22 Big Sur Attractions You Must Not Miss (+ Map to Find Them!)
- Admire McWay Falls.
- Snap a photo of Bixby Creek Bridge.
- Look for Purple Sand at Pfeiffer Beach.
- View Jade-Green China Cove in Point Lobos.
- Enjoy Sand Dollar Beach.
- Drive Old Coast Road.
- Tour Point Sur Light Station.
- Marvel at the Seals at Piedras Blancas Rookery.
What is Big Sur known for?
Big Sur has been called the “longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States“, a sublime “national treasure that demands extraordinary procedures to protect it from development”, and “one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic …
What do I need to know before going to Big Sur?
- Only budgeting a few hours. …
- Not saving all of the must-sees to a Google map. …
- Not bringing a car charger for your phone. …
- Only stopping at the famous spots. …
- Not going to all of the state parks in the same day. …
- Driving North through the Big Sur. …
- Not filling up your gas tank before starting the Big Sur Itinerary.
How many days should you spend in Big Sur?
If you are staying in the area, we recommend spending at least 2-3 days in the area. There are so many beautiful hikes, beaches, and nearby towns that will make it easy to fill those three days. One of the best parts about visiting Big Sur is not being rushed and taking the time to enjoy the area at a relaxing pace.
What should I wear to Big Sur?
We recommend the following:
- One pair shorts/leggings for hiking during the day.
- One pair warm long pants for hanging around camp at night.
- Two tanks/short-sleeved shirts (one to hike in, one for sleeping)
- One lightweight long-sleeved shirt for warmth in the evening.
- Fleece or down jacket for warmth.
What beach in California has purple sand?
Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is famous as the “purple sand beach.” But that’s not its only claim to fame: beautiful Keyhole Arch, which sits just offshore at Pfeiffer Beach, is one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur.
Is Big Sur pretty?
It’s probably one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been too. You hike through redwood forests as well as see some beautiful beaches all in the same day. We hiked in Limekiln, Salmon Creek, and the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which is where the famous McWay Falls is located (the waterfall right by the ocean).
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Is the drive to Big Sur scary?
The drive to Big Sur can be scary for those with a fear of heights. Some parts of the scenic drive follow the edge of the cliff. That said, drive cautiously and stop at turnouts and you’ll avoid any dangers.
Is Big Sur drivable?
Can you drive through Big Sur? Absolutely! Big Sur is a coastal drive along Highway 1 in California. Along this scenic drive, you will pass famous view points and state parks such as Point Lobos State Park, Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, Hearst Castle and more!
Where can I get gas before Big Sur?
The Best 10 Gas Stations in Big Sur, CA
- Shell. 7.1 mi. Gas Stations. …
- Chevron Station. 4.6 mi. Gas Stations. …
- Carmel Valley Chevron. 11.4 mi. $$$ Convenience Stores, Gas Stations. …
- Lemos 76. 15.5 mi. …
- Shell. 16.7 mi. …
- Shell. 15.2 mi. …
- Chevron Station In Carmel Highlands. 13.7 mi. …
- Carmel Highlands General Store. 13.7 mi.
What is the best time to go to Big Sur?
The most popular time to visit Big Sur is between April to October, when the weather is nicest. (Though one should be warned that the marine layer coats much of the coast in the mornings during parts of the high season.) Businesses are not open as long during the off-peak season.
What is the closest city to Big Sur?
Big Sur and Neighboring Cities:
Cambria is around the half way point, but the closest town to Big Sur area on the south is San Simeon. It is also the closest to Hearst Castle. On the north side, Carmel is the last town you get to before going to Big Sur area. You will want to see Big Sur during daylight hours.
How do I spend my day at Big Sur?
Your Big Sur Day Trip Itinerary
- Take a hike.
- Marvel at the Bixby Creek Bridge.
- Stop to see the redwoods.
- Take an optional hike.
- Grab a delicious lunch.
- Admire the purple sand of Pfeiffer Beach.
- Admire McWay Falls.
- Continue along the coast to see elephant seals.
Are there ticks in Big Sur?
The chaparral is crawling with ticks in the spring, and you can easily pick up a hundred ticks on a single day hike (as Analise Eliot points out in her indispensible Big Sur hiking guide, “Garrapata State Park” translates to “Tick State Park” ). Clouds of flies may surround and bite you, undeterred by insect repellent.
What to pack for hiking in Big Sur?
3. Big Sur Camping and Hiking Packing Checklist
- Tent.
- Sleeping bags.
- Sleeping pads.
- Hydration backpack.
- Lantern, headlamp, or flashlight.
- Hat, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Proper hiking boots or trail shoes.
- Trail snacks, water, and firewood.
Can you walk on Pfeiffer Beach?
Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur
Water from the creek to your left forms a long pool in the sand in front of you, which you can easily walk around (or through). To your left, a crescent-shaped arc of sand is backed by tall sea cliffs.
Can you swim in Big Sur California?
Though Big Sur has a lot of ocean and many beaches, some of which have sand surfaces, safe ocean swimming locations and times are rare. The Big Sur coast has strong tides and currents, heavy waves, and cold water. Many have drowned while in the water or while climbing on shoreline rocks.
Is there a pink sand beach in California?
You don’t have to travel to the Caribbean to sink your toes into a pink sand beach – there’s a gorgeous one right here in America. California’s Pfeiffer Beach is a stunning stretch of purplish-pink sand that is one of the West Coast’s best hidden gems.
How long is Big Sur drive?
The drive through Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch along California’s Pacific Coast that will take you on a beautiful coastal adventure. From Los Angeles, the beginning of Big Sur (San Simeon) is a 3.5 to 4-hour drive.
Where does Big Sur begin and end?
But if there’s a first among equals on Highway 1, it’s Big Sur. The 90-mile stretch of mountainous coast, which starts around San Simeon and ends near Carmel Highlands just south of Monterey, is packed with plenty of adventures worthy of a pit stop.
Why is Big Sur beautiful?
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has a bit of everything that makes Big Sur such an attraction — waterfalls, redwoods, hiking, meadows, incredible views, and plenty of wildlife. If you plan to split your Big Sur drive into two days, this state park also has plenty of camping options.
Is the 17 Mile drive scary?
The drive, itself, isn’t really all that scary, unless you have a fear of heights. Then parts of that drive might make you feel uncomfortable. Personally, it’s one of my all time favorite drives and I was the Nervous Nellie in the car as a child. The views are worth the effort…..
Is Bixby Bridge scary?
The Bixby bridge is iconic but the parking area and photo pop areas around it felt a little scary for parking and walking – big drop offs and no guardrails. Just made for a bit of anxiety with kids.
Is the PCH safe?
Visitors flock from all over the country and from beyond our nation’s borders to see the view from the PCH. However, in poor conditions it can be among the most dangerous roads in California, including where it passes through Santa Barbara.
Is Big Sur Open 2021?
Highway 1 is fully open to travelers who may now travel without interruption from Monterey/Carmel area to Cambria/Morro Bay along the Big Sur Coast.
Is the 1 open through Big Sur?
Update 11AM: Cal Trans has reopened Highway 1 on the Big Sur Coast. Highway 1 between Ragged Point in San Luis Obispo County and near Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn in Monterey County has re-opened as of 11 am following rockslides in multiple locations.
Is Big Sur a national forest?
Los Padres National Forest spans five counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern. In Monterey County, Los Padres National Forest extends through Big Sur and out toward the Salinas Valley.
What town is south of Big Sur?
Towns in the north include Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Marina and Salinas. In the south, the closest towns are Cambria, San Simeon, Paso Robles and Morro Bay.
Is the Pacific Highway easy to drive?
It’s easy to drive in convoy
The road between Carmel By the Sea and San Luis and then Oxnard to Santa Monica are only one lane so if there are a few of you it’s easy to drive in convoy. … If not, then it can be really fun to spread out and have a bunch of you driving the PCH.
Which is the best way to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?
Driving the route from north to south is ideal, as you’ll be on the ocean side of the road the entire way, allowing unobstructed views of the jagged coastline below.
Is Big Sur foggy?
Summer. Visitors flock to Big Sur each summer, eager to explore the forests and beaches while temperatures are in the mid-70s. Days are frequently sunny inland, but fog often hovers over the coast until the middle of the day.
Does Big Sur snow?
Big Sur (zip 93920) averages 3 inches of snow per year.
The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
Is Big Sur windy?
Wind in Big Sur is usually calm. The windiest month is May, followed by April and June.
Can you fly to Big Sur?
How to fly to Big Sur? You cannot fly directly to Big Sur. KAYAK recommends you fly to San Francisco (SFO) (98.47 mi from Big Sur). From there you can rent a car or get a taxi.
What are the cities around Big Sur California?
Cities near Big Sur, California:
- Monterey, CA.
- Seaside, CA.
- Pacific Grove, CA.
- Gonzales, CA.
- Marina, CA.
- Soledad, CA.
- Salinas, CA.
- Greenfield, CA.
Where is the Big Sur?
Big Sur is located along Scenic Highway One approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles. Historically, the name Big Sur, was derived from that unexplored and unmapped wilderness area which lays along the coast south of Monterey.
Is driving Big Sur worth it?
Driving Big Sur is a great way to relax and unplug. The area is full of fairly untouched land that is beautiful. Because of all that untouched land, you won’t find a lot of cell service or WIFI hotspots. So if you are looking for an unplugged vacation, this is perfect.
Is Big Sur crowded?
At certain times of the year, Big Sur can become overwhelmingly crowded. These times include many major U.S. holidays – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.
How do you drive through Big Sur?
How to Get to Big Sur
- From San Francisco to Big Sur: The drive is 120 miles and approximately 2.25 hours, which you can do via Highway 17 through Santa Cruz or Highway 101 and Highway 156 through Castroville.
- From San Jose to Big Sur: This drive has similar routing to San Francisco, but it’s only 80 miles and 1.5 hours.
Are there cougars in Big Sur?
Cougars, or mountain lions, exist in Big Sur but are rarely spotted. They are elusive and quiet. Although strong and powerful, rarely are they considered a threat to people.
Is there bear in Big Sur?
Bears are not common in Big Sur so this sighting was quite… More. We regularly provide still-born calves to help newly released condors get established and to reduce lead exposure to older birds from feeding on “wild” carcasses that were shot with lead ammunition.
Does Big Sur have poison oak?
If it’s green, it’s very likely poison oak. It is found throughout our parks and can be very beautiful, ranging in color from red to green. Sometimes the leaves are shiny, sometimes not.