Where To Go In Big Sur California?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Pfeiffer Beach. Keyhole Rock, Pfeiffer Beach | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane. …
  2. Bixby Bridge. …
  3. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. …
  4. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. …
  5. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. …
  6. Ragged Point. …
  7. Limekiln State Park. …
  8. Henry Miller Memorial Library.

What is so special about Big Sur?

Big Sur has been called the “

longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States

“, a sublime “national treasure that demands extraordinary procedures to protect it from development”, and “one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic …

Is Big Sur worth it California?


Big Sur is beautiful and it's wonderful to explore on your own

. But, with there being so many different stops, it can be easy to miss many of some of the most beautiful places in the area. If you want the best experience in Big Sur, I suggest booking a guided tour with California Pacific Excursions.

How many days should you spend in Big Sur?

You could do Big Sur in a day or the entire California coast in

2-3 days

if you really wanted to, but it will be much more enjoyable if you do it slowly!

What is the best time of year to visit Big Sur?

The most popular time to visit Big Sur is between

April to October

, when the weather is nicest. (Though one should be warned that the marine layer coats much of the coast in the mornings during parts of the high season.) Businesses are not open as long during the off-peak season.

What do I need to know before going to Big Sur?

  • Only budgeting a few hours. …
  • Not saving all of the must-sees to a Google map. …
  • Not bringing a car charger for your phone. …
  • Only stopping at the famous spots. …
  • Not going to all of the state parks in the same day. …
  • Driving North through the Big Sur. …
  • Not filling up your gas tank before starting the Big Sur Itinerary.

Is Big Sur beautiful?


It's probably one of the most beautiful places I've ever been too

. You hike through redwood forests as well as see some beautiful all in the same day. We hiked in Limekiln, Salmon Creek, and the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which is where the famous McWay Falls is located (the waterfall right by the ocean).

Is Big Sur open now?


Highway 1 is fully open

to travelers who may now travel without interruption from Monterey/Carmel area to Cambria/Morro Bay along the Big Sur Coast.

Can you swim in Big Sur California?

Though Big Sur has a lot of ocean and many beaches, some of which have sand surfaces,

safe ocean swimming locations and times are rare

. The Big Sur coast has strong tides and currents, heavy waves, and cold water. Many have drowned while in the water or while climbing on shoreline rocks.

How far is Monterey from Big Sur?

How long is the drive from Big Sur to Monterey? The direct drive from Big Sur to Monterey is

28.0 mi (45 km)

, and should have a drive time of 45 mins in normal traffic.

Is Big Sur on the way to Yosemite?

Is the drive to Big Sur scary?

The drive to Big Sur

can be scary for those with a fear of heights

. Some parts of the scenic drive follow the edge of the cliff. That said, drive cautiously and stop at turnouts and you'll avoid any dangers.

What is the closest city to Big Sur?

Big Sur and Neighboring Cities:

Cambria is around the half way point, but the closest town to Big Sur area on the south is

San Simeon

. It is also the closest to Hearst Castle. On the north side, Carmel is the last town you get to before going to Big Sur area. You will want to see Big Sur during daylight hours.

How do I spend my weekend in Big Sur?

  1. Point Lobos. Your first stop on your Big Sur itinerary should be Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. …
  2. Bixby Creek Bridge. …
  3. Pull Off on the Side of the Road. …
  4. Hike in Andrew Molera State Park. …
  5. Pfeiffer Beach. …
  6. Nepenthe Cocktail with a View.

Where does Big Sur begin and end?

But if there's a first among equals on Highway 1, it's Big Sur. The 90-mile stretch of mountainous coast, which

starts around San Simeon and ends near Carmel Highlands just south of Monterey

, is packed with plenty of adventures worthy of a pit stop.

Is Big Sur foggy?

But along with heavy crowds,

coastal fog is another downside; it can hang around as late as midday

. It's important to note that temperatures in Big Sur vary by geography.

Is Big Sur crowded?


At certain times of the year, Big Sur can become overwhelmingly crowded

. These times include many major U.S. holidays – New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.

Do you need reservations for Big Sur?


All campsites at Pfeiffer Big Sur are on a reservation system

. During peak season, the entire campground is usually reserved (booked 6 months in advance). Occasionally, there may be cancellations that allow some day-of sites to be available.

Is Big Sur drive worth it?

Driving the scenic coastal route of California's Highway 1 through Big Sur is

an epic road trip that is a must

! The coastline of Big Sur might be one of the most dramatic and magnificent drives because it literally hugs the cliffs offering the most insane views.

Is Big Sur open to drive through?

Notwithstanding these areas of traffic control, travelers will find that

Highway 1 remains fully accessible from the Monterey Peninsula, through Big Sur, and south to Cambria and Morro Bay

. Travelers are advised to give themselves extra time when travelling this scenic byway.

Where can I get gas before Big Sur?

  • Chevron Station. 4.6 mi. Gas Stations. …
  • Shell. 7.1 mi. Gas Stations. …
  • Carmel Valley Chevron. 11.4 mi. $$$ Convenience Stores, Gas Stations. …
  • Carmel Highlands General Store. 13.7 mi. …
  • Shell. 16.7 mi. …
  • Highway 68 Flowers & Gas. 17.9 mi. …
  • Shell. 15.2 mi. …
  • Chevron Station In Carmel Highlands. 13.7 mi.

Does Big Sur have a town?


Big Sur is an unincorporated community village in Big Sur, Monterey County, California

. It is located along a 1 mile (1.6 km) long stretch of Big Sur Coast Highway in the Big Sur Valley 24 miles (39 km) south of Carmel, California.

Why is Big Sur beautiful?

I looked up countless pictures of Big Sur before visiting, but none of them adequately prepared me for the immense natural beauty of the region.

The water is breathtakingly blue, and the craggy cliffs provide perfect vantage points for the shimmering ocean below

.

How did Big Sur California get its name?

Big Sur is located along Scenic Highway One approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles.

Historically, the name Big Sur, was derived from that unexplored and unmapped wilderness area which lays along the coast south of Monterey

. It was simply called El Sur Grande, The Big South.

Can you see redwoods in Big Sur?

Highlights:

The Redwood Deck at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park features some of the area's largest and oldest redwoods

. The Colonial Tree between Day Use Lots 3 and 4 is estimated to be 1,100 years old.

Is Big Sur in a national forest?

Los Padres National Forest spans five counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern. In Monterey County,

Los Padres National Forest extends through Big Sur

and out toward the Salinas Valley.

Is McWay Waterfall Trail open?

McWay Falls Overlook Trail

can be walked year-round

. There are restrooms by the entrance to the park.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.