Best places to visit in Monterey and Big Sur during a quick two day trip?

Hi Agatha,

Awesome that you're traveling to Monterey and Big Sur! Two days is a short amount of time for the amazing area, but here are some must-sees, along with a few fave restaurants:

Monterey:

• Walk along the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail . My favorite stretch of the 29 mile trail begins near the Monterey Bay Aquarium and ends near Lovers Point Park .
  
  

Carmel (Don't miss it if you're in the area!):

• The best place to walk is Scenic Rd or just around town. 
• Ocean Ave is the main drag, lined with what seems to be an endless amount of charming side streets.
• For food, check out Katy's Place (BEST Eggs Benedict!), Dametra Cafe , Pastries and Petals
• Mission Ranch Hotel also has a restaurant, which is a really fun experience. The piano bar draws locals and tourists and while the food is only so-so, it's sure to be a night to remember (with a possible Clint Eastwood sighting).
  
• Explore Point Lobos State Reserve . The trails range in difficulty, but this place is one of the most spectacular sights in all of California!

Big Sur:

• Garrapata State Park , a short distance before Bixby Creek Bridge , is my favorite beach in Big Sur. 
  
• For food, try Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant or Nepenthe . Nepenthe is the best on a clear day, where you can often see whales migrating from the coast. Order the hamburger with the ambrosia sauce - even if you think you don't like it. 
• Spend time at the Coast Gallery & Cafe . Not only does it have a large collection of Henry Miller crafts (the Henry Miller Memorial Library is nearby) but has a great rooftop where you can snack or drink delicious coffee/hot chocolate and look at the water.
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a beautiful place to hike. The natural waterfall is a mile walk from the parking lot and draw crowds, but the trails are much less populated.
• Hike to the hot springs. There are a variety of options, written about nicely here .
• More of my Big Sur faveshere .
  
  

Have a great time!