The top stops along the way from Carmel to San Francisco (with short detours) are Alcatraz Island, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and San Francisco Cable Car Museum. Other popular stops include PIER 39, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and Winchester Mystery House.
What cities are between San Francisco and Monterey?
Top cities between San Francisco and Monterey. The top cities between San Francisco and Monterey are Santa Cruz, San Jose, Oakland, Pacific Grove, Half Moon Bay, Berkeley, Santa Clara, Sausalito, and Palo Alto.
How many days should you spend in Carmel?
Carmel-by-the-Sea is the perfect long weekend trip to tack on to a trip to San Francisco or wine country. It’s a charming village on a large scale and can easily fill 3-4 days, particularly when you factor in trips to the surrounding areas like Big Sur.
Where should I stop between Napa and Monterey?
The top stops along the way from Napa to Monterey (with short detours) are San Francisco Cable Car Museum, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and PIER 39. Other popular stops include Fisherman’s Wharf, 17 Mile Dr, and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
What is there to see between San Jose and Monterey?
Best stops along San Jose to Monterey drive. The top stops along the way from San Jose to Monterey (with short detours) are Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17 Mile Dr, and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Other popular stops include Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Blue Ocean Whale Watching, and Levi’s Stadium.
What is there to do between Carmel and San Francisco?
Things to see on a road trip from San Francisco to Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Gray Whale Cove State Beach – If the weather is on your side, consider a quick stop at the beach.
- Half Moon Bay – Half Moon Bay has a nice coastal trail if you feel like stretching your legs.
Is Monterey worth visiting?
Whether it’s your first or 10th time visiting the area, the stunning scenery along the 17-Mile Drive never disappoints. The beaches and coastal terrain — best found in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve — are also worth exploring. Follow one of the reserve’s hiking trails and you’re sure to encounter memorable views.
What are the best months to visit Carmel?
Fall (September – November)
Known to locals as the secret season, fall is the sunniest time of the year in Carmel. This time of year brings warm, clear days and cool nights, and is one of the best times to visit. Packing layers is always essential on a California Coastal vacation.
Is it better to stay in Big Sur or Carmel?
Monterey and Carmel are nice towns right on the water – lots to do, plenty of restaurants, etc. Big Sur is the 90 mile stretch of coastline south of Carmel – it is pretty remote without much civilization to speak of. It is great for the outdoors though – hiking, incredible views, some neat beaches, etc.
Is it better to stay in Carmel or Monterey?
Carmel is more art galleries, wine tasting rooms, ocean, and charming downtown It is closer to Point Lobos. Monterey is where the aquarium, cannery, Monterey Bay, is at There are some wine tasting rooms in the Cannery area. So you might want to choose your place based on what activities you plan to do.
Is it better to drive up or down the California coast?
Many travelers question, Is it better to drive up or down the California coast? We think the best route on California State Route 1 is from north to south – which is why we recommend the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles via the Pacific Coast Highway.
What is the best stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway?
One Of The Most Beautiful Stretches Of Highway In The World. The Pacific Coast Highway (otherwise known as Highway 1 in California) is 656 miles long. But if you can’t drive the entire length of it, I recommend the short stretch between Monterey and Big Sur.
Is it better to drive north or south on Pacific Coast Highway?
Driving the route from north to south is ideal, as you’ll be on the ocean side of the road the entire way, allowing unobstructed views of the jagged coastline below. Three days is a minimum, and if time allows you could easily spend more.
How long is scenic road Carmel?
This 3.5-mile pathway runs along Scenic Drive, beginning at Carmel Beach’s northern end and winding along the ocean around Carmel Point to Carmel River State Beach.
How do I spend a day in Monterey?
Morning
- Grab something to eat at Earthbound Farms.
- Explore nature by taking a mid-morning hike.
- Relish in Carmel’s art scene.
- Head to Monterey via the 17-Mile Drive.
- Take a break for lunch.
- Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- Touring Cannery Row.
- Have dinner at Peter B’s Brewpub.
What is between Santa Cruz and Monterey?
The top cities between Santa Cruz and Monterey are San Jose, Carmel, Palo Alto, Pacific Grove, and Santa Clara. San Jose is the most popular city on the route — it’s less than an hour from Santa Cruz and 1 hour from Monterey.
Is Big Sur worth the drive?
Big Sur is one of the most beautiful spots on the West Coast and is perfect for a West Coast road trip. Driving Big Sur is a great way to relax and unplug. The area is full of fairly untouched land that is beautiful. Because of all that untouched land, you won’t find a lot of cell service or WIFI hotspots.
What does Big Sur mean?
“The Greatest Meeting of Land & Sea” Big Sur is located along Scenic Highway One approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles. Historically, the name Big Sur, was derived from that unexplored and unmapped wilderness area which lays along the coast south of Monterey.
Is Big Sur close to San Francisco?
The distance from San Francisco to Big Sur is approximately 140-150 miles (225 to 241 kilometres) depending on your route and it will take about two and a half hours to drive it — provided that there is no traffic (unlikely) and you don’t make any of the amazing stops outlined in this article.
What is the best time of year to go to Monterey?
The best time to visit Monterey is between April and May. Spring offers warmer temperatures, fewer crowds and food festivals dishing out delectable eats, including Pebble Beach Food & Wine and the Artichoke Festival in Castroville.
Is Cannery Row worth visiting?
Cannery Row is the Central Coast’s premier visitor destination. Home to some of the most luxurious hotels, world-class restaurants, boutiques & galleries, spas, premium wine tasting & exciting recreation Monterey has to offer, including the best nightlife.