With stunning coastal views, dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, miles of beaches and spectacular hiking trails, a Big Sur California road trip is a bucket list road trip in the US.
With so much to do in this section of the Pacific Coast Highway, it can be tricky to plan which Big Sur must see stops to visit and what to see in Big Sur. As well as being famous for its dramatic nature and outdoor activities, Big Sur is also a great foodie destination and photography destination along the California Coast that keeps people coming back year after year.
I’ve put together this Big Sur road trip guide to help you plan the must see places in Big Sur and make the most of your Big Sur itinerary, including the best hiking trails in Big Sur, State Parks to visit in Big Sur and tips for traveling in the area.
Where is Big Sur?
When people say Big Sur, they are referring to a popular section of California highway along the coast. It’s frequently been described as California’s most scenic drive.
The strip of coastline is about 90 miles and runs from the Central Coast of California near Carmel-by-the-Sea to the San Simeon area. It is mostly undeveloped land that runs along what is now Highway 1, or what’s more commonly known as the Pacific Coast Highway.
How to Get to Big Sur?
If you live within the state of California, I would highly recommend driving so you will have access to your car. If you live further away, you can fly into one of California’s bigger cities and rent a car. San Francisco is the closest major city, but San Jose is a little closer if you choose an airline that flies there. Los Angeles would be my last recommendation due to having to drive north on the opposite side of the road from the coastal views.
Best Time of Year to Visit Big Sur?
Big Sur has pretty mild weather all year, so you can visit year-round. But, visiting in March to April or October to November are probably the best times since the weather is milder and there are fewer crowds. The crowds are typically the busiest during the peak season of summer, so I recommend trying to avoid this time of year.
How Long to Spend in Big Sur?
I would highly recommend a minimum of three nights. While you can get away with a day trip, you’ll find that the coastal area of Big Sur is extensive and travel time to get between places needs to be considered. Big Sur has a lot to offer, so you could easily spend a week here and still not see it all.
Travel Tips for Visiting Big Sur
- Cell Service: Phone service is extremely limited and inconsistent. My recommendation is to save offline Google Maps for the area and star any locations you plan on visiting. Another option is to utilize wifi to pull up your maps when you have it such as at your restaurant, hotel, etc.
- Driving: Highway 1 is windy and can be very nerve-wracking at times. Drive responsibly and use turnouts that are large enough to stop at when you decide to pull over.
- Photography Tip: Sunset is the best time of day for light across the coastline. The sun rises on the non-coastal side and sets out over the water so there are plenty of Big Sur photo spots that are perfect for sunset.
- Have Cash Handy: Certain state parks require a small entrance fee.
- Have Hiking/Beach Clothes in Your Car: This is super handy for you to grab and change into if you decide to get out for an unexpected adventure on one of the Big Sur hiking trails.
- Bring Water/Snacks: With limited access to stores (and the ones you do have access to are pricier), you should bring some snacks and water. It is also a good idea to fill up your gas tank before you get into Big Sur as the gas is limited and pricey.
Big Sur Road Trip Map
Credit: Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
Big Sur Stopping Points for Coastal Views
One of the best tips I received was to take in the view and stop along the drive at pullouts. Even if the stop ends up not being what you had hoped, you will find some beautiful views along the way!
Best Stops in Big Sur
I have compiled a list of some of the best places to stop in Big Sur, the best hiking trails in Big Sur and Big Sur stopping points. Keep in mind that these are in order if you are traveling from North (Carmel-by-the-Sea) to South (San Simeon). If you are driving up from the south, be sure to flip the list!
Carmel, CA
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most charming and quaint towns on the coast of California. With some of the best food in the state, the scenic 17-mile drive at Pebble Beach, and a stunning beach that is perfect for sunset, you don’t want to miss this stop. Highly recommend using this as your home base for a few days if you are going to be in the area for a little while!
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is about 3 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and is known for its hiking along the coastline, vast variety of wildlife, and some of the most stunning beach coves!
Bird Island Trail (0.8 miles): This was my favorite hike that we did here. It is a short and easy loop that starts at Bird Island Parking lot which is at the very end of the park road. The trail leads to China Cove which is known for its emerald green waters and continues on to Bird Island and Gibson beach. You can often see harbor seals sunning themselves on the sand at China Cove.
Sea Lion Point and Sand Hills Trails (0.6 miles): This is a short hike that leads to an epic viewpoint of several coves and the point where lots of sea lions congregate!
Other Options: South Shore Trail (2 miles) | Cypress Grove Loop Trail (0.8 miles) | North Shore Trail (2 miles)
Soberanes Canyon / Garrapata State Park Bluff Trails
If you continue driving along Highway 1, you will find another incredible coastal park, Garrapata, that is tucked into the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail: If you only have time for one trail, I recommend hiking the Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail. It’s regarded as one of the easy hikes in Big Sur with less than a mile round trip. You’ll get incredible panoramic views of the ocean and Soberanes point.
Soberanes Point Trail: Another option if you have more time is Soberanes Point which is 3.6 miles roundtrip and offers wonderful views of the coast and beach coves. A side trail takes you up some stairs to the top of Whale Peak. You can also hike down to one of the beach coves here!
Other Options: Soberanes Canyon Trail (2.8 miles out & back) | Rocky Ridge Trail (7 miles roundtrip)
Tip: Parking is in small areas along Highway 1. A series of 19 numbered signs mark various gates and trailheads along the highway. You can utilize this page to figure out what gate to park near for the most popular trails.
Calla Lilly Valley
If you are visiting in the spring, I have heard this is a must-see addition to your stops. The famous Calla Lilies typically bloom from mid-February to mid-March. This area can be accessed via a short walk along the Garrapata Trail.
Garrapata Beach
Right near Calla Lilly Valley, this beach is the perfect place to catch a sunset after spending your day hiking in Garrapata State Park.
Bixby Bridge
The iconic Bixby Bridge was made famous by the HBO show, Big Little Lies. It is a 279-foot tall concrete bridge that was built to connect the rocky cliffs to continue Highway 1. Due to its popularity, it can definitely get busy and parking is super limited. I recommend going for sunrise or sunset for the best views!
Andrew Molera State Park
The largest park in Big Sur and also home to one of the best beaches in Big Sur, Andrew Molera Beach, makes this one of the best stops on the Big Sur drive. Popular with surfers and hikers, the beautiful beach is a bit of a walk from the car park but fairly easy with a loop trail to follow.
Andrew Molera Beach Trail: This loop trail takes you from the trailhead at the car park, down to the beach and back. Around 2 miles in distance, this is a fairly easy walk with stunning beach views.
Bobcat Trail: This forest hike is around 2.6 miles in distance and is relatively easy along the river and through meadows. This trail is a great easy break if you’ve been driving all day!
Redwood Trails: There are several options in the park that will take you on trails through the Redwoods. Coyote Flat, Panorama, and East Molera Trails.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
A short drive further south from Andrew Molera State Park is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park where you’ll also find Big Sur Lodge.
Although there is no beach or ocean access from Pfeiffer State Park, I love its location on the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains which offers plenty of opportunities for nature lovers and hikers with redwood trees, scenic river trails, and amazing wildlife.
Pfeiffer Falls Trail: Situated in a narrow canyon below Mount Manuel and the Santa Lucia Mountains, this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail takes you through beautiful redwoods to Pfeiffer Falls which tumbles down a mossy cliff.
Buzzards Roost Trail: This is one of the more popular Big Sur hikes, although definitely more challenging. It follows a 1.8-mile trail with an uphill climb. Beginning at the redwoods, the trail takes you to a viewpoint on the eastern side of the Big Basin, called Rooster Rock.
Pfeiffer Beach
A part of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Pfeiffer Beach was a highly recommended stop from all fronts. We went during the morning, but later we met a local who said that the sunsets here are extremely magical. If we would’ve had another night, we would have gone. Don’t want you to make the same mistake, so I am giving you the tip here.
You can watch the sunset through the Keyhole Arch. A few weeks each winter, the sunset perfectly aligns with the arch resulting in a stunning light show that brings people from all over during that time of year to witness the beauty.
Tip: It can be difficult to figure out how to get to Pfeiffer Beach as there is not a big sign marking the entrance road. When driving south, turn right on Sycamore Canyon Road (this should pull up in your maps and lead you in the right direction if you have service. The road makes an immediate right turn and continues 2 miles before you hit the beach entrance.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – McWay Falls
Easily my favorite stop of the trip, McWay Falls offers the amazing opportunity to see a waterfall run off a cliff into the ocean. After parking at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, you can hike through the tunnel from the parking lot for a short trail that offers a view from below. If you walk to the road from the parking lot and cross it, there is a short landing area that offers more of a view from above. Both are stunning and worthwhile if you have the time!
Limekiln State Park
Named after four lime kilns dating from an 1887 lime-calcining operation, Limekiln State Park is a 711-acre park with incredible views of Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary as well as beaches, redwood forests, amazing sea life, the 100-foot Limekiln Falls and plenty of hiking trails.
Limekiln Falls Trail: This out-and-back trail is 1.4 miles and offers so many photo opportunities. Surrounded by redwoods with mossy streams running alongside the trail, the endpoint brings you to the Limekiln waterfall.
Note: The park is currently closed due to fires but plans to reopen in the near future. Check the park’s website for updates before planning your stop here.
Sand Dollar Beach
Despite its name, the beach here is not littered with sand dollars most of the time, but this is one of the Big Sur best stops because it’s a local favorite that’s much less popular with the Big Sur road trip crowds.
The rocky outcrops and jagged cliffs make this location even more dramatic, particularly slightly south of the beach at Jade Cove – one of the best Big Sur viewpoints.
Salmon Creek Falls
Famous as one of the best hikes in Big Sur, the Salmon Creek Falls Trail is a 0.3-mile out-and-back trail located near San Simeon, California.
This stunning 120-foot natural waterfall hike can be accessed directly from one of the Big Sur stopping points on Highway 1.
If you want to get to the falls themselves, there is a short scramble and some of the route is rockier. If you’re feeling more adventurous, the total trail is 10 miles out and back.
A road trip to Big Sur is one of the best ways to see this section of the more untouched California Coast. Hopefully, this guide gives you plenty of ideas for must see stops in Big Sur and helps you plan your Big Sur California road trip.
xx,
Ashley
Related Readings: Best Restaurants in Carmel, California | Lake Tahoe Hikes | Lake Tahoe Beaches
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