Big Sur.

What to do in Big Sur California United States

Big Sur is a ninety-mile stretch of coast along Highway 1 rather than a single settlement. Days here center on driving between state parks, hiking redwood canyons, and eating at solitary roadhouses. The pace is set by the daylight and the ocean fog. It suits travellers who enjoy dramatic landscape, outdoor walking, and quiet evenings without urban distractions.

24 hours in Big Sur California United States

Start early with coffee and pastries at Big Sur Bakery, then walk the short path to the McWay Falls overlook. Have lunch on the terrace at Nepenthe overlooking the ocean. Spend the late afternoon watching the surf at Pfeiffer Beach before dinner at the Big Sur Roadhouse. Allow ample driving time on the winding two-lane road. Select 1 Day above to see it.

2 days in Big Sur California United States

A second day lets you head north to hike the ocean trails at Garrapata State Park and photograph Bixby Creek Bridge from the Old Coast Road. Eat fresh fish tacos at the village river inn and spend the afternoon wandering the redwood groves along the Big Sur River, finishing with local Monterey pinot noir by a stone hearth. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.

3 days in Big Sur California United States

Three days allow an unhurried visit to the historic Point Sur Lightstation for a guided walking tour. Take a morning hike into the Ventana Wilderness via the Big Sur Gorge, book an evening bath at the Esalen Institute, or explore the tidal pools and granite coves of Point Lobos just north near Carmel.

Big Sur California United States itineraries by interest

• Coastal Hikes in Big Sur California United States

  Follow the steep paths at Partington Cove down to the surge tunnel or walk the exposed bluffs of the Bird Island trail at Point Lobos.

• Old Growth Forests in Big Sur California United States

  Walk among coastal redwoods on the Pfeiffer Falls trail or explore the canyon floor beside the Big Sur River in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

• Local Seafood in Big Sur California United States

  Order local sand dabs, grilled king salmon, or Pacific oysters paired with Central Coast chardonnay at cliffside roadside taverns.

• Scenic Drives in Big Sur California United States

  Drive the two-lane asphalt of Highway 1 over the concrete arch of Bixby Creek Bridge and south past the dramatic bends of Hurricane Point.

• Historic Architecture in Big Sur California United States

  Tour the 1889 light station on the volcanic rock at Point Sur, preserved with its original keeper quarters and lens room.

• Roadside Dining in Big Sur California United States

  Eat ambrosia burgers on the outdoor deck at Nepenthe or pick up espresso and warm sourdough loaves at the Big Sur Bakery.

• Beaches & Coves in Big Sur California United States

  Look for purple garnet sand at Pfeiffer Beach or watch the eighty-foot cascade drop onto the sand at McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns.

• Wildlife Watching in Big Sur California United States

  Spot migrating gray whales from the headlands and watch southern sea otters raft in the kelp canopies along the rocky shoreline.

• Camping & Wilderness in Big Sur California United States

  Pitch a tent beneath redwoods at Ventana Campground or hike deep into the backcountry of the Ventana Wilderness along the Pine Ridge Trail.

• Local Bookshops in Big Sur California United States

  Browse regional poetry, wilderness essays, and counterculture history on the wooden shelves at the Henry Miller Memorial Library.

• Hot Springs & Baths in Big Sur California United States

  Soak in cliffside mineral baths overlooking the ocean waves at the Esalen Institute during late-night public bathing sessions.

• Coastal Flora in Big Sur California United States

  Walk through wild sea figs, blooming coastal sage scrub, and Monterey cypress groves along the bluffs at Garrapata State Park.