Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near California Coast
Know before you go
State Park Capacity
Lots at Point Lobos and Pfeiffer Falls often fill by 9:00 AM on weekends. Have a backup plan or use local shuttles where available to avoid being turned away.
Big Sur Dead Zones
Expect total loss of cellular service once you travel south of Carmel Highlands. Download your maps and lodging confirmations before leaving the Monterey area.
Central Coast Pricing
Fuel is available in Monterey, Carmel, and at limited stations in Big Sur where prices are significantly higher. Refill in Monterey or Carmel to avoid high costs and limited availability.
Whale Watching Seasons
Gray whales migrate from December to April, while Blue and Humpback whales are common in summer and fall. Suggested times for boat tours are morning hours when the sea is typically calmer.
Highway 1 Reliability
Major winter storms often cause road closures in the Big Sur region that can last for months. Check the Caltrans QuickMap app for real-time status before attempting a through-drive.
Check current conditions:California State Parks
2RVs, campervans & cars near MRY
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to MRY
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at MRY
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at MRY
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at MRY
- ✓ Compare suppliers at MRY
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at MRY
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at MRYA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in California Coast
- 01
Monterey Peninsula Waterfront
Suggested: 9 AM from Monterey
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Explore the world-class kelp forest and sea otter exhibits located on historic Cannery Row.
17-Mile Drive
Follow the scenic toll road to see the Lone Cypress and the rugged Pebble Beach coastline.
Allow 1 hour for the loop drive; expect heavy traffic near Cannery Row.
Marine fog (June Gloom) is common in summer and may obscure views until late morning.
Pick up your vehicle at MRY → - 02
Point Lobos and Carmel Bluffs
Suggested: 8 AM from Carmel-by-the-Sea
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Walk the Cypress Grove Trail to see rare Monterey Cypress trees and hidden turquoise coves.
Carmel Mission Basilica
Visit this 18th-century Spanish mission and its peaceful gardens for a break from the coastal wind.
Allow 30 minutes for local transfers; parking at Point Lobos is extremely limited.
Stay on marked trails at Point Lobos to protect fragile bluff ecosystems and avoid poison oak.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
Big Sur Gateway and Redwoods
Suggested: 8:30 AM from Big Sur Station
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Hike through ancient redwood groves along the Big Sur River away from the ocean spray.
Bixby Creek Bridge
Stop at the designated pullouts to view one of the most photographed concrete spans in the world.
Allow 3 hours for the return trip to Monterey; Highway 1 is narrow with many curves.
Check Caltrans for current Highway 1 closures, as landslides frequently block access south of Big Sur.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Moderate
Regional State Park and Landmark Reservations
Entry to California State Parks along the coast typically requires a daily vehicle fee, while the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Hearst Castle require timed-entry tickets purchased well in advance. Popular campgrounds in Big Sur require reservations months ahead via ReserveCalifornia; Point Lobos is a day-use reserve, not a campground; always check the official site for changing access policies due to road repairs.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
MRYCalifornia Coast
Monterey Regional Airport · 48 min drive
Find flights to MRY
Plan your road trip
From Monterey Regional Airport
48 min
about 28 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near California Coast on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near California Coast on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to California Coast
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near California Coast
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near California Coast
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near California Coast
Explore guided activities around California Coast. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for California Coast
Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
