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granola girls' weekend in norcal: big sur & carmel
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items live your big little lies fantasy in this outdoorsy x spa weekend roadtrip, from an ex-california girl of 6 years. a car is absolutely required, plus prayers that pch will be open throughout the whole route 🤞
Sections
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what to do in big sur 🌊
what to do in carmel 🏘️
what to do in big sur 🌊
embrace a moody, misty forest drive through the big little lies backdrop
cozy glamping accommodations that feel like you're in the wilderness without giving up wi-fi and four walls. curl up in front of the fireplace conveniently nestled in pfeiffer big sur state park 🪵
as a guest, you receive a complimentary day pass to three state parks: pfeiffer big sur, andrew molera, and julia pfeiffer burns state park!
as a guest, you receive a complimentary day pass to three state parks: pfeiffer big sur, andrew molera, and julia pfeiffer burns state park!
Big Sur Lodge
big sur lodge's onsite restaurant, the outdoor patio is ideal for soaking in alpine air while listening to the river babble nearby—plus you don't have to go far at all! 🌲
Homestead Restaurant
a tidefall with minimal walking to reach, park in julia pfeiffer burns state park then walk through the tunnel running underneath the road to reach this free viewpoint 💦
McWay Falls
also known as cafe kevah also known as the phoenix shop, stop here for a late breakfast once the morning marine layer has burned off to take in elevated ocean views before shopping for local tchotchkes—my staple leather tote is from the gift shop! ☕
Nepenthe
witness the daily phenomenon of the setting sun slotting directly through the keyhole arch rock formation, or simply watch waves crashing through from the purple sand beach of pfeiffer state park during the day. parking is $15/vehicle, so it pays to ...
Keyhole Arch
a restaurant where you can eat IN the big sur river, bask in an adriondack chair that's quite literally seated in the babbling brook 🪑
Big Sur River Inn Restaurant
a 4-mile roundtrip moderate hike full of redwood trails and rolling hillside views with easy access across from big sur lodge
Buzzards Roost Viewpoint
the main event: THE single-span arch bridge of big sur—this is the money shot (which means hundreds of other people will be here too.)
parallel parking on the side of the road can be a challenge, and you may have to park a ways away before walking back to the site 🌁
parallel parking on the side of the road can be a challenge, and you may have to park a ways away before walking back to the site 🌁
Bixby Bridge
what to do in carmel 🏘️
25 minutes up the road from bixby bridge, once you've gotten all that hiking out of the way a relaxing day in carmel-by-the-sea is called for
modern country chic, boutique accommodations with a pool and hot tub—all without breaking the bank!
the best part is the location, with the barnyard shopping village in the background you're steps away from the cutest coffee shops and best shopping in town 🐄
the best part is the location, with the barnyard shopping village in the background you're steps away from the cutest coffee shops and best shopping in town 🐄
Carmel Mission Inn
the rustic outdoor mall behind the carmel mission inn, every level of this tiered, cottagecore complex needs to be explored with all sorts of charming nooks and crannies—there's even a SUR for vanderpump rules fans 🏘️
we got seasonal drinks from carmel valley coffee roasting in the morning.
we got seasonal drinks from carmel valley coffee roasting in the morning.
The Barnyard Shopping Village
a digital detox, this no-phone silent facility not only has typical spa services but an entire outdoor space including a cedar sauna, two eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, six hot & warm pools with thermal waterfalls, four nordic cool & cold pl...
Refuge Spa
a historic 1800s sheep ranch owned by clint eastwood (seriously), dig into hearty american cuisine for dinner sitting under the warm patio heaters as you watch the sun set over the green meadow 🐑
Mission Ranch Restaurant
the most artisanal brunch you'll find in town, the rotating menu of seasonal dishes sourced from monterey and santa cruz county farms is scrumptious without being pretentious 🍳
Stationæry
a complimentary tasting room if you're feeling a bit peckish but don't want to stop for a full snack, sample olive oil, honey butter, shrubs, you name it! 🫒
Olivier Napa Valley
a fairytale cottage housing the tastiest treats for any and all kinds of sweet tooths, it's worth walking over here to admire the cottagecore architecture and pink turreted house next door even if you don't step instead 🍬
Cottage of Sweets
wine tasting in a country, cowboy-themed room, since when you're this close to napa valley, you might as well have a glass! 🍷
Galante Vineyards Tasting Room
while not technically in carmel, the 17-mile drive entrance through pebble beach is right at the top of town, so it'd be a shame to miss this stretch of scenic coastal beauty while you're here. look out for the lone cypress, seal rock, and cypress point lookout 🦭
admission is $12.25/vehicle, reimbursable with a purchase of $35+ at all resort restaurants.
admission is $12.25/vehicle, reimbursable with a purchase of $35+ at all resort restaurants.
17-Mile Drive