Big Sur International Marathon 2027: spectator guide and weekend itinerary

23 to 25 April 2027 · ExpectedMonterey and Pebble Beach, United States

Big Sur International Marathon takes runners a few hours and spectators all day. This guide gives supporters cheer points they can reach by public transport, plans the expo day and race eve around tired legs, and fills the recovery day in Monterey and Pebble Beach.

Tours in Monterey and Pebble Beach Hotels for these dates

Know before you go

Bixby Bridge at the halfway point has a grand piano player.

Airport to Finish: Carmel

Monterey (MRY) has a few flights; San José (SJC) is 1 hour 15 minutes.

Point to point on Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel; the road closes.

Public transport directions to Finish: Carmel

Where to stay by budget

Budget	Where	Why
Budget	Seaside and Marina	Cheaper motels.
Mid-range	Monterey and Pacific Grove	Near Cannery Row.
Splurge	Carmel and Pebble Beach	The Lodge at Pebble Beach.

Three hotels we would book

Budget: Seaside Inn Monterey
Mid-range: Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
Splurge: The Lodge at Pebble Beach

Links search the nights from 22 April to 26 April. Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Day plans for the free hours

Built around the usual marathon weekend schedule for 23 to 25 April 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.

Arrival and expo

Wednesday 21 April

Runners collect bibs at the expo. Companions can split off for a half-day.

Half-dayMonterey Bay Aquarium Half day · Family · Indoor
One of the world's best.
EatOld Fisherman's Grotto Clam chowder

Day before the race

Thursday 22 April

Runners rest their legs: pick seated or slow outings, then an early pasta dinner.

Easy outingCarmel Valley wine tasting Half day · Food
Tasting rooms.
EatCarmel-by-the-Sea cafés Fairytale village

Race day

Friday 23 April

Spectators: pick two cheer points you can reach by public transport, then meet at the finish.

Cheer pointSpectators cannot reach most of the course. Wait at the finish in Carmel.
EatOld Fisherman's Grotto Clam chowder

Recovery day

Monday 26 April

Sore legs: boats, buses and long lunches beat walking tours today.

Easy outingWhale watching Half day · Family
Year-round.
Rain or heat backupAquarium.

Family-friendly picks

Half day · Family · Indoor

Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the world's best.

See times and prices

Half day · Family

Whale watching

Year-round.

See times and prices

Half day · Family

Kayak with sea otters

Calm harbour paddles.

See times and prices

Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Evening and day-trip tours

Full day

Big Sur coast drive

Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls.

See times and prices

After dark

Cannery Row.

5 tours worth booking for Big Sur International Marathon

Tour	Length	Good for
Monterey Bay Aquarium	Half day	Families, Bad weather
Big Sur coast drive	Full day	Everyone
Whale watching	Half day	Families
Kayak with sea otters	Half day	Families
Carmel Valley wine tasting	Half day	Food lovers

Event weeks sell out. Book tours with free cancellation as soon as the session times are published.

Where to eat

Old Fisherman's Grotto Clam chowder
Carmel-by-the-Sea cafés Fairytale village

Reserve dinner for the nights around the event: restaurants near the venue fill up days ahead.

Rainy-day backups

Half day · Family · Indoor

Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the world's best.

See times and prices

Aquarium.
Cannery Row museums.

Getting around on event days

You need a car or shuttle; tournament shuttles run from park-and-ride lots.

Day trips from Monterey and Pebble Beach

Big Sur: 1 hour
Santa Cruz: 50 minutes

Bringing a group?

Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Big Sur International Marathon.

Plan a group trip

Questions people ask

When is Big Sur International Marathon 2027?

The next edition is 23 to 25 April 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

How do I get from the airport to Finish: Carmel?

Monterey (MRY) has a few flights; San José (SJC) is 1 hour 15 minutes. Point to point on Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel; the road closes.

Where should I stay for Big Sur International Marathon?

For most visitors the best base is Monterey and Pacific Grove: Near Cannery Row.

What else can we do around Big Sur International Marathon?

Good short outings in Monterey and Pebble Beach include Monterey Bay Aquarium, Whale watching, Kayak with sea otters. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

What is there for kids and families near Big Sur International Marathon?

Family-friendly picks: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Whale watching, Kayak with sea otters. Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How far is Finish: Carmel from Monterey and Pebble Beach centre?

About 8 km in a straight line. Point to point on Highway 1 from Big Sur to Carmel; the road closes.

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