Location: Big Sur
Top Things to do in Big Sur
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What to do and see in Big Sur, California (CA): The Best Free Things to do
Jagged cliffs pummeled by surf line the Pacific Coast Highway along Big Sur, creating some of California's most memorable ocean vistas between Carmel and the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County. Jack Kerouac and Henry Miller found inspiration in its fog-banked canyons and meadows. Gray whales migrate past twice a year, and elephant seals bask on the sandy shores. Luxury hotels, restaurants and art galleries cluster in a six-mile strip, giving way to redwood-filled state parks on either side.
Restaurants in Big Sur
1. Hawthorne Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
The Hawthorne Gallery represents the artwork of the multi-talented Hawthorne family as well as the work of selected outstanding artists across the country. After expanding North in July of 2010, the Hawthorne Gallery now has locations in Big Sur, California and Port Orford, Oregon. Both Galleries overlook the majestic Pacific Ocean and are open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Reviewed By 958catherinev
There is something here for everyone. The furniture is stunning, it is art. The art is gorgeous. The staff is super kind and fun.
2. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By Steve5863 - Avon, United States
The Big Sur is famous for being a remote, rugged and spectacularly beautiful coastline and while one can easily spend several days exploring this stretch of coastline between Carmel and San Simeon, connected by the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1), it is also very possible to see and experience a lot in a single day as we did. Getting an early start, we took a long day to drive this 90 mile (145k) stretch of the PCH which takes one by the spectacular rocky coast, with waves crashing, and dotted by sandy beaches. We stopped at many pullouts to get a good look as well as a number of state beaches and parks including Garrapata, Pfeiffer Beach, Julia Pfeiffer Burns and Limekiln. Along the way we saw historic bridges, lighthouses, redwoods, wildflowers, waterfalls, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and even purple sand (Pfeiffer Beach) with the final stop being the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas, just north of San Simeon, where we saw hundreds. Following the spectacular day, we were left with no doubt as to the well-deserved fame and reputation of this stretch of coast and hope to return some day to see more.
3. New Camaldoli Hermitage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Located in Big Sur, this monastic retreat provides visitors with a chance to spend time in silence and solitude, seeking the inner life.
Reviewed By RobbieKaye22 - Santa Ynez, United States
This sacred retreat was life altering for me. The silence combined with the beauty of Big Sur was healing and heart opening. I only stayed for 2 days, but in the time I was there, I was not only rejuvenated, I got to hear myself think and feel without the distractions of social media and outside demands.
4. Bixby Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,386 reviews
This historical bridge is a popular subject for photographers.
Reviewed By Gus6 - Los Angeles, United States
Is the perfect ending for your Big Sur trip The view of this bridge is amazing and you have pretty good parking space on the north side to park for a few minutes and enjoy the vies and take the iconic pictures for your book
5. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,438 reviews
A breathtaking 80-foot waterfall dropping from the cliffs to the ocean is the focal point of this park.
Reviewed By westie2 - Kensington, United States
We stopped in this park on our way through Big Sur. On the entering the park, we were greeted by a flock of stellar jays residing in a tree adjacent to the parking lot that were begging for food. We took the Overlook trail that led us under Highway 1 to a point high on a bluff with a magical view of the McWay Falls that tumble down some 80 feet onto a pristine beach off a picture perfect cove. This proved to be one of the highlights of recent vacation.
6. Big Sur Station
7. Old Coast Road
8. Coast Gallery Big Sur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Fine arts and crafts gallery.
Reviewed By ojoca - San Francisco, United States
With our wedding plans challenged by COVID and then wildfires, we were planning our rehearsal dinner at the last minute. Fortunately we called COAST a week before our wedding and asked if they would be available to host a small gathering of 20 people. Thankfully they were available!! Andrea did an incredible job putting together such a beautiful and safe event on their seaview terrace. We had the opportunity to customize details - like the music, food, and beverages and COAST took care of the rest. Our guests were enamored by the view and the care that the team put into the event... and the food and local wine was BEYOND our expectations! We would highly recommend COAST to anyone as it is a very special place, cared for by wonderful people -- certainly a memory that we will cherish for a lifetime.
9. McWay Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,161 reviews
Reviewed By vjulio2 - Bakersfield, United States
We have driven through this panoramic route many times before and seen many of the of the beautiful vistas along the way but unless you plan to stop here you might miss it as I have in the past. It’s a beautiful view with easy access from either side of the road as there is a tunnel you can walk through under the road . It’s well worth the short hike down as you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the waterfall pouring on to the beach.
10. Partington Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By JBRetired - Apple Valley, United States
Ok first coming backup its steep but only 10-15 minutes if you can do that its a must. Go down watch for the little foot bridge cross it and go through the tunnel. You come out the other side into a different world. Think of the boats that docked here in the 1800’s
