This spring break led myself and a few friends to explore the Pacific coastal areas of Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey – destinations touted for their aquatic life, picturesque coastlines, and outdoor activities. We only had less than two days to traverse the area so we made sure to do diligent research beforehand and created a worthwhile itinerary.

The beautiful towns are unsurprisingly more on the pricey end of the accommodation spectrum so we opted to stay in an Airbnb house in the Carmel Highlands. Our house was super secluded in the hills (so secluded that we got lost a few times on the way there) and had the perfect patio for us to hangout on late into the night.

Check out our stay in picture form:

Our first stop – Bixby Bridge (Big Sur). Sadly it was still foggy at this point in the day.

Pfieffer Beach (Big Sur)

The mystical purple sand that Pfieffer Beach is known for

At the lookout point at the top of the Ewoldsen Trail at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (Big Sur). 5 miles round-trip.

Shots at the McWay Falls (Big Sur) lookout point

Dinner at popular Mediterranean restaurant, Dametra’s, in Carmel. Be sure to make a reservation!

The view from our house in Carmel Highlands

Garrapata State Park (Carmel-by-the-Sea)

Point Lobos (Carmel)

The spectacular view of sea lions just chilling out on the beaches of Monterey

The 250+ year old lone Cypress tree in Monterey (only viewable on the $10 17-mile drive)