Big Sur
Overview
Big Sur is more a state of mind than a place to pinpoint on a map, and when the sun goes down, the moon and the stars are the area's natural streetlights. (That's if summer’s fog hasn’t extinguished them.) Raw beauty and an intense maritime energy characterize this land shoehorned between the Santa Lucia Range and the Pacific Ocean, and a first glimpse of the craggy, unspoiled coastline is a special moment.
01 / Attractions
Must-see attractions
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Big Sur
If you're chasing waterfalls, swing into this state park named for the daughter of some of the earliest European settlers to arrive in Big Sur. The…
Big Sur
Pfeiffer Beach is at the heart of what Big Sur is all about – splendid, unusual scenery that's inspired generations of artists, writers, and travelers…
Big Sur
A little over 6 miles south of Bixby Bridge, Point Sur rises like a velvety green fortress out of the sea. It looks like an island, but is actually…
Big Sur
This is a raw, breathtaking spot where crashing surf salts your skin. On the steep, half-mile dirt hike down to the cove, you’ll cross a cool bridge and…
Big Sur
Named after the farmer who first planted artichokes in California, this oft-overlooked park is a trail-laced pastiche of grassy meadows, ocean bluffs and…
Big Sur
The tortuously winding 40-mile stretch of Hwy 1 south of Lucia to Hearst Castle is sparsely populated, rugged and remote, mostly running through national…
Big Sur
Novelist Henry Miller was a Big Sur denizen from 1944 to 1962. More of a beatnik memorial, alt-cultural venue and bookshop, this community gathering spot…
Big Sur
Less than 15 miles south of Carmel, this landmark spanning Rainbow Canyon is one of the world’s highest single-span bridges. Completed in 1932, it was…
02 / Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
With its distinct dining options, and fun nature and historical experiences, this California jewel shines.
Read articleBest Time to Visit
This 90-mile stretch of California coastline offers tidepooling, whale watching, camping, music events and more. And then there are the beaches.
Read article03 / Articles
Latest stories from Big Sur
Filter by interest:
Activities7 Big Sur hikes to get you out of the car and onto the trailsSep 8, 2021 • 7 min read
HikingYou can hike this incredible Californian trail for the first time in 13 yearsJun 15, 2021 • 2 min read
RomanceBig Little Lies filming locations in Monterey you won't want to missJun 6, 2019 • 3 min read
Road TripsGlamping in California: 5 spots to sleep comfortably under the starsMay 14, 2019 • 3 min read
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