kma

We are coming to Monterey for a conference. We are flying into San Jose at 11:00 Am. Do we have time that day to drive into Monterey, check in then drive down to Big Sur and back up? This will be in April after the time change. If so, should we skip 17 mile drive and try do that one afternoon when we get out of the conference early.? Thanks in advance.

trippinkpj

It depends on what time you check in. If you get checked in by 2 pm (some hotels don't check in till 3 pm), you may be okay. I think you could do it, but it may be rushed a bit.

Travel4Ever

You can do it depending upon how busy you like to keep your schedule and of course what time you arrive. Will your plane be on time And some help from the weather as in fog or rain.

Plan extra time for the 17 mile drive. It always takes longer than most people think. The drive is at slow speed. And you should plan on time to stop at many of the scenic spots. Look at the views, ocean, deer, etc take photos, whatever.

Just to drive through Big Sur is nice. It doesn't sound like you will be hiking or camping in Big Sur so the drive is straight forward.

J_Correa

I would choose Point Lobos state park instead of either 17 Mile drive or Big Sur the first day of your trip. Point Lobos is just a few miles south of Carmel and has some absolutely gorgeous coastline. You can get a feel for the Big Sur coast without as long of a drive. After being in the plane, then driving down to Monterey, I can't imagine wanting to spend a bunch more time in the car to drive to Big Sur and back. It is doable, just doesn't seem like it would be enjoyable.

vahiker1

This is another recommendation for Point Lobos. It is a beautiful park and gets the feel of the coast - beautiful topography - animals etc. Great place to go and stretch your legs.

SAB

If you are arriving in San Jose at 11 a.m you should be in Monterey by approx. 1 p.m. Assuming you can leave your luggage at hotel, you would have time to go to Point Lobos, which IMHO should not be missed AND to drive down 1 and see some more of the coast--probably not all the way to say Pffeifer. If you have been on a long flight from the East Coast for example, I would recommend that you only go to Point Lobos. After a long flight, it will be pretty hard on the driver. BTW I know that many disagree but if you have time for only one, I would skip the 17 mile drive in favor of Point Lobos. I know more people have heard of the 17 mile drive and will probably ask you if you went, but Point Lobos is truly stunning and more scenic.

nessundorma

I have posted this previously, so I suspect people are used to me by now but I would say:

Skip the 17 mile drive entirely. You are often stuck in a snake of cars and tour buses all crawling along the same "scenic" drive as if it were a Disney ride. A LOT of the drive is on the golf course, and some of the prettiest photos you've seen don't give you the aroma of rotting seaweed and bird droppings.

mlgb

If you want a quick taste of the coastline, Asilomar State Beach is nearby (just near the Pacific Grove Golf muni course). You can walk along the edge of road for free.

kma

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. Point Lobos does sound like something we want to see. Can we do a little hiking there also? Since my husband will be in a conference in Monterey for several days, maybe I can bike the 17 mile drive another day?

J_Correa

Yes - there are great hiking opportunities at Point Lobos. You can pick a loop or do an out and back that fits the time and energy level you have. I cannot think of a better place to spend an afternoon after a plane ride and driving a couple hours.

You can absolutely do 17-Mile drive another day, and I am sure you can bike it.

Speaking of bikes, I believe someone already mentioned it, but it is worth mentioning again is the path along the water at Pacific Grove. It is a paved path above the sand and tidepools. On the land side you've got gorgeous homes overlooking the water - craftsman style, victorian, spanish, etc. Such a beautiful place.

SAB

Yes you can bike the 17 mile drive. However, since it is downhill from the Pacific Grove entrance it is uphill on the way back. The one time we did it, a friend picked us up in Carmel so we didn't bike back. Want to second the recommendation re Asilomar Beach. It is spectacular and has great tide pools. BTW you can walk from Asilomar along the trail there, to Spanish Bay and beyond, which are part of the 17 mile drive.

easytraveler

Agree with Point Lobos recommendation.

The best loop hike is around the Allan Memorial Grove. When you drive into the State Reserve and park near the inside ranger station, the grove trail leads to your right.

The other great hike is along the beach. Drive down along the seashore on the left of the ranger station and park anywhere in several parking lots. Just hike along the beach for as long or as short a hike you would like.

The easier trail - wheelchair accessible - is the one almost directly in front of the ranger station.

Go to Point Lobos when the sun is shining. It's glorious!

If you have that much time on your own in Monterey, check out the aquarium.


This time of year and almost to June, Pacific Grove seashore will have the magenta iceplants in bloom. Another glorious sight!

Enjoy!

kma

Thanks for all these great suggestions. I can't wait to see this area. I will most certainly check out the Aquarium.

Any other must do's?