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Big Sur is the rugged stretch of central California coast between Carmel and San Simeon, where the Santa Lucia Mountains drop almost straight into the Pacific. Highway 1 clings to the cliffs for much of the way, and the region has very few towns, just scattered inns, cabins and state parks among redwood canyons and grassy headlands. Its isolation long attracted writers and artists.
Driving south from Carmel, Point Lobos and Garrapata State Park offer coastal trails and sea lion sightings before the road crosses the famous Bixby Creek Bridge. Point Sur State Historic Park preserves a lighthouse on a volcanic rock, reached by guided tour. Andrew Molera State Park has meadow and beach trails, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park shelters campgrounds under redwoods. Pfeiffer Beach, down a narrow road, is known for its rock arch and purple-tinged sand. The Henry Miller Memorial Library serves as an informal cultural hub, while Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park holds the viewpoint for McWay Falls, which drops onto a cove. Partington Cove is reached by a short, steep trail through a tunnel.
Big Sur suits road-trippers, hikers and those seeking quiet, with limited cell service and lodging that books up early. Landslides periodically close sections of Highway 1, so checking road status before setting out is essential. Fog often blankets summer mornings, while spring and fall tend to be clearer.
WiserMap travel guideBig Sur California Highway 1 Bixby Bridge and McWay FallsPlan a Big Sur drive: Bixby Bridge, Point Lobos, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, redwood trails, where to stay, Highway 1 road status, seasons and a three-day plan...Read the guide
A small reserve just south of Carmel at the northern gateway to Big Sur, with rocky coves, cypress groves and clear green water. Easy trails lead to viewpoints where sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions are often seen, and whales pass offshore in season. Parking inside is limited, so arrive early in the day.
An undeveloped park along Highway 1 with dramatic coastal bluffs, beaches and canyon trails. Soberanes Point has an easy loop with sweeping ocean views and whale watching in season, and Calla Lily Valley blooms with white lilies in late winter and spring. Park carefully in the roadside pullouts, as there are no lots.
A large park where the Big Sur River meets the ocean, with trails across meadows, along bluffs and through the river valley to a wild beach. It has a walk-in campground and is good for longer hikes with fewer crowds. Seasonal footbridges may be removed in winter, so check whether river crossings are possible.
A wooded park in the Big Sur River valley with tall redwoods, river swimming holes and trails such as the Valley View Trail. It has a large campground, the historic Big Sur Lodge and a small store. It is a great base for exploring the coast. Reserve camping well ahead, as summer weekends fill months early.
A graceful concrete arch bridge built in 1932, high above a deep canyon where Bixby Creek meets the sea. It is one of the most photographed bridges in California. The best view is from the pullout on the north side, but park fully off the road and watch for traffic, as the highway is narrow here.
A historic lightstation from 1889 standing on a large volcanic rock above the ocean, with the keeper's houses and other buildings still in place. It can only be visited on docent-led tours, which run on limited days and climb a steep road and stairs. Check the schedule ahead and meet at the farm gate on time.
A windswept beach reached by narrow, unmarked Sycamore Canyon Road, known for Keyhole Arch, a large rock with an opening where waves crash through, and streaks of purple sand. In midwinter the setting sun can shine through the arch. RVs and trailers cannot use the road, and a day-use fee is charged.
A wide crescent of sand in southern Big Sur, reached by a short trail and stairs from a parking area on Highway 1. It is one of the longest sandy beaches on this rugged coast and is popular for surfing, beachcombing and picnics, with views of the coastal mountains. The water is cold and rough, so take care when swimming.
A small arts center and bookshop set among redwoods along Highway 1, honoring the writer Henry Miller, who lived in Big Sur. It hosts concerts, readings and film screenings on its lawn. Nearby are cafes, galleries and a famous cliff-top restaurant terrace with views down the coast, a good stop for lunch.
McWay Falls pours about 80 feet from a granite cliff onto a beach in a turquoise cove, one of the most famous sights in Big Sur. A short, easy Overlook Trail leads to a viewpoint above the cove. Access to the beach itself is not allowed. Come in the late afternoon for the best light on the falls.
A cliff-top stop at the southern end of Big Sur, sometimes called its gateway, with an inn, a cafe and lawns overlooking the coast. A short, steep trail leads down toward a waterfall and a black sand beach. Before driving Highway 1 through Big Sur, check Caltrans for road closures from landslides.
A beach near San Simeon where thousands of northern elephant seals gather through the year to breed, give birth, molt and rest. A free boardwalk viewing area lets you watch them up close. Births peak in January and February, and volunteer docents are often on hand to answer questions. Keep behind the fences.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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