This was my second trip to Big Sur and I had planned it as a surprise. It wasn't as last minute as a lot of trips I take, so I had time to make a loose plan in the directions I wanted to explore.
One of the best parts of Big Sur is the drive. The drive is the attraction. The pull-offs become the plan. One minute you're stopping for a photo, the next you're eating breakfast on a purple sand beach or drinking wine on top of a mountain because you happened to find a dirt road that looked interesting.
It's beautiful in the obvious ways, but the best parts usually aren't the famous ones.
Point Lobos state park: Worth the hype, but go super early or around sunset. I've done both early morning and sunset and have amazing pictures.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium: this isn't usually my cup of tea, and I was mesmerized. Actually loved it. Perfect when it's hot or foggy. Went on a weekday so it wasn't super crowded.
Pfeiffer beach: purple sand. Not nearly as purple as Instagram would have you believe. Ended up grabbing breakfast from the car and eating on the beach.
The drive south from Carmel: bixby bridge. Speaks for itself.
Plaskett ridge road: my favorite discovery. Turn right just past plaskett campground (I don't think there's a sign). Drive all the way until it flattens slightly and there's an amazing ocean view. It's probably 5ish miles to this spot, but you can keep going. I had gluten free cheez-its, wine, and grapes for the top. It was so ideal and would probably be a great spot to watch the sunset.
Carmel beach walk: walked forever (early) along the coast from the Inn and up and down the streets. Reminds me of those cute little mushroom hobbit houses.
Airbnb, It had all the things you'd want. Views, hot tub with views, and an outdoor shower. The fireplace in the bedroom didn't work (no biggie). Making coffee somehow became the hardest part of the weekend and I think that skewed my impression of this place, but it was great nonetheless. It's not walkable, but that's why you stay here. There's so many amazing places in the area so I'd probably pick something different next time, if only for variety's sake.
Carmel Forest Lodge: absolutely loved it. The Garrett Loft felt like staying in a treehouse. Would definitely stay here again.
San Francisco Marriott Fisherman's Wharf: stayed a night in SF as part of a work trip on the way to Big Sur. Wouldn't go back by choice. No coffee available anywhere near before 7am.
The Buzz Sushi (Santa Cruz): Wow. I wanted to go out of the way on the way home to eat here again. Best Philly role I've ever had.
Toro (Carmel-by-the-Sea): One of my favorite meals from my first trip. Still excellent. Ask for Marty if he's there.
Anton and Michel (Carmel-by-the-sea): We wandered in here for lunch one day. I completely forgot I'd eaten here until I looked through my photos. That probably tells you everything you need to know.
Carmel's Bistro Giovanni (Carmel-by-the-sea): Apparently the gluten-free pasta was incredible. I know because I took multiple pictures of it. I just don't remember eating it. Based on the pictures, would recommend.
Nepenthe (Big Sur): The views are beautiful. The shops are cute. I'd stop if I happened to be driving by, but I wouldn't plan my day around it.
The Ocean Terrace at The Ritz, Half Moon Bay: Waterfront seafood tower. It was really good. Saw a really cute otter on the way out.