Big Sur Travel Guide

Today in the United States: Jefferson Davis Birthday (3 Jun)

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the breathtaking region of Monterey County, California, lies the captivating beauty of Big Sur. Renowned for its dramatic coastal cliffs, pristine beaches, and enchanting redwood forests, this destination is a dream for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

As you venture along the iconic Highway 1, the mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean will leave you in awe. The rugged coastline of Big Sur boasts numerous scenic overlooks, allowing you to witness the sheer power and beauty of the crashing waves against the majestic cliffs. Bask in the tranquility of Pfeiffer Beach, known for its shimmering purple sands and iconic Keyhole Arch, which frames the endless expanse of the ocean.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, explore the vast wilderness of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Embark on scenic hiking trails that wind through towering redwoods and lead you to hidden waterfalls. The popular Pfeiffer Falls Trail takes you on a magical journey through lush forests and rewards you with the sight of a cascading waterfall that plunges into a serene pool below.

Indulge in the artistic side of Big Sur by visiting the Henry Miller Memorial Library, a cultural center dedicated to the renowned writer and his artistic contemporaries. Immerse yourself in the bohemian atmosphere and peruse through an eclectic collection of books, artwork, and memorabilia.

As the sun sets over the Pacific, treat yourself to a culinary experience like no other. Big Sur is home to a variety of world-class restaurants that offer a fusion of flavors inspired by the region's natural bounty. Savor the taste of locally sourced ingredients as you dine al fresco, surrounded by the enchanting ambiance of the coastal landscape.

Alternative names: Elevation: 0 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 35°52'48"N, 121°36'22"W

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CaliforniaUnited States

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Big Sur Top Attractions

Big Sur Attractions - What to See and Explore

Big Sur offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, Point Sur Lighthouse, Pfeiffer Beach. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Bridge
Bixby Creek Bridge
Spanning the rugged chasm of Bixby Creek in Monterey County, the Bixby Creek Bridge stands as a monumental feat of engineering and a timeless beacon of beauty along California's Big Sur coast. This open-spandrel arch bridge, completed in 1932, is one of the tallest of...
80-foot waterfall onto a small beach
McWay Falls
McWay Falls is an 80-foot-tall waterfall on the coast of Big Sur in central California that flows year-round from McWay Creek in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, about 37 miles south of Carmel, into the Pacific Ocean.
Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Point Sur Lighthouse
Point Sur Lighthouse is a lightstation at Point Sur 24.6 miles south of Monterey, California at the peak of the {{convert|361|ft|adj=on} rock at the head of the point. It was established in 1889 and is part of Point Sur State Historic Park. The light house is 40 feet tall and 270 feet above sea level.

Beach • Outdoor activities • Park
Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is located in the Big Sur region of California. It is one of the most popular beaches on the Central Coast and is well known for Keyhole Rock, a popular photography subject.
Bookshop • Museum • Music venue
Henry Miller Memorial Library
The Henry Miller Memorial Library is a nonprofit arts center, bookstore, and performance venue in Big Sur, California, documenting the life of the late writer, artist, and Henry Miller. Emil White built the house for Miller in the mid-1960s.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Point Lobos
Point Lobos and the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is the "crown jewel" of California's 280 state parks.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Hearst San Simeon State Park
Hearst San Simeon State Park is a state park of California, United States, preserving rocky coast and rare habitats. It is located between Cambria and San Simeon. The 3,409-acre park was first established in 1932.
Park
Point Sur State Historic Park
Point Sur State Historic Park is a California State Park on the Big Sur coastline of Monterey County, California, United States, 19 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel. The 1889 Point Sur Lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Spiritual • Church
New Camaldoli Hermitage
New Camaldoli Hermitage is a rural Camaldolese Benedictine hermitage in the Santa Lucia Mountains of Big Sur, California, in the United States. The Camaldolese branch of the Benedictine family was founded by St. Romuald in the late 10th century.
Natural attraction • Protected area
John Little State Natural Reserve
John Little State Natural Reserve is a small 21-acre natural area protecting a section of steep, rugged cliffs and bluffs along the Big Sur coast of California, United States.
36°13'3"N • 121°45'4"W
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, a collection of single wall buildings, cabins, and a restaurant in Castro Canyon, was one of the first visitor accommodation to offer overnight lodging and meals to Big Sur, California visitors and travelers after the opening of Highway 1 in 1937.

Day trips

Big Sur – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Big Sur, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Hearst Castle (San Simeon), Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo (Carmel), Rocky Creek Bridge (Garrapata State Park).

28 milesSE
Forts and castles, Museum, History museum
Hearst Castle, San Simeon
Perched atop the rolling hills of San Luis Obispo County, California, Hearst Castle stands as a monument to opulence and grandeur. This palatial estate, once the private residence of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, now serves as a museum, offering a glimpse...
49 milesN
Historic 18th-century church and museums
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, Carmel
Nestled in the quaint city of Carmel, California, Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, more commonly known as Carmel Mission, stands as a historical landmark steeped in rich heritage. Founded by Saint Junípero Serra in 1771, this mission is one of the most...
38 milesNW
Bridge
Rocky Creek Bridge, Garrapata State Park
Rocky Creek Bridge is a reinforced concrete open-spandrel arch bridge on the Big Sur coast of California, built in 1932. It is located in Monterey County, on the State Route 1 about 12 miles south of the city of Carmel, and about a mile north of the more famous Bixby Creek Bridge.
48 milesNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Volcano
Neenach Volcano, Pinnacles National Park
Neenach Volcano is an extinct Miocene volcano in the Coastal Ranges of California. After formation, the volcanic field was split by a fault in the San Andreas Fault Zone, and over the last 23 million years, the two halves of the volcano have moved about 195 miles apart.
49 milesN
Museum, Architecture, Historical place
Tor House, Carmel
Tor House and Hawk Tower are buildings in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United States. They were the home of poet Robinson Jeffers and family from 1919 to 1999.