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Big Sur. / 36.299216; -121.873402. Big Sur ( / ˈsɜːr /) is a rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of the U.S. state of California, between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon, where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. It is frequently praised for its dramatic scenery.
Plan your winter getaway to Big Sur, a scenic destination with wildflowers, condors, sea otters and more. Find lodging, camping, restaurants, events, hiking, tours and activities in this National Scenic Byway and Marine Sanctuary.
Three Things to Do in Big Sur. 1. Drive the world’s most awesome coastal highway. Edging the cliffs and twisting through stands of towering redwoods, California Highway 1 is Big Sur’s main drag. Take your time, both to drive safely and for stops at overlooks, where you can watch tendrils of fog drifting into the redwood canyons.
Jun 6, 2023 · Discover the raw beauty and maritime energy of Big Sur, a state of mind and a scenic coastline between the Santa Lucia Range and the Pacific Ocean. Find the best time to visit, the top attractions, the latest stories and the guidebooks to plan your trip.
- Where Is Big Sur?
- Best Time to Visit Big Sur
- Big Sur Camping
- Best Hikes in Big Sur
- Where to Eat in Big Sur
- Must See Sights in Big Sur
- Day Trips from Big Sur
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Big Sur is about 5 ½ hours north of Los Angeles and 2 ½ hours south of San Francisco. A car is highly recommended for exploring this region since getting to Big Sur via public transportation is very difficult (although it’s not impossible – there is a public transportation option from Monterey or Carmel to Big Sur). If coming from out of state, the...
Big Sur is a destination that can be visited year-round. Summer, from about June – August, is the high season and should be avoided if possible due to the number of people that visit during that time. Campsites book out months in advance and you’ll notice the crowds when you hike, stop at viewpoints, try to grab a bite to eat, or look for parking a...
There are four State Park campgrounds and two National Forest campgrounds in Big Sur, all of which are beautiful places to camp and to base yourself for your stay in this region. Reservations for the state park campgrounds listed below can be made up to 6 months in advance on the Recreation.gov website. Campgrounds in Big Sur tend to book up immedi...
In recent years, some of the hiking trails and lookouts in Big Sur have been closed due to past fires and storm damage. Check the official California Department of Parks & Recreation website for Big Surto see up-to-date closure information. Here are some of our favorite Big Sur hikes.
Big Sur Bakery
If you ask anyone who has been to Big Sur where to eat in the area, they’ll surely say the Big Sur Bakery.This iconic little spot is a favorite of all who visit. They’re known for their grab-and-go pastries, in particular their scones. You can also dine in or enjoy your food on one of their two lovely patios but expect a wait if it’s crowded.
Big Sur Deli
The Big Sur Deliis another great grab-and-go option with a variety of ready-to-go delicious sandwiches and prepared foods on offer as well as sandwiches made to order. They also have a great selection of craft beer, cider, and other beverages as well as snacks, grocery items, and souvenirs.
Nepenthe/Cafe Kevah
If you are looking for an upscale sit down spot perched cliffside with epic views of the coastline, Nepenthe is the place to go. This is a popular spot and they do not accept reservations, so be prepared to wait if you arrive at peak times. If you are looking for something more casual (or just want to check out the view), Cafe Kevahis located on the outside terrace just below Nepenthe and serves coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and homemade baked goods. There is a gift shop also attached to the...
McWay Falls
McWay Fallsis the famous waterfall that flows directly onto a beach and into the ocean that you’ve likely seen in photos. It really is a beautiful sight and is one of the main Big Sur attractions. You can’t actually go down to the beach to see the waterfall up close, but the viewpoints along Highway 1 give you a beautiful view of the waterfall and the cove. Depending on the tides, the waterfall will pour into the ocean or on the beach.
Pfeiffer Beach
We weren’t actually able to get to Pfieffer Beachduring our trip to Big Sur because every time we tried (and we tried multiple times), it was full. Parking is very limited and fills up quickly. From Highway 1, you’ll take a 2-mile drive down Sycamore Canyon road (it’s windy and narrow so RVs are not allowed) to reach the parking area. At this point, you’ll either be extremely lucky and snag a spot, or you’ll be turned around to try your luck next time. It’s worth it if you’re able to visit th...
Henry Miller Memorial Library
The Henry Miller Memorial Libraryis a non-profit arts center, book store, and music venue. It’s an awesome spot to pick up a book and lounge in their backyard, or catch a live music show. The building is dedicated to the late Henry Miller, a longtime Big Sur resident.
Depending on how much time you have, Big Sur can be a great base for exploring the area. There is so much to see and do on this stretch of coastline, here are some of our favorites:
Learn how to plan your trip to Big Sur, California, a rugged coastline with stunning views, camping, hiking, and more. Find out the best time to visit, where to camp, what to see, and how to get there.
May 15, 2023 · Explore the stunning scenery of Big Sur, one of the most beautiful places in California. Find out what to see, do, eat, and enjoy in this ultimate guide to Big Sur road trip.
Sep 16, 2021 · Explore the natural beauty, culture and history of Big Sur, California, with this guide to the best attractions and activities. From the iconic Bixby Bridge to the elephant seals, from Nepenthe restaurant to the Henry Miller Memorial Library, discover the highlights of this scenic coastline.
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