48 Hours in Big Sur: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary from Monterey to Carmel-by-the-Sea | Complete Guide

One of the most beautiful sections of the California coast is the Monterey region in the central coast that includes Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey. A weekend trip here means dramatic and jaw-dropping coastal views, adorable animal encounters, picturesque towns, delicious meals and a relaxed atmosphere. This area has a lot to offer, but how do you best maximize your time if you just have 48 hours to explore? This is the perfect trip to do if you want a vacation without using PTO. This guide will give you all the details about the best places to stay from budget conscious choices to luxury accommodations; our hour to hour itinerary with tips; extra places to visit if you have more time; and more.

North America, United States, CaliforniaAlison MullisAugust 14, 2026California, Long weekend, 48-hours, Road Trip, West coast, Wildlife, hikingComment

Road Trip Along the Oregon Coast Days 3-4: Newport to Crescent City, CA

Continuing on down the Oregon Coast, Days 3 and 4 of this 8 day road trip of Oregon and the Redwoods National Park got us just cross the border to California! These two days took us through the quieter and rugged south Oregon Coast. There are less people, but definitely not less beauty. This section of the coast features more dramatic views off the coast from sea rocks to sand dunes and lots of opportunities to see wildlife. In this itinerary, we break up the sights into 2 days but you can easily stretch it out into more days if you have time. Additional sights for each day are included in this guide, along with where to stay.

Oregon, North America, United StatesAlison MullisJune 17, 2026Road Trip, Oregon, kids, Beach, California, Nature, WildlifeComment

Road Trip Along the Oregon Coast Day 1 - 2: Seattle to Newport

The first two days of our Oregon Coast road trip took us from our home in Seattle to Newport, OR. We explored the cute towns, tide pools and gorgeous beaches of Oregon’s north coast and made it to the central coast. Below details each stop we took along the way, the best places to stay and additional stops to add to your itinerary. We did this road trip with our two kids, aged 3 & 4, but it can be modified for any group.

Oregon, United States, North AmericaAlison MullisJune 10, 2026Road Trip, Oregon, Itinerary, kids, hiking, Wildlife, summerComment

Cruising the New Zealand Sounds on a Cruise Ship

The highlight of any cruise to New Zealand is sailing through the stunning Sounds – Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound. The New Zealand Sounds are located at the southwestern end of New Zealand’s South Island and are part of the Fiordland National Park. The Fiordland National Park is filled with a dozen of both long and short fjords accompanied by snow-capped peaks, gorgeous waterfalls, and glacier-carved valleys. You don’t even have to leave your balcony to spot dolphins in the water below or be amazed by the striking height of the fjord walls. Here we show just how magical a day exploring New Zealand’s fjords can be and how to make the most of your trip.

New ZealandAlison MullisMarch 4, 2019Fjord, National Park, Wildlife Comments