Should I stay in Big Sur and Monterey?

I'd recommend you stay up near Monterey (or Carmel, or Pacific Grove.) Big Sur is a lovely area, but there's definitely more "civilization" if you will, further up the peninsula. It's certainly feasible to just make it part of a day trip.

Accordingly, is Monterey or Carmel better to stay?

Monterey and Pacific Grove can be cheaper - but there are plenty of reasonable smaller places to stay in Carmel, if cheap is not the entire goal. Yes, Carmel is a bit cute - but it is so comfortable and the beach is so real! If I were to live in that area, it would be pacific grove - definitely not Carmel.

Beside above, how long should I stay in Big Sur? Day One. Assuming ideal traffic conditions, the drive from San Francisco down to the start of Big Sur (using Andrew Molera State Park as the end point) will take around 2 hours and 40 minutes. This is also assuming you won't make any stops before that point…which you likely will!

Secondly, where should I stay if I go to Big Sur?

Big Sur Hotels and Places to Stay

  • Ripplewood Resort. View Hotel. Big Sur, CA.
  • Fernwood Resort. View Hotel. Big Sur, CA.
  • Big Sur Campground & Cabins. View Hotel. Big Sur, CA.
  • Big Sur Lodge. View Hotel.
  • Big Sur River Inn. View Hotel.
  • Post Ranch Inn. View Hotel.
  • Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort. View Hotel.
  • Deetjen's Big Sur Inn. View Hotel.

How far is Big Sur from Monterey?

The drive to Big Sur from Monterey takes about an hour, but I suggest driving straight down to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (11 miles south of Big Sur's village area) to see McWay Falls (famous waterfall that drops on to the beach).

Is it worth staying in Monterey?

The Monterey/Carmel area is well worth a visit . The two areas are quite different, Monterey is very touristy but the Aquarium is worth a few hours of your time,Carmel is beautiful the beach is totally unspoilt and the views along the coast are wonderful. Monterey has Cannery Row & the Aquarium which is worth visiting.

How close is Monterey to Carmel?

17 miles

What is the best area to stay in Monterey CA?

What is the best area to stay in Monterey?
BEST LOCATED HOTELS IN MONTEREY
Hotel Avg price
Monterey Bay Inn 242 Cannery Row 208€ - 229$
InterContinental The Clement Monterey 750 Cannery Row 252€ - 277$
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa 400 Cannery Row 330€ - 363$

Do you need a car in Monterey?

If you're spending five days in Monterey, I recommend at least a short day trip into the northern reaches of Big Sur, which starts just a few miles to the south. Big Sur (the 90 miles of coast between Carmel and Cambria) is one of the most scenic places in the world, and well worth a visit. A car is necessary.

Is there a difference between Carmel and Carmel by the Sea?

In contrast, “Carmel,” is used as a proper noun, and it is a popular beach town in California, known as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel and caramel are not different spellings of the same word.

Is Big Sur expensive?

A vacation to Big Sur for one week usually costs around $0.00 for one person. So, a trip to Big Sur for two people costs around $0.00 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs $0.00 in Big Sur.

What is special about Big Sur?

Big Sur is an area of wilderness known for its rustic and austere beauty. It emcompasses approx. 90 miles of Hwy 1 south of Carmel to just north of San Simeon and Hearst Castle. The town of Big Sur is known for its state parks and hiking trails.

What is the closest city to Big Sur?

San Simeon

Can you stay in Big Sur?

Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort, Post Ranch Inn, and Bernardus Lodge & Spa are some of the most popular hotels for travelers looking to stay near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Treebones Resort, Glen Oaks Big Sur, and Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort are all popular resorts for travelers staying in Big Sur.

Which Big Sur hotel has glass walled cottages tucked into the cliffs?

Post Ranch Inn

What airport do you fly into to go to Big Sur?

Most major airlines flying into San Jose and San Francisco International Airports have commuter flights to Monterey Airport. Monterey Airport now has direct service from Denver, Colorado, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Phoenix, Arizona. Monterey Airport is located approximately 30 miles from Big Sur Valley.

How far is Big Sur from King?

41.94 miles

How far is Big Sur from Palm Springs?

344 miles

How do you get to Big Sur?

Best Things To Do in Big Sur
  1. #1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. #1 in Big Sur.
  2. #2. Andrew Molera State Park. #2 in Big Sur.
  3. #3. Pfeiffer Beach. #3 in Big Sur.
  4. #4. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. #4 in Big Sur.
  5. #5. Garrapata State Park. free.
  6. #6. Sand Dollar Beach. #6 in Big Sur.
  7. #7. Limekiln State Park. #7 in Big Sur.

Is driving to Big Sur dangerous?

Rushing off to San Francisco or Los Angeles when you're through with Big Sur is a crime. There's too much else to see. The drive from Santa Cruz to San Francisco along Highway 1 deserves a day of its own. Santa Cruz itself is a must, so are the Santa Cruz Mountains -- think wineries and great redwood hikes.

What is the best time of year to visit Big Sur?

The most popular time to visit Big Sur is between April to October, when the weather is nicest. (Though one should be warned that the marine layer coats much of the coast in the mornings during parts of the high season.) Businesses are not open as long during the off-peak season.

How long does it take to drive through Big Sur?

The drive itself - not counting stops - takes 5-6 hours. There are tons of places to stop along the way. Plan on 30 minutes for McWay Falls.

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