Discover Big Sur

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Big Sur attracts more than three million visitor every year and it's not hard to see why. With stunning views, redwood forests, hiking, beaches and plenty of other recreational activites there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want an adventure or are looking for a lazy day on the beach, Big Sur has so much to offer.

Hiking

Big Sur has a variety of hiking trails, ranging from shorter trails for beginners and more advanced trails for more experienced hikers. One of the most popular trails is also the shortest. McWay Waterfall Trail is .64 miles and ends at one of Big Sur’s most iconic spots, McWay Falls. Another popular hike is Ewoldsen Trail. It is 5.3 miles and loops through old growth redwoods and scrub landscape. Considered a moderate to hard trail, there is a fair amount of elevation gain, but the views of the ocean and surrounding mountains are worth it.

Camping

There are plenty of options for camping. Tent sites are available at Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Limekiln State Park, and Kirk Creek Campground. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Kirk Creek Campground also have RV spots. If you love the outdoors, but not the idea of sleeping in a tent consider staying at one of Big Sur’s luxury camping sites. Treebones Resort and Fernwood Campground and Resort offer alternatives to traditional tent camping. Choose between a yurt, twig hut, cabin, or adventure tent.

State Parks

In Big Sur it's not hard to find a place to get away from it all. There are a total of seven state parks, all with diverse wildlife and landmarks. Andrew Molera State Park is the largest park, here you can hike to Cooper Cabin the oldest structure in Big Sur or the Highbridge Falls waterfall. It is also considered to be a reliable area for surfing. Limekiln State Park also has a historic site where visitors can hike to see limekilns used in the 1800’s. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Parks are also popular for their redwoods, waterfalls, and hiking.

Beaches

The beaches in Big Sur are small, but beautiful. Garrapata State Beach has two miles of sandy beach front, depending on the season visitors can see sea otters, sea lions, seals and migrating whales from the shore. One of the more popular beaches Pfeiffer Beach can be hard to find, but is known for its unique purple sand and an arch rock formation. Point Lobos also has a small number of beaches and a marine reserve. The reserve is a protected area and is an excellent spot for scuba divers to explore because of the rich underwater habitat.

Must See Landmarks

In addition to McWay Falls, another easy recognizable landmark is Bixby Bridge. A popular spot for photography, there are numerous turnouts along Highway 1 to pull over take a picture and enjoy the views. Another man made attraction for visitors to explore is the Point Sur Lighthouse. It is a California State Historic Landmark and open for guided tours. For those interested in a more relaxing trip, consider making a reservation at The Esalon Institute. The institute is a retreat and detox center, where visitors can enjoy hot springs or take a yoga workshop.

Experience

Stay a While

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is considered to have some of the best camping on the West Coast. One of the main attractions is McWay Falls, a waterfall that drops from the surrounding cliffs into the ocean 80 feet below. There are two environmental hike-in camp sites available for reservation, no vehicles allowed so be prepared to bring your gear with you.

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Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground

Not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground is located just 12 miles to the north. The park spans over 1,000 acres and runs along the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains. It is centered around the Big Sur River and is known for it's redwood groves. There arae 189 RV and tent camping sites available for reservation.