After visiting San Francisco for a weekend, we packed up or bags for a week of relaxing in Carmel and Big Sur California. After this trip I now really believe that everyone needs to make sure they take a vacation driving down the gorgeous California coast. It really is that beautiful and most of the sites you’ll see are entirely free, which is good because the area itself can be a bit expensive. Read on to see my favorite things to do in Carmel and Big Sur.
Wander the town of Carmel
A lot of the shops are expensive and the art galleries contain art that I could never afford, but just walking around the area is worth a visit. Carmel feels like a fairytale. Every corner you turn there are little cottages surrounded by gorgeous gardens. The village itself is just around around one-square-mile and doesn’t have any street lights or street numbers. It’s just a sleepy town by the sea that feels like a hidden gem.
Mission Ranch
This ranch is famously owned by Clint Eastwood, who used to be mayor of Carmel. The ranch is known for its restaurant, home rentals, and the ocean views. It’s a unique space that mixes “Western” vibes with the beauty and relaxation of the beach.
Carmel Mission Basilica
This mission was founded in the early 1700s and today still operates as a church and school. I haven’t seen a lot of colonial Spanish American architecture before and I love it! The grounds were beautiful to walk around and made me fee like I was somewhere in Mexico.
Lunch at La Bicyclette
Leave it to me to find one of the most European looking spots in town. We shared a pizza for a mid afternoon snack and it was tasty!
Drive Down Highway One
Driving down this highway (make sure you do it on a weekday, and not the weekend to avoid traffic) you’ll get the most amazing ocean views. We kept stopping every 20 minutes to pull over and oogle the waves, beaches, and cliffs.
Point Lobos
Just outside Carmel is the state park Point Lobos which has stunning beaches, cliffs, and wildlife. We even saw dolphins, seals, and otters in the water! It was amazing to see them in their natural environment.
Pfeiffer Beach
This was a beach that someone told us about and when we drove down it was worth the visit. It has slightly purple sand and huge rocks that make the beach distinct and popular for photographers.
Bixby Creek Bridge
One of the most photographed bridges in California. I have no idea how they built this thing, but its beautiful. The design is minimal and clean and the amazing scenery make this a must see.
Dinner at Pescadero Mexican Restaurant
The Mexican food in the area is phenomenal. I don’t think you can go wrong at any restaurant, but we went to Pescadero and I had the tortillas. So good!
Sleep at the Svensgaard’s Inn
We stayed here the whole week and it was cute, clean, and they even gave a small continental breakfast! I wish we could have used the pool – but it was 50 and 60s outside, and with those temps there was no way I was going in.
All these activities took place over the course of a week – so we spent a lot of time relaxing and just moving slow. The vibe in Carmel and Big Sur is definitely laid back so changing pace wasn’t hard. My favorite thing about the whole trip was the constant sound of the ocean waves. Everywhere we went we could hear them and I miss their soothing sound.
So that’s it! Another family vacation for the books – let me know if you head out to Carmel or Big Sur. I’m always happy to give recommendations and give itinerary advice!
