The 4-Day Road Trip from LA: Paso Robles, Big Sur, and Carmel-by-the-Sea
There is a special comfort in road trips filled with delicious snacks, great soul-warming music, and good conversation even amid LA traffic. The special part of this amazing trip is the picturesque views whether it’s in the winter or summer sunlight.
We have done this road trip many times, each time discovering hidden gems while admiring beautiful oceanside views, and amazing food that we cannot wait to share with you!
Our favorite way to do the Ultimate Big Sur Trip is starting out with a night in Paso Robles. After that we visit the rugged cliffs of the Big Sur, strolling the enchanting streets of Carmel by the Sea, and making a visit to the marine life at Monterey. Each destination holds a unique charm, and we promise a coastal adventure filled with awe! The best part of this roadtrip is that it can easily be customized to your interests and time.
Sneak Preview
Day 1: Los Angeles to Paso Robles-Wine and Dine
Day 2: Hearst Castle, Big Sur, and Beautiful Nature Views
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Day 1: Los Angeles to Paso Robles
Morning: Departure from Los Angeles
Kick off your incredible California adventure by leaving Los Angeles early in the morning. To help you get through the initial traffic, just picture yourself on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), a road trip dream come true.
Arrive in Paso Robles
Paso Robles is a wine lover's haven nestled in the heart of California's Central Coast. The charming town boasts rolling vineyards, award-winning wineries, and a laid-back atmosphere. Whatever your favorite wines are you likely will find them here.
From proper Los Angeles, about 3.5 hour drive later you will arrive in Paso Robles.
Check-in and refresh for a day of fun!
We recommend staying in Paso Robles, whether it’s at a winery, resort, hotel, etc, options are endless!
Brunch/Lunch
Let’s start with food before we go to wine tasting for today. Be sure to stroll around Paso Robles downtown for your next foodie find first.
Wine Tasting
There are over 200 wineries in the area, so we are sure you will find your favorites! We recommend picking 2-3 wineries you want to spend the afternoon at and enjoy the views while sipping away. Even if you don’t drink, the snacks and views are still amazing, making for a great time out!
We recommend about 1-1.5 hours per place and sometimes if you just love the winery one can be enough! So do pick your favorites and reserve ahead of time, especially the popular ones, but remember to be flexible. The cost at each place also varies anywhere from $10-$40 per person per flight. So be sure to check that out before booking!
Our recommendations include:
Justin Vineyards & Winery: Bordeaux-style wines, celebrated for its iconic Isosceles blend and scenic vineyard views. Has many natural wines as well.
DAOU Vineyards & Winery: Located on top of Adelaida Hills, DAOU is recognized for its Bordeaux-style wines and stunning hilltop tasting room with panoramic views.
Sculpterra Winery: wines + sculpture garden with over 200 pieces of art. It offers a unique and artistic tasting experience
Adelaida Vineyards & Winery: family-owned estate producing a variety of wines. known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhône varietals. The tasting room offers panoramic views.
Eberle Winery: known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and offers cave tours along with tastings. One of our favorites!!
If you are looking to take the guesswork out and have a guided tour our most recommended ones are listed below:
1) All-Inclusive Wine Tasting Tour Paso Robles ~5 hour, a great tour for a couple hours of relaxation
2) For a more fun exeperience check this out: Paso Robles Deluxe Sidecar Wine Tour
3) For those you just looking for a designated driver, check out this: Paso Robles Wine Tour: We Drive Your Vehicle
Dinner
There are so many delicious places to choose from broad ranging from local finds to farm-to-table dining to Michelin-rated dining. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time! Just a few of our recommendations include Fish Guacho, Thomas Hill Organics, La Cosecha Bar + Restaurant, and Les Petites Canailles.
Paso Robles Sensorio
If you are looking for even more to do tonight, then, consider this. This is a ticketed experience that was created by artist Bruce Munro. As the sun sets, pathways and meadows come alive with thousands of shimmering lights, creating a captivating and ever-changing landscape. Sensorio promises a magical experience where art and nature combine, inviting you to wander and reflect after a fun day in Paso Robles.
Day 2: Hearst Castle, Big Sur, and Beautiful Nature Views
This day is full of scenic pit stops along the Pacific Highway 1 and the Big Sur Coastline. We try to include suggestions of what to do at each location or recommended hikes, but honestly just taking in the views and immersing yourself in nature while taking a breath of fresh air is just perfect. Feel free to customize your day based on your interests! Let us know your favorites.
Breakfast in Paso Robles
After breakfast and checkout, we head over to Hearst Castle (about a 45 minutes drive away).
Heart Castle
Perched atop the enchanting hills of San Simeon, Hearst Castle offers an iconic estate with grand rooms, stunning gardens, and breathtaking views of the California coastline. Immerse yourself in the Gilded Age charm of Hearst Castle, where history, art, and luxury converge in a captivating experience. This is a ticketed experience if you choose to stop by. It can be very popular, so should consider reserving in advance. People tend to spend about 2-3 hours here.
Elephant Seal Vista Point in San Simeon
This one is free entry, free parking, and only a 10-minute drive from the last location.
The stunning coastal landscapes meet the fascinating world of northern elephant seals. Come see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, basking on the shore or engaging in life. A must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking a unique coastal experience.
Piedras Blancas Light Stadium (lighthouse)
A 2 minutes drive away is the lighthouse with beautiful coastal views. You could make a pit stop here and consider a hike or just keep driving to your next stop. The hike to the lighthouse and Vista Point is about 1.9 mi each way. We decided to just do a quick stop and keep driving so we could save our hiking for later.
Ragged Point
A 15-minute drive away is our next stop (free parking, free to visit).
As you continue on your scenic drive, the next stop is ICONIC to capture the beauty of the coastline and take in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Ragged Pont is often nicknamed such as the ”Million Dollar View” or the “Gateway to Big Sur.” It’s easy to see why once you come take a stop here! Immerse yourself in nature's grandeur.
This is also a great break point for bathrooms, gas, and snacks as it is located behind the Ragged Point Inn. Feel free to walk around and enjoy the coastal views and take lots of photos! If you are interested in doing more hiking we recommend the Ragged Point Cliffside Trail which is rated as moderate difficulty and is 0.8 mi each way. The reward is the black sand beach and black swift falls you will see on this.
Sand Dollar Beach
Our next stop is a 30-minute drive away.
This is a hidden gem along the iconic Highway 1 nestled between the cliffs offering majestic views. This is often considered one of the best beaches in Big Sur and is 7 miles long. Making it the perfect place to take a stroll along the coast or hike ¾ mile each way to Jade Cove.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Pfeiffer Beach for Sunset
Our last scenic stop for today is about 1-hour drive away.
This one is a little hard to find, so be sure to look it up before starting your drive for the day. Also note, that this is not the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (that is different).
There is a cost for parking here. It is known for deep purple sand, tidepools, and arch-shaped rock formations. It is a perfect place to catch sunset here at the famous Keyhole Arch.
Drive to Accommodations
We like to stay in hotels at Carmel-By-Sea or Monterey usually since it’s surrounded by places to eat/drink after a long day of hiking and driving. However, if you prefer, there are various ranges of accommodations anywhere from camping to luxury glamping in the Big Sur Area as well. Whatever experience you are looking for you will find, just make sure to book in advance!
Some ideas to help guide your search:
1) Big Sur
2) Monterey
Dinner in Town and Relax
We end the night with a lovely dinner and drinks and get ome rest before another day of exploring more of the amazing California and Big Sur Coastline. We highly recommend either the Montrery or Camrel-by-the-Sea for food/drinks and desserts.
Day 3: McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, 17-Mile Drive
Breakfast
Enjoy a new bakery or coffee shop or a proper breakfast before embarking on another fun-filled picturesque day!
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Parking costs if you park inside the park. There is parking available on the street for free if you don’t mind a little bit of a walk.
We start our day early with the most beautiful waterfall! This park is home to the famous McWay Falls and the park captivates with its rugged cliffs, pristine landscapes, and a mesmerizing waterfall that cascades onto a secluded beach. Immerse yourself in nature surrounded by redwood groves and scenic overlooks offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
The McWay Falls Trail is 0.65 miles each way; directly to see the falls. It’s pretty easy (more of a walk then a hike). Other trails if you are interested in hiking we recommend include the Ewoldsen Trail- which goes through redwoods (total is 5 miles) or the Partington Cove Trail- 1-mile roundtrip.
Bixby Creek Bridge
Only a 15-minute drive to our next destination.
You have to check out both the North and South viewpoints! It can get very crowded but try to find that free street parking to capture the views up close.
Just take in this iconic marvel that is the Bixby Creek Bridge along the breathtaking Big Sur coastline. Spanning the rugged cliffs and azure waters, this iconic bridge offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. A symbol of architectural beauty, Bixby Creek Bridge is a must-stop destination on any coastal road trip, providing a perfect vantage point for capturing the stunning landscapes that define California's Highway 1.
Garrapata State Park and Beach
Just a 10-minute drive away you can choose to stop by this state park which is considered a hidden gem by locals.
The park offers beautiful scenic trails and vista points. Spend as much or as little time here as you wish.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Just another 10-minute drive away is this coastal wonder a beautiful protected park located right along the Pacific Ocean filled with diverse wildlife and amazing views. A great place to go on a nature hike (many different options available for all levels). Two popular trails include the North shore- Whalers Cove where you can see vistas from high up on cliffs looking out to the Pacific Ocean) and or the Sea Lion Point Trail which is 0.4 miles.
Tip: We recommend picking either Garrapata or Point Lobos and spending some time in that park hiking taking nature in with a hike rather than rushing to do both. Both have some parking fees associated with it.
Camel by the Sea
After a morning out in nature, it’s time for a short 10-minute drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea for a picturesque coastal town. There are beautiful storybook cottages that line the cobblestone streets filled with art, food, drinks, and boutique shops. For now, we are going to make a stop in the 1 square mile downtown area to have some lunch and coffee. We will have more time later and tomorrow to explore the rest of Carmel by the Sea.
Some recommendations include Carmel Belle and Carmel Coffee Valley. Pick your favorite spot, take a quick stroll, and then get ready for our next activity.
17 Mile Drive
Our next activity is the famous 17-mile drive the start of which is only a 10-minute drive away! We would allot about 3 hours minimum for this drive with stops. Honestly, though you can spend all day relaxing at the famous Pebble Beach golf course and private beach.
This is a paid activity that costs $10.50 to drive the private road. It is refundable with purchases at restaurants or shops(check details online).
This is the iconic scenic coastal route that winds through the famous Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. Along this enchanting journey, marvel at world-renowned golf courses, and rugged coastline, and see the famous Lone Cypress. Breathtaking vistas unfold at every turn, showcasing the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula. This is a must-do, quintessential California experience.
A fun way to explore the 17 mile drive is via bike! Check this amazing Coastal 17-Mile Drive 2.5-hour Electric Bike Tour from Carmel.
See if you can check off all 17 of these stops on your drive:
It is easy to spend time on the private beach here or just relax in nature at your favorite spot!
Shepard’s Knoll
Huckleberry Hill
Spanish Bay Beach
The Restless Sea
Point Joe
China Rock
Bird Rock
Seal Rock
Fanshell Beach Overlook
Cypress Point Overlook
Crocker Grove
The Lone Cypress
Ghost Tress at Pescadero Point
Pebble Beach Visitor Center
Pebble Beach Golf Park
Equestrian street
Ford Meadow
Dinner
A perfect day to grab dinner back in Carmel by the Sea or in Monterey. Pick your favorite culinary delights. Some of these places can be very popular, so be sure to reserve one ahead of time.
Day 4: Carmel By the Sea and Monterey
Carmel River State Beach
Start your morning with a stroll on this white sandy beach, also considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Central Coast! It’s a short walk from downtown.
Breakfast/Brunch
Take time to enjoy culinary delights in Carmel either at a cool cafe or brunch.
Explore the Town
Enjoy this charming town and be sure to visit the Carmel Plaza, check out local art galleries, boutique shops, and the Carmel Mission.
If you are looking for something unique, check out touring the famous cottages including the Hansel and Gretel fairytale cottages self guided tour
Or consider a guided walking tour to learn all about this beautiful charming town!
Monterey
Now a short drive away is Monterey (<15 minutes).
Monterey Bay Aquarium
This is a paid activity, where you can dive into the wonders of the sea at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Located on the scenic Cannery Row, this world-class aquarium captivates visitors with mesmerizing exhibits showcasing marine life from the Pacific Ocean.
For a boat expereince, consider the Monterey Whale Watching Tour for beautiful views and sea life spotting.
Cannery Row
Spend your time taking a stroll and then even partaking in a waterfront lunch.
Drive Back to Los Angeles
It’s time to drive back to Los Angeles. If you are not quite done with this roundtrip, you can always make time for a quick seaside hike along the way back home at the many parks and reserves we passed.
Thank you for reading!! Let us know below what your favorite part of this roadtrip is!
