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Overview
All days start and end in Santa ClaraDay 1 — Sat May 23
🌊 Big Sur via Monterey, 17-Mile Drive & Carmel
Leave 8am · Return ~7:30pm · ~280 mi round trip
Leave 8am · Return ~7:30pm · ~280 mi round trip
Day 2 — Sun May 24
🌲 Redwoods, Año Nuevo & Santa Cruz
Leave 7:30am · Return ~5pm · ~180 mi round trip
Leave 7:30am · Return ~5pm · ~180 mi round trip
Day 3 — Mon May 25 (Memorial Day)
🌉 San Francisco & Sausalito
Leave 7am · Return by 6pm · ~120 mi round trip
Leave 7am · Return by 6pm · ~120 mi round trip
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Memorial Day Traffic Guide
Plan ahead — it's one of the busiest weekends of the yearDay 1 · Saturday May 23
101 South at 8am — clear. Heading south early is your biggest advantage. Hwy 1 through Big Sur gets congested going south by midday — you'll hit it at the right time. Biggest risk: northbound 101 after 5pm. Try to leave Big Sur by 5:30pm or you'll sit in Memorial Weekend return traffic. McWay Falls is your last stop — time it right.
Day 2 · Sunday May 24 ⚠️ Worst day
Hwy 17 to Santa Cruz backs up by 9am on summer Sundays. Leave Santa Clara by 7:30am to get ahead of it. Henry Cowell parking lot fills by 10am on busy weekends — arrive before 9am. Año Nuevo gets busy by early afternoon. Head home by 4pm to avoid the Sunday evening 17 crawl.
Day 3 · Monday May 25 (Memorial Day)
Morning into SF is surprisingly okay — many people leave Sunday night. Golden Gate Bridge parking is nearly impossible — use the Presidio lots and walk. Critical: leave SF by 3:30pm. Memorial Day afternoon on 101 is brutal. Every extra minute after 4pm adds 20 min to your drive home.
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Day-by-Day Schedule
Day 1 · Saturday May 23
Big Sur
Santa Clara → Monterey → 17-Mile Drive → Carmel → Point Lobos → Big Sur → home
8:00am
Depart
Depart
Leave Santa Clara
Breakfast at home. Hit the road by 8am sharp. Take Hwy 101 South — smooth sailing at this hour.
RouteHwy 101 S all the way to Salinas, then Hwy 68 W toward Monterey. ~1 hr 45 min to Monterey with no stops.
9:45am
Monterey
Monterey
Cannery Row — Coastal Walk
Stretch your legs with a 30-min walk along the Monterey waterfront. Cannery Row is scenic, historic, and much more local than SF's wharf. Watch the sea otters floating in the kelp just offshore — no aquarium needed.
ParkingPark anywhere along Cannery Row — metered street parking or the Cannery Row Garage at 75 Prescott Ave. Easy 30-min stop. Stay on the waterfront path.
10:30am
17-Mile Dr
17-Mile Dr
17-Mile Drive — Pebble Beach
Enter at the Pacific Grove Gate and drive south. 20+ named stops — Lone Cypress (the most photographed tree in North America), Bird Rock covered in pelicans and seals, Pebble Beach Golf Course, and dramatic rocky coves. Allow 1.5 hrs.
DrivingFrom Cannery Row head west on Ocean View Blvd to Pacific Grove Gate (on Sunset Dr). Exit at the Carmel Gate on the south end — this drops you right into Carmel village. ~10 min from Monterey to gate.
12:00pm
Carmel
Carmel
Carmel-by-the-Sea — Lunch
Exit 17-Mile Drive straight into Carmel. Lunch at Mission Ranch — a historic meadow-view property owned by Clint Eastwood. Stunning setting with views to the ocean. Book in advance! Alternatively walk Ocean Ave for casual spots.
ParkingMission Ranch is at 26270 Dolores St, Carmel. Free parking on site. Ocean Ave has a public lot at 3rd Ave. After lunch, head south on Hwy 1 — Point Lobos is 2 miles south of Carmel.
1:30pm
Point Lobos
Point Lobos
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Sea otters in kelp forests. Harbor seals on the rocks. Turquoise coves. One of the most biodiverse marine areas on the planet. Walk the Sea Lion Point or Cypress Grove Trail — both under 1 mile, both jaw-dropping.
DrivingHead south on Hwy 1 from Carmel, ~2 miles. Entrance on the right (west side). Pay at the gate. Parking fills by noon on holiday Saturdays — if lot is full, roadside parking is allowed just outside on Hwy 1 shoulder.
3:00pm
Garrapata
Garrapata
Garrapata Trail, Beach & Calla Lily Valley
Free and spectacular. Late May means wildflowers on the coastal bluffs and Calla Lilies blooming in the hidden canyon. One of the most dramatic cliff-edge trails on the entire California coast. The beach below is wild and pristine.
DrivingContinue south on Hwy 1 ~7 miles from Point Lobos. No signage — look for Gates 18 & 19 (pull-outs on the shoulder). Park on the shoulder. GPS: 36.4585° N, 121.9275° W is a good approximation.
4:15pm
Bixby
Bixby
Bixby Creek Bridge — Photo Stop
The most photographed bridge in California. Quick 5–10 min stop for photos — you'll take 50. The pull-out on the north side gives the iconic shot looking south.
Driving~8 miles south of Garrapata on Hwy 1. Pull-out is on the right (north side) just before you cross the bridge heading south. Slow down — it's easy to miss. Don't stop ON the bridge.
4:45pm
McWay Falls
McWay Falls
McWay Falls — Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
The crown jewel of the day. An 80-ft waterfall dropping directly onto a turquoise beach cove that you can't reach — making it somehow more magical. The overlook trail is only 0.7 miles round trip. Utterly surreal.
⚠️ TimingAllow 45 min here then head back north. Leave by 5:30pm to beat holiday traffic on 101 home. The park stays open until sunset but you need to drive.
Driving~12 miles south of Bixby Bridge on Hwy 1. Well-signed. Park in the day-use lot east of highway. Cross the pedestrian tunnel under Hwy 1 to reach the falls trail. To go home: drive back north on Hwy 1 → Hwy 68 E → Hwy 101 N to Santa Clara. ~2 hrs home.
Day 2 · Sunday May 24
Redwoods & Año Nuevo
Santa Clara → Henry Cowell Redwoods → Año Nuevo Seals → Santa Cruz → home
7:30am
Depart
Depart
Leave Santa Clara — Beat Hwy 17
Leave by 7:30am. Hwy 17 to Santa Cruz starts backing up by 9am on summer Sundays — getting ahead of it saves 45+ minutes.
RouteTake Hwy 17 South over the Santa Cruz Mountains. Once you drop into Santa Cruz, take Hwy 9 N toward Felton for Henry Cowell. ~50 min total.
8:45am
Santa Cruz Mtns
Santa Cruz Mtns
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Ancient coastal redwoods — some over 1,500 years old and 285 feet tall. The Redwood Grove Loop is only 0.8 miles but feels like walking into a cathedral. Completely flat, all ages, deeply peaceful. One of the best things you'll do all weekend.
ParkingEntrance at 101 N. Big Trees Park Rd, Felton CA. Large parking lot inside. Arrives before 9am — lot fills by 10am on holiday weekends. Allow 1–1.5 hrs here.
10:30am
Año Nuevo
Año Nuevo
Año Nuevo State Park — Elephant Seals
Massive elephant seals — bulls weigh up to 2 tons — lolling on the beach. Late May means juveniles and young adults are on shore. A 3-mile round trip walk to the colony along the bluffs. One of the most unusual wildlife experiences in California.
DrivingFrom Felton take Hwy 9 S back to Santa Cruz, then Hwy 1 N for ~27 miles. Well-signed off the highway. ~45 min from Henry Cowell. In May, self-guided walks are fine — no guided tour reservation needed (required Jan–Mar only).
1:00pm
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz — Lunch on Pacific Ave
Head back south to Santa Cruz for lunch. Pacific Ave has great casual spots — great fish tacos, burgers, and beach food. Walk down to the wharf if you like, or just soak up the beach-town energy before heading home.
DrivingFrom Año Nuevo, head south on Hwy 1 ~27 miles back to Santa Cruz. ~35 min. Park in the downtown structure on Cedar St or Locust St. Head home by 4pm via Hwy 17 N to beat Sunday evening traffic.
4:00pm
Head home
Head home
Back to Santa Clara
Leave Santa Cruz by 4pm. Hwy 17 North fills up fast on Sunday evenings — every 30 min you wait after 4pm adds 20 min to your drive.
RouteHwy 17 N from Santa Cruz over the mountains. Merge onto I-880 or Hwy 101 N into Santa Clara. ~50 min if you leave by 4pm. Could be 1.5 hrs if you leave at 5:30pm.
Day 3 · Monday May 25 — Memorial Day
San Francisco
Santa Clara → Mission → Alamo Sq → Sutro Baths → Golden Gate → Sausalito → Ferry Building → Ghirardelli → Chinatown (optional) → home
8:00am
The Mission
The Mission
Tartine Bakery — Breakfast
One of the most famous bakeries in America. The morning bun — orange zest, cinnamon, flaky pastry — is legendary. This is the first neighborhood you enter coming from the south on 280, so zero detour. Arrive right at 8am to beat the line.
Driving + ParkingTake I-280 N into SF (more scenic, less traffic than 101). Exit Cesar Chavez St W, right on Guerrero St. Tartine at 600 Guerrero St. Street parking on Guerrero or nearby side streets — free before 9am on most blocks.
8:45am
Mission
Mission
Mission Dolores Park
Two-minute walk from Tartine. Eat your pastries on the hilltop with the downtown skyline spread out in front of you. On a clear May morning this is one of the best views in the city. Catches it before the crowds arrive.
WalkingWalk south 2 min on Guerrero St. Enter at the 20th St entrance for the best hilltop view. Leave the car parked on Guerrero.
9:20am
Alamo Sq
Alamo Sq
The Painted Ladies — Alamo Square
The iconic Victorian row houses from the Full House opening credits, with the downtown skyline behind them. Take the photo from the top of Alamo Square Park hill — NOT from the street in front. Way better angle. 15-min stop.
Driving~10 min from Dolores Park. North on Guerrero → left on 17th → right on Scott St to Alamo Square. Park on Steiner St facing the houses or in the neighborhood. Leave the car and walk into the park.
10:00am
Lands End
Lands End
Sutro Baths & Lands End
Victorian-era ruins of a massive public swimming complex — now meeting the open Pacific Ocean. Walk down into the ruins, explore the sea caves, watch the waves crash through the rock arches. One of SF's most dramatic and underrated spots.
Driving~20 min from Alamo Square. Head west on Fulton St through the Richmond, right on 48th Ave, follow signs to Lands End. Park in the Lands End Lookout lot (free, fills fast — good at 10am). Take the coastal approach drive through the Richmond for atmosphere.
11:15am
Presidio
Presidio
Golden Gate Bridge
Walk across (1.7 miles each way) or walk to the south tower overlook. Drive the approach through the Presidio from Sutro Baths for the best coastal angle. Every view is photo-worthy.
⚠️ Parking Strategy — Memorial DayThe SE lot at the bridge has only 26 spaces and will be full. Use the Presidio lots on Lincoln Blvd (free) and walk ~10 min to the bridge. Or drop passengers at the bridge, driver parks in the Presidio and walks back to meet the group.
DrivingFrom Sutro Baths head north on Point Lobos Ave → El Camino Del Mar through the Presidio (gorgeous coastal road). Follow bridge signs. Presidio lots on Lincoln Blvd are your best bet for parking.
12:30pm
Sausalito
Sausalito
Barrel House Tavern — Lunch in Sausalito
Cross the Golden Gate into Marin County. Lunch on the Sausalito waterfront with sweeping bay views — sea lions, sailboats, the SF skyline across the water. Shrimp risotto and steak sandwich are standouts. Sit outside on the deck.
DrivingCross the Golden Gate heading north on Hwy 101. Take Alexander Ave exit immediately after bridge, loop back under freeway toward Sausalito. Barrel House Tavern at 660 Bridgeway. Paid parking on Bridgeway or Caledonia St garage.
2:15pm
Embarcadero
Embarcadero
Ferry Building Marketplace
Cross back over the bridge and swing east to the waterfront. Artisan cheese, local oysters, Dandelion Chocolate, Blue Bottle Coffee. Browse the stalls and grab snacks for the drive home. Beautiful promenade along the bay.
DrivingFrom Sausalito, Hwy 101 S back over the bridge → follow signs to downtown SF Embarcadero. Ferry Building at 1 Ferry Building on the waterfront. Park in Embarcadero Center garage (paid, ~$4/hr).
3:00pm
Wharf
Wharf
Ghirardelli — Hot Fudge Sundae
A 15-min walk north along the waterfront from Ferry Building to Ghirardelli Square. End the entire weekend with a legendary hot fudge sundae looking out at the bay. You've fully earned it.
⚠️ Leave by 3:30pm — Critical on Memorial DayEvery minute after 4pm on Memorial Day afternoon adds significant time to your drive home on 101. The sundae is worth it — just don't linger.
Walk + DriveWalk 15 min north along Embarcadero to Ghirardelli (900 North Point St). Then pick up car from Ferry Building garage. Home via I-280 S or Hwy 101 S. ~1 hr if you leave by 3:30pm.
Optional
+1 hr
+1 hr
Cable Car to Chinatown — Optional
If energy allows — board at Hyde & Beach St next to Ghirardelli. $8/person. Hang off the outside on the hills. Drops you in Chinatown for a final wander, dim sum, and souvenir shopping. Adds ~1 hr — only if you can leave by 3:30pm total.
Cable CarBoard at Hyde & Beach Streets at Ghirardelli. $8/person — buy at booth or online. Ask conductor for Chinatown/Grant Ave stop. Uber/Lyft back to your car at Embarcadero garage.
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Budget Estimate
For 4 people totalDay 1 · Big Sur
$260–$440
Gas ~280 mi round trip — ~$42
17-Mile Drive toll — $12/car
Point Lobos — $15/car
McWay Falls — $10/car
Lunch Mission Ranch — $25–40pp
Snacks / extras — ~$20
17-Mile Drive toll — $12/car
Point Lobos — $15/car
McWay Falls — $10/car
Lunch Mission Ranch — $25–40pp
Snacks / extras — ~$20
Day 2 · Redwoods
$140–$220
Gas ~180 mi round trip — ~$27
Henry Cowell — $10/car
Año Nuevo — $10/car
Lunch Santa Cruz — $15–25pp
Snacks / extras — ~$15
Henry Cowell — $10/car
Año Nuevo — $10/car
Lunch Santa Cruz — $15–25pp
Snacks / extras — ~$15
Day 3 · San Francisco
$220–$360
Gas ~120 mi round trip — ~$18
Parking SF (Embarcadero garage) — ~$20
Tartine breakfast — $10–15pp
Lunch Sausalito — $25–40pp
Ghirardelli sundaes — $12–15pp
Cable car (optional) — $8pp
Parking SF (Embarcadero garage) — ~$20
Tartine breakfast — $10–15pp
Lunch Sausalito — $25–40pp
Ghirardelli sundaes — $12–15pp
Cable car (optional) — $8pp
Total weekend estimate · 4 people
$620 – $1,020
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Before You Go — Checklist
Book Mission Ranch, Carmel for Day 1 lunch — fills fast on holiday weekends
Download Google Maps offline for Big Sur — cell service is spotty on Hwy 1 south of Carmel
Pack layers for everyone — coastal temps run 15°F cooler than Santa Clara, and windy
Wear comfortable walking shoes all 3 days — lots of trail walking especially Day 1
Bring a portable power bank — long days away from outlets
Bring cash for park gates — some don't take cards (Point Lobos, Año Nuevo)
Optional: pre-buy Ghirardelli sundaes online to skip the line on Memorial Day
Check Hwy 1 / Big Sur road conditions before Day 1 at dot.ca.gov — landslides can close it
Fill up gas in Santa Clara before each day — Big Sur has almost no gas stations
Sunscreen even on cloudy days — coastal UV is high even when it feels cool
Day 3: drop passengers at each SF stop, driver parks — saves huge amounts of time
Bixby Creek north overlook: slow down on Hwy 1 heading south — easy to drive past
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Important Info
🅿️ Parking Tips
- Big Sur: shoulder parking is legal outside park lots when full
- Garrapata: park on Hwy 1 shoulder — no official lot
- SF Golden Gate: Presidio lots on Lincoln Blvd (free)
- SF Ferry Building: Embarcadero Center garage ~$4/hr
- Sausalito: Caledonia St garage or Bridgeway metered
📞 Key Numbers & Links
- Hwy 1 conditions: dot.ca.gov
- Point Lobos: (831) 624-4909
- Mission Ranch Carmel: (831) 624-6436
- Barrel House Tavern: (415) 729-9593
- Año Nuevo: (650) 879-2025
- Henry Cowell: (831) 335-4598
🌤️ Weather to Expect
Late May on the California coast:
Santa Clara: 75–85°F sunny
Big Sur coast: 55–65°F, often foggy mornings clearing by noon
Santa Cruz: 60–70°F
San Francisco: 55–65°F, typically foggy morning, clear afternoon
Pack a fleece or light jacket for everyone. Wind is the surprise factor on the coast.
🍽️ Food Summary
- Day 1: Lunch at Mission Ranch, Carmel (book ahead)
- Day 2: Casual lunch on Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
- Day 3: Tartine breakfast + Barrel House Tavern lunch + Ghirardelli sundaes
- All other meals at home in Santa Clara
- Bring snacks and water for Day 1 — Big Sur has very limited food options