Where To Stop In Big Sur?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Stop 1: Bishop Peak. …
  2. Stop 2: Montaña de Oro State Park. …
  3. Stop 3: Morro Bay. …
  4. Stop 4: Silver Peak Wilderness Area. …
  5. Stop 5: Kirk Creek Campground. …
  6. Stop 6: Limekiln State Park. …
  7. Stop 7: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. …
  8. Stop 8: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

What is the best part of Big Sur?

  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.

How many days should you spend in Big Sur?

If you are staying in the area, we recommend spending at least

2-3 days

in the area. There are so many beautiful hikes, , and nearby towns that will make it easy to fill those three days. One of the best parts about visiting Big Sur is not being rushed and taking the time to enjoy the area at a relaxing pace.

What should you not miss on Hwy 1?

  • Activities. 11 Iconic Stops Not to Miss Along the Pacific Coast Highway. …
  • McWay Falls. …
  • Santa Monica Pier. …
  • Solvang Restaurant. …
  • Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. …
  • Santa Margarita KOA. …
  • Hearst Castle. …
  • Golden Gate Bridge.

Is Big Sur in the Bay Area?

Is Big Sur in between LA and San Francisco?

The Big Sur region is located about halfway between LA and San Francisco

. This region in Central California features a rugged coastline and the famed Pacific Coast Highway.

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.

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 …

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.

Is Big Sur worth the drive?

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.

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 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.

How do I spend my day at Big Sur?

  1. Take a hike.
  2. Marvel at the Bixby Creek Bridge.
  3. Stop to see the redwoods.
  4. Take an optional hike.
  5. Grab a delicious lunch.
  6. Admire the purple sand of Pfeiffer Beach.
  7. Admire McWay Falls.
  8. Continue along the coast to see elephant seals.

What is the prettiest part of the Pacific Coast Highway?

  • The Golden Gate Bridge. …
  • Greyhound Rock Beach. …
  • Carmel by the Sea. …
  • Big Sur and Pfeiffer State Beach. …
  • Dana Point. …
  • Point Loma. …
  • How Gray Line San Francisco can help you explore:

What is the prettiest part of Highway 1?

  • Stop one: Carmel-by-the-Sea. …
  • Stop two: Calla Lily Valley. …
  • Stop three: Bixby Creek Bridge. …
  • Stop four: Point Sur Lighthouse. …
  • Stop five: Big Sur River Inn. …
  • Stop six: Pfeiffer Beach. …
  • Stop seven: McWay Falls. …
  • Stop eight: Limekiln State Park.

Where should I stop between Big Sur and Santa Barbara?

The top cities between Big Sur and Santa Barbara are

Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Solvang, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay

. Paso Robles is the most popular city on the route — it's 2 hours from Big Sur and 2 hours from Santa Barbara.

Is the drive to Big Sur scary?

California Highway 1 in the Big Sur region is

one of the state's most dangerous highways, even in good weather

. It is narrow (almost entirely one lane in each direction), and travelers who are driving slowly or have stopped entirely, directly on the highway, to admire the view can pose hazards to other drivers.

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.

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.

Is PCH open in Big Sur?

Travelers from the Monterey/Carmel area should be advised that

Highway 1 remains open from the north, through Big Sur proper, all the way down to Ragged Point

. Travelers from the south are advised that Highway 1 remains open through Cambria and San Simeon.

Is Big Sur State Park closed?


Big Sur area state parks remain open

but… More. Visitors wishing to access Andrew Molera, Pfeiffer Big Sur, Julia Pfeiffer Burns, and Limekiln state parks must take Hwy. 1 north from San Luis Obispo.

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 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 beaches 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).

Who owns Big Sur?

After 250 years,

Native American tribe

regains ownership of Big Sur ancestral lands. (CNN) — A northern California Indian tribe's sacred land is now back under their ownership, thanks to the help of a conservancy group.

Are there bears in Big Sur?


Bears are not common in Big Sur

so this sighting was quite… More. We regularly provide still-born calves to help newly released condors get established and to reduce lead exposure to older birds from feeding on “wild” carcasses that were shot with lead ammunition.

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.

Does Big Sur get snow?

Big Sur (zip 93920)

averages 3 inches of snow per year

.

The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.

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.

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.