9 days in San Jose, Carmel & Big Sur Itinerary

To see other places to visit, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the San Jose trip builder tool.

Norfolk to San Jose is an approximately 8.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Norfolk to San Jose is minus 3 hours. In October, daytime highs in San Jose are 77°F, while nighttime lows are 54°F. On the 4th (Tue), you'll travel to Carmel.

You've added Talbott Vineyards, Del Mar Beach, Albatross Ridge Tasting Room, and other attractions to your itinerary. Do some cultural sightseeing at Ocean Avenue and Caraccioli Cellars. Step off the beaten path and head to Scenic Road Walkway and China Cove. Take a break from Carmel with a short trip to Moss Landing State Beach in Moss Landing, about 34 minutes away.

For ratings, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Carmel trip website.

Traveling by car from San Jose to Carmel takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. When traveling from San Jose in October, plan for little chillier days in Carmel, with highs around 70°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 52°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 9th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Big Sur.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Mon): admire the majestic nature at Andrew Molera State Park, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Partington Cove, and then kick back and relax at Pfeiffer State Beach.

To see more things to do, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Big Sur vacation planner.

Drive from Carmel to Big Sur in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. October in Big Sur sees daily highs of 70°F and lows of 52°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Mon) early enough to go by car to San Jose.

On the 11th (Tue), hike along Los Gatos Creek Trail, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Our Lady of Peace Church, then look for all kinds of wild species at Mission Peak Regional Preserve, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Coachella Valley Church.

To see photos, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the San Jose trip planning tool.

Drive from Big Sur to San Jose in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. Traveling from Big Sur in October, expect nights in San Jose to be about the same, around 54°F, while days are somewhat warmer, around 77°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) early enough to fly back home.