8 days in Big Sur, Monterey & Yosemite National Park Itinerary

A sparsely populated area with stunning views, Big Sur attracts artists and tourists traveling California’s scenic Highway 1.

On the 15th (Wed), take in the views from Bixby Bridge, then stroll through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, then trek along Partington Cove, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Pfeiffer State Beach.

To see ratings, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Big Sur vacation planning site.

Detroit to Big Sur is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Detroit to Big Sur, you'll gain 3 hours due to the time zone difference. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Detroit in July, with highs in Big Sur at 69°F and lows at 55°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Monterey.

Monterey is a city in the U.S. Kick off your visit on the 16th (Thu): observe the fascinating underwater world at Monterey Bay Aquarium, then cruise along 17-Mile Drive, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Pacific Grove Shoreline Parkway Marine Refuge.

Before you visit Monterey, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Traveling by car from Big Sur to Monterey takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Monterey can reach 69°F, while at night they dip to 55°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Thu) early enough to travel to Yosemite National Park.

Massive granite mountains, towering waterfalls, groves of Giant Sequoia trees, and wilderness as far as the eye can see distinguish the landscape of Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park is known for nature, trails, and scenic drive. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in the dramatic natural features at Glacier Point, trek along Panorama Trail, admire the sheer force of Vernal Fall, and take a memorable drive along Tioga Pass.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Yosemite National Park trip tool.

Drive from Monterey to Yosemite National Park in 5 hours. While traveling from Monterey, expect a bit warmer days and slightly colder nights in Yosemite National Park, ranging from highs of 83°F to lows of 46°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) early enough to travel back home.