the rugged two-mile monitor all the way down to the seaside. Right here you’ll discover the beautiful Greenback Seashore and Keyhole Arch rock formation. Pfeiffer Seashore has an extended sandy seaside that could be a stunning stroll at sundown with wonderful views. It’s a large seaside with excessive sand dunes and the place Sycamore Canyon Creek empties into the Pacific Ocean.
Remember to take a stroll all the best way alongside the seaside the place you’ll discover the purple sand that made Pfeiffer Seashore well-known. The purple color was created from the manganese garnet rocks discovered within the sea cliffs. There’s a $10 entrance charge to Pfeiffer Seashore.
12. Cease in at Nepenthe
This coast has drawn artisans for many years and no place reveals that greater than Nepenthe. Sitting excessive atop a sea cliff trying over the Pacific Ocean and Santa Lucia Mountains, this has been the go-to spot for poets, vacationers and artists.
There’s nothing higher than sitting on its outside terrace to observe the sundown and picture who else has loved these views. It was as soon as owned by Rita Hayworth and Orsen Wells. Remember to peruse the Phoenix Store that includes native artists.
13. Ventana resort
We stayed an evening in each Monterey and Carmel however we additionally stayed two nights at Ventana Resort. There’s tenting and different lodging alongside the route as effectively. Ventana Resort is pricey however in addition they provide tenting and Glamping so there are reasonably priced choices Learn extra about Ventana right here at Glamping in Massive Sur – Luxurious within the Redwood Forest
Two Sides to Ventana
Ventana Resort – We camped within the luxurious tented camp among the many redwoods of Ventana resort after which spent the night time in certainly one of its luxurious suites. If you wish to really feel what it’s wish to dwell like film stars, splurge for an evening on this place. It makes for an excellent base to discover all the highest issues to do in Massive Sur as effectively. Learn: Glamping in Massive Sur – Luxurious within the Redwood Forest
Ventana Massive Sur An Alila Resort is an expensive keep in Massive Sur with decadent suites which have outside showers, sizzling tubs and hammocks. In case you are trying to splurge simply as soon as in your life, keep right here. Taylor Swift and Mark Zuckerberg have stayed at this resort.
14. Glamping at Ventana
A extra reasonably priced to take pleasure in Ventana is to camp with your personal RV amongst its redwoods or e book an evening within the Glamping Tents. We stayed in one of many tents and so they provided every thing from sizzling water bottles to cooking utensils and every thing we would have liked to make SMores. It’s also possible to us the services when tenting on the campground and benefit from the eating places. Take a look at different tenting locations in Massive Sur at these 15 campgrounds alongside the route.
15. Put up Ranch Inn
Put up Ranch Inn is one other place to remain on you Massive Sur street journey. It’s past unbelievable resort with personal suites, infinity swimming pools, and ridiculous luxurious. (albeit rather less costly than Ventana) But when you’re going to splurge wherever in your life, it would as effectively be on this luxury drive in California. Benefit from the lifetime of a film star for an evening or to as you have fun an anniversary or big day.
16. Henry Miller Memorial Library
The Henry Miller Memorial Library honors the author who was a long-time resident. It additionally options resident artists with dwell performances, and books on the market by native writers and it showcases native artists with rotating reveals. It’s open Wednesday by Saturday. Go to the web site for occasions.
17. McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Positioned within the south of the Massive Sur at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is McWay Falls. It is among the hottest issues to do in Massive Sur. To not be confused with Pfeiffer Massive Sur State Park (we’ll get to that in a minute), Julia Pfeiffer State Park was named after Julia Pfeiffer, an early pioneer within the space. Take a brief half-a-mile hike (800 meters) to essentially the most stunning waterfall tumbling into the ocean.
McWay Falls is among the most photographed websites in Massive Sur and with good motive. This good little cove plunges 80 toes/24 meters from a granite cliff. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is an exquisite place for dawn or sundown. How do we all know? We went for each!
Price to see McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – You guessed it, $10 per automotive. For dawn, we took an opportunity and didn’t pay. No one was there that early/
18. Redwood Forests of Pfeiffer Massive Sur State Park
I’ve to say, the Pheiffer’s bought round! (not in the best way you’re considering). The Pfeiffer Massive Sur State Park takes you to the southernmost place of the California Redwoods. Get off the coast and hike by the redwoods to Massive Sur River. Therea are 38 miles of trails at Pfeiffer Massive Sur and also you’ll discover a number of the oldest and largest redwoods within the space right here.
In case you take the George Path, you’ll be capable of see a recreation of early homesteader John Pfeiffer’s 1884 cabin. Discover this half to witness the Santa Lucia Mountains rising from the Massive Sur River Gorge and get misplaced on this 1,000-acre protect. Price: $10 per car.
19. Limekiln State Park
Can’t get sufficient of Redwoods? If you wish to do some tenting, Limekiln State Park has campgrounds at Limekiln Creek and at a seaside. Study concerning the historical past of Massive Sur right here as you uncover the Eighties business of lime harvesting. Again then lime was taken from the ocean cliffs and processed in lime kilns fuelled by the huge redwoods. Boy am I glad they stopped this business. Though they didn’t have a lot of a selection, the lime and the redwoods had been exhausted and left in ruins. However nature has grown again across the iron-and-stone kilns connects.
20. Sand Greenback Seashore
Just a bit farther south is the longest seaside in Massive Sur, Sand Greenback Seashore. In addition to being the longest seaside, it’s a in style spot for browsing. There’s a close by campground so if you wish to spend a while on the seaside, you may arrange store simply down the street. Sand {dollars} might be discovered on the seaside at low tide making this a preferred tide pooling spot. Simply be sure that to look and don’t contact.
There’s a $10 charge per car to go to Sand Greenback Seashore.
21. Ragged Level
In case you are on the lookout for a break, cease in on the Ragged Level Inn and Resort which sits excessive on a sea cliff. Positioned north of San Simeon, Ragged Level was as soon as a part of the Hearst Ranch. The Ramey household arrange store right here within the Fifties and it has been handed all the way down to generations as right this moment the great-grandchildren run the resort and restaurant. Even if you’re not staying at Ragged Level, be sure that to take pleasure in a meal and take within the views of the California Coast. Be sure to cease at Piedras Blancas State Marine Reserve to see the resident elephant seals.
22. Finish at San Simeon
San Simeon is the place the Massive Sur Street Journey ends however the Pacific Coast Freeway continues on to Los Angeles. You may make a base right here as there are many issues to do. That is dwelling to Hearst Fortress, there are seashores, climbing trails, and like this complete street journey, loads of marine life and delightful views of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll be able to take excursions of Hearst Fortress beginning at $30.
Learn These different posts to assist plan your Massive Sur street journey
The place to Eat On Your Massive Sur Drive
Ventana
Unimaginable Prix Repair meals and nice eating overlooking the Pacific Ocean from excessive atop sea cliffs. We even noticed whales within the distance throughout our breakfast right here. (be sure that to convey your binoculars). This place is busy for dinner so reservations are beneficial.
Nepenthe
Nepenthe is among the hottest locations to eat due to its superior view. With views of the Santa Lucia Mountains to the Pacific, be sure that so as to add it to your Massive Sur itinerary. We cherished our meal and the environment of Nepenthe and extremely advocate having dinner right here.
Are there Price range Motels in Massive Sur?
Not likely, this space caters to the luxurious market until you’re tenting. The historic Massive Sur River Inn is the closest to reasonably priced but it’s nonetheless dear. Nevertheless, ti doesn’t attain the 1000’s of {dollars} per night time of the Put up Ranch in or Ventana.
Fernwood Resort can be an excellent choice with a wide range of tenting, cabins, and a motel.
Tenting in Massive Sur
Don’t fear, in the event you don’t need to lay our a fortune on a room for an evening, there’s loads of tenting alongside the Massive Sur street journey. Some in style campgrounds are Pfeiffer Massive Sur Campground, Massive Sur Campground and Cabins, and Riverside Campground and Cabins.
In case you are on the lookout for reasonably priced lodging, take a look at resorts in Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. They’re nice locations to make a base whereas in your street journey.
Hire a Automotive – California is a state for driving so hire a automotive to your Massive Sur drive. You’ll be able to examine automotive rental costs at RentalCars.com
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Incessantly Requested Questions
There isn’t a dangerous time to go to Massive Sur. Being California it may be explored year-round. The height season is from April to November with crowds being heaviest in July and August. September to November continues to be stunning and fewer crowded and winter is an efficient time to search out offers on lodging. We went in Could and June and had few crowds and the climate was pretty with sunny days and chilly evenings.
You’ll be able to see all of the viewpoints and sights in someday, however we advocate a 3 day Massive Sur itinerary to essentially discover it and to do all of the hikes, benefit from the eating places and resorts.
You’ll be able to drive to Massive Sur from Los Angeles or San Francisco. It’s in style to make a base in Carmel by the Sea or Monterey. It’s a five-hour drive from Los Angeles and is 2 hours and half-hour from San Francisco.
There isn’t a particular place to begin for a Massive Sur itinerary, however the drive is often thought of to start in Carmel by the Sea if you’re coming from San Francisco and ends close to the San Carpóforo Creek within the north of San Simeon.
And these are the highest issues to do in Massive Sur together with essentially the most stunning locations to go to. In case you are planning a visit to California, remember to take a look at this beautiful stretch of freeway alongside the Pacific Coast.
