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 Nature & Parks
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. Tanbark Trail & Tin House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By virbak
We hiked down the trail and the end of the trail was absolutely phenomenal. it felt that once we had gone through the tunnel we were in another world. Absolutely amazing. Virat Bakhshi
3. 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.
4. Point Sur State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
This historic lighthouse located around Point Sur is now a state park.
Reviewed By georgecmeredith - Windsor, Canada
Driving down the Pacific Coast Highway about a half hour south of Carmel is Point Sur Historic State Park. Be sure to make the stop. This is different than Big Sur. There is a state park with Spectacular views of the cliffs and the ocean. You can walk up the hill to the historic area including the Lighthouse. Do not miss this stop if driving by on the Pacific Coast Highway. Absolutely beautiful.
5. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 711 reviews
Reviewed By ArlettgKeating - Rancho Cucamonga, United States
This park is the best of them along Big Sur. Once you get it it feels like you are in the middle of a redwood forest. We went with my 9 year old so we weren't interested in big or long hikes. The walk along the redwoods and river was pefect for us. And theynhave a nice lodge/restaurant too.
6. Pacific Valley Bluff Trail
7. 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.
8. Pfeiffer Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,346 reviews
Reviewed By mercedcampgirl - Orange, United States
Getting to Pfeiffer Beach off Highway One in Big Sur takes a little time and a day use fee. The turnoff is not easy to see. It is just south of Big Sur Station on the unsigned Sycamore Canyon Road, a one-lane paved road for 2.5 miles (4 km) winding down to Pfeiffer Beach. Drive slowly and anticipate traffic coming back up. CA traffic laws dictate that downhill traffic on one-lane roads must yield the right of way to uphill traffic. At the ranger kiosk, we found that our senior Golden Pass does not work for admission even though Pfeiffer Beach is in the Los Padres National Forest. We paid our $12 and afterwards felt like the fee is only worth it for a full afternoon or at least a few hours. Pfeiffer Beach and its iconic Keyhole Rock are beautiful, but the long, winding road and the fee really, in our opinion, are not worth it if one is only there for a few minutes and a few photos as part of a Big Sur road trip. Bring a picnic lunch and spend some time at Pfeiffer Beach! We did get some pretty photos: please see attached.
9. Mill Creek Picnic Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
10. 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.
