A great day driving the Big Sur Coast. Stops included several day hikes, a restaurant, and a beautiful hotel at the end of the coast.
1. Keyhole Arch (Pfieffer Beach)
2. Nepenthe Restaurant
3. Partington Cove Hike
4. McWay Falls Hike
5. Limekiln State Park (Waterfall Trail)
6. Ragged Point Inn
7. Hearst Castle
We started our drive of the coast at Carmel By The Sea California. From our hotel, we hit the road at 9AM to Bixby Bridge. After a quick stop at the iconic bridge, we made our way down the winding road to Pfieffer Beach to catch a glimpse of Keyhole Arch. This is a must-do while in Big Sur, and easily worth the $10 dollar entry.
From here we made our way to Nepenthe Restaurant for lunch. It's conveniently located a little ways down the road from Pfieffer Beach. We arrived right on time when they opened at 11:30AM. Which ended up working out since the place developed a hour wait by the time we were done with our meal. This place is another MUST. Food is pricey but awesome, and it has the best lunch view on the entire coast.
After lunch we stopped at Partington Cove for a great hike. A little up and down here, but nothing too strenuous. No signage for the trail, so have GPS marked and ready to find the trailhead.
Our next two stops were McWay Falls, which was short but gorgeous. $10 dollars to park in the parking area (free if you park on the road). Then Limekiln State Park (Waterfall Trail), which was such a refreshing change of pace. Large redwoods, up close waterfalls, and less people made this a area I would return to.
We then made our way to the Ragged Point Inn conveniently located towards the end of Big Sur so we could make our early trip to San Simeon to visit Hearst Castle in the morning. This Ragged Point Inn was such a gem. Absolutely stunning views, on site restaurant (Breakfast, lunch, dinner), giftshop, and gas station. If I had one recommendation, I would say to make this hotel your lodging for either the beginning or end of your trip (depending on which direction you are heading on the coast). This spot was so amazing.
This itinerary was definitely packed but doable for anyone, and doesn't completely destroy your stamina. It was the perfect amount to feel like we really experienced big sur in the 24 hours we had.
