3-Day Big Sur Itinerary with Kids (Monterey Home Base + Family Travel Guide)

If you've ever dreamed of driving California's most beautiful coastline but weren't sure if it was realistic with kids, this itinerary is for you.

This little weekend in Big Sur ended up becoming one of my favorite trips I've ever taken. Not because we flew across the world or stayed somewhere extravagant. In fact, it was one of the most spontaneous trips I've ever planned—and to a destination right here in the United States.

It all started because my nine-year-old daughter kept asking if we could take a girls' trip together. I loved the idea, but life was busy, work was hectic, and I honestly didn't know when it would happen or where we would even go. Then one conversation changed everything. One of my closest friends mentioned she was surprising her own nine-year-old daughter with a Memorial Day weekend trip to San Francisco because she was obsessed with Full House. The second she told me, I had immediate FOMO. I'd wanted to visit Big Sur for as long as I could remember, and it suddenly hit me that my daughter was finally at the perfect age for it. She was old enough to appreciate dramatic coastlines, giant redwoods, scenic drives, and little roadside adventures in a way my five-year-old son simply wouldn't yet.

On a whim, I opened American Airlines and started searching award flights from our tiny hometown airport in Madison. Honestly, I almost didn't even bother checking Monterey. Both airports are small, so I assumed there wouldn't be award availability. I couldn't believe what I found. There were fantastic flights available entirely on points, and before I could overthink it, I booked them. Next, I searched Hilton properties and found the Embassy Suites Monterey Bay Seaside available using Hilton points I had been saving without a specific plan. Suddenly the biggest expenses—our flights and hotel—were essentially covered. From there, I found a rental car, booked it on my Capital One Venture Card and erased the purchase with Capital One miles. When everything was booked, I looked at my total out-of-pocket cost and laughed. Just over $22. Since we had just returned home from our family trip to Costa Rica a few weeks earlier, convincing my husband that another vacation made financial sense might have been a challenge. Thankfully, it's a lot easier to argue for another adventure when the flights and hotel cost less than dinner.

Once everything was officially booked, my friend and I got to planning. While she explored San Francisco, we'd road trip through Monterey and Big Sur before secretly meeting in Carmel-by-the-Sea for what would become one of the most unforgettable surprises of the entire weekend.

If you're looking for an unforgettable long weekend with your kids—or even just want an easy California road trip filled with incredible scenery—this itinerary is exactly what we did, what I'd recommend, and what I'd do differently next time.

Quick Facts

Destination: Big Sur & Monterey, California

Trip Length: 4 days/3 nights

Who This Itinerary Is For: Families, parent-child trips, couples, first-time Big Sur visitors

Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall (we visited Memorial Day weekend)

Fly Into: Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)

Rental Car Needed? Yes—driving Highway 1 is the whole experience.

Where We Stayed: Embassy Suites Monterey Bay – Seaside

Kids' Age: 9 years old

Walking Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on which trails you choose

Driving Time: Approximately 4–5 hours total over three days

At a Glance: Our 4-Day Big Sur Itinerary

If you're short on time, here's our exact route. Below, I'll walk through each day in detail with our favorite stops, restaurants, what I’d do differently, and tips I'd give a friend planning the same trip.

Day	Highlights
Day 1	Fly into Monterey • Pick up rental car • Drive 17-Mile Drive • Lone Cypress • Hotel check-in • Dinner at The Sandbar at the Marina
Day 2	Highway 1 viewpoints • Limekiln State Park • McWay Falls Overlook • Paddle boating at El Estero Park • Coffee at East Village Café • Sushi at Harumi • Sunset at Monterey Beach
Day 3	Back to Highway 1 • Bixby Creek Bridge • Pfeiffer Beach • Lunch, shopping and a surprise reunion in Carmel-by-the-Sea • Dinner at The Sardine Factory
Day 4	Morning shopping on Cannery Row • Return rental car • Fly home

Before You Go

Is Big Sur worth visiting with kids?

Absolutely. When most people picture Big Sur, they think of epic coastal overlooks, long hikes, and adventurous road trips. While all of those things are true, I actually think it's a wonderful destination for families—especially once your kids are old enough to appreciate the scenery and enjoy exploring.

My daughter was nine on this trip, and I honestly think it was the perfect age. She loved exploring the redwoods, hunting for purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach, running down sand dunes, the great food, and simply riding with the windows down while we admired the coastline. If you have younger children, you'll probably move a little slower and skip some of the walking trails, but many of the viewpoints are just a short walk from the parking lot, making them accessible for almost any age.

How Many Days Do You Need?

Four days/3 nights is the sweet spot for a first visit. It gave us enough time to see the highlights without feeling like we were constantly rushing to the next stop. Could you spend longer? Absolutely. There are countless hiking trails, beaches, campgrounds, and scenic pull-offs we didn't have time to explore. But if you're flying in for a long weekend like we did, 3-4 days is enough to experience what makes Big Sur so special.

The Best Time to Visit Big Sur

We visited over Memorial Day weekend, and the weather couldn't have been much better. Days were mild, mornings started cool enough for a light jacket, and afternoons were comfortable for exploring.

In general:

Spring brings lush green hillsides, wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, and fewer crowds than summer.
Summer offers long daylight hours and generally pleasant weather, but it's also the busiest season.
Fall is often considered one of the best times to visit thanks to warm temperatures, clearer skies, and lighter crowds.
Winter can be beautiful, but storms occasionally cause landslides or temporary Highway 1 closures, so always check current road conditions before your trip.

No matter when you visit, bring layers. Coastal weather changes quickly, and it can be surprisingly cool near the ocean even on sunny days.

Fly Into Monterey—Trust Me

We absolutely lucked out being able to fly directly into Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). If you've ever landed at a large California airport, you know the routine: long security lines, packed rental car centers, heavy traffic before you even start your vacation.

Monterey was the exact opposite. We landed around lunchtime, picked up our rental car, and were on the road within minutes. It was one of the easiest airport experiences I've ever had, which was especially nice traveling one-on-one with my daughter. Many visitors fly into San Francisco or San Jose because flights can sometimes be less expensive, but if your budget allows, I think the convenience of Monterey is absolutely worth it—especially for a shorter trip.

Renting a Car

A rental car is essential for this itinerary. Highway 1 isn't just the way you get from one attraction to another—it's one of the main attractions itself. Take your time. Pull over often. One thing to keep in mind: Highway 1 is winding. If anyone in your family is prone to motion sickness, I'd recommend bringing medication or other remedies. The views are incredible, but there are plenty of curves.

What This Trip Cost Us

Points & miles made this impromptu trip possible. Here's exactly what we redeemed:

Flights

34,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles for two round-trip tickets
$22.40 total in taxes and fees

Hotel

220,000 Hilton Honors points
$0 out of pocket for our stay at Embassy Suites Monterey Bay – Seaside

Rental Car

I paid cash for our rental car on my Capital One Venture card and then erased the purchase for another $0 out of pocket purchase.

Using points meant we could focus our budget on experiences, meals, and making memories together instead of paying for flights and hotels.

Who This Itinerary Is Perfect For

This itinerary works especially well if you are:

Planning a parent-child trip.
Visiting Big Sur for the first time.
Looking for an easy long weekend from anywhere in the U.S.
Traveling with school-aged kids.
Wanting incredible scenery without needing strenuous hikes.
Using hotel points to make California more affordable.

If you're hoping for a relaxing beach vacation where you spend all day by the ocean, this probably isn't the right destination. Big Sur is about the journey—the scenic drives, quiet moments, hidden beaches, and dramatic landscapes that make you want to pull over every few miles.

Day 1: The Surprise, Getting There, 17-Mile Drive & Our First Taste of Monterey

One of the hardest parts of planning this trip wasn't booking the flights or hotel—it was figuring out how on earth I was going to convince my daughter to wake up at 4:30 a.m. on a Saturday without giving away the surprise. I brainstormed every excuse I could think of (and even crowdsourced ideas from friends), but in the end, the simplest answer was my job. I told her I needed to visit another veterinary clinic about an hour and a half away to look at equipment we were considering for our hospital. Since the clinic opened at 8:00 a.m., I explained that we had to leave ridiculously early. She never questioned it for a second.

To make the early wake-up a little more exciting, I promised we'd spend the rest of the day together having a girls' day once my "work meeting" was over. Throughout the week I'd secretly packed everything we'd need while she was at school, and that morning I quietly loaded the last of our bags into the car before she came outside. As we pulled out of the driveway, I set my camera on the dashboard facing her in the back seat and hit record. Somehow, she never even noticed.

I knew the surprise couldn't last forever. She's traveled enough with me that I was certain she'd recognize the route to the airport. Sure enough, after a while she started asking, "How much longer until we get to Milwaukee?" She looked a little confused when we were still driving around Madison because she knew Milwaukee should have taken us out into the countryside by then, but she never actually questioned it. Finally, as we approached the airport, she casually asked, "Are we going to the airport for something?" I tried my best to sound completely normal. "Yep."

To say she was shocked would be an understatement. You can see her reaction here!

As it slowly sank in that we weren't going to Milwaukee at all—that we were flying to California—her first question was one that only a nine-year-old would ask: "Did you pack me any good clothes?" For the rest of the day she couldn't stop smiling. She kept repeating, "I woke up thinking we were going to Milwaukee... and now I'm going to California." I just love surprises.

Arriving in Monterey

We landed around lunchtime, picked up our rental car, grabbed coffee (for me) and lunch from Starbucks, and immediately headed out to explore. Since we couldn't check into our hotel until 4:00 p.m., we decided to spend the afternoon driving the famous 17-Mile Drive. We didn't have much of a plan—we just wanted to soak it all in. Right away I screwed up. Google Maps suggested stopping in Pebble Beach, so I thought it would be a fun place to browse a few local shops and (I don’t know…. see a beach?). What I somehow didn't realize was that Pebble Beach is, well... a world-famous golf community.

I don’t golf (obviously). We found ourselves wandering through beautiful shops almost entirely dedicated to golf apparel with price tags that made us laugh out loud before climbing right back into the car.

Lone Cypress & Bird Rock

Our next stop was the iconic Lone Cypress, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. Standing there looking at a single tree that has survived decades of wind and crashing waves was as I lovely as I expected it would be. Photos don't quite capture how dramatic the coastline feels in person. We also stopped at Bird Rock, where we spent a while watching seabirds cover the rocky shoreline while dozens of harbor seals lounged on the rocks below. As a Mom who is always busy, I just love having no agenda.

Evening in Monterey

Dinner at The Sandbar & Grill, Monterey, CA

Before checking into our hotel, we made one very important stop. Boba. If you know my daughter, you know this was non-negotiable. We grabbed her favorite drink at Quickly Boba before heading to the Embassy Suites Monterey Bay – Seaside. The suites were spacious, the free made-to-order breakfast was genuinely excellent, and its location in Seaside made it easy to reach both Monterey and Big Sur without constantly packing up and moving hotels.

After settling in, we headed down to the marina to watch the seals swimming around the harbor before ending our first day with dinner at The Sandbar & Grill. Before we even landed in California, my daughter had already made her dining requests for the weekend: seafood, sushi, and ramen. The Sandbar was the perfect place to check the first one off the list. This adorable houseboat-style restaurant sits right on the marina, so we could watch the seals swimming around while we ate. My daughter ordered lobster and crab, something she'd been looking forward to all day. I grew up on the coast of Maine, so lobster has always been my favorite food. Unfortunately, no one else in my family has ever shared my enthusiasm for it, and I've always accepted that it's a bit of an acquired taste. So discovering that she loves lobster too made me ridiculously happy. We shared our overflowing platters back and forth across the table, watched the seals play in the harbor, wandered around the marina for a little while after dinner, and headed back to the hotel.

TIP: Reservations are strongly recommended. We had not made one and were able to wait for a table, but reservations are encouraged

It had been less than twelve hours since she thought we were driving to Milwaukee. Instead, we fell asleep on California's coast after one of my favorite travel days we've ever shared together.

Day 2: Highway 1, Limekiln State Park & One of My Favorite Memories of the Trip

This was our first time driving Highway 1, and I honestly had no idea what to expect. Our destination was Limekiln State Park, but I somehow hadn't appreciated that it was more than an hour and a half away. Fortunately, the drive is part of the experience. We pulled over whenever a bridge, overlook, or scenic turnout caught our eye and wandered through a few of the little shops in Big Sur along the way. My daughter had recently become old enough to ride in the front seat so, for the first time, she had an unobstructed view of the coastline. Being able to see everything from the front seat saved me from much complaining and “how much longer”.

Exploring Limekiln State Park

When we finally arrived at Limekiln State Park, I ran into one small problem. The parking lot is tiny, parking costs $10 cash, and I had absolutely no cash with me. For a minute, I thought we'd driven all that way for nothing. Thankfully, the attendant told us we could park along Highway 1 above the park for free and simply walk down. The walk back up the hill afterward was definitely a workout, but it saved the day.

Several trails were closed during our visit, but we didn't have a specific hike planned anyway. Instead, we simply wandered wherever the creek led us. The towering redwoods were incredible. Many of them still carried black scars from past wildfires around the lower trunks, yet hundreds of feet above, their green canopies stretched toward the sky. It was such a powerful reminder of how resilient these forests really are.

We didn't hike very far before my daughter announced she'd had enough. Normally I would have tried to encourage her to keep going. This time, I didn't. Instead, we climbed onto a massive tree that had fallen across the creek and simply sat there together listening to the water rush underneath us. We talked. We watched the water. We weren't in a hurry. Looking back, that quiet half hour sitting on that fallen tree is probably one of my favorite memories from the entire trip.

Limekiln Beach

Before leaving the park, we wandered out onto Limekiln Beach. We searched for pretty rocks, watched waves crash into the caves carved into the cliffs, and laughed while trying not to get splashed by waves that always seemed just a little bigger than we expected. It was simple. And it was perfect.

McWay Falls

On the drive back north, we made one of the stops I'd been looking forward to the most—McWay Falls. I'd seen hundreds of photos beforehand, but standing there in person almost didn't seem real. The turquoise water, the tiny beach below, and the waterfall spilling toward the ocean genuinely looked Photoshopped. It really is one of those places that's somehow even prettier than the pictures. The overlook sits right off Highway 1, making it an easy stop, but it also gets busy. If you're visiting during peak season, arriving earlier in the day is definitely worth it.

TIP: Traffic heading south can become heavy in the afternoon. Leaving for Big Sur in early morning ensures less crowded view points and an easy drive back to Monterey in the afternoon.

Coffee, Boba & Unexpected Kindness

Back in Monterey, I needed another coffee break. We stopped at East Village Café, a quirky little coffee shop with such a fun atmosphere that I'd happily return just for breakfast next time. My daughter had her heart set on another boba tea, but unfortunately, they didn't serve it. Instead of simply saying no, the barista pointed us around the corner to Bobalicious & Bites and, feeling bad that he couldn't make her favorite drink, surprised her with a free pastry before we left. It was such a small gesture, but one we'll both remember.

Paddle Boats at El Estero Park

One thing my daughter had been asking about ever since we'd driven past it was the paddle boats at El Estero Boating. By that point, I figured why not? You can rent themed paddle boats shaped like ducks or dragons—or just the regular ones like we ended up getting. We spent a relaxing hour paddling around the lake and enjoying the sunshine. Word of advice - if your child is the size of my child, you will do all of the paddling since your legs are the only ones that reach the pedals. The lake sits directly across from the famous Dennis the Menace Playground, which looked incredible for families. Unfortunately, we simply ran out of time to visit it, but it's absolutely on my list for next time.

Sushi, Ramen & Sunset

There were still two foods left on my daughter's California wish list. Sushi and ramen. For dinner we headed to Harumi, just a few minutes from our hotel. She happily ordered California rolls while I had one of the best tonkotsu ramen bowls I've eaten in a long time. Feeling adventurous, I also ordered a matcha IPA. Let's just say... I'm glad I tried it once. I don't need to try it again. The food, however, was fantastic, the service was incredibly fast, and I'd absolutely recommend stopping here if you're staying in Monterey.

Sunset at Monterey State Beach

We ended the evening watching sunset at Monterey State Beach, and almost immediately noticed the shoreline was absolutely covered with bright blue, jelly-like creatures. We'd seen a handful earlier that day at Limekiln Beach, but here there were millions of them lining the water's edge. After a quick Google search, we learned they were Velella velella, commonly called "by-the-wind sailors." These fascinating marine animals float across the ocean using a tiny sail that catches the wind, and under the right combination of currents and weather, huge numbers wash ashore all at once. The seagulls were having the feast of a lifetime. Our noses...Not quite as much.

Day 3: Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach & the Surprise We'd Been Keeping for Weeks

We were up early again, coffee in hand and ready to make the most of another day on Highway 1. After seeing how congested the road became the afternoon before, we quickly realized that early mornings are the best time to explore Big Sur, especially over Memorial Day weekend. Heading south early meant we were again driving against most of the traffic on our way back to Monterey later that afternoon.

Our first stop was one of Big Sur's most iconic landmarks: Bixby Creek Bridge. Even though you've probably seen hundreds of photos of it online, nothing prepares you for seeing it in person. We parked, wandered along the trails overlooking the bridge and rugged coastline, snapped plenty of photos, and spent a few quiet minutes simply taking in the view before continuing south.

Pfeiffer Beach: Big Sur's Famous Purple Sand Beach

Our main destination for the day was Pfeiffer Beach, home to the famous purple sand I had promised my daughter we'd find. It was at the very top of my own Big Sur bucket list too. We loved it.

TIP: download offline maps before leaving Monterey.

Cell service throughout much of Big Sur is extremely limited, and the turn for Pfeiffer Beach is incredibly easy to miss. The narrow entrance road winds through the trees for a couple of miles before finally reaching the small parking area. Had we not downloaded our maps the day before, I'm almost certain we would have driven right past it.

From the parking lot, a short, wooded path opens onto one of the most stunning beaches. Towering cliffs surround the shoreline, rolling sand dunes rise behind you, and the Pacific stretches endlessly in front of you with the famous Keyhole Rock standing just offshore. Right away we noticed streaks of purple where the sand was damp along the water's edge. At first, we assumed that was the only place we'd find it, but we were wrong.

After exploring the shoreline, taking our obligatory photos in front of Keyhole Rock, and searching for purple sand along the surf, my daughter wandered over to the towering sand dunes behind the beach. Somehow, despite all of our travels, she'd never really played on sand dunes before. Watching her climb to the top and race back down—laughing the entire way—quickly became her favorite memory.

As we sat together on the dunes, we notice that every time the wind shifted or someone disturbed the sand, fresh streaks of deep purple would appear beneath the surface. The garnet-rich sand seemed heavier than the surrounding golden sand, settling just below the top layer until movement revealed it again. For nearly 45 minutes we sat there together, carefully sifting through handfuls of sand, seeing just how much purple we could collect. It sounds simple, but those quiet moments ended up becoming one of our favorite memories from the entire trip. Even now, months later, Pfeiffer Beach is still the place my daughter tells everyone they have to visit.

A Surprise Months in the Making

After leaving Pfeiffer Beach, we headed north toward Carmel-by-the-Sea for lunch where the surprise meet-up with our friends was planned to come to fruition.

Keeping the surprise a secret turned out to be much harder than either of us expected. The girls normally talk through Messenger Kids while they're apart, but every excuse we came up with for why they couldn't call each other seemed to create another question. We eventually moved all of our planning conversations to Instagram because my phone would display incoming text notifications while we were driving, and she kept noticing I was texting her friend's mom. At one point, we even told my friends daughter we were vacationing in Florida just to explain why the girls couldn't video chat.

Meanwhile, Memorial Day traffic had other plans. Our perfectly timed 1:00 p.m. lunch slowly became a waiting game as Highway 1 backed up with holiday travelers. We grabbed lunch while I quietly checked for updates every few minutes, trying not to look suspicious as my daughter repeatedly asked who I kept messaging. Then, finally, they walked through the door. The expression on both girls' faces the moment they spotted each other is something I'll never forget. It made every tiny lie, every excuse, and every stressful moment of keeping the surprise worthwhile.

The rest of the afternoon was exactly what we'd hoped for. We wandered the charming streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea together, browsed the boutiques, explored the beach, and simply enjoyed watching two best friends realize they were getting an unexpected day of vacation together.

Want to see their reactions? The surprise reunion video has now been viewed by millions of people on Instagram. You can watch it here.

Dinner at The Sardine Factory

After our surprise reunion in Carmel-by-the-Sea, we headed back to Monterey to celebrate our day together at The Sardine Factory.

I'll be completely honest—this isn't the kind of restaurant I typically book when we travel. It's definitely a splurge. But one of my closest friends is a true foodie, and when she told me, "We should eat here," I didn't question it for a second. The moment we were seated in the Observatory Room, I understood why. With floor-to-ceiling glass walls, sparkling chandeliers, and an elegant atmosphere, it felt like a special occasion from the moment we walked in.

Seafood is the star of the menu, and our friends immediately ordered oysters. Despite growing up near the ocean, I have never been able to convince myself to try one. I just can't get past the idea of the texture. Since I had never tried them, neither had my daughter. That changed almost instantly. When she found out her best friend had eaten oysters before—and actually liked them—her curiosity got the better of her. It was honestly one of my favorite moments of the trip. Her friend coached her through the whole experience, and after swallowing it in record time, she looked up with the biggest smile and said she actually liked it.

It was such a simple moment, but one that perfectly reminded me why I love traveling with my kids. Travel naturally exposes them to new places, new cultures, and new foods they might never consider at home. Although, if I'm being honest, I think a little healthy peer pressure from a trusted friend deserves most of the credit for getting that oyster down. I don't think I could have convinced her on my own!

If you want to see her very first oyster, you can watch the video here—it was one of those priceless reactions I'm so glad I captured.

The rest of dinner was just as memorable. Every course was fantastic, and while this restaurant is certainly an investment, I'd absolutely recommend it if you're celebrating something special or simply want one unforgettable meal while visiting Monterey. For dessert, the girls ordered the famous bonbons served on smoking dry ice, which turned dessert into its own little performance. They loved every second of it, and it was the perfect ending to an already unforgettable day.

That evening wrapped up our short but incredibly meaningful mother-daughter getaway. The next morning, my daughter and I would head home, while our friends stayed behind for one more day of exploring the Monterey area before flying home themselves.

Day 4: One Last Morning Before Heading Home

Morning at Cannery Row

Before returning our rental car, we spent the morning exploring Cannery Row with our friends. The girls wanted to soak up every moment they could have together so this seemed like a great place to meet. We wandered through the shops, picked up a few souvenirs, grabbed one last coffee, and enjoyed the ocean one final time before heading to the airport. It was the perfect way to ease out of vacation mode instead of rushing straight to the terminal. Nex time, we will definitely spend more time exploring this area.

Flying Home

Flying out of Monterey was just as easy as arriving. Returning the rental car was quick, security moved fast, and before we knew it, we were on our way home.

What to Pack for Big Sur

Comfortable walking shoes; bring hiking shoes if your kids are older or prefer longer hikes
- I LOVE my Teva Hiking Sandals and wore them for the entirety of this trip.
Layers for changing coastal weather
Sunglasses
Refillable water bottle
Light rain jacket - this one by Quince has a permanent place in my suitcase
Camera
Motion sickness medication if needed
Portable phone charger

Frequently Asked Questions

Is four days enough for Big Sur?

Yes. Four days gave us enough time to explore at a relaxed pace while still enjoying Monterey and Carmel, but I would have loved to have at least one more day. There are so many places to see along this stretch of coastline and so much we didn’t have time to explore in Monterey. This trip left us immediately planning a return trip, with the rest of our family, to see Sand Dollar Beach, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, more of Pfeiffer Beach State Park, Nepenthe Restaurant, and the Monterey Aquarium.

Do you need a rental car?

Absolutely. Highway 1 is one of the highlights of the trip.

Is Big Sur good for kids?

Definitely. School-aged kids especially will enjoy the beaches, scenic overlooks, and short walks.

Where should you stay?

Depending on the age of your children, family interests and budget, it is reasonable to stay in Monterey, Carmel, or Big Sur. Monterey is fabulous for younger children with many other kid-friendly activities. If drives over 30 minutes are stressful with young children, I would recommend staying closer to Big Sur. Big Sur has many campground and hotel options with a more rustic vibe and there are many luxury options scattered around Carmel-by-the-Sea. We had the chance to spend some time at Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Innand will absolutely stay there next time (it’s also bookable with Hyatt points). Other family friendly options in Monterey include Portola Hotel and Hyatt Regency Monterey.

Is Highway 1 difficult to drive?

No. It takes some time getting used to the winding path and dramatic cliff edges, but it is not difficult.

Do you need reservations for Pfeiffer Beach?

No, there are no reservations and the parking lot closes once full. I highly recommend going early in the day to avoid the entrance being closed.

Final Thoughts

This trip reminded me that the destination is only part of the story.

Yes, Big Sur is breathtaking. The coastline, the redwoods, and the beaches are every bit as beautiful as you've heard. But when I think back on this trip, I won't remember the viewpoints first. I'll remember sitting on a fallen tree talking with my daughter, watching her face when she realized we weren't headed to one of my work meetings—we were boarding a plane for a girls' trip, and the look of complete surprise when one of her best friends walked into lunch in Carmel. Those are the moments that made this trip unforgettable.

If you're thinking about visiting Big Sur, I hope this itinerary helps you plan an incredible adventure—but more importantly, I hope it reminds you to leave room for the moments you could never put on an itinerary.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them—at no additional cost to you. I only recommend hotels, products, and experiences that I've personally used or genuinely believe will help make your travels easier. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me continue creating free family travel guides!

4 Days in Big Sur & Monterey, CA With Kids: Our Mother-Daughter Road Trip Itinerary (Using Points & Miles)

If you've ever dreamed of driving California's most beautiful coastline but weren't sure if it was realistic with kids, this itinerary is for you.

Quick Facts

At a Glance: Our 4-Day Big Sur Itinerary