Day Itinerary
7 Activities
Day 3
227 mi
Big Sur Drive
Driving between the main points of today's route, you can enjoy the same landscapes that are often seen in movies when the action takes place in California. A pleasant bonus for today is a dinner in a restaurant with a decent wine collection.
16.7 mi
40 min
09:0030 min
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
Landmark
Open Details
Leave your car in the parking lot and explore the Russian Ridge Park. Here you can walk among the oak groves or climb the hills, which offer a great view of the nearby mountain ranges. The area is especially beautiful during the blossoming period – late spring and early summer.
31.8 mi
50 min
10:3030 min
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Open Details
The next stop, the lighthouse on the cliff above the ocean, which no longer serves as a reference point for ships. It houses a museum where you can view the classic lighting lens that is made of many mirrors. Nearby, you'll find plenty of viewing platforms that are perfect for taking great shots.
33.8 mi
50 min
12:001 hr
The Hook Vista Point
Open Details
The Hook is the best place to surf in Santa Cruz. If you don't have any equipment, you can buy it at the 34th Avenue store. And if you prefer a stroll along the beach, you can walk along the beach and enjoy the ocean views.
70.8 mi
1 hr 40 min
14:451 hr
Big Sur River Gorge
Landmark
Open Details
Big Sur Park is an outstanding place with bizarre rocks, turquoise bays and waterfalls. The name of the park is connected with the early Spanish history of the region, originally called "el país grande del sur" - a large southern country. Part of the Spanish name is still in use.
3.9 mi
15 min
16:001 hr
The Sur House
Restaurant
Open Details
The restaurant's interiors are made in rustic style – massive wood is combined with metal decorative elements, and the view from the windows is just perfect. In good weather, you can enjoy the views, delicious dishes cooked on the grill and a glass of good wine on the terrace of the restaurant – for those who don’t drive.
9.3 mi
20 min
17:3030 min
McWay Falls
Landmark
Open Details
McWay Beach is probably the most beautiful spot in Big Sur Park. The bay surrounded by rocks is a great place for active walks, hiking and photo shoots. The waterfall of the same name, which flows directly into the ocean at high tide, looks spectacular.
59.6 mi
1 hr 30 min
19:301 hr 30 min
Madeline's Restaurant & Wine Cellar
Bar
Open Details
It's time for dinner, and it will take place in a nice restaurant where French dishes, cooked in an American style, are served. What's definitely worth trying here is scallops, they're just above all praise. And fish lovers will love sea bass. The staff will be happy to help you find the wine for any meal.
As the restaurant is small but popular, it is recommended to book a table in advance.
1.1 mi
5 min
22:0010 hrsHotels
Pelican Inn & Suites
8
Tomorrow you will conquer the mountain peaks again and admire the waterfalls, today – it is time to rest.