Dashboard

August Coastal Road Trip

Aug 10 – 14, 2026
Lodging for Tonight

Big Sur Lodge

Cozy rustic lodging nestled among the majestic redwoods of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

8:15 AM1h 45m drive
transit

Depart Palo Alto

Depart from Palo Alto in the morning to start your scenic adventure down the California coast.

Depart Palo Alto
1h 45m drive (85 miles)
10:00 AM
nature

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

1.0 mile loop
Negligible
Easy

Explore dramatic granite cliffs, hidden coves, and spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities including sea otters and seals.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
50m drive (28 miles)
1:30 PM
nature

Pfeiffer Beach

0.5 miles RT
Minimal
Easy

Discover the unique purple sand beach and the iconic Keyhole Arch rock formation.

Pfeiffer Beach
15m drive (9 miles)
3:30 PM
nature

Partington Cove

1.0 mile RT
300 ft
Moderate

Walk through a historic 60-foot wooden tunnel to reach a rugged, rocky beach with pristine ocean waters.

Partington Cove
10m drive (6 miles)
6:30 PM
food

Dinner at Nepenthe

Unwind with dinner overlooking the spectacular California coastline from 800 feet above the ocean.

Dinner at Nepenthe
5m drive (3 miles)
End of Daylodging

Big Sur Lodge

Cozy rustic lodging nestled among the majestic redwoods of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.