Big Sur.

What to do in Big Sur California United States

Big Sur has no downtown. Life here is strung out along Highway 1, where days revolve around hiking coastal headlands, tracking changing fog banks, and finding dinner before dark. Expect narrow roads, scarce petrol stations, and zero mobile phone coverage. It suits independent travellers, walkers, and drivers who enjoy rugged landscape over resort comforts and do not mind packing sturdy boots and extra layers.

24 hours in Big Sur California United States

Start before 8:00 AM at Bixby Bridge before tour coaches arrive, then hike the valley floor at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Eat wood-fired pizza for lunch at Big Sur Bakery. Spend the afternoon watching McWay Falls, then settle onto the terrace at Nepenthe for a drink as the sun drops into the ocean. Select 1 Day above to see it.

2 days in Big Sur California United States

Head north to Garrapata State Park for steep headland trails overlooking crashing surf and sea otters. Afterwards, explore the quiet dirt tracks of Sycamore Canyon down to Pfeiffer Beach. For dinner, book a table at the Post Ranch Sierra Mar or the Big Sur Roadhouse for braised short ribs and California Pinot Noir. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.

3 days in Big Sur California United States

A third day allows a guided morning climb up Point Sur Lightstation, followed by the quiet redwood trails of Limekiln State Park further south. Finish the trip with a slow lunch in Carmel Valley's sun-drenched tasting rooms, sampling local Grenache and sourdough away from the coastal damp.

Big Sur California United States itineraries by interest

• Hiking in Big Sur California United States

  Walk the steep Ewoldsen Trail loop through deep redwood canyons or the coastal Bluffs Trail at Andrew Molera for open views of the Pacific.

• Beaches in Big Sur California United States

  Trek down the sandy path to Pfeiffer Beach to see the natural rock arch and purple garnet sand, or explore the rocky tide pools at Garrapata.

• Local Seafood in Big Sur California United States

  Order pan-roasted local rockfish, Dungeness crab, and Monterey Bay calamari at cliffside roadhouses along Highway 1.

• Coastal Walks in Big Sur California United States

  Take the flat half-mile trail to McWay Falls overlook in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see the eighty-foot waterfall drop onto the cove.

• Historic Sites in Big Sur California United States

  Tour the 1889 Point Sur Lightstation perched on a volcanic rock dome, open for guided walking tours on select weekend mornings.

• Scenic Drives in Big Sur California United States

  Drive the winding stretches of Highway 1 across the 1932 Bixby Creek Bridge, timing your run for early morning to avoid tourist traffic.

• Wildlife Watching in Big Sur California United States

  Spot migrating gray whales from coastal cliffs between December and April, along with sea otters and roosting California condors.

• Casual Dining in Big Sur California United States

  Grab a burger on the redwood deck at Nepenthe or freshly baked pastries and espresso from the Big Sur Bakery off the main highway.

• Camping & Outdoors in Big Sur California United States

  Pitch a tent along the Big Sur River among towering redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park or reserve walk-in sites at Limekiln.

• Art & Literature in Big Sur California United States

  Browse local books, folk art, and poetry at the Henry Miller Memorial Library, set among shaded redwoods along the highway.

• Bakery & Cafes in Big Sur California United States

  Pick up wood-fired bread, ginger scones, and strong roast coffee at Big Sur Bakery, or sit outdoors with a sandwich at Big Sur Deli.

• River & Forest in Big Sur California United States

  Wade into the cool waters of the Big Sur River Gorge or follow riverside trails shaded by coastal redwoods and bay laurels.