Location: Big Sur
Top Things to do in Big Sur
5 Beaches in Big Sur That You Shouldn't Miss
Jagged cliffs pummeled by surf line the Pacific Coast Highway along Big Sur, creating some of California's most memorable ocean vistas between Carmel and the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County. Jack Kerouac and Henry Miller found inspiration in its fog-banked canyons and meadows. Gray whales migrate past twice a year, and elephant seals bask on the sandy shores. Luxury hotels, restaurants and art galleries cluster in a six-mile strip, giving way to redwood-filled state parks on either side.
Restaurants in Big Sur
1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,438 reviews
A breathtaking 80-foot waterfall dropping from the cliffs to the ocean is the focal point of this park.
Reviewed By westie2 - Kensington, United States
We stopped in this park on our way through Big Sur. On the entering the park, we were greeted by a flock of stellar jays residing in a tree adjacent to the parking lot that were begging for food. We took the Overlook trail that led us under Highway 1 to a point high on a bluff with a magical view of the McWay Falls that tumble down some 80 feet onto a pristine beach off a picture perfect cove. This proved to be one of the highlights of recent vacation.
2. Pfeiffer Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,346 reviews
Reviewed By mercedcampgirl - Orange, United States
Getting to Pfeiffer Beach off Highway One in Big Sur takes a little time and a day use fee. The turnoff is not easy to see. It is just south of Big Sur Station on the unsigned Sycamore Canyon Road, a one-lane paved road for 2.5 miles (4 km) winding down to Pfeiffer Beach. Drive slowly and anticipate traffic coming back up. CA traffic laws dictate that downhill traffic on one-lane roads must yield the right of way to uphill traffic. At the ranger kiosk, we found that our senior Golden Pass does not work for admission even though Pfeiffer Beach is in the Los Padres National Forest. We paid our $12 and afterwards felt like the fee is only worth it for a full afternoon or at least a few hours. Pfeiffer Beach and its iconic Keyhole Rock are beautiful, but the long, winding road and the fee really, in our opinion, are not worth it if one is only there for a few minutes and a few photos as part of a Big Sur road trip. Bring a picnic lunch and spend some time at Pfeiffer Beach! We did get some pretty photos: please see attached.
