Posted by Scott Bideau on April 5, 2012 at 4:37 PM
I'm going to hit Big Sur after a business trip to San Jose the week of May 7th. I'm trying to determine the best hotel approach: (1) stay in Carmel and keep driving in or (2) plan an itinerary from north to south and stay in smaller hotels along the way.
One specific question is, how long would it take to drive from Carmel to the following locations before sunrise and the same question from these locations back to Carmel at night: (1) Garrapata, (2) Pfeiffer Beach, and (3) Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Or, would I be much better off due to driving time, treacherous night time driving, etc. to simply stay in hotels closer to my daily shooting spots.
My primary requirement is reliable phone/Internet access in the hotel, as this will be a "working" vacation, photographing at sunrise/sunset but working remotely otherwise.
If you start from Hwy 1 near Carmel, it takes ~15-20 minutes to Garrapata and ~45 minutes to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. I'd add a little more if this is your first time driving Hwy 1.
Personally, I'd prefer to stay at Carmel since there are many restaurants and shops there as well as the nearby towns of Monterey and Pacific Grove.
Posted by Scott Bideau on April 5, 2012 at 5:43 PM
Thanks Anil. Is the drive easy enough to make for the first time at night?
Driving at night there is no big deal. Either option will work. The hotel options in Big Sur are fairly expensive, although Carmel isn't cheap either. Would you have a longer drive in the dark at the ends of the day or spend more time moving your gear from one hotel to the other?
Hwy 1 is a well paved so driving is easy, even at night. Howerver, it does become narrow and twisty in certain sections (e.g. Carmel Highlands), so I like to suggest some caution. The reason I had mentioned adding some time to the estimates provided above is because it might be a little difficult to locate the access/entrace to the beach/park in the dark. Its not bad but being prepared for this is nice, especially if you wish to be at your destination for the right light.
Some of those state parks may not allow you to enter before the official opening time. Don't forget to check for this on their respective web-sites.
One more thing. Fog is a regular phenomenon along the coast. There is nothing you can do about this since it is very unpredictable. On the other hand, fog often presents some unique photo opportunities.
I hope you have a fun time on your trip to California.
One place I have stayed in Big Sur (a few year ago) that was one of the less expensive places is Glen Oaks Motel. They are are adequate simple rooms. phone number is 831.667.2105. There was a pretty good restaurant across the road. Another place that is one of the less costly places is the Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, which is rustic and funky; definitely Big Sur Energy 831-667-2377.
Regarding your tele-working, the Big Sur coast is backed by mountains, so don't count on cell phone coverage in all places. If you stay in one of the Big Sur hotels, be sure to check ahead for quality of phone and internet availability. This will not be a problem in Carmel.
Because the road in the mountainous parts (especially south of Garrapata) is narrow and twisty with steep drop-offs and few passing lanes, allow for delays caused by the megaRVs white-knuckling their drives at a few mph.
Also, Garrapata is a long beach/dune area with a number of slots with picturesque streams lined with calla lilies, so give yourself time to walk from the parking locations to scout the best locations before photo-taking time. If you're into birds, some of these streams are worked by dippers in settings that provide great photo opportunities.
All the above posts accurately reflect driving times and accommodations. However, don't leave any valuables visible in your vehicle, there are those unscrupulous types that hide in the brush and watch the comings and goings of those parking their vehicles. The coast is a wonderful area to photograph, enjoy
I would actually stay away from he Glen Oaks Motel. Way to overpriced just for a bed. In Big Sur, the Big Sur River Inn is a better choice and has a restaurant as well with decent food. The room rates are not bad also but book early. Fog will be an issue starting in May due to the upwelling phenomena along the northern California coast so keep that in mind. Drive times mentioned above are pretty accurate but take Anil's advice and add more time especially on the weekends as the area attracts tourist all trying to pull over at outlooks so expect traffic at times. Also not mentioned about Garrapata it's mostly all along cliffs. Very few access points to beach level and if you are daring enough to billy-goat your way down watch out for high tide as you can get trapped really quick. Also Garrapata is chock full of poison oak all along the cliffs and with the budget cuts for state parks they are not maintaining it as they used to. Good luck and enjoy the views, they are great
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not to be confused with Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park) is approximately 36 miles south of Carmel/Rio Rd/Hwy 1. Give yourself an hour to drive it during the daytime (traffic), if you were not making other stops along the way. You can park on the road and walk in, the gates to the parking lot have been open at night. A lot less traffic on the road at night.
Garrapata State Park starts about 6 miles south of Rio Rd/Hwy 1 and stretches for 4 miles along the coast and inland. Check my website for more detailed info about Garrapata (www.rainbowspirit.com). The road to Pfeiffer Beach (National Forest land) is located about 1 mile south (uphill) from Pfeiffer Big Sur SP (~23 miles south of Rio Rd.) - the only sign (yellow) for the road is "Narrow Road, RVs not recommended" and is paved and narrow and goes for 2 miles and ends at the parking lot for the beach (fee).
You didn't mention how long you will be in the Big Sur area, traveling back-and-forth between Carmel and Big Sur can be taxing if you are going the farthest distances each day (Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP/McWay Falls), although not so trying if you are doing the shorter trips each day. Most of the businesses, inns, etc. are located in the Big Sur Valley, along with Pfeiffer Big Sur SP and Pfeiffer Beach. South of the Big Sur Valley, there are several vantage points for photo opps - near the Coast Gallery (scalloped coastline), Partington Cove (no signs for it, short walk from road), Vista Pt pullout, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP/McWay Falls which is 9 miles south of Ventana Inn entrance.
Garrapata SP has a lot to offer in a relatively short area (~4 mile stretch along the coast). Between Garrapata and the Big Sur Valley, most of the pullouts with photo opps will be obvious - not to be missed is Bixby Bridge and Hurricane Pt. If you are up for an adventure, try the Old Coast Rd, the northern entrance is at Bixby Bridge and goes for about 13 miles and comes out on Hwy 1 across from Andrew Molera SP - it's a dirt road and steep in places.
There are various inns/hotels in Big Sur (River Inn, Fernwood, Glen Oaks Motel, Big Sur Lodge in Pfeiffer Big Sur SP, among others), and two near Rio Rd./Hwy 1 south of Carmel - Carmel River Inn and Carmel Mission Inn which are both near a shopping center. There are markets near the River Inn and south (uphill) from Pfeiffer Big Sur SP (Big Sur Deli) near Loma Vista gas station. Restaurants I can recommend are Big Sur Bakery, Deetjen's, Cielo (Ventana Inn, upscale); Nepenthe for atmosphere more so than their food.
If you have time, consider visiting Pt Lobos which is about 2 miles south of Rio Rd/Hwy 1 - lots to photograph.
If you have more specific questions, just let us know. Will be out of town for a few days and may not respond until later in the week.
regards,
David
Posted by Laurie Wendt on April 9, 2012 at 12:28 PM
Scott,
I decided on my upcoming trip to base out of Big Sur for my first 2 days staying at http://www.ripplewoodresort.com/index.htm. Then move to Carmel for 5 nights staying at http://www.carmelriverinn.com/. Both say they have internet access but since I've never been there I don't know how reliable it is. For me it was important to try and lessen the driving time. Since I'm staying in Carmel at the end of my trip, if I need to I can always revisit places around Big Sur.
Discussion
11 repliesOne specific question is, how long would it take to drive from Carmel to the following locations before sunrise and the same question from these locations back to Carmel at night: (1) Garrapata, (2) Pfeiffer Beach, and (3) Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Or, would I be much better off due to driving time, treacherous night time driving, etc. to simply stay in hotels closer to my daily shooting spots.
My primary requirement is reliable phone/Internet access in the hotel, as this will be a "working" vacation, photographing at sunrise/sunset but working remotely otherwise.
Any tips/advice is greatly appreciated.
If you start from Hwy 1 near Carmel, it takes ~15-20 minutes to Garrapata and ~45 minutes to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. I'd add a little more if this is your first time driving Hwy 1.
Personally, I'd prefer to stay at Carmel since there are many restaurants and shops there as well as the nearby towns of Monterey and Pacific Grove.
Hwy 1 is a well paved so driving is easy, even at night. Howerver, it does become narrow and twisty in certain sections (e.g. Carmel Highlands), so I like to suggest some caution. The reason I had mentioned adding some time to the estimates provided above is because it might be a little difficult to locate the access/entrace to the beach/park in the dark. Its not bad but being prepared for this is nice, especially if you wish to be at your destination for the right light.
Some of those state parks may not allow you to enter before the official opening time. Don't forget to check for this on their respective web-sites.
One more thing. Fog is a regular phenomenon along the coast. There is nothing you can do about this since it is very unpredictable. On the other hand, fog often presents some unique photo opportunities.
I hope you have a fun time on your trip to California.
Because the road in the mountainous parts (especially south of Garrapata) is narrow and twisty with steep drop-offs and few passing lanes, allow for delays caused by the megaRVs white-knuckling their drives at a few mph.
Also, Garrapata is a long beach/dune area with a number of slots with picturesque streams lined with calla lilies, so give yourself time to walk from the parking locations to scout the best locations before photo-taking time. If you're into birds, some of these streams are worked by dippers in settings that provide great photo opportunities.
Have fun, it's a great place.
---John
http://www.rainbowspirit.com/photographers-guide.html
I would actually stay away from he Glen Oaks Motel. Way to overpriced just for a bed. In Big Sur, the Big Sur River Inn is a better choice and has a restaurant as well with decent food. The room rates are not bad also but book early. Fog will be an issue starting in May due to the upwelling phenomena along the northern California coast so keep that in mind. Drive times mentioned above are pretty accurate but take Anil's advice and add more time especially on the weekends as the area attracts tourist all trying to pull over at outlooks so expect traffic at times. Also not mentioned about Garrapata it's mostly all along cliffs. Very few access points to beach level and if you are daring enough to billy-goat your way down watch out for high tide as you can get trapped really quick. Also Garrapata is chock full of poison oak all along the cliffs and with the budget cuts for state parks they are not maintaining it as they used to. Good luck and enjoy the views, they are great
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (not to be confused with Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park) is approximately 36 miles south of Carmel/Rio Rd/Hwy 1. Give yourself an hour to drive it during the daytime (traffic), if you were not making other stops along the way. You can park on the road and walk in, the gates to the parking lot have been open at night. A lot less traffic on the road at night.
Garrapata State Park starts about 6 miles south of Rio Rd/Hwy 1 and stretches for 4 miles along the coast and inland. Check my website for more detailed info about Garrapata (www.rainbowspirit.com). The road to Pfeiffer Beach (National Forest land) is located about 1 mile south (uphill) from Pfeiffer Big Sur SP (~23 miles south of Rio Rd.) - the only sign (yellow) for the road is "Narrow Road, RVs not recommended" and is paved and narrow and goes for 2 miles and ends at the parking lot for the beach (fee).
You didn't mention how long you will be in the Big Sur area, traveling back-and-forth between Carmel and Big Sur can be taxing if you are going the farthest distances each day (Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP/McWay Falls), although not so trying if you are doing the shorter trips each day. Most of the businesses, inns, etc. are located in the Big Sur Valley, along with Pfeiffer Big Sur SP and Pfeiffer Beach. South of the Big Sur Valley, there are several vantage points for photo opps - near the Coast Gallery (scalloped coastline), Partington Cove (no signs for it, short walk from road), Vista Pt pullout, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP/McWay Falls which is 9 miles south of Ventana Inn entrance.
Garrapata SP has a lot to offer in a relatively short area (~4 mile stretch along the coast). Between Garrapata and the Big Sur Valley, most of the pullouts with photo opps will be obvious - not to be missed is Bixby Bridge and Hurricane Pt. If you are up for an adventure, try the Old Coast Rd, the northern entrance is at Bixby Bridge and goes for about 13 miles and comes out on Hwy 1 across from Andrew Molera SP - it's a dirt road and steep in places.
There are various inns/hotels in Big Sur (River Inn, Fernwood, Glen Oaks Motel, Big Sur Lodge in Pfeiffer Big Sur SP, among others), and two near Rio Rd./Hwy 1 south of Carmel - Carmel River Inn and Carmel Mission Inn which are both near a shopping center. There are markets near the River Inn and south (uphill) from Pfeiffer Big Sur SP (Big Sur Deli) near Loma Vista gas station. Restaurants I can recommend are Big Sur Bakery, Deetjen's, Cielo (Ventana Inn, upscale); Nepenthe for atmosphere more so than their food.
If you have time, consider visiting Pt Lobos which is about 2 miles south of Rio Rd/Hwy 1 - lots to photograph.
If you have more specific questions, just let us know. Will be out of town for a few days and may not respond until later in the week.
regards,
David
I decided on my upcoming trip to base out of Big Sur for my first 2 days staying at http://www.ripplewoodresort.com/index.htm. Then move to Carmel for 5 nights staying at http://www.carmelriverinn.com/. Both say they have internet access but since I've never been there I don't know how reliable it is. For me it was important to try and lessen the driving time. Since I'm staying in Carmel at the end of my trip, if I need to I can always revisit places around Big Sur.