If there’s one experience that belongs on everyone’s US bucket list, it’s a day trip along the Pacific Coast Highway.
A couple of weeks ago, my bestie, Allison, and I packed our bags and headed out to California to explore Monterey County. Our trip was packed with so many fun experiences, but the number one highlight was cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway in a 1965 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. Soaking in the insane views of Big Sur along Highway 1 with the top down and wind in our hair was an unforgettable experience! It was hands down one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever taken in the states, and I think it’s one adventure everyone needs to experience!
Thanks to our incredible hosts at See Monterey, we planned the perfect itinerary to experience the best of Big Sur in one day. Check out our 11 tips below:
1.) Rent A Vintage Convertible From Monterey Touring Vehicles
If you’re going to cruise the Pacific Coast Highway, renting an epic car takes the experience to a whole new level! Thanks to Monterey Touring Vehicles, we enjoyed the scenic drive in a classic 1965 Mustang convertible – and it was amazing!
Renting a car from Monterey Touring Vehicles was a breeze! They have a fleet of so many amazing cars – Porsche, Tesla, Rolls Royce, Thunderbird, you name it! Since a convertible sounded like the most fun, we chose the 1965 Ford Mustang GT and loved it! The team from Monterey Touring Vehicles delivered our car to our hotel, The Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey, the morning of our drive. A member of their team was there to give us a full run-down of the car, tips for driving a vintage car, and everything we needed to know before hitting the road. Having a concierge delivery service took out the hassle of renting a car, and I recommend Monterey Touring Vehicles to anyone visiting!
2.) Bring an Awesome Road Trip Buddy
First of all, road trips are ALWAYS more fun with an awesome companion. Sharing the experience with a friend makes the journey so much more fun! Also, if you are scared of heights (like I am!), make sure you have someone with you that feels comfortable driving. The scenic cliffs were a bit treacherous at points – but luckily for me, Allison, is a total rockstar and got behind the wheel to lead the way!
3.) Stop For Breakfast At California Market at Pacific’s Edge at The Hyatt Carmel Highlands
To kick off our day, we stopped for breakfast and coffee at California Market at Pacific’s Edge at The Hyatt Carmel Highlands. Grab a table by the window or on the outdoor patio for a delicious seasonal breakfast and enjoy the views of the coastline, the gorgeous homes, and if you’re lucky, maybe even some whales!
** You’ll notice there’s a lot of eating on this journey – but hey, you’re on vacay! **
4.) Let The Top Down And Pick A Soundtrack For The Day
Epic car, check. Coastal breeze, check. The overall vibe sets the tone for the day, so put the top down and pick a great playlist to serve as the soundtrack of the adventure! Our favorites: Spotify’s 90s Pop Favorites, Singing In The Shower Radio, or Yacht Rock Radio.
5.) Explore Garrapata State Park
Park the car and take a hike into Garrapata State Park to discover one of Big Sur’s best hidden gems! Explore the gorgeous red wood groves of Big Sur, the hidden coastline, and the amazing Saint Lucia Mountains.
6.) Snap A Photo At Bixby Bridge
If you’re a fan of Big Little Lies, you’ll definitely recognize this iconic bridge that is frequently featured in the show! Bixby Bridge is one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur, which is no surprise after you see the towering bridge over the cliffside! The landmark bridge was built in 1932, and remains one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world to this day! Tip: don’t look down as you cross the two-lane bridge.
7.) Hike Down To Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Take a break from the road, and hike down to the gorgeous beach of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Get a close-up view of McWay Falls (the 80-foot waterfall that flows into the Pacific Ocean), explore the Redwood Groves, and post up for potential whale-watching! If you’re going to pull off the highway for a bit of hiking, this would be my top choice.
8.) Enjoy Lunch At Nepenthe
While this lunch spot can get a bit crowded with tourists during the day, Nepenthe is definitely worth the wait! This has been a local hotspot with artists, locals, and travelers for almost 70 years, so pick up some local souvenirs in the gift shop, play some games on the outdoor terrace, and grab a bite to eat on the patio overlooking the coastline.
9.) Pop into the Henry Miller Memorial Library
While a typical library may not sound like the most exhilarating stop, the Henry Miller Memorial Library is a unique cultural spot worth the visit! Here you’ll not only find works by the famed Henry Miller, but you’ll also find literary and artistic pieces by local artists. Stop by, grab a coffee, and explore. If you’re lucky, maybe your visit will overlap during their concert series. Next one to check out: Animal Collective at the Library on October 13th!
10.) Stop By The Big Sur River Inn To Chill By The Creek
We made a quick stop at The Big Sur River Inn for gas on our way back, and discovered a charming little spot with chairs in the creek. We only spent about 20 minutes here, but it was such a peaceful place to enjoy a tea and soak in the scenery!
11.) Catch a sunset at Rocky Point Restaurant on the way home
I first visited Rocky Point Restaurant with my family when we stayed in Carmel over Thanksgiving, and this quickly became one of my favorite spots in the area! Not only is the food great, but the views are the very best! Whether you soak in the views from the outdoor terrace or walk out to the cliffside like we did, Rocky Point is the perfect spot to end the journey before heading home!
Next time you’re at home dreaming about a vacation, add Big Sur to your travel list and enjoy a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Trust us, you will not be disappointed!
While this post was in partnership with See Monterey, the opinions expressed are my own.