This is a new post for me but I travel a lot, and friends always ask me "do you have any recommendations for ____" Traveling is my favorite way to get inspired. After visiting a new place and seeing different sides of the world I always come back feeling super rejuvenated and full of ideas.

I would love to hear what you think about me sharing this kind of stuff? I was so thankful to have done this particular trip with my lifelong best friend, Cristina ... YALL, THIS WAS THE BEST TRIP and it was done in 32 hours!

Planning a northern cali coast trip? OR not? (YOU SHOULD!) Here's what we did + I would do it again in a second...but maybe stay longer next time.

PERFECT FOR A GIRLS GETAWAY, OR HONEY TRIP

FLY INTO SAN FRANCISCO + RENT A CAR (oakland is a better airport to avoid traffic)

DAY 1

NOON | arrived in Carmel by the Sea >> here we packed a beach picnic, relaxed on the beach + drank wine until sunset, after that we explored the town and popped into a few cute shops / hotels.

DINNER | this quaint little italian bistro was perfect for our first + only night out in Carmel. The staff was amazing too!

8PM | Grabbed a drink at Cypress Inn, it was a beautiful hotel with a stunning courtyard restaurant + bar: Terry's (which is also pet- friendly and has live music nightly)

DAY 2

8AM | woke up in Monterey at our cozy hotel (located right on the water) and took a nice morning walk around the marina. This was the perfect stay as the rooms were huge/ had their own deck and fireplace, also because it allowed us another place to explore (without the price tag of Carmel)!

10AM | started our trek to BIG SUR! This was a day we were so excited to start. We packed up our things and headed about an hour into Big Sur. The hour plus car ride alone was S T U N N I N G and worth the journey.

11AM | we started on our 8 or 10 mile hike (accidentally got a little lost), which is HIGHLY advise because even though it was long we got to see Big Sur for what it was... Untouched, beautiful, rugged, serene, magical + simple. The hike started in the quintessential redwoods forrest and spitted us out (4 hours later) along the coastline for breathtaking views. I love being outdoors so if you do too I highly recommend! *TIP: bring plenty of water and a few snacks for the trip + tell someone what you will be hiking. There is NO CELL SERVICE!

5PM | after our hike we rewarded ourselves with beer + sandwiches at Big Sur Deli . I may have been starving but this was the best sandwich I have ever had in my life. It was the perfect non fussy place to grub, listen to music, and unwind on the top deck overlooking Big Sur.

7PM | we headed to the beach to watch the final sunset + after we hit the road back to the city!