What is there to do in Big Sur California
Mia Russell
Published Mar 26, 2026
Admire McWay Falls.Snap a photo of Bixby Creek Bridge.Look for Purple Sand at Pfeiffer Beach.View Jade-Green China Cove in Point Lobos.Enjoy Sand Dollar Beach.Drive Old Coast Road.Tour Point Sur Light Station.Marvel at the Seals at Piedras Blancas Rookery.
What should you not miss in Big Sur?
- Admire McWay Falls.
- Snap a photo of Bixby Creek Bridge.
- Look for Purple Sand at Pfeiffer Beach.
- View Jade-Green China Cove in Point Lobos.
- Enjoy Sand Dollar Beach.
- Drive Old Coast Road.
- Tour Point Sur Light Station.
- Marvel at the Seals at Piedras Blancas Rookery.
What is so cool about Big Sur?
A roughly 90-mile rugged coastline in central California, Big Sur is more of an experience than a place to visit. It’s where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, and where headlights beam across breathtaking ocean sunsets as the state-spanning Highway 1 slows with hairpin turns.
What is there to do in Big Sur for a day trip?
- Take a hike.
- Marvel at the Bixby Creek Bridge.
- Stop to see the redwoods.
- Take an optional hike.
- Grab a delicious lunch.
- Admire the purple sand of Pfeiffer Beach.
- Admire McWay Falls.
- Continue along the coast to see elephant seals.
How many days do you need 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, beaches 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 rushes and taking the time to enjoy the area at a relaxing pace.
Can you swim in the Big Sur?
Can you swim in Big Sur? In Big Sur the shoreline is rough, the waves are heavy, the currents are violent, the waters are cold and some beaches are inaccessible. As such, swimming at the beaches is dangerous and not encouraged. However, Big Sur is home to great swimming holes, where it’s possible to go swimming.
Is Big Sur open now?
– Highway 1 on the Big Sur coast is fully reopened. … 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. Crews were able to dislodge an undermined rock outcrop the afternoon of Friday Oct.
What is there to do in Big Sur for 2 days?
- Point Lobos. Your first stop on your Big Sur itinerary should be Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. …
- Bixby Creek Bridge. …
- Pull Off on the Side of the Road. …
- Hike in Andrew Molera State Park. …
- Pfeiffer Beach. …
- Nepenthe Cocktail with a View.
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 there to see between Carmel and Big Sur?Top attractions include the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, 17 mile drive in Pebble Beach, and shopping in Cannery Row, immortalized in John Steinbeck’s novels. Whatever your preference, I recommend you start your day early and start driving the Big Sur coast from Carmel.
Article first time published onAre there giant redwoods in Big Sur?
Adjacent to the softball field at Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park is one of Big Sur’s largest redwood trees. The size of this ancient tree, known locally as the “Pioneer Tree,” is deceiving – due to lightning strikes, this majestic specimen’s top has been severed.
What city is Big Sur near?
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.
Is Big Sur 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. … Caltrans also refers to the village as Big Sur.
Is Big Sur crowded?
At certain times of the year, Big Sur can become overwhelmingly crowded. … Certain destinations in Big Sur become even more so overwhelmingly crowded. If the destinations below are overcrowded, consider bypassing them, and visiting the many other beautiful – and not as crowded – places in Big Sur.
What is the closest airport to Big Sur?
What airports are near Big Sur? The closest airport is Monterey Regional (MRY) (22 mi). Other nearby airports are San Jose (SJC) (75.67 mi), San Luis Obispo County (SBP) (96.69 mi) or San Francisco (SFO) (98.47 mi). KAYAK recommends you fly to San Francisco.
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 Big Sur open during Covid?
The U.S. Forest Service has closed trails and roads through Big Sur in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. You can now come to Big Sur. … Starting on June 2, the Forest Service is reopening the coastal trailheads in the Monterey District of the Los Padres National Forest.
Is it safe to go to Big Sur right now?
Big Sur is generally pretty safe. I can’t recall any incidents there. Most people go in groups and keep to themselves, I’ve found. Early March is not the high season but it will also not be empty.
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 the water cold at Big Sur?
Throughout the year, the water temperature in Big Sur does not rise above 68°F and therefore is not suitable for comfortable swimming. The average water temperature in Big Sur in winter reaches 55.4°F, in spring 53.6°F, in summer the average temperature rises to 55.4°F, and in autumn it is 59°F.
Can you walk on Pfeiffer Beach?
Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur Walk through a riparian woodland with Monterey cypress, and quickly arrive at Pfieffer Beach. Water from the creek to your left forms a long pool in the sand in front of you, which you can easily walk around (or through).
Does it snow in Big Sur California?
Big Sur (zip 93920), California gets 27 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. Big Sur (zip 93920) averages 3 inches of snow per year.
Is Big Sur Drive scary?
The Big Sur drive is fabulous and I hope you can enjoy it without being scared. As a former worry wart when traveling, I can assure you that this drive is well worth the effort and is actually, IMO, safer than open, straight highway.
Where do you stop on the way to Big Sur?
- Stop 1: Bishop Peak. …
- Stop 2: Montaña de Oro State Park. …
- Stop 3: Morro Bay. …
- Stop 4: Silver Peak Wilderness Area. …
- Stop 5: Kirk Creek Campground. …
- Stop 6: Limekiln State Park. …
- Stop 7: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. …
- Stop 8: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Does Big Sur have cell phone reception?
Cell phone service is limited in Big Sur. For a rough approximation of where cell service is available along Highway 1, visit RootMetrics, enter 93920 in the Search field. Do not assume that you’ll experience the same coverage. … Also, cell networks periodically go off-line in Big Sur.
What is new with macOS Big Sur?
macOS Big Sur features the first major redesign to macOS since Mac OS X, with Apple introducing a new look that’s modern but familiar, with a focus on translucency, consistency, and content. Toolbars and sidebars have been redesigned to blend in better with each window, and sidebars are now full height.
What should I pack for Big Sur?
- One pair shorts/leggings for hiking during the day.
- One pair warm long pants for hanging around camp at night.
- Two tanks/short-sleeved shirts (one to hike in, one for sleeping)
- One lightweight long-sleeved shirt for warmth in the evening.
- Fleece or down jacket for warmth.
What county is Sand Dollar Beach in?
Mission San Antonio de Padua was established in 1771 in the small community of Jolon in San Luis Obispo County.
Which is better Big Sur or Carmel?
Monterey and Carmel are nice towns right on the water – lots to do, plenty of restaurants, etc. Big Sur is the 90 mile stretch of coastline south of Carmel – it is pretty remote without much civilization to speak of. It is great for the outdoors though – hiking, incredible views, some neat beaches, etc.
What is there to see between Santa Barbara and Big Sur?
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. On 14 lists. …
- McWay Falls. On +13 other lists. …
- Limekiln State Park. On 2 lists. …
- Mission San Antonio De Padua. Christian church. …
- Ragged Point. On 1 list. …
- Hearst Castle. …
- Friends Of The Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Gift Shop. …
- Moonstone Beach Dr.
Where should I stop between Carmel and Santa Barbara?
Top cities between Carmel and Santa Barbara. The top cities between Carmel and Santa Barbara are Paso Robles, Big Sur, 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 Carmel and 2 hours from Santa Barbara.