Treasures of the Coast at Three Charming Coastal Enclaves

There might not be a more beautiful place to wake up than Big Sur. However, you have a lot of beauty and unique experiences awaiting you today. Grab some breakfast, pack up the car, and enjoy the second leg of one of the world's most epic coastal drives.
It’s important to slow down on this drive and be ready to unexpectedly pull up on the side of the road. You never know where you'll find some extra-special beauty on this gorgeous drive.

This 1.8-mile out-and-back hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is just a short jaunt north on Highway 1. It takes about one hour to complete and leads through redwoods to a waterfall that leads to a nice overlook of Big Sur Valley below. In the right season, you'll get plenty of wildflowers, too. For more information, check out this guide.
Parking is available just outside the trailhead entrance for a little fee, or there’s overflow parking on the road.

Pull out on one of many turnouts for Bixby Bridge to see Big Sur's answer to the Golden Gate Bridge – perhaps less known, but just as iconic. The beautiful curves of the bridge's design are the perfect counterpoint to the jagged coastal shore. This is a must-see spot along the Highway 1 coastline, built in 1932 for just over $200,000. The concrete span makes up one of the highest bridges of its kind in the world, rising 260 feet above Bixby Creek. Read more here.

The Carmel Mission is an active parish, founded by Padre Junipero Serra in 1771. The mission is one of the most important and historic of California's 21 missions, housing religious art and artifacts, museums, fountains, courtyards, and a store. Pope John Paul II said this on his visit in 1987: "This serene and beautiful place is truly the historical and spiritual heart of California.” The Carmel Mission is a working parish, so at times the grounds may be closed due to masses, weddings, or other events.
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Tuesday: Closed

Stop in at this sweet lunch spot located in San Carlos Square for a quick coffee, pastries, or sit-down meal. From here, check out the adorable village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. For its fairy-tale cottages, one-of-a-kind boutiques, historic mission, and plenty of opportunities to view and experience art, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a dream destination. Beach lovers love the town too for its soft, white sand. Take some time to walk around and explore this picturesque town.
Everything is walkable in town; day parking is available at the Carmel Plaza on Ocean Avenue and Junipero Avenue. Free two-hour kerbside parking is also widely available throughout the town.
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday: Closed
For more information, please visit the official website.

The Lone Cypress is a lone tree on an abutment into the sea on the way to the famed 17-Mile Drive between Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. This gorgeous byway passes through an exclusive neighbourhood; hence, you must pay a small toll to do the drive, but it’s worth it.
If you arrive in spring, look out for the "Magic Carpet" in Pacific Grove, where the ground is covered in purple blooms. The drive passes by stately mansions, staggering ocean views, eight golf courses, and the famed Lone Cypress tree. Enjoy its peaceful setting as you gaze out to sea.

You'll reach the end of 17-Mile Drive in Pacific Grove. Get out and stretch your legs at the end of the road and continue onto Monterey for your next adventure.

Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world-class aquarium and must-see stop on the coast. Perched on historic Cannery Row, it showcases the wonders beneath the ocean's surface, from octopuses to sea otters, sharks to penguins, and strange creatures of the deep.
You can purchase tickets and peruse the website to see a schedule of activities.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Monterey Bay Aquarium is part of Cannery Row. As an epicentre for 20th-century fishing heritage, a prime location along the country’s largest national marine sanctuary, and adjacent to a rich agricultural valley, the wonder's of Monterey's culinary scene are many.
Keep your car parked in one of the many free parking lots at this landmark, and explore the colourful shops, cafes, and picturesque views of this fabled street.

What could be better than an evening stroll by the ocean, breathing in the salty air and enjoying life? Walking along the coast and savouring delicious ice cream, of course!
Ghirardelli is a famous chocolatier from San Francisco. Try a sample of the treats here at the company's ice cream and chocolate shop in Cannery Row. You won't regret it!
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is owned by the Swiss Lindt & Sprüngli.
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
For more information, please visit the official website or call +18313730997.

Montrio is a new bistro in Monterey with an exceptional menu, and located in a converted fire station. New American dishes, an exceptional wine list, and a reputation as a "green" restaurant have made it an instant classic.
Enjoy a beautiful evening here before heading to the farm where you’ll spend the night.
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Make reservations here.

Experience an enchanting farm stay at the Carmel Valley Ranch – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. Book events for the evening in advance and spend time under the starry California sky sipping wine from their own vineyard. Enjoy a magnificent view of the Carmel Valley from your window. Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.