3-Day Monterey Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Guide to Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur

Monterey Bay was one of those places I’d seen in photos a hundred times before I finally made it there: sea lions basking on weathered docks, fog dissolving into bright blue skies over Highway 1, and those impossibly turquoise coves along Big Sur. But it wasn’t until I actually spent three days on the Monterey Peninsula—splitting my time between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur—that I understood why people return again and again.

If you’re wondering how to plan a 3-day Monterey itinerary that actually flows, doesn’t feel rushed, and still hits all the major highlights, you’re in the right place. This guide lays out a clear, hour-by-hour Monterey itinerary that’s perfect as a long weekend in Monterey. You’ll:

• Spend a full day exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium, coastal trail, and Old Fisherman’s Wharf
• Wander fairytale-like Carmel-by-the-Sea, drive the iconic 17-Mile Drive, and hike Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
• Devote an entire day to the dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and redwood-lined trails of Big Sur

Along the way, I’ll show you how to adapt this into a Monterey itinerary 1 day or Monterey itinerary 2 days, plus how to tweak it for trips with kids or toddlers, and how to keep your budget under control without sacrificing the magic.

Let’s start with a quick overview, then dive into the day-by-day plan.

How Many Days Do You Need in Monterey?

You can technically do a Monterey day trip itinerary from San Francisco or Santa Cruz, but you’ll only scratch the surface. Here’s what’s realistic:

1. Monterey Itinerary 1 Day
   • Focus on: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Coastal Recreation Trail, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and a sunset at Lovers Point or Carmel Beach.
   • Great for: Road-trippers passing through, or a single-day Monterey Bay itinerary from nearby cities.
2. Monterey Itinerary 2 Days (Weekend in Monterey)
   • Day 1: Classic Monterey (Aquarium, wharf, coastal walk).
   • Day 2: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Point Lobos.
   • Ideal as a weekend in Monterey itinerary—you get both urban and nature without driving too much.
3. Monterey Itinerary 3 Days (Monterey + Carmel + Big Sur)
   • Day 1: Monterey classics
   • Day 2: Carmel, 17-Mile Drive & Point Lobos
   • Day 3: Full Monterey Big Sur itinerary—Highway 1, McWay Falls, and a Big Sur hike
   • This is the sweet spot: a true Big Sur Carmel Monterey itinerary that feels complete, balanced, and memorable.

This guide is built around that last option: a 3-day Monterey itinerary that doubles as a long weekend coastal escape. I’ll also show you where to trim if you only have one or two days.

Where to Stay for This Monterey CA Itinerary

For this trip, I recommend:

• Night 1: Monterey – Close to Cannery Row, Aquarium, and Wharf
• Night 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea – Romantic, walkable, and a perfect base for Point Lobos and Big Sur the next morning

This split gives you the best of both worlds. Monterey is practical and central; Carmel feels like a storybook village.

Getting Around & Practical Basics

• Car is essential. This Monterey Bay itinerary, especially the Big Sur portion, depends on having a car.
• Driving times (approximate):
  • San Francisco → Monterey: 2–2.5 hours
  • Monterey → Carmel: 10–15 minutes
  • Carmel → Point Lobos: 10–15 minutes
  • Carmel → Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (McWay Falls): 1–1.5 hours (depending on traffic)
• Download offline maps. Cell service along Highway 1 in Big Sur is patchy to non-existent.

With that foundation set, here’s the detailed 3-day Monterey itinerary.

Day 1: Monterey Classics – Aquarium, Coastal Trail & Sunset

Theme: World-class marine life, scenic coastal views, historic streets, and a golden Pacific sunset.
Best base: Stay in Monterey (near Cannery Row or downtown).

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Monterey Bay Aquarium

I always start my Monterey itinerary at the Monterey Bay Aquarium—it sets the tone for the entire trip.

• Tickets: Book online at least a day ahead to save time at entry.
• Arrival: Aim to be at the doors 15–30 minutes before opening to beat the worst crowds.

Suggested route inside (about 3.5 hours total):

1. Sea Otter Habitat – 20 minutes
   Go here first before crowds build. Morning is peak activity: otters playing, grooming, cracking shells on their chests. It’s one of those “I can’t believe this is real” experiences.
2. Kelp Forest – 30 minutes
   This three-story tank is like stepping underwater without getting wet. Watch giant kelp sway, rockfish glide by, and sunlight filter through the water. It’s hypnotic.
3. Jellies Galleries – 25 minutes
   Dark, quiet, and almost meditative. The jellies glow with otherworldly colors, and it’s a beautiful contrast to the more frantic main areas.
4. Touch Pools – 15 minutes
   Tidepool-inspired exhibits where you can gently touch starfish and sea anemones. Essential if you’re doing a Monterey itinerary with kids.
5. Open Ocean Tank – 20 minutes
   A massive tank with tunas, rays, and occasionally sea turtles gliding past. I like lingering here toward the end of my visit—by late morning, the seating becomes a welcome break.

Pro tip (crowd strategy):

1. Sea Otters
2. Jellies
3. Kelp Forest
4. Touch Pools
5. Open Ocean

By 11:00 AM crowds are thickest around popular viewing windows, so earlier is better.

12:30 PM – 3:45 PM: Lunch & Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

By now, you’ll be hungry and ready to stretch your legs outside.

• Lunch: Pick up something casual near Cannery Row (or pack a picnic). Aim for quick service so you gain time on the trail.
• Coastal Recreation Trail: This paved path follows the shoreline for miles and is one of the best parts of any Monterey Bay itinerary.

What you’ll see along the first few miles:

• Rocky coves with waves crashing dramatically
• Sea lions basking on docks and rocks
• Harbor seals occasionally poking their heads up in the water
• Brown pelicans and cormorants diving for fish
• Spring wildflowers and iconic Monterey cypress trees

You don’t have to walk the full thing. A leisurely 1.5–2 hours along the most scenic stretch—with plenty of photo stops—is perfect.

With kids or toddlers:
This part of your Monterey itinerary with kids is ideal. The path is stroller-friendly, and you can make frequent stops to point out wildlife.

3:45 PM – 5:15 PM: Downtown Monterey & Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Next, head toward downtown Monterey and Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

• Alvarado Street & Monterey State Historic Park: Take about an hour to wander historic buildings, peek into a few galleries, and grab a coffee. It gives you a feel for “real” Monterey beyond Cannery Row.
• Old Fisherman’s Wharf – 30–45 minutes:
  Walk the wooden planks, watch fishing boats come and go, and listen to the constant barking of sea lions. The wharf is touristy, but it’s still a fun, atmospheric stop.

5:15 PM – 8:45 PM: Lovers Point Sunset & Dinner

Drive about 8–10 minutes to Lovers Point Park in Pacific Grove.

• Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset to find parking and claim a good spot on the rocks or lawn.
• The view here—rocky coastline framing the sun as it drops toward the horizon—is one of my favorites on this Monterey CA itinerary.

After the show, head to dinner in Pacific Grove or back in Monterey. Think:

• Casual seafood or bistro-style places
• Entrées typically in the $18–40 range

Day 1 Quick Reference

• Theme: Monterey’s signature attractions & waterfront
• Main stops: Aquarium → Coastal Trail → Downtown → Wharf → Lovers Point sunset
• Approx cost (per adult):
  • Aquarium: around $$–$$$ (depending on season)
  • Food & coffee: $$
  • Parking & misc: $–$$

If you only had one day, this is essentially your Monterey itinerary 1 day: just compress the downtown time or skip the wharf if you’re short on hours.

Day 2: Carmel, 17-Mile Drive & Point Lobos

Theme: Coastal estates, storybook village, and some of California’s best coastal hiking.
Best base: Stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea tonight.

8:30 AM – 10:30 AM: 17-Mile Drive

Start your second day with the famous 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach.

• Entrance: Pay the car fee at one of the toll gates.
• Time needed: Around 1.5–2 hours with stops.

Key viewpoints to prioritize:

1. Lone Cypress
   • One of California’s most photographed trees, clinging to a rocky bluff.
   • Morning light works beautifully here.
2. Bird Rock
   • A rock offshore often covered in sea lions, harbor seals, and seabirds.
   • Bring binoculars if you have them.
3. Cypress Point Lookout
   • Elevated, sweeping views of cliffs and ocean.
   • Great spot for wide-angle photos.
4. Spanish Bay Beach
   • Softer, sandy coastline compared to the rugged rocks elsewhere.
   • Nice place for a short stroll.

Stick mostly to these major stops so you don’t burn too much time—you still have Carmel and Point Lobos ahead.

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Carmel-by-the-Sea

From Pebble Beach, it’s a short drive into Carmel-by-the-Sea.

• Parking: Look for street parking near Ocean Avenue.
• Atmosphere: Think storybook cottages, art galleries, and boutique shops.

Suggested flow (about 2–2.5 hours):

1. Carmel Beach Walk – 20–30 minutes
   Walk down to the wide, white-sand beach at the foot of Ocean Avenue. The water is cold, but the views toward Pebble Beach are gorgeous.
2. Village Stroll – 45–60 minutes
   Wander along Ocean Avenue and Dolores Street, ducking into galleries, local shops, and maybe a wine tasting room if that fits your style.
3. Lunch – 45 minutes
   Choose from cozy cafés or small restaurants, with most lunch entrées around $12–25. Carmel can be surprisingly casual at midday.

Carmel is a highlight of any Carmel Monterey itinerary, and it balances beautifully with the more rugged nature scheduled for later in the day.

1:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

From Carmel, it’s about 10–15 minutes down Highway 1 to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve—often called the “crown jewel” of the California State Parks.

• Entry: Pay the vehicle fee at the entrance kiosk.
• Parking: Lots can fill on weekends; arriving around 1:30–2:00 PM is usually manageable, but earlier is always better.

I like to combine two main trails on this day:

1. Cypress Grove Trail

• Distance: Around 1 mile loop
• Time: 45–60 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

• Ancient Monterey cypress trees perched on cliffs
• Sea lions on offshore rocks
• Crashing waves framed by twisted branches

2. Sea Lion Point area & short add-on walks

• Time: 1.5–2 hours combined
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on side paths

From here, you’ll often see:

• Sea lions clustered on rocks
• Harbor seals in sheltered coves
• Sea otters floating in kelp beds (bring binoculars if you can)

This is where a Monterey itinerary with kids really shines: lots of wildlife, short manageable walks, and plenty of wow moments.

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Carmel Beach Sunset & Dinner

After hiking, drive back into Carmel.

• If the weather’s clear, head back down to Carmel Beach for a leisurely golden-hour walk.
• Then choose a dinner spot in town. Carmel has everything from casual bistros to higher-end Mediterranean and Italian restaurants.

Day 2 Quick Reference

• Theme: Scenic driving + charming village + coastal nature reserve
• Main stops: 17-Mile Drive → Carmel-by-the-Sea → Point Lobos → Carmel Beach
• Approx cost (per adult):
  • 17-Mile Drive fee: $
  • Point Lobos entry: $
  • Food: $$–$$$

At this point, you’ve completed what many people treat as a full Monterey 2 day itinerary or weekend in Monterey itinerary. If you only have two days, you can stop here and head home. But if you have that third day—this is where the Monterey Big Sur itinerary really comes alive.

Day 3: Big Sur – California’s Most Dramatic Coastline

Theme: Rugged cliffs, redwood forests, waterfalls, and some of the most beautiful highway views in the world.
Best base: Start from Carmel or Monterey, then return there for your final night.

8:00 AM – 11:15 AM: Drive to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park & McWay Falls

Leave Carmel or Monterey by around 8:00 AM.

• Drive: Around 1–1.5 hours down Highway 1, depending on traffic and how often you stop.
• Road: Winding, with stunning ocean views. If you’re nervous about heights, just keep your eyes on the road and drive slowly—plenty of people do it every day.

McWay Falls Trail (at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park):

• Distance: Roughly 1 mile round-trip
• Time: About 45 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

This trail takes you through coastal vegetation and out to an overlook of McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall dropping into a small cove of turquoise water. It’s one of the most iconic views on any Big Sur Carmel Monterey itinerary.

• Entry: Pay the state park vehicle fee at the entrance or parking area.
• Timing tip: Aim to be at McWay Falls by around 9:45–10:00 AM on weekends to get parking before the midday rush.

11:15 AM – 2:00 PM: Scenic Pullouts & Coastal Exploration

From McWay Falls, continue along Highway 1. Plan this as a slow, scenic stretch, not a rushed transit.

Potential stops (10–20 minutes each, depending on conditions):

1. Bixby Creek Bridge
   One of the most photographed bridges in California, spanning a deep canyon with the ocean beyond. Great for wide shots and architectural photos.
2. Rocky Creek Bridge / Smaller pullouts
   Short stops where you can stretch your legs and snap photos. Often less crowded than Bixby, but just as beautiful.
3. Optional detour to Pfeiffer Beach
   If time and conditions allow, you can consider the turnoff to Pfeiffer Beach (note: access can be limited, and the side road is narrow). The purple-tinted sand and rock formations are stunning.

The key here is flexibility. Stop when the light is good, when parking is available, and when a view calls to you. This is one of the most scenic stretches of road in the world—let yourself soak it in.

2:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Picnic Lunch with a View

Instead of burning time with sit-down restaurant service on this packed day, I highly suggest:

• Packing a picnic lunch in Carmel or Monterey the night before or early that morning:
  • Sandwiches, fruit, nuts, snacks
  • At least 2 liters of water per person (the coastal sun is stronger than it looks)
• Find a safe, designated pullout with a wide view of the ocean or cliffs.

This keeps your Day 3 Monterey Bay itinerary on schedule and lets you eat in what is essentially a natural dining room with jaw-dropping views.

3:15 PM – 5:30 PM: Big Sur Hike (Choose Your Adventure)

Depending on your fitness level and who you’re traveling with, you have options here.

Option A: Moderate Hike (for active adults & teens)

Choose a mid-length, moderately challenging trail in the Big Sur area (for example, a 3–5 mile hike with elevation). As a model:

• Distance: Around 4 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,000–1,600 ft
• Time: 2–2.5 hours

Expect:

• Forested climbs under redwood canopies
• Breakout viewpoints with huge ocean panoramas
• Sections of exposed trail where you really feel Big Sur’s wild, rugged character

This is the moment where a Monterey 3 day itinerary truly becomes unforgettable.

Option B: Shorter, Easier Coastal Walks (for kids, toddlers, or low-energy days)

If you’re building a Monterey itinerary with toddler or traveling with very young kids:

• Stick to shorter trails or scenic overlooks.
• Combine a gentle walk with extended viewing and photo stops.
• Save the longer hikes for when little ones are older.

5:30 PM – 8:45 PM: Return to Carmel/Monterey & Final Dinner

Begin your drive back north in the late afternoon:

• Highway 1 can be slower in evening light or fog, so give yourself 60–90 minutes.
• Try to arrive back in Carmel or Monterey with enough time to shower, change, and enjoy a relaxed final dinner.

Final night dinner:
Think of this as your celebration meal—somewhere you can linger, reminisce about sea lions, waterfalls, and winding roads, and start planning your next visit.

Day 3 Quick Reference

• Theme: Big Sur’s raw, dramatic coastline
• Main stops: McWay Falls → scenic Highway 1 pullouts → Big Sur hike → return drive
• Approx cost (per adult):
  • State park entry: $
  • Food (picnic + dinner): $$–$$$
  • Extra gas for Highway 1 drive

This day cements your Monterey itinerary 3 days as something much bigger than just “a beach trip.” It’s a full immersion in the Central Coast.

Budget Overview for a 3-Day Monterey Itinerary

For a 3-day Monterey itinerary (2 nights), here’s a rough estimate per person if you’re sharing a room:

• Accommodation (2 nights):
  • Budget motels / basic inns: lower end
  • Mid-range hotels / cute Carmel inns: middle
  • Upscale & boutique hotels: higher
• Meals (3 days):
  • Breakfasts: coffee + pastry or simple café meals
  • Lunches: mix of casual and picnics
  • Dinners: 2–3 sit-down meals
• Activities & fees:
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • 17-Mile Drive toll
  • State park entries (Point Lobos, Big Sur parks)
• Parking & gas:
  • City parking meters & lots
  • Highway 1 driving

With smart choices—picnics, moderate hotel options—you can reasonably keep this Monterey Bay itinerary in the $500–$1,000 per person range, depending on your travel style.

Weather, Seasons & What to Pack

Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur share similar coastal weather: mild, often foggy mornings, and cooler-than-you-expect evenings—even in summer.

Seasonal Overview

• Spring (Mar–May):
  • Mornings: mid-50s to low 60s, possible fog
  • Midday: mid-60s to low 70s
  • Pros: Wildflowers, whale migrations, moderate crowds
  • Cons: Some rainy days
• Summer (Jun–Aug):
  • Mornings: foggy, low to mid-60s
  • Midday: 70–75°F, often sunny
  • Pros: Long days, warmest temps
  • Cons: Heaviest crowds, highest prices
• Fall (Sep–Nov):
  • Mornings: 60–65°F, often clear
  • Midday: 70–78°F, sunny
  • Pros: Best overall combo of weather, light, and crowds
  • Cons: Rain risk increases by late November
• Winter (Dec–Feb):
  • Mornings: 50–55°F
  • Midday: 60–65°F, often overcast
  • Pros: Lowest prices, dramatic “moody” atmosphere
  • Cons: Short daylight, more rain, possible stormy seas

What to Pack (All Seasons)

• Layered clothing (t-shirt + long-sleeve + fleece/light sweater + windbreaker)
• Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking shoes
• 2L water bottle per person for hiking days
• Sunscreen (coastal reflection intensifies UV)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Small backpack for day trips
• Phone + power bank (especially for Big Sur, where signal is spotty)

For spring/fall, add a light rain jacket. For winter, bring a heavier waterproof layer and warmer insulated items. For summer, don’t skip the layers—mornings and evenings can still be chilly.

Adapting This Monterey Itinerary With Kids (and Toddlers)

This Monterey CA itinerary is surprisingly family-friendly, especially if you tweak the pacing:

With Toddlers (0–3)

• Day 1:
  • Aquarium: 2–2.5 hours max
  • Short Coastal Trail walk with stroller
  • Skip long downtown wander; add nap break at hotel
• Day 2:
  • 17-Mile Drive with more car time, fewer stops
  • Carmel village + beach play
  • At Point Lobos, only do short, easy sections like Cypress Grove and a brief Sea Lion viewpoint
• Day 3:
  • McWay Falls viewpoint only (no long hikes)
  • A few scenic pullouts and then head back—no major uphill trail

With Preschoolers (3–5)

• Aquarium + Coastal Trail work well.
• Shorter hikes at Point Lobos and Big Sur: aim for 1–1.5 miles total.
• Build in playground or beach time (Monterey’s shoreline and Carmel Beach both work).

With School-Age Kids (6–12)

• You can follow almost the full 3-day plan, especially if they’re used to walking.
• Consider shorter version of the Big Sur hike—turn around when energy dips.

With Teens

• Teens can generally handle the full Monterey 3 day itinerary and will likely love the mix of wildlife, photography, and adventure.

Safety, Driving & Crowd Tips

• Ocean safety:
  • Water is cold (low 50s°F). Even in summer, treat it with respect.
  • Watch for rip currents and never turn your back on waves when on rocks.
• Hiking safety:
  • Stay on marked trails—cliffs and unstable ground are very real hazards.
  • Bring more water than you think you need, especially on Big Sur hikes.
• Highway 1 driving:
  • Speed limits are often 35–45 mph; stick to them.
  • Fog can appear quickly; use headlights, not high beams, and slow down.
  • Check for closures or construction before your trip (Caltrans site or local updates).
• Crowd-avoidance:
  • Visit popular spots (Aquarium, McWay Falls, Point Lobos) early in the day.
  • Fall weekdays are your best bet for light crowds and great weather.
  • If you’re stuck with a summer weekend, your secret weapon is early starts each morning.

FAQs: Monterey Bay Itinerary

Wrap Up: Why This 3-Day Monterey Itinerary Works

After three days of sea lions, kelp forests, cypress groves, and cliffside views, what I love most about this Monterey itinerary is its balance:

• Variety: Urban waterfront, historic streets, charming villages, and wild coastline all in one trip.
• Pacing: Each day builds on the last—Monterey’s classics, Carmel’s charm and Point Lobos’ trails, then Big Sur’s epic finale.
• Flexibility: You can trim it down to a 1- or 2-day Monterey CA itinerary, or stretch it with extra nights if you fall in love with a particular spot.
• Realism: Driving times, trail lengths, costs, and weather are all factored in so you don’t feel rushed or overcommitted.

Whether this is your first time on California’s Central Coast or a return visit to dig deeper, this 3-day Monterey itinerary gives you a complete, unforgettable long weekend. Save this guide, charge your camera, pack your layers, and get ready for three days that will quietly ruin you for other coastlines—in the best possible way.

The Monterey Peninsula is waiting.