9 Best Things to Do in Big Sur, California
- Visit One of the World's Few Purple Sand Beaches. ...
- Camp at Kirk Creek Campground. ...
- Experience a Monastery. ...
- Hike to McWay Falls. ...
- A Scenic Drive on Highway One. ...
- Go Treasure Hunting at Jade Cove. ...
- Take Meditation Workshops at Esalen Institute. ...
- Sip Brews at the Big Sur Taphouse. ...
- Soak in Sykes Hot Springs. ...
Full Answer
What to see in Big Sur?
What to know when returning home after evacuating
- First check for the smell of gas. ...
- Check for electrical power. ...
- Check grounds for hot spots, smoldering stumps, damaged trees and vegetation.
- Check the roof and exterior areas for sparks or embers.
- Check the attic and throughout your house for any hidden burning sparks or embers.
Is Highway 1 still closed at Big Sur?
– Recent rainfall in Central California led to precautionary road closures throughout the region, including Monterey County. A stretch of Highway 1 in Big Sur remains closed, however most businesses in the area, including hotels and restaurants, as well as some parks and recreation areas remain open.
What is the best lodging in Big Sur, CA?
- Oceanview accommodations: 48 beautiful guestrooms and suites featuring open spaces, warm décor, and private balconies with the incredible Pacific Ocean breeze.
- Recreational amenities: Outdoor heated swimming pool, three outdoor garden spas, fitness room, complimentary mountain bikes, and horseback riding nearby.
- Meeting and event space: 4,945 sq. ...
What makes Big Sur, California so unique?
The site is lauded for its beauty, and is a culmination of all geological features typical to Big Sur: The secluded beach is flanked by jagged bluffs covered in shrubs, wildflowers and cypress trees. The falls, flowing from atop one of the cove's granite cliffs, tumble 80 feet down into the cove and get swept up by the ocean.
What is so special about Big Sur?
Big Sur is renowned worldwide for its natural features and relatively pristine scenery. It is rated among the top 35 tourist destinations in the world. The Big Sur coast has been called the "longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the [contiguous] United States."
Is Big Sur worth visiting?
Is Big Sur worth visiting? The Big Sur coast is hands down a worthy road trip destination or a fun place to stay, even if you aren't going on a road trip. It is full of great things to do for travelers who love to be outdoors and experience nature.
What should I not miss Big Sur?
23 Big Sur Attractions You Must Not Miss (+ Map to Find Them!)Garrapata State Beach.The Little Sur River flows into the Pacific Ocean.Picture-Perfect McWay Falls PC: Joshua.McWay Falls dropping down onto the cove.The iconic Bixby Creek Bridge at Big Sur.Bixby Creek Bridge straddling the canyon.More items...•
How long 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.
Can you go down to the beach at Big Sur?
Sand Dollar Beach is one of the most beautiful and scenic beachs on the Big Sur coast. Sand Dollar Beach is the longest strand of sandy beach along the Big Sur coast. Great surfing, exploring and fishing are here within walking distance of Plaskett Creek campground, located directly across Hwy. 1.
Is Big Sur overrated?
The rugged terrain overlooking miles of undeveloped coastline along California's scenic Highway 1 is a bucket list item for sure. But because millions of people have this place on their radar, Big Sur is becoming overcrowded, quite possibly making this sought-after destination a bit overrated.
How far is Monterey from Big Sur?
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 long does it take to drive through Big Sur?
Without making a single stop, driving through the entirety of Big Sur will take you approximately two hours – and trust me when I say that you will want to make stops… many of them. There's a reason the drive down Highway 1 is so iconic!
Is one day enough for Big Sur?
If you're going to drive all of the Big Sur coastline in a day, coming from the Bay Area, you'll want to be prepared for at least 5 hours of driving each way, a total of 10 hours on the road. For this, it's pretty essential to have a second driver unless you are perfectly comfortable driving that much in a single day.
Are there giant redwoods in Big Sur?
Named for the pioneer family that conveyed to the state of California a key piece of land here, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is home to some of the region's most impressive redwoods.
Is Big Sur on the way to Yosemite?
The direct drive from Yosemite National Park to Big Sur is 287 mi (461 km), and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 1 min in normal traffic.
What are the top attractions to visit in Big Sur?
The top attractions to visit in Big Sur are: Pfeiffer Beach Bixby Bridge Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park McWay Falls Se...
What are the best outdoor activities in Big Sur?
The best outdoor activities in Big Sur according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Pfeiffer Beach Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Pfeiffer Big Sur Stat...
What are the best day trips from Big Sur?
The best day trips from Big Sur according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Big Sur Monterey California Pacific Coast One Day Tour Silicon Valley Big S...
What are the most popular things to do in Big Sur with kids?
The most popular things to do in Big Sur with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Pfeiffer Beach Bixby Bridge Julia Pfeiffer Burns State P...
What is the most photographed attraction in Big Sur?
The Pfeiffer Keyhole Rock is hard to miss thanks to its distinguishable arch. It's also considered the most-photographed attraction in Big Sur after Bixby Bridge. At low tide, visitors are able to wade through the water and take a Pfeiffer Keyhole Rock look at the surrounding tide pools.
How many miles of coastline is Big Sur?
With more than 90 miles of jagged Pacific coastline to the west and the St. Lucia Mountain range to the east, Big Sur is truly nirvana for nature lovers.
What is the most famous rock formation in Big Sur?
The beach's most famous rock formation, however, is located a few feet out into the ocean. The Pfeiffer Keyhole Rock is hard to miss thanks to its distinguishable arch. It's also considered the most-photographed attraction in Big Sur after Bixby Bridge.
How many acres are there in Pfeiffer Big Sur?
Not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or Pfeiffer Beach, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is adjacent to the Los Padres National Forest and covers 1,600 acres on the western slope of the St. Lucia Mountains.
What is Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park?
Named after one of Big Sur's most beloved pioneers, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a favorite among both locals and tourists. A feast for the eyes, the park features seven marked trails that take travelers to tucked away coves, up to waterfalls, along miles-long creeks, through redwood-clad forests and more.
Where to see sunset on the Central Coast?
Andrew Molera State Park and Garrapata State Park offer treks that take visitors to the edge of the coastline, while the Keyhole Arch Rock at Pfeiffer Beach is considered to be one of the most photogenic sunset spots on the central coast.
Where is Sand Dollar Beach in Big Sur?
Located about 7 miles south of Limekiln State Park, Sand Dollar Beach is the largest unbroken stretch of sand in Big Sur. Along with the beach at Andrew Molera State Park, this crescent-shaped shoreline is considered to be one of the best surfing spots in Big Sur, and is also a hot spot for fishing.
What is the name of the beach in Big Sur?
It would be very easy to drive right past the road leading to Big Sur's Pfeiffer Beach, but you'll be glad you stopped. This incredible beach is popular with locals and receives just a few tourists. In addition to great sunset views, the beach is famous for its purple sand, created from manganese garnet particles.
Where is Nepenthe in Big Sur?
The restaurant is about 30 minutes south of Carmel and doesn't take reservations, so plan your day accordingly.
What is the southernmost state park in Big Sur?
Limekiln State Park is the southernmost state park in Big Sur. The park features three relatively easy to easy-moderate trails that are a joy to hike. One trail has an impressive waterfall as the payoff!
When is Big Sur 2020?
September 15, 2020 by Dhara. Planning to explore California’s famed Big Sur coast? There are many iconic Big Sur attractions you absolutely cannot miss on this bucket-list drive, from hikes to historical sites and waterfalls to wonderful views.
Where to see McWay Falls?
McWay Falls comes up on Highway One, and you can view it from the viewpoint by the side of the road if you are able to find a safe parking spot. Otherwise, pay the fee to park inside Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and walk the short 0.6-mile round trip Overlook Trail to viewpoints from where you can see McWay Falls.
What is the purple sand at Big Sur?
Walk on the beach to look for the purple sand, which are actually particles of manganese garnet, washed down from the hills by the creek.
Where is Point Sur Light Station?
Tour Point Sur Light Station. A popular Big Sur attraction, Point Sur Lighthouse has a dramatic location, on a volcanic rock high above the ocean in Big Sur. The lighthouse and associated buildings form the Point Sur Lightstation State Historic Park, one of California’s most visit-worthy state parks.
Is Sand Dollar Beach dog friendly?
There is a fee to park in the parking lot, but you can park along the side of the road for free. Sand Dollar Beach is dog friendly. It is open all year, but busiest in the summer.
Can you park on the Bixby Creek Bridge?
Note that you can park on both sides of the road at the north end of the bridge. No matter which side you choose to park, make sure to view the bridge from both sides of the road for different angles. There is no pedestrian path on the bridge itself, which is quite narrow. Bixby Creek Bridge straddling the canyon.
What is the most unique beach in Big Sur?
Big Sur hosts one of the most unique beaches on the planet: Pfeiffer State Beach. This is one spot you really shouldn’t miss. The rare purple sand beach has a gorgeous purple shade that’s derived from the manganese garnet deposits that are found in the surrounding rocks.
Where to camp in Big Sur?
Camp at Kirk Creek Campground. If you want to camp near Big Sur there are few better places than Kirk Creek Campground, with each site offering an amazing ocean view as it sits atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific. A short walk will bring you down to the beach, which happens to be a popular spot for jade hunting.
Where to find jade in Big Sur?
Known as nephrite jade, it can be found underwater by diving into the ocean or combing the beach at Jade Cove. The region has been attracting visitors from across the globe for more than a half-century, who hope to find these precious gems, easy to distinguish from other rocks by its almost luminescent color. The best time to find it is just after a winter storm during the calm period, as the rough undercurrent often exposes many of the hidden gems. Search under the large rocks and under-hangs as well as between the boulders and piles of rubble along the shore.
What You Need to Know Before You Go - Essential Big Sur Tips
The most popular time to go is from April to October. The weather is the nicest but it’s also the most crowded. You can go whale watching in the winter.
What's Nearby
Check out See Monterey for official travel info for Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Carmel Valley, Salinas Valley, Moss Landing, Marina, Sand City, Seaside, Del Rey Oaks and Salinas. Plan your epic road trip today! #GrabYourMoment
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Where to stay in Big Sur?
Ragged Point is at the south end of Big Sur and makes a great stop for coffee, an inexpensive meal or a hike. It’s also home to the Ragged Point Inn and Resort, a great spot to stay for gorgeous coastal views.
What is the best bridge in Big Sur?
One of the most photographed bridges in California, Bixby Bridge offers expansive views of the dramatic coastline. Taking a photo here is one of the best things to do in Big Sur. With fragrant canyons on one side and the turquoise Pacific on the other, Bixby Creek Bridge delights visitors from around the world.
Where to see redwoods in Big Sur?
You’ll find a stand of them at Pfieffer Big Sur near the entrance to the park and the lodge stretching to Pfieffer Falls.#N#Limekiln State Park (2 miles south of Lucia on Highway 1) is a particularly great spot for walking in the redwoods. There are three canyons in the park, each with a short trail. The most scenic redwoods are at the Limekiln Falls trail junction, where the three trails come together. Or, for a scenic redwood drive, wander one of the turn-offs off Highway 1.
How many missions are there in California?
How many of California’s fabled missions have you seen? There are 21 of them built between San Diego and Sonoma, each about a day’s journey apart by horseback for the Franciscan missionaries sent by Spain, beginning in 1769.
Is Pfieffer Big Sur a good place to go hiking?
If you’re not camping, Pfieffer Big Sur is still a great place for hiking, biking, and swimming in the Big Sur River. (It’s also a great place for hiking as a beginner .) Look for skunks, black-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bobcats here.
