One random Monday, my friend and I were talking about how cool it would have been if we lived in the same city. Both of us love nature — and even more than that, we love capturing photos of everything nature has to offer, from stunning landscapes to the tiniest insects.
Coming back to the conversation, we decided to meet up and hit the road for a short girls’ trip!
And that’s how I ditched the gloomy PNW weather in Seattle and made my way to California to explore the gorgeous coasts of central California — Big Sur & Monterey.
In this blog post, I’ll share my full itinerary and all about the amazing hotel we chose for our stay in Monterey. So, keep reading, as you’ll find lots of useful information and links to help you plan your ultimate California coast road trip adventure. You can also check out my other California guides here and drop a comment if there’s something specific, you’d like me to cover.
How many days do you need for Big Sur and Monterey?
We stayed for one night, which gave us half a day to explore Big Sur and half a day to explore Monterey. We had a very specific itinerary with only a few top spots, allowing us to spend maximum time admiring nature. However, if you want to explore more sights in and around Big Sur, I recommend setting aside at least two full days.
Monterey Beach Hotel Review
Let me start with the hotel details before moving on to the itinerary. While searching for beachfront hotels near Monterey Bay, we discovered the Monterey Beach Hotel, which not only offered gorgeous views but also came highly recommended.
The hotel is located just off Highway 1 and is less than a ten-minute bike ride from Fisherman’s Wharf, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail. Moreover, it’s a pet friendly hotel and allows dogs up to 50 pounds for an additional fee.
Our room
Our first impression of the room was — wow! But considering the price, that was expected, and I’m glad it lived up to my expectations. The room had two queen beds, stylish interiors, and modern fittings, all designed with comfort in mind. We opted for a garden-facing room with a view of the highway since it fit our budget. However, you can also choose ocean-facing rooms with stunning Pacific views for a higher price.
Amenities
One of the best parts of staying at the hotel was the direct beach access, just a few steps away from the decks. By the time we arrived, it was already dark, so we spent our evening relaxing on the oceanfront decks by the fireplace, enjoying our complimentary glass of wine and s’mores. The sound of the crashing waves in the background acted as soothing white noise, helping us unwind after a long day.
Dining
The hotel offers two dining options — The Lantern Room, a restaurant with a coastal-inspired menu and panoramic views of Monterey Bay, and The Bayside Bar and Lounge, which serves handcrafted cocktails along with local beers and wines.
We headed to The Lantern Room for breakfast. The menu featured all kinds of classic American breakfast options. I ordered the avocado toast, which was topped with scrambled eggs and some greens. My friend went with an omelet that came with a side of potatoes. The taste wasn’t the best, but it was filling and came with a great view.
Additional cost: Approximately $80
Day 1: Drive to Big Sur and exploring top spots
On Day 1, after picking up my friend from her place in San Jose, we headed straight to the farthest spot on our itinerary—McWay Falls. Located within Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, this 80-foot-tall waterfall cascades beautifully into the ocean.
The overlook point is just a few meters from the parking lot and offers breathtaking views of the waterfall. It’s one of the most stunning viewpoints in California and a must-visit in Big Sur.
The drive to McWay Falls was absolutely scenic, and we made a few stops along the way to take in the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. We spotted deer, Hereford cattle, grackles, and many other wild species. Plus, the weather was perfect—with just the right amount of sunshine on our faces and a light breeze making the experience even more soothing.
McWay Falls
Did you know that until 1983, the waterfall dropped directly into the ocean? A massive landslide changed that, and now it only reaches the ocean during high tide. We were lucky to witness both versions of the waterfall, thanks to the high tides crashing against the cliffs every now and then, creating a magical effect.
The view was breathtaking, and I can confidently say that this is a must-visit spot. You won’t get enough of the view, especially during golden hour, when the water glistens and the crashing waves create a misty effect over the ocean.
One thing to note is that parking near the McWay Falls Overlook is limited and fills up quickly during peak season. Also, there is a $5 parking fee, which must be paid in cash, so be sure to carry some loose change.
Additionally, the trail to the beach is closed, so you can only walk up to the overlook viewing point and won’t be able to access the beach.
Bixby Creek Bridge
Our next stop was the gorgeous Art Deco–style Bixby Creek Bridge on Highway 1, which connects Big Sur to Northern California. We paused at the scenic overlook for pictures and were instantly spellbound by its beauty.
Over the years, Bixby Bridge has gained popularity not just for its architectural elegance but also as a major landmark in film and television. It has been featured in the opening scene of the TV series Then Came Bronson, as well as in films like Play Misty for Me, Escape to Witch Mountain, and The Sandpiper. Additionally, it appeared in the popular video game Grand Theft Auto V. Its iconic status was further cemented when it appeared as a default desktop background in Apple’s macOS Big Sur operating system.
There isn’t a designated parking area, but there are pull-off spots on both sides of the road. During peak seasons, traffic can be slow, and these areas may become congested. Fortunately, when we visited, it wasn’t too crowded, allowing us to find a spot easily and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.
We concluded Day 1 by checking into the Monterey Beach Hotel, a beachfront property located at 2600 Sand Dunes Dr, Monterey, California. This hotel offers luxurious accommodations right on the sand, just 60 feet from the water, providing an unparalleled Central California Coast experience.
For an in-depth look at our stay, you can watch my detailed YouTube review of the Monterey Beach Hotel. Plus, for more insights into our experience, head to the hotel section of this blog post.
Day 2: 17-Mile Drive and Moss Landing
We began our second day with a leisurely stroll along the beach, basking in the morning sun and observing birds gracefully floating in the cool water. With a fellow nature enthusiasts, birdwatching became even more enjoyable. We spotted grackles, gulls, and numerous surf scoters—some foraging for food, others simply soaking up the morning sun like us.
The resort is pet-friendly, so we also saw many guests out with their dogs, who were having a great time chasing birds and enjoying a refreshing plunge.
Before embarking on our day’s adventures, we stopped by the Lantern Room restaurant for breakfast and our much-needed morning coffee. We then set out to explore the famous 17-Mile Drive.
17-Mile Drive
The 17-Mile Drive is a famous scenic loop around the Monterey Peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline. The route features several viewpoints with designated parking and passes through lush forests and an upscale golf course. No wonder many Hollywood celebrities call this place home. Since the drive is privately managed, there is a toll fee of $12 per vehicle to enter.
Here is a list of spots where we stopped along the drive to enjoy the coastal views and spot wildlife:
Spanish Bay
A historic site where Don Gaspar de Portolá and his crew camped in 1769 during their exploration of Monterey Bay. This spot offers stunning views of the rocky shores and is home to protected nests of black oystercatchers. We also saw surfers enjoying the high tides at Asilomar State Beach.
China Rock Vista Point
Our second stop was at China Rock, which had beach access. I wanted to check out the tide pools, and this was the only accessible beach since the rest were closed for nesting season. We saw many kinds of crabs in the tide pools and spotted grackles and ground squirrels.
Bird Rock
A popular spot known for its prominent rock formations covered with seabirds. We were able to spot two kinds of cormorants—Pelagic Cormorant and Brandt’s Cormorant—along with brown pelicans, sea lions, and gulls. It was truly a haven for bird watchers.
The Lone Cypress
Our final stop was the iconic Monterey cypress tree perched on a granite hillside, estimated to be around 200–300 years old. The view was stunning, but what I enjoyed the most was the walk to the overlook point. We took many photos and videos with the cypress tree before heading back and even spotted a few birds, like a heron and a hummingbird, basking in the afternoon sun.
Please note: Motorcycles are not allowed on the 17-Mile Drive. Please maintain a respectful distance from prohibited areas, such as nesting spots and private properties, to protect the natural environment and its inhabitants. Additionally, park only in designated spots along the route.
Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing
On the way back to San Jose airport, we made one last stop at the Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing. I wanted to check out this 7-mile-long tidal slough, as it is California’s second-largest estuary, and the first estuarine sanctuary established in the United States.
This place provides a critical habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species, including over 340 species of birds, making it the best bird-watching spot in the area. You can either walk around and explore the shores on foot or kayak around. Who knows, you might find yourself enjoying a kayaking session with river otters.
We spent about an hour observing birds and spotted my first American avocet, along with other birds like buffleheads, cormorants, pelicans, and phoebes. We also saw harbor seals basking in the sun and glimpsed a river otter swimming by the restaurant we were dining at in Moss Landing. If you love bird watching, I highly recommend stopping by this spot.
Lunch at Sea Harvest Moss Landing
For lunch, we stopped by Sea Harvest Moss Landing, a waterfront restaurant serving delicious coastal seafood and offering amazing views. We ordered clam chowder, seafood pasta, fried chili prawns, and Baja-style tacos. The food came in large portions and tasted delicious. I highly recommend stopping by this restaurant, even if you’re not visiting the Elkhorn Slough. It’s located on the way back to San Francisco/San Jose and won’t disappoint you at all!
And that’s how our short getaway to central California came to an end. I had such a fun time exploring this region of the Pacific Coast, from driving through the winding roads of Big Sur to exploring the breathtaking waterfall and coastal views to watching so many wildlife species along the way.
It’s truly a must-do adventure when in the USA. And worry not if you don’t drive—here’s a tour you can take that will help you make the most of your time in Monterey and Big Sur. Here are some more tours you can consider if you’re staying in the Bay Area and also check out my other California itineraries to explore top spot in the Golden State.
