3-Day Private Pacific Coast Tour: Big Sur, Hearst Castle & Carmel from Los Angeles
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness: short hikes with modest elevation gain, long periods spent in a vehicle, and short walks at viewpoints.
Overview
A three-day private drive along Highway 1 that stitches together Big Sur’s raw cliffs, the grandeur of Hearst Castle, and the charm of Carmel. Expect long scenic drives punctuated by short hikes, iconic viewpoints like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls, and chances to tailor the route to your interests.
3-Day Private Pacific Coast Tour: Big Sur, Hearst Castle & Carmel from Los Angeles
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The van eases onto Highway 1 and the ocean arrives without warning — a sudden bench of blue that slides under cliffs and the long, hungry sky. Over three days, the coast becomes a moving picture: the soft timber of Monterey’s wharf, the wind-creased face of Bixby Bridge, and the solitary arc of McWay Falls where water dares the sand. This is a tour designed for motion — long drives broken by sharp, cinematic stops — and for photographers who prize both composition and context.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Time your stops for low light
Plan key photo stops (McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, Ragged Point) for sunrise or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture softer light.
Layer up for coastal microclimates
Bring a windproof layer and a warm midlayer — temperatures can drop 10–20°F between town and bluff even in summer.
Wear good shoes
Trails to coves and viewpoints are short but rocky; trail runners or hiking shoes make Partington Cove and Pfeiffer Beach easier.
Carry water and snacks
Bottled water is provided, but keep a refillable bottle and snacks for long drives and limited food stops in remote stretches.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Northern elephant seals at Piedras Blancas
- shorebirds and occasional sea otters near Point Lobos
History
Hearst Castle reflects early 20th-century American wealth and the architectural work of Julia Morgan; Bixby Bridge is an emblem of 1930s engineering on the Pacific Coast Highway.
Conservation
Big Sur and Point Lobos are protected areas with fragile coastal ecosystems — stay on trails, pack out trash, and respect wildlife viewing distances to minimize disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof shell
Blocks spray and wind on exposed coastal viewpoints and keeps you comfortable during breezy stops.
Sturdy trail shoes
Good tread and ankle support for rocky beach access and short coastal hikes like Partington Cove.
Camera with wide-angle lens
Captures sweeping coastal vistas, bridges, and waterfalls; a polarizer helps with glare and saturated skies.
Refillable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during drives and hikes; reusable reduces waste.
summer specific