2025.02.03 – Stream Notes

Sure! Here’s a great **day trip itinerary for Big Sur** coming from **San Jose**. This plan balances **scenic drives, short hikes, beaches, and good food**, giving you the best of Big Sur in one day.
					    
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					- ### **6:30 AM – Depart from San Jose**
					- Grab coffee and a light breakfast to-go.
					- Take **US-101 S to CA-156 W, then merge onto CA-1 S (Pacific Coast Highway).**
					- Expect about **2.5 hours** of driving.
					    
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					- ### **9:00 AM – Bixby Bridge**   *(Quick Stop – 15 min)*
					- One of the most iconic spots in Big Sur.
					- Park at the pullout on the north side for the best photo angle.
					- If it’s foggy, wait a few minutes—it often clears up quickly.
					    
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					- ### **9:30 AM – Pfeiffer Beach**   *(1 Hour)*
					- A short, unmarked road (Sycamore Canyon Rd) leads to this **stunning purple sand beach**.
					- See the famous **Keyhole Rock** where waves crash through a natural arch.
					- $12 parking fee, but totally worth it.
					    
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					- ### **10:45 AM – McWay Falls**   *(Quick Stop – 30 min)*
					- A short, easy walk from the parking lot gives you a view of **a waterfall cascading onto the beach**.
					- No beach access, but the viewpoint is breathtaking.
					- Located in **Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park**.
					    
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					- ### **11:30 AM – Lunch at Big Sur Bakery or Nepenthe**   *(1 Hour)*
					- **Big Sur Bakery** (lighter, pastries, and sandwiches)
					- **Nepenthe** (great views, pricier, classic Big Sur experience)
					    
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					- ### **1:00 PM – Partington Cove Hike**   *(1 Hour)*
					- A hidden gem hike (~1-mile round trip).
					- Takes you through a tunnel to a secluded rocky cove.
					- Less crowded than other Big Sur spots.
					    
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					- ### **2:15 PM – Calla Lily Valley at Garrapata State Park**   *(30 min)*
					- If visiting in **spring (Feb-April)**, this spot is magical!
					- A short, easy walk leads to a **valley of wild calla lilies near a stream**.
					- Even outside spring, Garrapata Beach is gorgeous.
					    
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					- ### **3:00 PM – Drive Back to San Jose (Optional Quick Stops)**
					- **Point Lobos State Natural Reserve** *(if you have time – great tide pools & ocean views)*
					- **Carmel-by-the-Sea** *(grab coffee, explore cute shops)*
					    
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					- ### **6:00 PM – Arrive Back in San Jose**
					    
					  This itinerary gives you **the best of Big Sur in one day**—stunning coastal views, light hiking, beaches, and great food. Let me know if you want any tweaks! 🚗🌊

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