Location: Big Sur
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What to do and see in Big Sur, California (CA): The Best State 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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Limekiln State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
Reviewed By Waterloonie - Santa Barbara, United States
Limekiln is such an interesting and beautiful park to take an easy hike in. Absolutely delightful to walk along the stream among the sequoias. The 140 year old lime kilns were interesting and slightly spooky to find at the end of the short hike. Of all the hikes one can take in Big Sur, this is a lovely, peaceful and not strenuous one recommended for all.
6. Andrew Molera State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 203 reviews
This large park has a diverse range of trails that run along the Big Sur River or out to the coast.
Reviewed By 7268 - Oakland, United States
Fantastic state park. I hiked the ridge and bluffs trails. Amazing loop. Beautiful scenery. Convenient parking at the trailhead. Clean bathrooms. Friendly, helpful park ranger at the booth on entry. Antiquated payment system. YOu need 10 in cash. Fantastic beach.
